We've all been there – plans change, life happens, and suddenly that exciting flight you booked needs to be cancelled. When it comes to Southwest Airlines, known for its customer-friendly policies, cancelling a flight is usually a much less stressful experience than with other airlines. But even with their generous approach, knowing the exact steps and what to expect can save you time and hassle.
So, you need to cancel your Southwest flight? Don't panic! Let's walk through it together, step-by-step, to ensure a smooth process.
How Do I Cancel My Southwest Airlines Flight? A Comprehensive Guide
Southwest Airlines truly stands out with its flexible cancellation policy, especially when compared to many other carriers that often impose hefty fees. With Southwest, you generally won't encounter cancellation fees, but what you receive back (a refund to your original payment method or a flight credit) depends on the type of fare you purchased and when you cancel.
 |
| How Do I Cancel My Southwest Airlines Flight |
Step 1: Engage with Your Reservation – Find Your Flight!
First things first, let's get your flight information in front of us. This is where your journey to cancellation begins!
-
Where did you book your flight? Did you book directly on the Southwest website, through their mobile app, or perhaps via a travel agency?
-
Do you have your confirmation number handy? This is usually a six-character alphanumeric code (e.g., ABCDE1). You'll find it in your original booking confirmation email.
-
What's the name of the primary passenger? You'll need this to pull up the reservation.
Now, let's get to the actual engagement:
-
Online (Recommended): The easiest and most common way to manage your reservation is through the Southwest Airlines website (Southwest.com).
-
Navigate to the "Manage Reservations" or "Check In" section. You'll typically find this prominently displayed on the homepage.
-
Enter your confirmation number and the first and last name of the lead passenger. Click "Search" or "Retrieve Reservation."
-
-
Southwest Mobile App: If you prefer using your smartphone, the Southwest app offers a seamless experience.
-
Open the app and log in to your Rapid Rewards account, or proceed as a guest.
-
Go to "My Trips" or "Upcoming Flights." Your reservation should be listed there. If not, you can search using your confirmation number.
-
-
Via Phone: If you're having trouble online or prefer speaking to someone, you can always call Southwest Airlines Customer Service. Have your confirmation number ready to expedite the process. The main number is typically found on their website under "Contact Us."
Step 2: Understand Your Fare Type and Its Implications
Southwest offers various fare types, and understanding which one you purchased is crucial to knowing what you'll get back when you cancel. This is where Southwest's policy truly shines, but also where the details matter.
-
Business Select® and Anytime Fares: These are Southwest's most flexible (and generally more expensive) fares.
-
Refund Policy: If you cancel these fares at least 10 minutes prior to your flight's scheduled departure, you are eligible for a 100% refund to your original form of payment.
-
Flight Credit Alternative: You also have the option to receive a Transferable Flight Credit™, which can be used by anyone.
-
Missed Flight (No-Show) Policy: If you miss your flight without canceling at least 10 minutes prior, the funds will generally be converted into a Transferable Flight Credit™.
-
-
Wanna Get Away Plus® Fares: This is a relatively new fare class offering more flexibility than the standard Wanna Get Away.
-
Refund Policy: These fares are non-refundable to the original form of payment. However, if you cancel at least 10 minutes prior to departure, you will receive a Transferable Flight Credit™.
-
Transferability: The key here is "Transferable Flight Credit™," meaning you can give this credit to another person to use.
-
Missed Flight (No-Show) Policy: If you miss your flight without canceling at least 10 minutes prior, the funds will be converted into a Transferable Flight Credit™.
-
-
Wanna Get Away® and Basic Fares: These are Southwest's most economical fares.
-
Refund Policy: These fares are non-refundable to the original form of payment. If you cancel at least 10 minutes prior to your flight's scheduled departure, you will receive a flight credit (often referred to as "travel funds") for the value of your ticket. This credit is generally non-transferable and can only be used by the original ticketed passenger.
-
Missed Flight (No-Show) Policy: If you miss your flight without canceling at least 10 minutes prior, the funds for these fares will typically be forfeited. This is a critical distinction! Always cancel if you know you won't make it.
-
-
Flights Booked with Rapid Rewards® Points: If you used points for your booking, the cancellation process is usually straightforward.
-
Refund Policy: If you cancel a flight booked with Rapid Rewards points (regardless of fare type) at least 10 minutes prior to departure, your points will be redeposited into the Rapid Rewards account from which they were used.
-
Taxes and Fees: Any taxes and fees paid (e.g., the $5.60 segment fee for domestic flights) will typically be converted into a Transferable Flight Credit™ for future use.
-
Key Takeaway: Always try to cancel your flight at least 10 minutes before its scheduled departure. This ensures you receive either a refund or a flight credit, depending on your fare type.
Step 3: Initiate the Cancellation Process Online or via the App
Once you've located your reservation and understand your fare's implications, it's time to cancel!
Tip: The middle often holds the main point.
Sub-heading 3.1: Cancelling on Southwest.com
-
Access Your Reservation: As mentioned in Step 1, go to Southwest.com and navigate to "Manage Reservations" or "Check In." Enter your confirmation number and last name.
-
Find the "Cancel" Option: Once your reservation details are displayed, you should see clear options like "Change Flight" or "Cancel Flight." Click on "Cancel Flight."
-
Review Cancellation Details: Southwest will present you with a summary of your cancellation, including what you can expect to receive (e.g., refund to original payment, flight credit, or points redeposited). Read this carefully!
-
Confirm Cancellation: After reviewing, you'll be prompted to confirm your decision. Click "Confirm Cancellation" or a similar button.
-
Receive Confirmation: You'll typically receive an on-screen confirmation message and an email confirming that your flight has been cancelled. This email will also detail any refunds or flight credits issued, including their confirmation numbers (for flight credits).
Sub-heading 3.2: Cancelling via the Southwest Mobile App
-
Open the App and Access Your Trip: Log in to your Rapid Rewards account (if applicable) and go to "My Trips" or "Upcoming Flights."
-
Select the Flight: Tap on the specific flight you wish to cancel.
-
Locate the "Cancel" Button: Similar to the website, you'll find options to "Change" or "Cancel" your flight. Tap "Cancel."
-
Review and Confirm: The app will display a summary of the cancellation, including refund or credit information. Review this carefully and then confirm your cancellation.
-
Confirmation: You'll see an in-app confirmation and receive an email with the cancellation details.
Step 4: What to Expect After Cancellation – Refunds and Flight Credits
The immediate aftermath of your cancellation depends entirely on your fare type.
Sub-heading 4.1: Refunds to Original Payment Method
-
For Business Select® and Anytime Fares (if canceled timely): The refund will be processed back to the credit card or other payment method used for the original purchase. Processing times can vary, but generally, expect to see the refund appear on your statement within 7-10 business days. Keep an eye on your bank or credit card statements.
 |
Sub-heading 4.2: Flight Credits (Travel Funds)
-
For Wanna Get Away®, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Basic Fares (if canceled timely), and for taxes/fees on Rapid Rewards bookings: The value of your ticket will be converted into a flight credit (also known as travel funds).
-
Confirmation Number is Key: The confirmation number of your cancelled flight becomes the "ticket" to your flight credit. You'll need this number when you go to book a new flight using these funds. Do not lose it! Southwest will usually include this in your cancellation confirmation email.
-
Checking Your Funds: You can check the balance and expiration date of your flight credits on the Southwest website under "Check Travel Funds" or within your Rapid Rewards account under "My Account" > "Payment" > "My Travel Funds."
-
Expiration Dates for Flight Credits:
-
Crucial Update (as of May 28, 2025): Flight credits created on or before May 27, 2025, do not expire.
-
For flight credits created from reservations booked/changed on or after May 28, 2025:
-
Basic Fares: Flight credits typically expire six months from the date you originally booked the reservation.
-
Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, and Business Select® fares: Transferable Flight Credits™ typically expire 12 months from the date you originally booked the reservation.
-
Note: If your flight was significantly disrupted by Southwest (e.g., major delay or cancellation by the airline), and you choose a flight credit, it may be valid for five years from the date you originally booked the reservation.
-
-
-
Using Flight Credits: When booking a new flight online, you'll see an option on the payment screen to apply "Southwest LUV Vouchers, Travel Funds, or Gift Cards." Select "Travel Funds" and enter the confirmation number of your cancelled flight. You can often use up to three forms of payment per booking.
Step 5: Special Circumstances and Troubleshooting
Sometimes, things aren't as straightforward. Here's what to do in a few common scenarios:
QuickTip: Don’t just scroll — process what you see.
Sub-heading 5.1: Cancelling a Portion of a Multi-Leg Trip
If you only need to cancel one segment of a round trip or multi-city itinerary, Southwest allows this. When you pull up your reservation, you should have the option to cancel specific flights within the itinerary while keeping others active. The same fare rules regarding refunds/credits will apply to the cancelled segment.
Sub-heading 5.2: Cancelling a Flight with a Companion Pass
If you have a Companion Pass and need to cancel your flight, you'll first need to cancel the companion's reservation before you can cancel or change your own. After you've made the changes to your flight, you can then re-add your companion to the new itinerary if desired.
Sub-heading 5.3: Issues with Online Cancellation
If for any reason you're unable to cancel your flight online (e.g., technical issues, complex itinerary, or specific fare conditions), your best bet is to contact Southwest Airlines Customer Service immediately. Explain your situation, and they will be able to assist you. Remember to do this at least 10 minutes prior to departure.
Sub-heading 5.4: Missed the 10-Minute Window?
If you genuinely couldn't cancel 10 minutes before departure, contact Southwest as soon as possible. While the official policy for Wanna Get Away and Basic fares states forfeiture, Southwest is sometimes flexible, especially if you arrive at the airport shortly after the flight departs due to unforeseen circumstances (often referred to as the "flat tire rule"). However, this is at their discretion and not guaranteed. For Business Select and Anytime fares, the funds will typically be converted to a Transferable Flight Credit even if you miss the 10-minute window.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions, all starting with "How to," with quick answers:
Tip: Take notes for easier recall later.
How to check my Southwest flight's fare type?
You can find your fare type (e.g., Wanna Get Away, Anytime, Business Select) on your original booking confirmation email or by logging into your reservation on Southwest.com or the Southwest app.
How to get a full refund for my Southwest flight?
You'll get a full refund to your original payment method only if you purchased a Business Select or Anytime fare and cancel at least 10 minutes before departure.
How to use Southwest flight credit for a new booking?
When booking a new flight online, proceed to the payment screen. Select the "Southwest LUV Vouchers, Travel Funds, or Gift Cards" option, then choose "Travel Funds" and enter the confirmation number from your cancelled flight.
How to check the expiration date of my Southwest flight credit?
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, go to "My Account," then "Payment," and select "My Travel Funds." Alternatively, you can use the "Check Travel Funds" tool on their website by entering the original confirmation number.
How to cancel a Southwest flight booked with Rapid Rewards points?
Log in to your Southwest account, find your upcoming flight in "My Trips," and select the "Cancel Flight" option. Your points will be redeposited, and any taxes/fees will be issued as a transferable flight credit.
QuickTip: Return to sections that felt unclear.
How to cancel a Southwest flight if I booked through a travel agency?
If you booked through a third-party travel agency, you generally need to contact that agency directly to cancel your flight. Their cancellation policies may also apply.
How to avoid losing my Southwest flight funds if I miss my flight?
Always cancel your flight at least 10 minutes before its scheduled departure. For Wanna Get Away and Basic fares, failure to do so will result in forfeiture of your funds.
How to change my Southwest flight instead of canceling?
Log into your reservation on Southwest.com or the app, select your flight, and choose the "Change Flight" option. You can change your flight up to 10 minutes before departure, and typically only pay a fare difference if applicable (no change fees on most fares).
How to cancel only one leg of a multi-city Southwest itinerary?
When you access your reservation online or via the app, you will typically be given the option to cancel a specific segment of your journey while keeping the other segments active.
How to contact Southwest Airlines customer service for cancellation assistance?
You can find their contact information, including phone numbers, on the "Contact Us" section of the Southwest Airlines website (Southwest.com).
 |
