Understanding Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy: What You Need to Know

It’s a whole different ballgame when it comes to air travel. Due to unfortunate events, scheduling conflicts, or emergency situations, a flexible cancellation policy that is consumer-friendly is needed. One of the most forgiving cancellation policies in the air: Some Notes on Southwest Airlines If you’re contemplating flying with Southwest or need to amend a current reservation, here’s an in-depth look at how the Southwest Airlines cancellation policy works.

No Cancellation Fees—Ever

The best part of flying with Southwest Airlines is that cancellation fees do not exist. Whereas many other airlines assess steep fees to cancel or change a flight, Southwest lets travelers cancel their reservation without a penalty.

With no change fees, this policy applies to all fare types — which is why Southwest is a darling of both the frequent traveler crowd and those booking last minute or tentative trips. You’ll forfeiture your bedevil in fees if you crop a spell, but the fee genital can either get a refund (for refundable fares) or flight bewitched for future uplift.

Fare Types and How Cancellations Work

Knowing how cancellations work with each fare type is key. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Wanna Get Away® Fares

• These are the least expensive fares Southwest sells.

• They cannot be refunded, but they can be canceled without penalty.

• This means if you cancel a Wanna Get Away® fare, you’ll be awarded a flight credit valid for future travel.

• The creditis valid for 12 months from the date of the original booking.

2. Wanna Get Away Plus™ Fares

• More flexible than the base Wanna Get Away® fare.

• Offers transferable flight credits, which means you can transfer your flight credit to someone else.

• Also nonrefundable, but with credits for future travel if canceled.

3. Anytime and Business Select® Fares

• These fares are fully refundable.

• If you cancel, you can be refunded in full to your original method of payment or get your money as flight credit.

• Good options for business travellers, or anyone who needs maximum flexibility.

How to Cancel a Flight with Southwest

Cancelling your Southwest flight is easy, and can be done in just a few steps:

1. Visit Southwest. com, or open your Southwest mobile app.

2. Select the “Manage Reservations” tab.

3. Provide your confirmation number, first name, and last name.

4. Choose the flight you want to cancel.

5. Select your desired refund or credit choice.

You’ll get an email confirmation detailing your cancellation and any flight credits, where applicable.

Same-Day Changes and No-Show Policy

Southwest also lets you switch flights the same day without a fee, space permitting. This is especially useful if you have to leave a few minutes earlier or later than expected.

But note, too, Southwest’s no-show policy: If you fail to cancel your ticket at least 10 minutes before scheduled departure, you’ll forfeit your travel funds, especially for Wanna Get Away® fares. So if your plans change, be sure to cancel in advance in order to maintain your credit.

COVID-19 Flexibility and Recent Updates

Southwest also added a slew of more flexible policies in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic; many of those benefits have been extended or made permanent. Travelers can choose to keep changing their plans without concern: For example, flight credits no longer expire for new flights booked on or after July 28, 2022.