Are Southwest Flights 100% Refundable?

If you are looking for flexible travel, look no further than Southwest Airlines. You get four fare types and each of them are designed to suit travel needs. While not all Southwest tickets are 100% refundable, the airline provides options that align with your needs. There’s a clear-cut demarcation between non-refundable and refundable fares. Understanding the policies can help you navigate the process if you need to cancel your flight. In this AirCancellation blog, we try to clear some common doubts surrounding Southwest Airlines cancellation policy.

What Options Are Available for me if I Seek a Refund from Southwest?

Southwest Airlines refund policy is applied when you cancel a valid reservation within a given timeframe. The options you have will depend on the type of ticket purchased. Take a look:

• If you cancel a fully refundable ticket, the fare will be returned to your original form of payment. This process is relatively straightforward, with refunds typically credited to your credit card within seven business days, although your credit card company may take up to 10 additional days to post the refund. For cash payments, refunds are issued by check and may take up to 20 business days.
• If your ticket is non-refundable, such as those purchased under Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus, you may be eligible for a Transferable Flight Credit. This credit can be used for future travel and does not expire. It’s important to note that the refund or credit process must be initiated within one year of the ticket’s issuance.
• For tickets purchased with Rapid Rewards points, the points are forfeited if you fail to cancel at least ten minutes before departure. However, if you cancel in time, you may retain your points for future use.

You need to be more conscious of the fare type while you’re booking. To understand more about the fare types, you can call Southwest Airlines customer service, +1-800-435-9792. However, AirCancellation executives can also guide you when you call at +1-888-826-0067.

Do I Lose My Ticket Value If My Fare Is Non-Refundable?

If your fare is non-refundable, you won’t lose the entire value of your ticket. The fare is converted into a transferable flight credit, instead. This credit can be used towards future flights on Southwest Airlines. To be eligible for flight credits or Southwest change flight for free, you need to cancel or change your flight at least ten minutes before the scheduled departure time to be eligible for this credit. If you do not cancel in time, the fare and associated funds are forfeited. Here are a few things to remember about transferable credits.

• Transferable flight credits do not expire providing you flexibility for future travel plans.
• For Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares, the fare paid for unused segments, including taxes and fees, is typically held as a Flight Credit, which can be applied to future travel.

Am I Required to Pay a Cancellation Fee to Southwest on Refund?

Southwest flight change policy doesn’t require you to pay a cancellation fee for its fares if you decide to cancel. You can get a cash refund on some fares. Here is how Southwest will process a refund request.

• For non-refundable fares - Those travelling on Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus fares will not receive a cash refund. You will receive Transferable Flight credits.  
• For Business Select and Anytime fares, which are also refundable, you can cancel and receive a full refund if done within the allowed time frame. If you cancel late, these fares will also be converted into a Transferable Flight Credit, rather than incurring a cancellation fee.

Do I Get a Full Refund for a Cancelled or Delayed Southwest Flight?

If cancellation or delay is caused because of extraordinary circumstances, you may not be eligible for a refund. Here is a look at what Southwest offers when delay or cancellation is within its control.

• Southwest will offer a full refund for the unused portion of the ticket if cancellation or delay is caused by the airline and you are not ready to travel on a rebooked flight.
• For significant delays or cancellations that disrupt your travel plans, Southwest Airlines aims to make reasonable efforts to notify you of the changes and provide compensation.

What If I Am Not Able to Board the Southwest Flight?

You may not be able to board the flight because you couldn’t check-in on time. In rare circumstances, you may be denied boarding if the flight is overbooked. Here is a breakdown on what you get in each of these scenarios.

• For Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares, you forfeit the fare paid, including taxes and fees. However, if you have a Business Select or Anytime fare and fail to cancel on time, the funds are held as a Transferable Flight Credit™ for future travel.
• In case of denied boarding, you may be eligible for compensation depending on the delay in arrival of the alternate transportation. 
• Should you find the Southwest Airlines phone number busy, our ticketing executives are available at +1-888-826-0067 to take your calls.