How to Cancel a Southwest Flight: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Are you confused about what to do when your travel plan changes? Last-minute cancellations can be really annoying, but with Southwest, you have more options. You are in the right place to learn about how to cancel a Southwest Flight. 

If you are wondering, “Can I get a refund for my Southwest ticket?” the answer is yes! Southwest has flexible policies. You can cancel your ticket within 24 hours of booking and receive a full refund without paying any fees. 

You can cancel your ticket online on their website or by visiting the ticket counter. Just remember, you can cancel up to 10 minutes before departure. Keep reading for more details about their cancellation terms!

Southwest Cancellation Policy Features

If you need to change your reservation, it is best to do it as early as you can. And always keep your confirmation number to ask for a refund or have questions.

Make Cancelation up to 10 Minutes Before your Departure: To cancel your reservation without any additional fee, make sure to do it at least 10 minutes before your scheduled departure time. If you miss this window, you can still get some value back, but it will be in the form of Travel Credit. However, if you booked a Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus ticket and don’t cancel in time, you will lose those funds completely.

For Reward Tickets: For those who booked reward tickets, if you cancel too late, points and any fees will be lost for Wanna Get Away fares. But for Business Select and Anytime tickets, your points will go back to your Rapid Rewards account.

Cancellations Within 24 Hours: If you cancel within 24 hours of booking, you can get your money back or hold the value of the ticket for a future flight. Just remember to avoid losing all your funds and request cancellation at least 10 minutes before your flight.

No-Show Policy: If you do not cancel before the 10-minute mark before departure. If you don’t, it will be treated under Southwest Airlines’ “No Show” policy. This means you will not get any refund. You cannot start the cancellation process when there are only 10 minutes left until the flight takes off, so act quickly!

Refund Policy: If you have a Business Select or Anytime refundable ticket, you’ll get a full refund if you cancel at least 10 minutes before your original departure time. You can choose to have your money returned to your original payment method or get it as flight credit for future trips.

On the other hand, if you have Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus tickets, your refund will be given as Transferable Flight Credit. This credit can be used for your future flight bookings.

How to Cancel a Southwest Flight?

Southwest Airlines offers several ways to cancel your flight. You can choose from two online options—using their website or the mobile app. If you prefer to do things in person, you can also visit the airport ticket counter or the nearest airline office or the airport counters.

Via Official Website

1. Visit the official Southwest Airlines website: https://www.southwest.com/   

2. On the homepage, look for the option labeled “CHANGE/ CANCEL.”  

3. Click on this option and sign in using your login details.  

4. Input your confirmation number along with your first and last name.  

5. Select “Cancel Flight” and then click the search button.  

6. A new page will appear showing all your current and past bookings.  

7. Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed.  

8. Finally, click to confirm your cancellation and request a refund.

9. You will receive a Cancellation Confirmation in your registered email.

Via Mobile Application

1. Install the Southwest Airlines mobile app on your device.

2. Tap on the three vertical lines located in the upper left corner of the screen.  

3. Select the option labeled “Look Up Reservations.”  

4. Enter your confirmation number along with your first and last name, then hit “Retrieve Reservation.”  

5. Your most recent reservation details will appear on the screen. Tap the “Cancel” button.  

6. If you have a non-refundable ticket, you will see the option to “Hold for Future Use.” If your fare is refundable, the “Refund” option will be shown instead.  

7. After making your selection, click on “Cancel Flight.”  

At the City Help Center

If the city office of Southwest Airlines is at a short distance from your location, you can simply get in touch with their staff to request cancellation. Flyers can get in touch via call, email, chat, or visit in person during the operating hours.

At the Airport

You can also cancel your flight tickets right from the airport. To do this, simply head to the Southwest Airlines counter. Once there, go to a representative and request a cancellation form. They will assist you through the entire process. 

To Sum Up!

After reading this guide on how to cancel a Southwest flight, the cancellation might feel super easy and less time-consuming! You can use the mobile app, visit the website, or go directly to the ticket counter to cancel. Moreover, you can choose to receive your refund either back to your original payment method or as Travel Credit for future flights. 

All you need to do is just follow these simple steps, and you will be all set!

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