So, your travel plans have taken an unexpected turn, and you need to cancel your Southwest Airlines flight? Don't worry, you're in the right place! Southwest is known for its relatively flexible cancellation policy, often making the process less stressful than with other airlines. Let's walk through it together, step-by-step, so you can handle this with ease.
How Do I Cancel My Flight on Southwest Airlines? Your Comprehensive Guide
Before we dive into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand a few key things about Southwest's policies, as they can significantly impact your refund or flight credit. The type of fare you purchased (Wanna Get Away®, Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, or Business Select®) plays a major role.
Step 1: Understand Your Southwest Fare Type and Its Impact on Cancellation
Oh, the excitement of booking a flight! But did you pay close attention to the fare type you selected? This is the most critical piece of information when it comes to cancellations. Southwest offers different fare classes, each with varying levels of flexibility regarding changes and cancellations.
Sub-heading: Identifying Your Fare
Check your confirmation email: Your original booking confirmation will clearly state the fare type you purchased.
Log in to your Southwest account: If you booked online and have a Rapid Rewards account, your past and upcoming trips will usually show the fare type.
Sub-heading: Decoding Southwest's Fare Types and Their Cancellation Rules
Wanna Get Away® and Wanna Get Away Plus®: These are Southwest's most economical fares. If you cancel at least 10 minutes prior to your flight's scheduled departure, the value of your ticket will be converted into a flight credit (or Transferable Flight Credit™ for Wanna Get Away Plus®) that you can use for future travel. These fares are generally non-refundable to your original form of payment, except in specific circumstances (like a Southwest-initiated cancellation or significant schedule change). Flight credits created on or after May 28, 2025, will have a specified expiration date.
Anytime: This fare offers more flexibility. If you cancel at least 10 minutes before departure, you are eligible to receive a 100% refund to your original form of payment. Alternatively, you can choose to hold the value as a Transferable Flight Credit™.
Business Select®: The most flexible fare, Business Select tickets are fully refundable to your original form of payment if canceled at least 10 minutes prior to departure. Like Anytime fares, you also have the option to receive a Transferable Flight Credit™.
Important Note: For all fare types, if you do not cancel your reservation at least 10 minutes before the flight's original scheduled departure time, your reservation will be subject to Southwest's no-show policy, which can result in forfeiture of funds, especially for Wanna Get Away® and Wanna Get Away Plus® fares.
Step 2: Choose Your Cancellation Method
Southwest makes it quite convenient to cancel your flight. You have a few options, depending on what's easiest for you.
Sub-heading: Online Cancellation (Recommended for Most Cases)
This is typically the fastest and most straightforward method.
Visit Southwest.com or use the Southwest App: Open your web browser and go to Southwest.com, or launch the Southwest Airlines app on your mobile device.
Log In to Your Account (if applicable): If you have a Rapid Rewards account and booked while logged in, it's easiest to log in first.
Access Your Reservation:
On the website, look for "Flight," then "Manage Reservations," or simply click on "My Account" if you're logged in.
On the app, tap the "View/Manage Trips" or "My Trips" section.
Enter Confirmation Number and Passenger Details: If you're not logged in, you'll need your six-character confirmation number, along with the first and last name of a passenger on the itinerary.
Locate Your Flight: Once you've entered the details, your reservation should appear.
Initiate Cancellation: Look for a clearly marked "Cancel Flight" or "Cancel Reservation" button. Click or tap this option.
Review Cancellation Details: Southwest will present you with a summary of your cancellation, including what kind of refund or flight credit you are eligible for based on your fare type. Read this carefully!
Confirm Cancellation: Follow the prompts to confirm your cancellation. You will likely receive an email confirmation of the cancellation.
Sub-heading: Cancellation via Phone
If you prefer to speak to a human or are having trouble with the online system, calling Southwest's customer service is a viable option.
Find the Customer Service Number: The general customer service number for Southwest Airlines is usually 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). You can also find it on their official website.
Have Your Information Ready: Before you call, make sure you have your confirmation number, the names of all passengers on the reservation, and the flight details handy. This will significantly speed up the call.
Explain Your Request: Clearly state that you wish to cancel your flight.
Follow Agent's Instructions: The agent will guide you through the process, confirm your details, and explain your refund/credit options.
Request a Confirmation Number: Always ask for a cancellation confirmation number or ensure an email confirmation is sent to you.
Sub-heading: At the Airport
While less common for voluntary cancellations, you can cancel your flight at a Southwest Airlines ticket counter at the airport. This is generally recommended only if you are already at the airport for other reasons or if you are very close to your flight's departure time and cannot cancel online.
Proceed to the Southwest Ticket Counter: Find the Southwest Airlines check-in counter.
Speak to an Agent: Inform the agent that you wish to cancel your flight.
Provide Information: Present your identification and confirmation number.
Confirm Cancellation: The agent will process the cancellation and provide you with confirmation.
Step 3: Understanding Refunds and Flight Credits
This is where the rubber meets the road. Depending on your fare type and the timing of your cancellation, you'll either get money back or a credit for future travel.
Sub-heading: Method-of-Payment Refunds
Who is eligible? Primarily passengers who booked Anytime or Business Select fares and canceled at least 10 minutes prior to departure. Also, passengers whose flights were canceled or significantly delayed by Southwest, regardless of fare type, are eligible for a refund to the original form of payment.
Processing Time: Southwest generally processes refunds within seven (7) business days. However, it may take longer for your bank or credit card company to post the credit to your account.
How it works: The refund will be returned to the credit card, debit card, or other payment method you used for the original purchase.
Sub-heading: Flight Credits (or Transferable Flight Credits™)
Who is eligible? Passengers who booked Wanna Get Away® or Wanna Get Away Plus® fares and canceled at least 10 minutes prior to departure. Passengers with Anytime or Business Select fares can also choose to receive a flight credit instead of a refund.
What is a Flight Credit? It's the value of your ticket held for future use on Southwest flights.
Expiration: Flight credits created from reservations booked and ticketed and/or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, will have a specified expiration date. You must complete travel by this expiration date. Flight credits from significantly disrupted flights (canceled by Southwest) may have a longer validity period, often up to five years.
Transferable Flight Credit™: If you have a Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, or Business Select fare, your flight credit may be transferable once to another Rapid Rewards Member. This offers great flexibility if you can't use the credit yourself.
How to use: When booking a new flight online, you'll see an option to apply a flight credit on the payment screen. You'll typically need to enter the confirmation number associated with the original canceled flight. Each passenger can use up to three forms of payment per booking, and each flight credit counts as one form of payment.
Step 4: What to Do if Southwest Cancels Your Flight
Sometimes, the airline itself cancels or significantly delays your flight. In these situations, your options are generally more favorable.
Automatic Rebooking: In most cases, Southwest will automatically rebook you on the next available Southwest flight to your destination. You'll usually receive an email or text notification with your new itinerary.
Change Your Flight: If the rebooked flight doesn't work for you, you have the option to change your flight date and/or time by up to 14 days from your original travel date at no additional cost. You can typically do this on
Southwest.com/rebook Receive a Method-of-Payment Refund: If Southwest cancels your flight or significantly delays it (generally 3+ hours domestically, 6+ hours internationally) and you decide not to travel, you are eligible for a full refund to your original form of payment, even for non-refundable tickets. This includes any bag fees or unused extras like EarlyBird Check-In. You'll be presented with this option during the cancellation process.
Receive a Flight Credit: Alternatively, you can choose to receive a flight credit (or Transferable Flight Credit™) for future travel. If your flight was canceled by Southwest, flight credits created will be valid for five years.
Step 5: Don't Forget About Extras and Partner Bookings
EarlyBird Check-In® or Upgraded Boarding: If you purchased these and canceled your flight, and you are eligible for a refund due to a significant flight disruption, you are also entitled to a refund for these unused extras. If you voluntarily cancel a non-refundable fare, these extras typically are not refunded.
Southwest Vacations Packages: If your flight was part of a Southwest Vacations package (flight + hotel, car, etc.), you'll need to contact Southwest Vacations directly, as their cancellation policies may differ for the non-air components.
Partner Itineraries: If your booking involves a partner airline, you'll need to refer to that partner airline's policies for cancellations and refunds, and contact them directly.
This comprehensive guide should equip you with everything you need to know to confidently cancel your Southwest Airlines flight. Remember, understanding your fare type and acting promptly (at least 10 minutes before departure!) are key to a smooth cancellation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to canceling a Southwest flight, with quick answers:
How to check if my Southwest flight is refundable?
Check your original booking confirmation or log in to your Southwest account and view your reservation details. "Anytime" and "Business Select" fares are generally refundable to your original form of payment, while "Wanna Get Away" and "Wanna Get Away Plus" fares are typically converted to flight credits. If Southwest cancels your flight, all fares become refundable.
How to cancel a Southwest flight online?
Go to Southwest.com or use the Southwest app, log in (or enter your confirmation number and last name), find your reservation under "My Trips" or "Manage Reservations," and select the "Cancel Flight" option. Follow the prompts to confirm.
How to get a refund for a canceled Southwest flight?
If Southwest cancels your flight or significantly delays it (3+ hours domestic, 6+ hours international), you are eligible for a full refund to your original form of payment, regardless of fare type. During the cancellation process online or over the phone, you will be given the option to choose a refund.
How to use a Southwest flight credit for a new booking?
When booking a new flight on Southwest.com or the app, proceed to the payment screen. You will see an option to apply "Flight Credits." Enter the confirmation number from your canceled flight to use the credit towards your new booking.
How to cancel a Southwest flight without a fee?
Southwest Airlines does not charge a cancellation fee for any fare type. As long as you cancel at least 10 minutes before your flight's scheduled departure, you'll either receive a refund (for Anytime/Business Select or Southwest-initiated cancellations) or a flight credit.
How to transfer a Southwest flight credit to another person?
Flight credits from Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, and Business Select fares are generally "Transferable Flight Credits™." You can transfer these once to another Rapid Rewards Member by following the instructions on the Southwest website or by contacting customer service.
How to cancel a Southwest flight booked with Rapid Rewards points?
If you cancel a flight booked with Rapid Rewards points at least 10 minutes before departure, the points will be redeposited into the Rapid Rewards account that booked the ticket. Any taxes and fees paid will typically be converted into a Transferable Flight Credit™.
How to avoid losing money if I miss my Southwest flight?
Always cancel your flight at least 10 minutes before its scheduled departure if you know you won't make it. If you fail to cancel and are a "no-show," you risk forfeiting the value of your ticket, especially for Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares.
How to change my Southwest flight instead of canceling?
Southwest generally allows changes without a change fee, though a fare difference may apply (especially for Wanna Get Away fares). You can change your flight online via "Manage Reservations" or the app up to 10 minutes before departure.
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," and then "Payment." Any available flight credits associated with your name and account should be listed along with their expiration dates.
