southwest flight cancellation policy

Southwest Airlines is known for its customer-friendly approach, and one of the standout features of its service is its flexible flight cancellation policy. Unlike many other major airlines, Southwest offers generous terms for cancellations, making it easier for travelers to adjust their plans without excessive penalties.

Southwest does not charge a cancellation fee, regardless of the type of ticket you purchase. Whether you’ve bought a Wanna Get Away, Anytime, or Business Select fare, you won’t incur a fee if you decide to cancel your flight. This policy gives passengers peace of mind when booking, knowing they can change their plans if necessary.

However, it’s important to understand the differences in how refunds or credits are issued depending on the fare type. Wanna Get Away fares, for example, are non-refundable, but you’ll receive a flight credit for the full value of your ticket, which can be used for future travel. These credits typically expire 12 months from the original purchase date.

If you’ve purchased an Anytime or Business Select fare, you are eligible for a full refund to your original payment method upon cancellation. This added flexibility is especially appealing to business travelers or those with uncertain schedules who prefer the option of a cash refund over flight credit.

Southwest also allows cancellations up to 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This is an incredibly generous cutoff compared to other airlines, which often require cancellation hours or even days in advance. As long as you cancel within this window, you will retain full value of your ticket as credit or refund based on fare type.