An emergency can come at any moment, and at that time, you feel trapped in thinking about the situation you are handling and about the money consumed for the booking. However, the airline allows you to cancel your booking in critical circumstances, such as family issues, the death of a relative, or any other unforeseen situation. Moreover, the Southwest Airlines flight cancellation policy also allows you to cancel your bookings. Before making any changes to the booking, you must check the cancellation policy of the airline.
How to Cancel a Flight Ticket on Southwest Airlines?
Under the cancellation policy on Southwest Airlines, you can use the official website or call the helpline number up to two hours before departure. If you have booked a ticket from a third party, you have to contact the travel agency to make any changes.
Cancel the Booking by Using the Manage Booking
- Visit the official website of Southwest Airlines.
- Go to my trips section.
- Mention the booking number and your details.
- Select the flight that you want to cancel.
- Continue with the cancel flight option.
- Now, you can claim a refund.
- Pay the fee according to the Cancellation Policy on Southwest Airlines.
Call the Helpline Number to Cancel the Booking
- Call the helpline number.
- After the IVR, an executive will connect to help you.
- Ask the executive to cancel the booking.
- Provide them with the booking number and your details.
- The executive will mention the flight which you wish to cancel. Thus, approve it.
- Pay the cancellation fee if required.
- Raise a request for a refund if applicable.
- You will receive a email at your registered email address.
Southwest 24-Hours Cancellation Policy
Southwest Airlines offers a grace period for flight cancellations from or to the USA. You can travel to or from the USA and cancel your reservation period for free within 24 hours of booking. It applies to all cabin classes, and you must satisfy these two conditions.
- The flight tickets must be booked seven days before the scheduled departure.
- You should have purchased the tickets directly from Southwest Airlines.
Refundable Tickets
However, when you book a refundable ticket, you can apply for cancellation and receive a complete refund. The refund will be transferred in the original form of payment.
Non-Refundable Tickets
Thus, if you have a non-refundable fare, you can apply for cancelling your flight within 24 hours of booking and receive a refund in the form of e-credit, which is valid for up to one year from the date of the original booking.
Southwest Airlines Flight Cancellation Policy for Fare Types
There are different types of fares which determines that you can cancel your flight on Southwest Airlines.
Basic Fare: They are not refundable, and if canceled more than 10 minutes before departure, you receive a non-transferable flight credit valid for six months.
Choice Fare: These fares are non-refundable, but cancellations made at least 10 minutes before departure, you get a flight credits valid for 12 months.
Choice Preferred Fare: They are fully refundable under the same 10-minute cancellation rule.
Choice Extra Fare: These fares are fully refundable to your original payment method if canceled at least 10 minutes before scheduled departure.
How much is the Cancellation Fee on Southwest Airlines?
There is no cancellation fee on Southwest Airlines, regardless of fare type, as long as you cancel at least ten minutes before the scheduled departure time.
- Refundable fares: These are eligible for a full refund back to your original payment method.
- Non-refundable fares: The cancellation converts your fare into a flight credit, transferable for some fares, with validity depending on the fare type:
- Choice / Wanna Get Away Plus: The flight credits are transferable, and valid for 12 months.
- Basic fare: You cannot transfer flight credit, and valid for 6 months.
How to Claim for a Refund on Southwest Airlines Flight?
Southwest provides refunds to you depending on the fare type and other conditions. According to the Southwest Airlines refund policy, refundable and non-refundable tickets will receive a full refund if the booking is canceled within 24-hours of booking.
- You must visit the official website.
- Go to the Manage my booking option.
- From the menu list, you can go to the Cancel Flight option.
- Now, cancel the booking and select the refund option.
- However, check if you are eligible to receive the refund.
- You can apply for a refund, and when Southwest approves the refund request, you will receive the refund amount using the original mode of payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Southwest Airlines charge a cancellation fee?
Southwest does not charge any cancellation fees for any fare type, as long as you cancel at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my Southwest flight?
You can apply for cancellation if you have a refundable fare, you can get a complete refund to your original mode of payment. For non-refundable fares, you will receive flight credits that are non-transferable and valid up to six months.
How long are Southwest flight credits valid after cancellation?
While you have Choice fares, credits are valid for 12 months and transferable. Thus, for Basic fares, credits are valid for 6 months and are non-transferable.
What happens if I miss my flight without canceling?
If you are a no-show, the value of your ticket becomes a flight credit. Refundable fares will convert into transferable flight credits, while Basic fare credits remain non-transferable.
Does Southwest honor the 24-hour free cancellation rule?
The 24 hours rule on Southwest allow you to cancel your light for free, but within 24 hours of booking booking, and your departure date must be at least 7 days away.
