How to Change or Cancel Southwest Airlines Flights

Life happens, and sometimes your travel plans change. If you purchased a ticket from Southwest Airlines and need to modify your reservation, you’ll be happy to know that the carrier offers flexible options for modifying or canceling your flight. This guide will walk you through the process, answering your most pressing questions and providing tips for a smoother experience.

TL;DR

– Changing or canceling your Southwest Airlines flight is easy and can be done online, through the app, or by calling customer service.

– Most flights can be changed or canceled without a fee, but this depends on the fare type you purchased. You may receive a refund or travel credit depending on your fare type and how close to departure you cancel.

– To change or cancel your flight, log into your account on the Southwest website or app and locate your reservation. Select either “Change flight” or “Cancel flight” and follow the instructions. Be aware of any deadlines for changes or cancellations to ensure you get the best possible outcome.

How to Change Your Southwest Flight

Southwest makes it easy to change your flight through various channels:

• Online: The most convenient way is through the Southwest Airlines website or mobile app. Log into your account, navigate to “Manage Reservations,” find your booking, and click “Change flight.” Follow the prompts to select a new flight.
• Southwest App: The app streamlines the process, allowing you to change your flight on the go. Simply log in, locate your reservation, and tap “Change flight.”
• Customer Service: If you prefer speaking to a representative, call 1-800-435-9792. Be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours.
• Airport: While less convenient, you can also change your flight at the airport ticket counter.

Can I Change My Flight After Check-In? Yes, you can change your flight even after checking in, as long as it’s before the 10-minute cutoff time.

Changing Flight Times or Destinations: You can change just the time of your flight or even the destination. Keep in mind that if the new flight is more expensive (longer distance, different aircraft), you’ll need to pay the fare difference.

How to Cancel Your Southwest Flight

Cancelling your flight is just as easy as changing it:

– Online or app: Log in, find your reservation under “Manage Reservations,” and click “Cancel flight.”
– Customer service: Call 1-800-435-9792 for assistance.
– At the airport: Visit the ticket counter for help, although this is less recommended.

1. Locate the trip you’d like to modify and click “Cancel flight”.
2. Scroll down to “Review funds” to see refund options.
3. If you booked a Business Select or Anytime fare, select your preferred refund method.
4. Once you’ve reviewed the refund terms, click “Cancel flight”.

Southwest 24-hour Cancellation Policy

If you cancel a Southwest Airlines flight within 24 hours of booking, you’re entitled to a full refund. You can choose whether to receive a refund to the original payment method or as a credit for future travel.

Southwest Cancellation Policy after 24 Hours

Southwest’s cancellation policy allows passengers to cancel for any reason, without a fee, up to 10 minutes prior to departure. If you booked a refundable fare (Business Select or Anytime), the refund will be issued to your original form of payment (you can also choose to receive a travel credit instead). For Wanna Get Away fares, you’ll receive a travel credit good toward the purchase of future flights.

Southwest Flight Change and Cancellation Fees

• Change Fees: Southwest doesn’t typically charge change fees. You’ll only pay the fare difference if the new flight is more expensive.
• Cancellation Fees: There are no cancellation fees for Southwest Airlines flights. If your fare is refundable (“Anytime” or “Business Select”), you’ll receive a refund to your original payment method. If your fare isn’t refundable (“Wanna Get Away”), you’ll get a travel credit for future use.

Refunds vs. Travel Credits

When you cancel flights on Southwest Airlines, the type of fare you purchased determines whether you’ll get a refund or travel credit. “Wanna Get Away” and “Wanna Get Away Plus” fares are non-refundable, but you’ll receive a travel credit that can be used for future flights. “Anytime” and “Business Select” fares are refundable, meaning you’ll get your money back.

Deadlines

• Deadline for Changes: You can change your flight up to 10 minutes before departure.
• Deadline for Cancellations: You can cancel your flight up to 10 minutes before departure. However, to receive a full refund (if eligible), it’s best to cancel well in advance.
• Same-Day Changes: Southwest offers “Same-Day Standby” (free) and “Same-Day Change” (pay fare difference) options if you need to change your flight on the day of departure.

Reservations with 2 or More Passengers

To change or cancel a flight for a single passenger on a Southwest Airlines reservation with 2 or more passengers:

1. Divide the reservation. Pull up your itinerary in the app or online. Look for an option to divide the reservation. If you don’t see an option to divide the reservation into multiple itineraries, one for each passenger, stop and call Southwest Airlines. If you continue cancelling the reservation without first dividing it, the flights will be cancelled for ALL PASSENGERS.
2. Make the change. Select the reservation that needs to be changed or cancelled. Follow the instructions to complete.
3. Receive confirmation. Check for an email with a new confirmation number and itinerary for the passenger who was divided from the original reservation.

Can I cancel a Southwest flight booked with points?

Yes, you can cancel a Southwest Airlines flight booked with points. If you cancel at least 10 minutes before departure, the points will be credited back to your Rapid Rewards account.

The easiest way to cancel a flight booked with points is to use the Southwest Airlines website or app. Log in, find your reservation under “Manage Reservations,” and click “Cancel flight.”

How to change or cancel Companion Pass reservations

Changing or cancelling a Companion Pass reservation booked with Southwest Airlines is simple. Whether changing or cancelling, the first step is to cancel the Companion’s flight. Then change your flight to the desired destination, date, or time. Once your flight change is confirmed, rebook your Companion’s flight.

Additional tips & information

• Name Changes: While not typically allowed, contact customer service for minor typos.
• Third-Party Bookings: Contact the third-party website for changes or cancellations. Southwest’s policies might not apply.
• Using Travel Credits: When booking a new flight, you can apply your travel credits during the checkout process.
• Travel Credit Expiration: Keep track of your travel credits, as they typically expire one year from the original flight date.

What if I miss my flight?

If you missed your flight, speak with a customer service agent at the airport. Southwest will usually try to rebook you on the next available flight at no additional cost.

If you don’t speak to an agent, you’ll be considered a no-show. According Southwest’s no-show policy, this occurs when you don’t cancel your flight at least 10 minutes prior to departure.

What happens to your Southwest ticket if you’re a no-show? For “Business Select” or “Anytime” fares, you’ll receive a credit for future travel. If you no-show with “Wanna Get Away” or “Wanna Get Away Plus” fares, you’ll forfeit the entire amount you paid for the ticket.

More Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

Changing or canceling your Southwest flight is usually hassle-free, especially if you do it online or through the app. By understanding the rules and using these tips, you can navigate any changes to your travel plans with confidence.

We hope this comprehensive guide has answered your questions and made the process of changing or canceling your Southwest flight easier. Please reach out to us if your questions haven’t been addressed here.

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