Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy | Call +1-877-658-1183
When travel plans change unexpectedly, understanding the Southwest Airlines cancellation policy can save you time, stress, and money. Unlike many carriers, Southwest is known for its flexible and customer-friendly cancellation rules. Whether you’ve booked a Wanna Get Away fare, Anytime, or Business Select ticket, Southwest offers various options to modify or cancel without heavy penalties.
If you need personalized help with a cancellation, rebooking, or refund request, you can always call our 24/7 Southwest Airlines support desk at +1-877-658-1183 (US) or +44-203-869-5245 (UK) for quick assistance.
Key Highlights of Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy
No Cancellation Fees: Southwest does not charge a cancellation fee, regardless of fare type.
24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation: Cancel within 24 hours of booking to get a full refund.
Reusable Travel Credits: Funds from canceled flights can be used for future bookings.
Refund Options: Refunds depend on fare type (cash refund vs travel credit).
Same-Day Changes Allowed: You can modify your booking up until 10 minutes before departure.
For step-by-step help with your cancellation or rebooking, dial +1-877-658-1183 (US) or +44-203-869-5245 (UK).
Southwest Airlines 24-Hour Cancellation Policy
Southwest follows the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines, offering a 24-hour grace period for cancellations:
If you cancel within 24 hours of purchase and the flight was booked at least 7 days before departure, you receive a full refund to your original payment method.
Applies to all fare classes – Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select.
👉 Need help processing your 24-hour refund? Call +1-877-658-1183 (US) or +44-203-869-5245 (UK).
Southwest Airlines Cancellation Rules by Fare Type
Wanna Get Away Fares
Non-refundable, but eligible for travel credits (usable for 12 months).
Must cancel 10 minutes before departure.
No penalty or service fee.
Wanna Get Away Plus Fares
Same rules as Wanna Get Away, but with transferable flight credit benefits.
Perfect for those who may want to gift travel funds.
Anytime & Business Select Fares
Fully refundable and reusable.
Cancel at any time before departure for a cash refund or travel credit.
Higher flexibility for frequent travelers.
📞 Unsure which refund option applies to your ticket? Call +1-877-658-1183 (US) or +44-203-869-5245 (UK) for assistance.
How to Cancel a Southwest Airlines Flight
Southwest provides multiple channels to cancel flights:
Online via Website/App
Log in to your Southwest account.
Go to “Manage Reservations.”
Select your flight and click “Cancel.”
Choose refund/travel credit option.
By Phone
Call +1-877-658-1183 (US) or +44-203-869-5245 (UK).
Speak with an agent to cancel, reschedule, or request a refund.
At the Airport
Visit the Southwest counter for in-person cancellation.
Refund Policy for Southwest Airlines
Southwest is one of the most transparent airlines when it comes to refunds:
Cash Refunds: Only for Anytime and Business Select fares (if requested).
Travel Credits: For Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares.
Refund Timeline: Typically processed within 7 business days (credit card) or 20 days (cash/check).
👉 For expedited refunds, contact customer care at +1-877-658-1183 (US) or +44-203-869-5245 (UK).
Same-Day Flight Cancellations
If your schedule changes last-minute:
You can cancel or rebook up to 10 minutes before departure.
No penalties, just refund as credit or cash (depending on fare type).
Same-day changes are also allowed with available seats.
Need last-minute help? Call +1-877-658-1183 (US) or +44-203-869-5245 (UK).
No-Show Policy
If you fail to cancel or show up, Wanna Get Away fares will forfeit funds.
Anytime & Business Select fares remain reusable as credit.
To avoid losing funds, always cancel in advance. If you forgot, call +1-877-658-1183 (US) or +44-203-869-5245 (UK) for solutions.
Southwest Travel Credit Rules
Credits are valid for 12 months from the original booking date.
Can be applied to future flights or fare upgrades.
Credits are non-transferable unless booked under Wanna Get Away Plus.
💡 Pro tip: Always track your travel credits via your Southwest account.
How to Reschedule Instead of Canceling
If you don’t want to cancel entirely, Southwest allows free flight changes:
No change fees.
Pay only the fare difference if applicable.
Same-day standby option available for Rapid Rewards members.
To rebook instantly, call +1-877-658-1183 (US) or +44-203-869-5245 (UK).
Weather & Airline-Initiated Cancellations
If Southwest cancels your flight due to:
Bad weather
Technical issues
Crew shortages
You’re entitled to either:
A full cash refund, or
Rebooking on the next available flight at no cost.
For guaranteed rebooking assistance, dial +1-877-658-1183 (US) or +44-203-869-5245 (UK).
Southwest Airlines Cancellation vs Other Airlines
Many airlines impose heavy cancellation fees, but Southwest stands out with:
$0 cancellation fees.
Flexible credits.
Refund-friendly policy.
This makes Southwest a top choice for budget and frequent flyers alike.
FAQs on Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy
Can I cancel a flight after check-in?
Yes, but must be 10 minutes before departure.
Will I get my money back if I cancel?
Depends on fare type – Wanna Get Away gives credits, Anytime/Business Select gives cash refunds.
How do I cancel if I booked through a third-party site?
Call the booking agency or Southwest directly at +1-877-658-1183 (US) / +44-203-869-5245 (UK).
Are travel funds transferable?
Only with Wanna Get Away Plus fares.
Final Thoughts
The Southwest Airlines cancellation policy is one of the most flexible in the industry, making it a passenger favorite. With no cancellation fees, generous refund options, and easy rebooking, Southwest ensures peace of mind for travelers.
Still confused about your cancellation or refund eligibility? Don’t stress. Speak with our 24/7 Southwest Airlines experts today:
📞 US Toll-Free: +1-877-658-1183 📞 UK Helpline: +44-203-869-5245
Travel confidently, knowing you have reliable support whenever your plans change.