No matter how smoothly you plan your travel itinerary, last-minute emergencies can occur at any time, leaving your plans disrupted. But the question is – what if you already have booked tickets? Can you cancel your itinerary and get a refund? Well, that’s where Southwest Airlines cancellation policy comes into the frame.
The airline allows passengers to cancel their flights online or offline and apply for a refund if their fare conditions allow them to do so. However, be mindful to cancel your flights at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time to avoid the fuss. The guide compiles all the essential details about the airline’s cancellation policy, steps to execute the process, and penalties. Understand these details here and get started.
Does Southwest Airlines Offer a 24-hour Cancellation Policy?
Most US airlines offer a 24-hour grace period to facilitate passengers, and Southwest is no different. If you have booked your flight tickets at least seven days before the departure, then you can easily cancel your Southwest flight within 24 hour of the booking, as per the airline’s cancellation policy.
In such cases, the airline issues a refund immediately to the original mode of payment. Also, the 24-hour window is applicable to all passengers, irrespective of the fare type.
What is the Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy After 24 Hours?
What if you exceed the risk-free period? Can you still cancel your flight and get a refund? Well, to understand this, you must be aware of the guidelines included in the Southwest cancellation policy after 24 hours of the booking. Scroll down to learn more.
- All Southwest flight tickets must be canceled at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time; otherwise, it will be considered a no-show.
- Depending on the type of ticket, your fare value might be forfeited if you don’t cancel the bookings at least 10 minutes before the departure.
- Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares are not fully refundable after 24 hours of the booking. You will only get travel credits equivalent to the fare value.
- Business Select and Anytime fares are fully refundable.
- However, if you exceed the deadline, the value of these fares will be converted into travel credits.
- Passengers flying on Southwest can easily cancel their flight tickets online or using the Southwest app, as per the policy.
- Southwest also allows passengers to cancel a portion of their booking while keeping another part of the reservation available to fly.
- To cancel a Southwest flight with two or more passengers, you must first divide the reservation and then cancel the booking accordingly.
- Customers who are looking to cancel a partner reservation must contact the partner carrier for further assistance.
How to Cancel a Southwest Airlines Flight Ticket?
Now that you know about the Southwest Airlines flight cancellation policy, it’s time to round off the methods to cancel a flight. Passengers can easily call off their journey using the official website or the Southwest mobile app. However, if you still have some doubts, you can call Southwest Airlines for further assistance. Here’s how to get started.
- Go to the Southwest Airlines official website. Alternatively, you can download the Southwest app to get started.
- Go to the “Change/ Cancel” option on the homepage.
- Enter your Confirmation Number, First Name, and Last Name.
- Click “Cancel Flight” and access your flight information.
- Select the flight you want to cancel and follow the on-screen prompts to call off your itinerary.
- The airline will then send you a confirmation email regarding the same.
Note: If you are unable to reach the official website or download the mobile app or require human assistance, then call Southwest Airlines and follow the commands to cancel your itinerary.
What is the Southwest Airlines Cancellation Fee?
Wondering if Southwest Airlines charges a cancellation fee or penalty from passengers? Well then, you are in luck, as Southwest charges no extra feeas per its flight cancellation policy. Passengers can simply cancel their tickets and get their refunds as per the fare condition.
Those flying with Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus will get travel credits only, and with Business Select and Anytime will get their entire fare value until 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
What if Southwest Airlines Cancels My Flight?
Ever wondered what happens if Southwest Airlines cancels your flight or proposes a schedule change last minute? Well, in that case, passengers are eligible to opt for free rebooking via the official website or make a refund request from the airline, irrespective of the fare type.
This policy applies to all Southwest flights that get canceled or delayed by three or more hours. Passengers can claim their money whether they are flying with Wanna Get Away or Business Select fares.
Summing Up
That’s all about the Southwest Airlines cancellation policy. We hope our guide has helped you understand your rights in case you want to call off your itinerary for good. The cancellation policy applies to all passengers flying with different fares. It’s advised to cancel your flight at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure to avoid the hassle later on. If you still have doubts about the Southwest cancellation or have no idea where to get started, feel free to call our experts at Fareasky to get quick assistance.
