Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy

As times have changed, a trip nowadays can be canceled just in a split second. Whether it is because of unprecedented situations, a schedule change, or simply a change of mind, one must know one’s airline’s cancellation policy. In your case, if you are flying Southwest Airlines, then you are at an advantage because it has been considered one of the most lenient airlines in terms of a cancellation policy.

Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy

Knowing Southwest Airlines‘ Cancellation Policy

Southwest Airlines takes pride in its very customer-friendly approach in most of its policies, and its flight cancellation approach is no exception. The company knows quite well how life can get pretty unpredictable, and they have carefully designed their policy in such a way that it tries to accommodate the many different situations where one might need to cancel or adjust their travel schedule.

The Basic Things Concerning Southwest Airlines‘ Cancellation Policy

With Southwest Airlines, it’s not about purchasing a ticket but buying into flexibility. The carrier’s cancellation policy applies to flights operated by Southwest Airlines regardless of how you booked your ticket. All reservations made through the website, mobile app, or through travel agents are included.

Southwest Airlines Flight Cancellation Fees

One of the more popular features regarding the cancellation policy taken up by Southwest Airlines is the way it deals with the fees. While most airlines charge exorbitant change or cancellation fees, Southwest Airlines keeps things rather simple and fairly cheap. Here’s what you can expect from them:

Anytime Fare: Zero fee to cancel

Wanna Get Away Fare: $25 per person to cancel

Business Select Fare: $50 per person to cancel

These light fees make Southwest Airlines a very attractive option to travelers who cherish flexibility and want to avoid possible financial setbacks in case their plans change.

How to Cancel Your Southwest Airlines Flight

Canceling your Southwest Airlines flight is relatively easy and can be affected through two major methods, namely:

1. Online Cancellation: 

• Make sure to log in to your Southwest Airlines account.
• Click on the “My Trips” section
• Select the desired flight you want to cancel
• Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your flight cancellation

2. Over-the-Phone Cancellation:

   Call Southwest Airlines‘ customer service at (800) 435-9792 Toll-free if from within the US or at (903) 374-4555 if calling from outside of the US.

   Present your flight information to the representative

   Confirm your cancellation

Both are quite convenient ways to do so-all effective and quick for canceling your flight.

Refunds and Travel Credits with Southwest Airlines

A flight cancellation at Southwest Airlines sets up an account for you with a refund or travel credit, depending upon the type of your ticket:

Refunds: If you happen to purchase a refundable ticket, then you will be fully refunded the amount of the unused portion of your ticket. Refunds usually take about 7-10 business days to get processed by Southwest Airlines.

Travel Credits: With a nonrefundable ticket, Southwest Airlines will give you travel credits for the ticket value minus any applicable fees. These credits are good to use up to a year from the date of issuance, and you’ll have plenty of time to schedule your next adventure.

Special Circumstances: When Southwest Airlines Goes the Extra Mile As all flights are non-refundable, Southwest Airlines understands that sometimes in life, curveballs come your way. In cases of a medical emergency or natural disaster, here are the friendly policies that Southwest Airlines has to offer:

Medical Emergencies: If you need to cancel because of a medical emergency, provide a note from the doctor or medical certification within 24 hours of cancellation. In such a scenario, Southwest would waive any corresponding fees.

Natural disasters: If your travel falls within a natural disaster, then Southwest Airlines may offer further assistance to get you through it besides making a refund of your travel money or giving travel credits.

How to use the Cancellation Policy by Southwest Airlines to your advantage For you to maximize this policy by Southwest Airlines and spend less money, then here are a few tips to consider:

1. Cancel Early: The sooner you know you will have to cancel, the better it is to do so. This may prevent further fees or complications.

2. Know Your Fare Type: Keep in mind what type of fare you bought and also how much the cancellation fee for this is.

3. Keep Your Receipts: Collect all the receipts for your travel plans accommodation or transportation. They may well come in useful in case there’s a reimbursement claim.

4. Customer Service: In case there’s anything you are not sure about when canceling a ticket, you may call customer service at Southwest Airlines. They are there to help and give you some good advice.

5. Consider purchasing travel insurance: Give yourself extra peace of mind when you book with Southwest Airlines by adding on some travel insurance. You’ll be that much safer against the occurrence of any unexpected cancellations.

Conclusion: Why Southwest Airlines‘ Cancellation Policy Stands Apart

Rigidity in policies and high fees mark this industry, but the cancellation policy at Southwest Airlines surely keeps one refreshingly amazed. It is due to this reason that Southwest Airlines allows flexibility, only minimal fees in those cases where there has to be a fee and compassionate consideration for special circumstances.

Knowing the change and cancellation policy at Southwest Airlines can give you an advantage whether you fly every week or only once in a while. Having this knowledge in your back pocket allows you to make that next flight booking with full confidence, knowing that Southwest Airlines has got you covered if something comes up and you need to make changes to your reservation.

Also Check: JetBlue Airlines Cancellation Policy

FAQs

Can I change my Southwest Airlines flight instead of canceling it?

What is great about Southwest Airlines is that you are allowed to change your flight with no change fees applied. You will need to pay for the difference in fare for your new flight, though, if it should be higher.

What happens if Southwest Airlines cancels my flight?

If it happens to be that Southwest Airlines cancels your flight, then you are entitled to a full refund or may be rebooked to the next available flight with no extra cost.

Can I cancel my Southwest Airlines flight at the airport?

Even though it is possible to cancel your flight at the airport, doing this would not be as good as canceling it online or through the phone. However, if you are there already, you may wish to have Southwest Airlines assist you in canceling your flight.