Booking a flight with Southwest Airlines comes with a unique advantage—its passenger-friendly cancellation policy. Unlike many other airlines that charge hefty change and cancellation fees, Southwest allows cancellations and modifications without penalty, making it one of the most flexible options for travelers.
As an experienced traveler who has frequently booked and canceled Southwest flights, I can confidently say that understanding their refund and travel credit system can save you a lot of money and stress. In this guide, I’ll break down Southwest Airlines’ cancellation policy in a realistic way, including refund eligibility, travel funds, and how to maximize your options.
1. Southwest Airlines' 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation Policy
Southwest follows the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) 24-hour rule, which allows you to cancel a flight within 24 hours of booking for a full refund, provided:
- The ticket was purchased directly from Southwest Airlines.
- The cancellation is made within 24 hours of booking.
- The flight departs at least seven days from the date of booking.
✅ Refunds are issued to the original payment method.
✅ Applies to all fare types, including non-refundable Wanna Get Away fares.
💡 Pro Tip: If you book a flight and find a better deal elsewhere, cancel within 24 hours and rebook at a lower price.
2. Southwest Airlines’ Cancellation Policy by Fare Type
Unlike other airlines, Southwest doesn’t charge cancellation fees. However, your refund eligibility depends on the type of fare you booked.
Wanna Get Away & Wanna Get Away Plus: Non-Refundable, but Flexible
- No cash refunds—instead, you receive Southwest travel funds (flight credit).
- Travel funds are valid indefinitely (no expiration).
- Wanna Get Away credits are non-transferable—you must use them yourself.
- Wanna Get Away Plus credits can be transferred to another passenger with a Rapid Rewards account.
💡 Pro Tip: If you book a Wanna Get Away fare, only cancel if you're sure you'll fly Southwest again, since you’ll only get a flight credit, not a refund.
Anytime & Business Select: Fully Refundable
- These fares are fully refundable to your original payment method.
- You can cancel up to 10 minutes before departure.
- If you paid with points, they’ll be refunded back to your Rapid Rewards account.
💡 Pro Tip: If your travel plans are uncertain, paying extra for Anytime or Business Select fares ensures you can cancel for a full refund.
3. Southwest Airlines Travel Funds: What You Need to Know
When you cancel a Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus ticket, the money does not go back to your credit card—instead, it’s converted into Southwest travel funds, which function like store credit.
Key Travel Fund Rules:
- No expiration—you can use them anytime in the future.
- Non-transferable for Wanna Get Away fares.
- Transferable for Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares.
- Travel funds must be used for a new Southwest flight (cannot be converted to cash).
💡 Pro Tip: If you have travel funds from a canceled flight, always apply them before paying with a credit card on your next Southwest booking.
4. How to Cancel Your Southwest Airlines Flight
Canceling a flight with Southwest is quick and easy, and you have multiple options.
Cancel Online (Fastest & Easiest)
- Go to Southwest.com.
- Click on "Change/Cancel" at the top of the page.
- Enter your confirmation number and passenger details.
- Select the flight you want to cancel and follow the instructions.
If eligible, choose a refund or travel funds.
Cancel via Mobile App
- Open the Southwest Airlines app.
- Tap “My Trips” and find your booking.
Select “Cancel Flight” and follow the prompts.
Cancel by Phone
- Call Southwest Airlines.
- Have your confirmation number ready.
Ask if you are eligible for a refund or travel funds.
Cancel at the Airport
- Visit a Southwest ticket counter before departure.
- Speak with an agent and request a cancellation and refund or travel funds.
💡 Pro Tip: Cancel online whenever possible—it’s faster than calling or waiting at the airport.
5. What Happens If Southwest Cancels Your Flight?
If Southwest Airlines cancels your flight, you have options:
✅ Rebooking: Southwest will automatically rebook you on the next available flight at no extra cost.
✅ Refund: You can request a full refund to your original payment method.
✅ Travel Credit: If you prefer, Southwest will issue a flight credit instead of a refund.
💡 Pro Tip: If Southwest cancels your flight and you no longer want to travel, insist on a refund instead of a travel credit. You are legally entitled to your money back.
6. Common Questions About Southwest Airlines Cancellations
❓ What happens if I cancel a Southwest flight within 24 hours?
- You will receive a full refund to your original payment method.
❓ Can I get a cash refund for my Southwest flight?
- Yes, but only for Anytime and Business Select fares.
- Wanna Get Away fares only receive travel funds.
❓ How do I convert travel funds into a cash refund?
- Book a refundable fare (Anytime or Business Select) using travel funds.
- Cancel the new flight, and request a refund.
💡 Pro Tip: This trick only works if you originally paid for a refundable ticket.
❓ Can I transfer my travel funds to someone else?
- Yes, but only for Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares.
- Wanna Get Away travel funds are non-transferable.
❓ What if I used Southwest Rapid Rewards points for my flight?
- Your points will be refunded back to your Rapid Rewards account.
- Any taxes or fees paid will be refunded.
7. How to Maximize Your Refund or Credit
✅ Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.
✅ Book Anytime or Business Select if you might cancel.
✅ Use travel funds before they expire (they now last indefinitely).
✅ Rebook a refundable fare with travel funds, then cancel it to get cash back.
Final Thoughts: Is Southwest Airlines’ Cancellation Policy the Best?
Among major U.S. airlines, Southwest has one of the best cancellation policies. No fees, unlimited changes, and travel funds that never expire make it a top choice for flexible travel.
Pros of Southwest Airlines’ Cancellation Policy:
✅ No change or cancellation fees.
✅ Refunds available for refundable fares.
✅ Travel funds never expire.
Cons of Southwest Airlines’ Cancellation Policy:
❌ Non-refundable fares only receive flight credit.
❌ Travel funds from Wanna Get Away fares are non-transferable.
💡 Final Pro Tip: If you travel frequently, Southwest's flexibility makes it a great choice. Always book directly through their website to take full advantage of their refund and travel fund policies.