Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy: Everything You Need to Know

Southwest Airlines has earned a reputation for being one of the most flexible and customer-friendly airlines, especially when it comes to cancellations. Whether you’re booking a business trip or planning a vacation, Southwest’s cancellation policy is designed to give you peace of mind and flexibility. Here's a breakdown of everything you need to know about canceling a Southwest Airlines flight. 1. No Change Fees One of the biggest advantages of flying with Southwest Airlines is its no change fee policy. Unlike most other airlines, Southwest does not charge extra fees for changing or canceling flights. This applies to both refundable and non-refundable tickets, making it easier for passengers to adapt to changing travel plans. 2. How to Cancel a Southwest Flight Canceling your Southwest flight is a quick and simple process: Online: You can cancel your flight through the Southwest Airlines website or mobile app. Just log in to your account, navigate to your reservation, and select the option to cancel. By Phone: If you prefer speaking to a customer service representative, you can call Southwest Airlines directly to cancel your flight. The process is seamless, and there are no cancellation fees, which adds convenience and flexibility to your travel plans. 3. Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Fares Southwest offers two main types of fares, each with different cancellation policies: Refundable Fares (Business Select): If you book a refundable fare, such as a Business Select ticket, you can cancel the flight and receive a full refund to your original payment method if you do so before the scheduled departure. Non-Refundable Fares (Wanna Get Away): If you purchase a Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus fare, you won’t receive a cash refund if you cancel. Instead, you'll receive a travel credit for the value of your fare (excluding any taxes). This travel credit can be used for future Southwest flights within 12 months from the date of your original booking. 4. Refund Process for Canceled Flights Southwest Initiates the Cancellation: If Southwest cancels your flight due to reasons such as weather, mechanical issues, or other operational problems, you are entitled to a full refund regardless of your fare type. Refunds are typically processed within a few days, depending on your payment method. Passenger-Initiated Cancellation: If you cancel your flight, the refund policy depends on your ticket: Refundable tickets: You’ll receive a full refund to the original payment method. Non-refundable tickets: You will receive a travel credit (not a cash refund), which can be used for future Southwest flights.