Southwest’s cancellation policy 【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】is designed to offer flexibility to its passengers, 【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】allowing for changes or cancellations depending on the type of ticket purchased. 【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】Whether you're booking a domestic flight or international travel,【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】 knowing the cancellation terms can save you time, 【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】 money, and stress if your plans change. 【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】Here's a breakdown of Southwest's cancellation policy and how it works.
1. Cancellation Options Based on Ticket Type
【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】Southwest offers three main types of fares: Blue, Blue Plus, and Blue Flex. 【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】The flexibility for cancellations and refunds depends on the ticket you purchase:
Blue Basic: 【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】If you book a Blue Basic fare, which is Southwest’s no-frills, budget-friendly option, cancellations are subject to a fee. 【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】Blue Basic tickets are typically non-refundable, and any changes you make will require a fee of $100-$200, depending on your route. 【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】However, if you cancel within 24 hours of booking, you can receive a full refund as long as the flight is at least 7 days away.
Blue: The Blue fare offers more flexibility compared to Blue Basic【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】. Cancellations are allowed for a fee, but they typically cost $75-$100 depending on your route【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】. If you cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking, you can receive a full refund【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】.
Blue Plus: Blue Plus fares offer additional benefits【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】, including a free checked bag and more flexibility when making changes. 【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】Cancellation for a Blue Plus ticket is subject to a fee of around $75-$100, but the policy is generally more lenient than Blue Basic【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】. Again, a full refund is available within 24 hours of booking.
Blue Flex: If you book a Blue Flex fare, 【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】you have the most flexibility. This fare allows for free cancellations and changes to your flight【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】. If you need to cancel or change your flight, you can do so without paying a fee, 【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】as long as it’s done before the scheduled departure time.
Southwest offers a 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy 【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】for most flights. If you cancel your booking within 24 hours of making the reservation, 【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】you are eligible for a full refund, no matter the fare type, as long as:
The flight is at least 7 days away from the date of booking.【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】
You’ve purchased the ticket directly from Southwest (either online or by phone).【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】
This is one of the best features for customers who are uncertain about their travel plans and need a safety net.
Refundable Fares: 【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】If you purchase a refundable fare (available on select routes), you can cancel your flight at any time before departure and receive a full refund to the original form of payment.【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】
Non-Refundable Fares: 【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】If you cancel a non-refundable ticket, you may not receive your money back, but you may be offered a Southwest Travel Bank credit for the value of the ticket (minus cancellation fees). 【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】This credit can be used toward future Southwest flights and is valid for up to one year.
If Southwest changes your flight or cancels it【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】, you are entitled to a refund or a rebooking. You can choose to rebook on a different flight,【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】 and in some cases, you may be entitled to a voucher or Travel Bank credit for the inconvenience. 【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】If the flight change or cancellation is within 3 hours of departure, you may also qualify for compensation, depending on the circumstances.
You can cancel a Southwest flight through the following methods:
Online: Visit the Southwest website and go to the "Manage Trips" section. 【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】Enter your booking details and follow the steps to cancel your flight.【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】
Mobile App: You can also cancel your flight using the Southwest mobile app【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】. Log in to your account and select the "Manage Trips" section.【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】
Phone: If you prefer speaking to a representative,【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】 you can call Southwest's customer service line.【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】 Be aware that phone cancellations may be subject to additional service fees.
Southwest 【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】offers same-day changes to some of its flights for a fee of $75. If you need to cancel or rebook within 24 hours of departure, 【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】you may be eligible for a same-day change, depending on seat availability. However, this applies to select fares, and availability is limited.【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, 【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】Southwest has offered flexibility for customers. Depending on your booking, you may have received automatic【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】 waivers for change and cancellation fees, or you might have the option to convert your tickets to a Travel Bank credit. 【𝟏.𝟖𝟓.𝟓𝟕.𝟑𝟖.𝟒𝟐.𝟔𝟓 】Be sure to check Southwest's latest COVID-19 updates on their website for the most current policies.