How to Get a Refund from Southwest Airlines

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How to Get a Refund from Southwest Airlines

 

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Need to cancel your Southwest flight and wondering how to get your money back? You’re not alone. While many airlines hit travelers with cancellation fees, Southwest stands out for its no-fee refund and credit policy.


Whether you booked with cash, points, or one of Southwest’s fare classes, here’s everything you need to know about getting a refund—and how to maximize it.

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Can You Get a Refund from Southwest Airlines?​

The answer: Yes, but it depends on your fare type.

• Business Select & Anytime fares → Fully refundable. Cancel and your money goes back to the original payment method.
• Wanna Get Away & Wanna Get Away Plus fares → Non-refundable, but you’ll receive travel credits for future use.
• Rapid Rewards points bookings → Points are refunded instantly, with taxes/fees credited back to your card.

Traveler story: A passenger who booked Wanna Get Away from Orlando to Denver canceled last-minute and easily used their credit four months later for a trip to Nashville.

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Refund Policy by Fare Type​

Here’s a quick look at Southwest’s refund rules:

Wanna Get Away & Wanna Get Away Plus​

• Non-refundable.
• Receive travel credits (usable for future flights).
• Credits never expire (policy update in 2022).

Anytime Fares​

• Fully refundable.
• Refunds processed back to the original form of payment.

Business Select​

• Fully refundable.
• Bonus: Earns more Rapid Rewards points + A1–A15 priority boarding.

Visual tip: Insert a simple chart here comparing fare classes: Refundable vs Credit.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Request a Refund​

Getting your refund or credit is straightforward.

Online via Southwest.com​

1. Log in to your account.
2. Go to My Trips.
3. Select your flight.
4. Click Cancel/Refund.

Mobile App​

• Open the app, go to Trips, and follow the same process.
• Great for last-minute changes on the go.

By Phone or at the Airport​

• Call customer service or speak to a ticket counter agent.
• Handy if you’re rebooking during a fare sale.

Pro tip: For Rapid Rewards bookings, points go back instantly, and taxes are refunded to your card.

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How Long Does It Take to Get a Refund?​

• Credit card refunds: Up to 7 business days.
• Travel credits: Appear in your account almost instantly.
• Rapid Rewards points: Deposited back right away.

Traveler anecdote: One flyer canceled a Business Select ticket on a Tuesday and saw their refund hit their credit card by Friday.

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Tips to Maximize Refunds with Southwest​

• Cancel early → Helps ensure smooth processing.
• Rebook if fares drop → Cancel and rebook to pocket the difference as credits.
• Track your credits → Available in your Rapid Rewards account.
• Use credits wisely → Apply them toward pricier holiday or peak-season flights.

Real-world example: A family rebooked when their fare dropped by $100, saving that credit for a future spring break trip.

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Final Thoughts — Getting a Refund from Southwest Is Simple​

Southwest Airlines makes refunds and cancellations easy. Whether you booked Business Select, Anytime, or Wanna Get Away, you’ll never lose out completely—cash refunds for higher fares, or travel credits that never expire for discount tickets.


Think of it as peace of mind baked into every booking.


Call (831-298-4213) today if you need help canceling or requesting a refund from Southwest Airlines. Don’t let your money go to waste—turn it into your next adventure.