Life happens. Maybe your plans change, or you find a cheaper fare later. Either way, canceling a flight can feel stressful with most airlines. But here’s the good news:
Southwest Airlines makes canceling a flight simple and fee-free.
In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly how to cancel a Southwest flight, what happens to your money or credits, and smart tips to make the most of rebooking.
Can You Cancel a Southwest Flight Without Fees?
Yes — and this is where Southwest really shines. Unlike many airlines that charge $100–$200 in cancellation fees,
Southwest never charges a penalty for canceling.
Here’s what happens depending on your fare type:
- Wanna Get Away / Wanna Get Away Plus → Non-refundable, but you’ll get a flight credit to use later.
- Anytime → Refundable to original form of payment.
- Business Select → Fully refundable and earns extra perks if you rebook.
Data insight: According to airline policy updates, Southwest has consistently ranked as one of the most customer-friendly airlines in the U.S. for cancellations.
Step-by-Step: How to Cancel a Southwest Flight
Canceling is quick, whether you’re online, in the app, or on the phone.
Online via Southwest.com
- Log into your account.
- Go to “My Trips.”
- Select the flight you want to cancel.
- Click Cancel Flight and confirm.
Using the Mobile App
- Tap Trips → choose your reservation → tap Cancel Flight.
By Phone or In Person
- Call Southwest directly at customer service, or ask a gate/ticket counter agent if you’re already at the airport.
Pro tip: If you’re canceling multiple passengers on one booking, you can choose to cancel just one person or the whole itinerary.
What Happens After You Cancel?
Once you hit that cancel button, what happens depends on your fare.
Refunds and Credits
- Credits → Wanna Get Away fares give you travel credit toward a future flight.
- Refunds → Anytime and Business Select fares go back to your original payment method.
Travel Credit Expiration
- As of 2022, Southwest travel credits no longer expire. Huge win for frequent flyers.
Points Bookings
- Rapid Rewards points are instantly redeposited to your account.
- Taxes and fees (usually $5.60 each way) go back to your card.
Traveler story: A family canceled a points booking when their kid got sick — their points reappeared in under five minutes, and they rebooked the same route two weeks later.
Tips for Canceling and Rebooking Smartly
Cancel early: Ensures full eligibility for refunds or credits.
Monitor fares: If prices drop, cancel and rebook to save.
Check confirmation emails: Southwest always sends a cancellation receipt and credit details.
Use credits strategically: Apply them online for future flights without hassle.
Example: A traveler canceled a Wanna Get Away fare when a sale popped up — rebooked at $60 less and used the leftover credit for a weekend getaway.
Final Thoughts — Canceling a Flight with Southwest
Canceling with Southwest is refreshingly easy: no fees, no stress, and flexible options depending on your fare. Whether you’re getting a refund, credit, or your Rapid Rewards points back, the process is built to keep travelers in control.
So next time plans change, don’t panic. With a few clicks (or a quick call), your cancellation is handled.
Need help canceling or rebooking? Call (831-298-4213) for fast support and make your next Southwest trip hassle-free.