Southwest Airlines·None
Southwest Cancellation & Refund Policy
Southwest Cancellation & Refund Policy — Summary
Southwest refund rules: refundable vs non-refundable fares, travel credit validity, and when US DOT rules entitle you to cash back instead of a voucher.
Key Travel Facts & Insights
- Refundable fares: Anytime and Business Select fares refund in full to the original form of payment at any time before departure..
- Non-refundable fares: Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus cancel to flight credit for the full amount paid, with no cancellation penalty..
- How long credits last: Southwest flight credits from most fares no longer expire, a change from the previous 12-month rule.
- Your rights when the airline cancels: Cancellation or significant delay by Southwest entitles you to a cash refund rather than credit if you decline the rebooking, under DOT rules..
Refundable fares
Anytime and Business Select fares refund in full to the original form of payment at any time before departure.
Non-refundable fares
Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus cancel to flight credit for the full amount paid, with no cancellation penalty.
How long credits last
Southwest flight credits from most fares no longer expire, a change from the previous 12-month rule. Wanna Get Away Plus credits are transferable to another traveller, which no other US carrier offers.
Your rights when the airline cancels
Cancellation or significant delay by Southwest entitles you to a cash refund rather than credit if you decline the rebooking, under DOT rules.
Cancelling before departure
Southwest's no-show policy is strict: fail to cancel at least 10 minutes before departure and the funds on non-refundable fares are forfeited entirely. Cancelling takes 30 seconds in the app and preserves the full value.
How to request a refund
The Southwest app handles changes, cancellations and credits cleanly. Because there is no change fee, self-service rebooking is genuinely usable rather than a route to a penalty.
If the airline does not respond
Submit through the Customer Service form on southwest.com. Escalate unresolved matters to the US DOT.
Southwest cancellations & refunds — common questions
Can I get a refund from Southwest?
Anytime and Business Select fares refund in full to the original form of payment at any time before departure. Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus cancel to flight credit for the full amount paid, with no cancellation penalty.
How long is a Southwest travel credit valid?
Southwest flight credits from most fares no longer expire, a change from the previous 12-month rule. Wanna Get Away Plus credits are transferable to another traveller, which no other US carrier offers.
Do I get cash back if Southwest cancels my flight?
Cancellation or significant delay by Southwest entitles you to a cash refund rather than credit if you decline the rebooking, under DOT rules.
More Southwest help
Booking Southwest? Talk to a US travel consultant.
Fare rules, baggage allowances and change policies differ by route and fare brand. Our consultants confirm the exact terms attached to your itinerary before you pay — and handle the change or refund if plans move.