Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy Explained What Every Traveler Should Know

The most important quality a traveler can possess if they are flying is flexibility. If something goes awry at the last minute with an itinerary, if there is an emergency, or even in the event of a conflict schedule, having the option to cancel a flight with horrible fees is comforting. The only United States airline to have an open-arms cancellation policy is Southwest Airlines. In this article, we will guide you through the fundamentals of Southwest Airlines cancellation policy so that you can book your flight without a hassle. 

No Cancellation Charges: A Huge Attraction 

  It is one of the primary reasons why Southwest's cancellation policy is in vogue because there are no cancellation charges that apply.Whereas most every other carrier imposes huge fees for cancelling or rescheduling flights, Southwest imposes no fee for cancelling or rescheduling in flights. This is true for every fare class, including the lowest "Wanna Get Away" fares, which on most carriers are the most restrictive. You might be credited for travel instead of a refund if you're not on a refundable ticket, but you'll never lose money to fees for cancelling.    

 Refunds and Flight Credits: What to Look For

  The type of fare you've purchased dictates how your cancellation is handled.If you've paid for an Anytime or Business Select refundable fare, you can request a full refund to your original payment method if you cancel.However, when you book a non-refundable Wanna Get Away fare and then cancel, your money is changed into a same-value flight credit in the form of Travel Funds. These are valid on subsequent travel and are good for up to 12 months after purchase. If you purchase a flight with Rapid Rewards points, the points are credited back to your account, and the taxes or fees paid are refundable. 

Cancellation of a Southwest Flight 

 To cancel a Southwest flight is easy and can be done online, mobile app, or by phoning customer support.Log in to your account, check out your upcoming trips, and select the trip you wish to cancel.It will walk you through it, and you'll immediately know if you can receive credit or a refund.If you flew on points or with an intermediary, it will likely be a little different, but Southwest likes easy.  

Last-Minute Cancellations and No-Show Policy 

While Southwest does offer a lenient cancellation policy, do make sure to comply with their no-show policy. When you purchase a Wanna Get Away ticket and don't cancel your flight at least 10 minutes prior to the departure of the flight, you lose your Travel Funds.When you purchase the refundable fares, if you don't cancel, you still get to keep the refund, but actually canceling is preferable if you find that you're not going to take your flight. 

 Conclusion  

Southwest Airlines' policy on cancellations is one of the most lenient in the airline world. No charges to cancel, transparency regarding refunds and travel credits, and easy cancellation make it easy to travel. If your plans are changing weeks in advance or at the last minute, Southwest offers the flexibility today's traveler demands. Look up current conditions on the website to know before canceling or rebooking your journey.