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title: How can I cancel a Southwest Airlines ticket and get a refund or travel credit?

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# How To Cancel Southwest Airlines Ticket | Cancellation Policy, Refund Request

To cancel a Southwest ticket and get a refund or travel credit, visit southwest.com, or call **1-888-843-9199** for quick and hassle-free assistance.

Travel plans can change unexpectedly—whether due to personal emergencies, work obligations, or simply a change of mind. Fortunately, if you’ve booked a flight with Southwest Airlines, you're in luck. Known for its flexible policies, **Southwest Airlines** is one of the most traveler-friendly airlines when it comes to **cancellations, refunds, and travel credits**.

This complete guide will walk you through **how to cancel a Southwest Airlines ticket**, understand their **cancellation policy**, know when and how you’ll get a **refund or credit**, and what you must keep in mind before modifying your travel plans in 2025.

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## Table of Contents

1. Overview: Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy (2025)
2. Key Highlights: Why Southwest is Traveler-Friendly
3. 24-Hour Free Cancellation Rule
4. Fare Types and Cancellation Rules
5. Step-by-Step: How to Cancel Southwest Airlines Flight
6. How to Cancel a Southwest Flight via Website
7. How to Cancel Using the Mobile App
8. How to Cancel by Calling Customer Service
9. How to Use Travel Funds After Cancellation
10. How to Request a Refund from Southwest
11. Southwest Flight Change vs Cancellation
12. Canceling a Wanna Get Away Fare
13. Canceling Business Select & Anytime Fares
14. Canceling Reward Travel (Rapid Rewards Points)
15. What Happens to Companion Pass, A-List, and EarlyBird Check-In?
16. No-Show Policy & Same-Day Cancellation Rules
17. Group Booking Cancellation Rules
18. Cancelling Due to Weather or Airline-Initiated Disruptions
19. Cancellation Fees at Southwest: What to Expect?
20. Top 10 Tips Before Canceling Your Flight
21. Real-Life Scenarios: When and How People Cancel
22. Frequently Asked Questions
23. Final Thoughts: Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy Simplified

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## 1. Overview: Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy (2025)

Southwest Airlines offers one of the **most flexible and forgiving cancellation policies** in the U.S. airline industry. Unlike most competitors, Southwest:

* Charges **no cancellation fees**
* Allows cancellations **up to 10 minutes before flight departure**
* Offers **refunds or travel credits** depending on the fare type
* Allows 24-hour full refund even on non-refundable fares

This makes Southwest ideal for travelers who value flexibility.

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## 2. Key Highlights: Why Southwest is Traveler-Friendly

✅ No change or cancellation fees
✅ 100% of the fare value is returned as **refund or credit**
✅ Travel funds are valid for **12–24 months** (depending on fare)
✅ 24-hour cancellation rule applies to all bookings
✅ Easy cancellation via app, website, or phone

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## 3. 24-Hour Free Cancellation Rule

As per the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), all airlines must allow **free cancellations within 24 hours of booking**, provided the flight is booked at least **7 days in advance**.

Southwest fully complies and even enhances this with:

* Instant full refund (to original form of payment)
* No fare restrictions (applies to Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select)

**Pro Tip**: If you’re unsure of travel plans, book first and decide later within 24 hours.

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## 4. Fare Types and Cancellation Rules

Southwest has **three primary fare types**, and each has its own cancellation rules:

| Fare Type              | Refundable? | Cancel Anytime? | Travel Credit?       | Refund Type                |
| ---------------------- | ----------- | --------------- | -------------------- | -------------------------- |
| Wanna Get Away         | ❌ No        | ✅ Yes           | ✅ Yes                | Travel Credit              |
| Wanna Get Away Plus    | ❌ No        | ✅ Yes           | ✅ Yes (Transferable) | Travel Credit              |
| Anytime                | ✅ Yes       | ✅ Yes           | ✅ Optional           | Refund to original payment |
| Business Select        | ✅ Yes       | ✅ Yes           | ✅ Optional           | Refund to original payment |
| Reward Ticket (Points) | ✅ Yes       | ✅ Yes           | ✅ Points returned    | Rapid Rewards refund       |

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## 5. Step-by-Step: How to Cancel Southwest Airlines Flight

There are multiple ways to cancel a Southwest ticket:

1. **Online via Website**
2. **Using the Southwest Mobile App**
3. **Calling Customer Support**
4. **Using the Airport Kiosk (last-minute)**

Let’s explore each method below.

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## 6. How to Cancel a Southwest Flight via Website

Canceling a flight online is the most convenient method. Follow these steps:

1. Visit: [https://www.southwest.com](https://www.southwest.com)
2. Click on **“Flight | Hotel | Car”** menu > Select “**Manage Reservations**”
3. Enter your **Confirmation Number**, **First Name**, and **Last Name**
4. Click “**Cancel Flight**”
5. Select the flight segment to cancel (if multiple legs)
6. Confirm cancellation and choose refund/travel credit (based on fare)
7. Save the cancellation confirmation

You’ll receive an email with confirmation and details of your refund or travel credit.

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## 7. How to Cancel Using the Mobile App

1. Open the **Southwest Airlines mobile app**
2. Tap “**Look Up Reservation**” under the “My Trips” tab
3. Enter your confirmation number and name
4. Tap “**Cancel Flight**”
5. Review refund/travel credit eligibility
6. Confirm and receive your email confirmation

The mobile process is identical to desktop, but convenient on the go.

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## 8. How to Cancel by Calling Customer Service

If you prefer human help, call **Southwest Customer Relations** at:

📞 **1-800-435-9792** (General)
📞 **1-888-843-9199** (Cancellations and Special Assistance)

Provide your confirmation number and last name. The agent will walk you through the cancellation and send you an email confirmation.

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## 9. How to Use Travel Funds After Cancellation

If your fare type is non-refundable, you'll receive **Travel Funds**, not cash.

Here’s how to use them:

* Go to **“Flight Booking”** page
* Choose your new flight
* On payment screen, choose **“Apply Travel Funds”**
* Enter your **6-digit confirmation number**
* Remaining amount (if any) must be paid via card

Note: Travel funds are **non-transferable**, except for Wanna Get Away Plus fares.

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## 10. How to Request a Refund from Southwest

For refundable tickets (Anytime or Business Select), you can request a **full refund** to the original payment method:

1. Go to: [https://www.southwest.com/air/refund](https://www.southwest.com/air/refund)
2. Fill in your details and ticket number
3. Choose refund instead of travel fund
4. Submit the form
5. Refund is processed within **7 business days**

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## 11. Southwest Flight Change vs Cancellation

You don’t always need to cancel. You can also **change flights** without fees.

Changing a flight:

* Keeps your travel funds linked to the same confirmation number
* Avoids losing EarlyBird Check-In (if eligible)
* Lets you rebook to a lower fare (difference refunded as credit)

Use “**Change/Cancel**” on the website to do either.

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## 12. Canceling a Wanna Get Away Fare

Wanna Get Away is **non-refundable**, but:

* You can cancel up to 10 minutes before the flight
* You'll get 100% of the fare as **Travel Credit**
* You can reuse the credit for future flights (valid 12 months)
* Credits are only usable by the original passenger

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## 13. Canceling Business Select & Anytime Fares

Both are **fully refundable**:

* Cancel and request money back to your card
* Or keep funds as **Flight Credit** for future use
* Refund is processed within 7 days

These fares offer the **most flexibility**, especially for business travelers.

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## 14. Canceling Reward Travel (Rapid Rewards Points)

Booked your flight using Rapid Rewards points? Here's what happens when you cancel:

* Points are instantly refunded to your **Rapid Rewards account**
* Taxes and fees (\$5.60–\$11.20 per segment) are refunded to your card
* No cancellation fee or penalty

This is ideal for loyalty travelers who change plans frequently.

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## 15. What Happens to Companion Pass, A-List, and EarlyBird Check-In?

* **Companion Pass**: Companion ticket is canceled separately. Rebook after main traveler books again.
* **A-List & A-List Preferred**: Canceling doesn’t impact status, but no-showing does.
* **EarlyBird Check-In**: Non-refundable unless Southwest cancels the flight.

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## 16. No-Show Policy & Same-Day Cancellation Rules

If you **don’t cancel at least 10 minutes before flight**, it’s considered a **no-show**:

* You lose the value of Wanna Get Away fares (no travel funds)
* Refundable fares still retain credit value
* Always cancel in advance—even if you’re unsure

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## 17. Group Booking Cancellation Rules

If you booked with 10+ passengers under group fare:

* Cancellations must be done via **Group Travel Department**
* Email: [groupsales@wnco.com](mailto:groupsales@wnco.com)
* Phone: 1-800-433-5368
* Refunds are subject to group contract rules

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## 18. Cancelling Due to Weather or Airline-Initiated Disruptions

If Southwest cancels or changes your flight:

* You are eligible for a **free rebooking**, **travel funds**, or a **full refund**
* Southwest usually alerts you via email, SMS, and app notifications
* Use the link in email to rebook or cancel easily

Always check your flight status before traveling.

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## 19. Cancellation Fees at Southwest: What to Expect?

Southwest charges **no cancellation fee**, ever.

This is true even for:

* Same-day cancellations
* Last-minute changes
* Frequent flyers and general customers

The only thing you might lose is EarlyBird Check-In or potential fare differences.

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## 20. Top 10 Tips Before Canceling Your Flight

1. Cancel at least 10 minutes before flight time.
2. Know your fare type (Wanna Get Away, Business, etc.).
3. Use the 24-hour cancellation window if unsure.
4. Consider rebooking instead of canceling.
5. Redeem travel funds within validity.
6. Use the app for quick cancellations.
7. Check refund eligibility before canceling.
8. Always confirm companion pass cancellations separately.
9. Save your confirmation and email alerts.
10. Call customer service if you face technical issues.

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## 21. Real-Life Scenarios: When and How People Cancel

* **Business Travelers**: Cancel Business Select 2 hours before meeting with full refund.
* **Family Emergencies**: Cancel a Wanna Get Away fare and use credit later for rescheduled trip.
* **Weather Disruptions**: Flight canceled by Southwest—receive refund or rebook easily online.
* **Points Redemption Users**: Cancel for free, get points and taxes refunded instantly.

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## 22. Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Can I cancel just one leg of my trip?

Yes. During cancellation, select only the segment you want to cancel.

### Q: Can I get a refund instead of travel credit?

Yes, but only for refundable fares (Anytime or Business Select).

### Q: What if I miss the 10-minute window before departure?

Your ticket is forfeited for Wanna Get Away fares.

### Q: Can I transfer travel funds to someone else?

Only with Wanna Get Away Plus fares.

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## 23. Final Thoughts: Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy Simplified

Southwest Airlines leads the pack in **flexibility, simplicity, and customer-first cancellation policies**. Whether you’re flying on points, cash, or business fare, Southwest makes it easy to:

* Cancel anytime
* Avoid fees
* Get full refunds or usable credits

In 2025, with travel more dynamic than ever, booking with Southwest gives you peace of mind, knowing that if plans change—you won’t be penalized.

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**Need Help Cancelling a Southwest Flight?**
📞 Call 1-888-843-9199 for immediate assistance.