Navigating airline refund policies can feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle, especially when you just want your money back. But don't worry, Southwest Airlines has some of the most customer-friendly policies in the industry, and with this comprehensive guide, you'll be well-equipped to get your refund.
So, ready to get started and reclaim what's yours? Let's dive in!
How Can I Get My Money Back From Southwest Airlines? A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Understand Southwest's Refund Policy – What Kind of Ticket Do You Have?
Before you do anything, it's crucial to understand the type of fare you purchased, as this largely dictates your refund eligibility. Southwest is known for its relatively flexible policies, but there are still distinctions.
Sub-heading: Fare Types and Their Refundability
Business Select® and Anytime Fares: These are your most flexible options. If you cancel your reservation at least 10 minutes prior to the original scheduled departure, you are eligible for a 100% refund to your original form of payment. If you don't cancel, the value will typically be refunded as a Transferable Flight Credit™.
Wanna Get Away Plus® Fares: These fares are generally non-refundable to the original form of payment. However, if you cancel at least 10 minutes before departure, the value of the ticket will be converted to a Transferable Flight Credit™ that you can use for a future flight.
Wanna Get Away® Fares: Similar to Wanna Get Away Plus®, these are also non-refundable. If canceled at least 10 minutes prior to departure, the value will be converted to a flight credit (non-transferable) for future use.
Basic Fares: Introduced recently, Basic fares are also non-refundable. If value remains at the time of cancellation, it will be converted to a flight credit for future use. Note that flight credits from Basic fares have a shorter expiration date (six months from the purchase date for tickets booked/changed on or after May 28, 2025).
Sub-heading: Special Circumstances for Refunds (Even for Non-Refundable Tickets!)
There are specific situations where Southwest offers a method-of-payment refund, even for non-refundable tickets:
Airline-Initiated Flight Cancellation: If Southwest cancels your flight, you are automatically eligible for a full refund to your original form of payment, even if you had a Wanna Get Away® or Basic fare. You are also entitled to a refund for any bag fees or unused extras (like EarlyBird Check-In® or Upgraded Boarding).
Significant Flight Delay or Schedule Change: If your flight is significantly delayed (generally three or more hours domestically, six or more internationally) or undergoes a significant schedule change, and you decide not to travel, you are eligible for a method-of-payment refund.
Keep in mind: For flights booked with Rapid Rewards® points, if canceled, the points will be returned to the Rapid Rewards account holder.
Step 2: Cancel Your Flight (If Applicable)
If you're seeking a refund because you decided not to travel, the first crucial step is to cancel your reservation.
Sub-heading: Online Cancellation (Recommended for Speed and Ease)
Visit Southwest.com or use the Southwest Mobile App: This is the quickest and easiest way to manage your reservation.
Log in to your account or access your reservation: If you have a Rapid Rewards account, log in. Otherwise, you can retrieve your reservation using your confirmation number and first and last name under the "Manage Reservations" section.
Locate your flight: Find the flight you wish to cancel.
Click/Tap "Cancel": Follow the prompts to cancel your reservation. The system will typically inform you what type of refund (method of payment or flight credit/Transferable Flight Credit™) you are eligible for.
Confirm Cancellation: Make sure you receive a confirmation of your cancellation.
Important Note: You must cancel your flight at least 10 minutes prior to the original scheduled departure time to be eligible for a refund or flight credit. Failure to do so will result in a "no-show" and forfeiture of your funds/points.
Sub-heading: Cancelling by Phone
If you encounter issues online or prefer speaking to someone, you can call Southwest Customer Service.
Southwest Airlines Customer Service: Dial 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). Be prepared for potential hold times, though Southwest often offers a callback system.
Have your details ready: Provide your confirmation number, full name, and flight details to the agent. Clearly state that you wish to cancel your flight and understand your refund options.
Step 3: Request Your Refund
Once your flight is canceled, the next step depends on your eligibility for a direct refund versus a flight credit.
Sub-heading: Automatic Refunds for Airline-Initiated Cancellations/Delays
If Southwest canceled your flight or significantly delayed it and you chose not to travel, a method-of-payment refund is typically processed automatically.
Southwest states that refunds are processed within seven (7) business days. The time it takes for the funds to appear in your account may vary depending on your bank or credit card company.
Sub-heading: Requesting a Refund for Refundable Fares (Business Select, Anytime)
When you cancel a Business Select® or Anytime fare online, you will usually be given the option to choose between a method-of-payment refund or holding the value as a Transferable Flight Credit™. Select the refund to your original form of payment.
If for some reason this option isn't explicitly clear or you selected a flight credit by mistake, contact Southwest Customer Service immediately to request the refund to your original payment method.
Sub-heading: Converting Flight Credits to Refunds (Limited Circumstances)
Generally, flight credits (from Wanna Get Away®, Wanna Get Away Plus®, or Basic fares where you canceled) are not directly refundable to your original payment method. They are intended for future travel.
However, there have been instances, particularly following widespread operational disruptions (like the December 2022 meltdown), where Southwest has offered to convert flight credits from non-refundable fares into cash refunds upon request. Keep an eye on official Southwest communications for any such special provisions.
If you believe you have a unique circumstance that warrants a cash refund for a flight credit (e.g., a death in the family, military orders, or a significant medical event preventing future travel), it's always worth contacting customer service and politely explaining your situation. While not guaranteed, they may offer an exception.
Step 4: Track Your Refund Status
After requesting your refund, it's natural to want to know its progress.
Sub-heading: How to Check Your Refund Status
Southwest.com: While there isn't a dedicated "refund status checker" page in the same way you check travel funds, if your refund was processed back to your original payment, you'll need to monitor your bank or credit card statements.
Contact Customer Service: If the stated seven business days have passed and you haven't seen the refund, call Southwest Customer Service at 1-800-435-9792. Have your confirmation number and details of your original payment method ready. They can provide an update on the refund's processing.
Step 5: Dealing with Issues or Delays
Sometimes, things don't go as smoothly as planned. Be prepared to follow up.
Sub-heading: What if My Refund is Delayed?
Wait the full processing time: Remember, seven business days is the airline's standard, and your bank may take a few extra days to post it.
Check your bank/credit card statements: Sometimes refunds appear with a slightly different description than the original charge.
Contact Southwest Customer Service again: If the typical timeframe has passed, politely follow up. Inquire about the status of your refund and ask for a transaction ID or reference number for the refund, if available.
Dispute with your credit card company (as a last resort): If you've exhausted all avenues with Southwest and believe you are rightfully owed a refund that hasn't been issued, you can consider disputing the charge with your credit card company. Provide them with all relevant documentation (cancellation confirmations, communication with Southwest, etc.). This should be a last resort after direct attempts with Southwest have failed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions regarding Southwest Airlines refunds and their quick answers:
How to check if my Southwest ticket is refundable?
Check your original booking confirmation; it will specify the fare type (Business Select®, Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus®, Wanna Get Away®, Basic). Business Select and Anytime fares are generally refundable to the original payment method if canceled in time.
How to cancel a Southwest flight to get a refund?
Go to Southwest.com or use the Southwest app, navigate to "Manage Reservations," enter your confirmation number and name, and select the "Cancel" option. Ensure you cancel at least 10 minutes before departure.
How to get a refund for a Southwest flight canceled by the airline?
If Southwest cancels your flight, you are automatically eligible for a full refund to your original form of payment. You don't typically need to request it, but it's wise to confirm with customer service if it doesn't appear within seven business days.
How to use a Southwest flight credit or travel funds?
When booking a new flight on Southwest.com or the app, proceed to the payment screen. You'll see an option to apply "Travel Funds" by entering the confirmation number associated with your flight credit.
How to get a refund for EarlyBird Check-In or Upgraded Boarding?
If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed by Southwest, you are entitled to a refund for any unused extras like EarlyBird Check-In or Upgraded Boarding. These are usually refunded automatically along with your ticket.
How to find the expiration date of my Southwest flight credit?
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, go to "My Account," then "Payment." Any available flight credits associated with your name and account will be listed with their expiration dates. You can also use the "Check Travel Funds" page on Southwest.com.
How to get a refund for a Southwest LUV Voucher?
Southwest LUV Vouchers generally have no cash value and are not refundable to original payment. They are intended for future travel. However, if a LUV Voucher was issued due to a Southwest-initiated cancellation or significant delay, you may be eligible for a refund upon request.
How to request a refund for a Southwest flight disruption (delay)?
If your Southwest flight was significantly delayed (e.g., 3+ hours domestically) and you decided not to travel, you are eligible for a method-of-payment refund. You can request this through Southwest Customer Service.
How to contact Southwest Airlines customer service for a refund?
You can call Southwest Airlines Customer Service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). Be prepared to provide your confirmation number and other relevant details.
How to get a refund if I booked my Southwest flight through a third party?
If you booked through a third-party website (e.g., Expedia, Kayak), you will generally need to contact that third party directly to inquire about their refund process, as their policies may apply in addition to Southwest's.
