What Are the Rules for Cancellation on Southwest?
- Ellie clark
- Jun 27
- 3 min read
What Are the Rules for Cancellation on Southwest?
Travel plans can change at a moment’s notice. Whether it’s due to a personal emergency, shifting work schedules, or a change in your vacation plans, having a flexible airline can make a world of difference. Thankfully, Southwest Airlines stands out for its traveler-friendly policies. If you’re wondering about the rules for canceling a flight, the Southwest Airlines cancellation policy is among the most accommodating in the industry.
From zero change fees to reusable travel credits, here’s everything you need to know about canceling a flight with Southwest and what options you have if you need to change your travel plans.
24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation
Southwest Airlines offers a 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy for all ticket types. If you cancel within 24 hours of booking, you’ll receive a full refund to your original payment method—no questions asked, and no fees charged.
This rule applies regardless of the fare type, as long as the ticket was purchased at least seven days before departure. It’s a great safety net for travelers who may book in a hurry and need time to double-check their plans.
After 24 Hours: What You Need to Know
Once the 24-hour grace period has passed, Southwest still provides excellent flexibility—unlike many other carriers that charge cancellation or change fees. According to the Southwest Airlines cancellation policy, the outcome of your cancellation depends on the type of fare you purchased:
1. Wanna Get Away Fares These are the lowest-cost tickets and are non-refundable. However, if you cancel your flight at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure, you won’t lose the value of the ticket. Instead, you’ll receive Travel Funds, which can be applied toward a future flight within 12 months of the original booking date.
2. Anytime and Business Select Fares Both of these fare types are fully refundable. If you cancel, you can choose either a refund to your original form of payment or convert the value into Travel Funds for future use.
Same-Day Cancellations
Southwest allows same-day cancellations up to 10 minutes before departure. As long as you cancel before this window closes, you retain the full value of the ticket—either in the form of a refund or travel credit, depending on your fare type. If you miss this deadline and don’t show up, you may forfeit the entire ticket value.
How to Cancel a Flight on Southwest
Canceling a Southwest flight is quick and easy:
Go to the Southwest Airlines website or open their mobile app.
Click on “Manage Reservations.”
Enter your confirmation number and name.
Select the flight you want to cancel and follow the instructions.
Confirm the cancellation and keep a copy of the confirmation email.
Alternatively, if you booked your ticket through a third-party site and need assistance, contacting a support agent might be a better option. The experts at aeroflyticket are available 24/7 to help you understand the Southwest Airlines cancellation policy and ensure you don’t miss any deadlines or lose your travel funds.
For quick support, call:
English Helpline: +1-855-956-2158 Spanish Helpline: +52-800-953-1667
Final Thoughts
Southwest Airlines continues to win customer loyalty through its transparent and flexible cancellation rules. Whether you cancel within 24 hours or months after booking, the Southwest Airlines cancellation policy ensures you’re not hit with unfair fees and still retain the value of your ticket.
If you need help canceling a flight, understanding fare types, or using Travel Funds, you can always reach out to the knowledgeable team at aeroflyticket—your trusted travel support partner.
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