Southwest Airlines Refund Policy: Complete Guide for Travelers
- ToursN TravelPro
- 1 minute ago
- 3 min read
TL;DR
The Southwest Airlines Refund Policy offers full cash refunds for Business Select and Anytime fares, while Wanna Get Away fares are nonrefundable but provide flight credits if canceled before departure. All bookings canceled within 24 hours are fully refundable. Since July 28, 2022, flight credits no longer expire, and some can even be transferred to other travelers. Refunds to cards take up to 7 business days, while points are returned instantly to your Rapid Rewards account. For help with a Southwest Airlines refund request, call +1-866-679-5070.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my Southwest flight?
Yes. Whether you get a cash refund or travel credit depends on your fare type:
Refundable fares (Business Select & Anytime): Eligible for a full refund to your original payment method.
Nonrefundable fares (Wanna Get Away & Wanna Get Away Plus): Not eligible for cash refunds, but you’ll receive flight credit for future travel.
Do I get a full refund if I cancel a flight within 24 hours?
Yes. According to Southwest Airlines refund policy, all tickets canceled within 24 hours of booking (and at least 7 days before departure) are fully refundable to your original payment method.
What is Southwest 24-hour cancellation policy?
The Southwest 24hr cancellation policy allows passengers to cancel within 24 hours of purchase and get a full refund, regardless of fare type. This aligns with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.
Are Southwest flights 100% refundable?
Not always. Only Business Select and Anytime fares are 100% refundable. Wanna Get Away fares are nonrefundable but provide a credit for future travel if canceled before departure.
What is the new Southwest policy?
The new Southwest Airlines policy changes removed expiration dates for flight credits issued after July 28, 2022. This means you can use flight credits indefinitely, adding more flexibility for travelers.
What is Southwest's cancellation policy for Wanna Get Away fares?
The Southwest Airlines flight refund policy for Wanna Get Away fares is as follows:
They are nonrefundable.
If canceled before departure, you’ll receive a flight credit instead of a refund.
If you don’t cancel before your flight departs (no-show), the ticket value is forfeited.
Can Southwest flight credit be used for someone else?
Yes. As of the recent Southwest Airlines policy changes, Wanna Get Away Plus and higher fares allow transferable flight credits. This means you can transfer unused credits to another traveler once.
How long does a Southwest refund take?
Credit card refunds: Usually processed within 7 business days.
Cash or check refunds: May take up to 20 business days.
Flight credits: Typically appear in your Southwest account immediately after cancellation.
Can I transfer my Southwest plane ticket to someone else?
No, plane tickets themselves are non-transferable. However, transferable flight credits from Wanna Get Away Plus or Business fares can be shared with another traveler.
How long does flight credit last on Southwest?
Flight credits issued after July 28, 2022 do not expire. Older credits issued before that date may still have expiration timelines, so check your Southwest account for details.
How do I cancel my Southwest flight?
Canceling a Southwest Airlines flight is simple:
Visit the Southwest Airlines website or open the mobile app.
Select “Manage Reservations.”
Enter your confirmation number and name.
Choose “Cancel Flight” and confirm.
You’ll immediately see if you’re eligible for a refund or flight credit.
Southwest Airlines Points Refund Policy
If you booked your flight using Rapid Rewards points:
Points are refunded back to your account when a flight is canceled.
Any taxes and fees you paid are refunded to your original payment method.
This makes booking with points one of the most flexible options.
Final Thoughts on Southwest Airlines Refund Policy
The Southwest Airlines refund policy is one of the most generous among U.S. airlines, especially with the removal of flight credit expiration. While not all fares are refundable in cash, Southwest ensures flexibility with credits and transferable options.
✈️ Need help with a Southwest Airlines refund request? Contact Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 or visit www.toursntravelpro.com for expert guidance on cancellations, refunds, and rebooking.
Author Bio
Andrew Son is an Airline Policy Specialist with over 8 years of experience helping travelers navigate refund rules, baggage fees, and cancellation policies. His goal is to simplify airline fine print so passengers can make informed travel decisions.
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