How Does Southwest Cancellation Policy Work?

Worcester, United States, 2025-Jan-3 — /Travel PR News/ — Got a change in travel plans and want to cancel the flight booked with Southwest Airlines? There is nothing to worry about as the airline provides the most flexible and easy-to-follow cancellation policy. With the Southwest cancellation policy, you can make a flight cancellation without any hassle. However, you might have to pay the standard Southwest cancellation fee based on your ticket type. Let’s delve into the cancellation policy and methods available.   

Southwest Cancellation Policy: Rules & Restrictions

Before moving ahead to cancel Southwest flight it is important to understand the rules and restrictions outlined in the cancellation policy. 

• If you have reserved an Anytime or Business Select ticket, you can cancel your flight for a refund to the original form of payment or obtain flight credit for the next adventure. 

• Passengers holding non-refundable tickets like Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus tickets might not get a refund in cash. However, the value of their flight ticket converts into flight credit, which can be used in the future. 

• Flight cancellation within 24 hours of reservation is free, and travelers might receive a refund or flight credit. However, after that, you may have to pay the Southwest cancellation fee. 

• As per the policy, you must cancel your flight at least 10 minutes prior to departure.  

• Passengers can use Southwest tickets for up to one year from the day of booking.  

How To Request Flight Cancellation With Southwest?

Travelers are permitted to cancel their flight using different online and offline options. Walk through the below sections to get familiar with the available methods. 

Mode 1: Cancel Flight Online

• Firstly, you should launch the official Southwest Airlines website or app. 

• Then, select the Look Up Reservation option from the menu. Passengers who have booked a flight with Rapid Rewards can change or revoke their ticket by getting into their account. 

• Next, input your ticket information in the required field. You will see the travel funds and refund balance associated with your reservation. 

• Passengers with a refund can either select to get a refund or convert it into travel credits. 

• After that, hit the Cancel Flight tab to proceed with your request. 

• After completing the procedure, the refund will be visible on your account statements within one or two billing cycles. 

Mode 2: Flight Cancellation Over The Phone

Travelers who find the online procedure complex can cancel their flight over the phone, simply call the Southwest customer service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA. Moreover, you can reach out to a flight expert at +1-800-865-1848 for prompt assistance. 

• After reaching out to a flight expert, you need to provide essential information like the ticket or confirmation number. 

• State the reason for flight cancellation and request the representative to cancel your flight. 

• You might be required to pay the Southwest cancellation fee based on your fare type. 

• The representative will guide you through the process and your travel funds or refundable value. 

• When done, your refund will be credited within one or two billing cycles. 

Mode 3: Cancel Flight At The Airport

You can also cancel your Southwest flight at the airport. Remember you must complete the cancellation procedure at least 10 minutes prior to your flight departure. You have to approach the airline’s executive at the ticket counter and provide the necessary booking information. Then, the representative will guide you through the cancellation procedure. 

Final Words

Having a clear understanding of the flight cancellation policy and steps involved will help you cancel your Southwest flight without any fuss. However, if you still face any issue or need to know about other policies by the airline like the Southwest name change policy, contact their customer service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA. Also, you can get in touch with a flight expert at +1-800-865-1848 to receive immediate assistance.

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