Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy 2025: A Complete Guide to Fees, Refunds, and Changes
Life happens, and sometimes travel plans need to change. Southwest Airlines, known for its customer-friendly policies, offers one of the most flexible cancellation policies in the industry, even in 2025 with recent updates. Whether you’re canceling a family vacation to Orlando or a business trip to Chicago, understanding Southwest’s cancellation rules can save you stress and money. This guide breaks down the 2025 cancellation policy, including fees, refunds, and changes, with tips from travelers and answers to common questions.
Why Southwest’s Cancellation Policy Stands Out
Southwest Airlines has long been a favorite for its no-fee cancellation and change policy, a rarity among U.S. carriers. In 2025, they’ve introduced new fare types and credit expiration rules, but the core flexibility remains. Knowing the details helps you make informed decisions when plans shift.
If you’re unsure about your options, Southwest’s customer support at
(844) 734-0813 can provide personalized assistance. Be ready to provide your confirmation number for quick help. Let’s dive into the specifics of the 2025 cancellation policy.
Overview of Southwest’s 2025 Cancellation Policy
Southwest’s cancellation policy allows all fare types to be canceled without fees, as long as you cancel at least 10 minutes before departure. However, the type of refund or credit depends on your fare class. New rules effective May 28, 2025, also affect credit expiration and transferability.
Failure to cancel before the 10-minute cutoff can result in forfeited funds, especially for non-refundable fares. Always check your fare type when booking to understand your options. Southwest’s website and app make cancellations easy, but phone support is available if needed.
Fare Types and Their Cancellation Rules
Southwest’s 2025 fare types—Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra—have different cancellation outcomes. Understanding these helps you choose the right fare for flexibility. Here’s how each fare handles cancellations.
Basic Fare
Basic fares, replacing Wanna Get Away, are the cheapest but most restrictive. If canceled at least 10 minutes before departure, you’ll receive flight credits that expire six months from the booking date. These credits are non-transferable, a change that’s sparked discussion on Reddit about reduced flexibility.
Choice Fare
Choice fares offer more flexibility than Basic. Canceling a Choice fare results in a Transferable Flight Credit, valid for 12 months from the booking date. These credits can be transferred once to another Rapid Rewards member, making them ideal for group travel.
Choice Preferred and Choice Extra Fares
Choice Preferred and Choice Extra fares are fully refundable to the original payment method if canceled 10 minutes before departure. Alternatively, you can opt for a Transferable Flight Credit, valid for 12 months. These fares are pricier but offer maximum flexibility.
Rapid Rewards Points Bookings
If you booked with Rapid Rewards points, canceling at least 10 minutes before departure returns all points to the original account. Taxes and fees ($5.60 each way domestically) are converted to flight credits, also valid for 12 months. No-show forfeitures apply, so cancel early.
How to Cancel a Southwest Flight
Canceling a Southwest flight is simple and can be done online, via the app, or by phone. Here’s the process to ensure you get your refund or credit.
Step 1: Access Your Reservation
Log in to
southwest.com or the Southwest app and go to “Manage Reservations.” Enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name to view your trip. Ensure you’re canceling at least 10 minutes before departure to avoid forfeiture.
Step 2: Select the Flight to Cancel
Choose the flight you want to cancel from your upcoming trips. If you’re canceling for some travelers but not others, you may need to split the reservation. Contact (844) 734-0813 if you need help with complex cancellations.
Step 3: Choose Your Refund Option
For refundable fares (Choice Preferred, Choice Extra), select a refund to your original payment method or a Transferable Flight Credit. Basic and Choice fares offer flight credits only. Confirm the amount and expiration date before finalizing.
Step 4: Confirm Cancellation
After selecting your refund option, confirm the cancellation. You’ll receive an email with your credit details or refund confirmation. Keep your confirmation number to access credits later, as noted by travelers on Quora.
Changes and Same-Day Standby Options
Southwest allows fee-free changes for Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra fares, though you’ll pay any fare difference. Basic fares don’t allow changes, requiring cancellation and rebooking. Same-day changes or standby must be requested 10 minutes before departure, with no guarantee of your original boarding position.
For urgent changes, call
(844) 734-0813 to speak with an agent. Same-day changes are subject to availability, and you’ll pay any taxes or fare differences. This flexibility is a big draw for frequent flyers.
What Happens if Southwest Cancels Your Flight?
If Southwest cancels your flight, you’re eligible for a full refund to your original payment method, regardless of fare type. Alternatively, you can choose rebooking on the next available flight or a Transferable Flight Credit. For cancellations within Southwest’s control causing a delay of three or more hours, you may receive a $75 transferable voucher.
Check your email or SMS for automatic rebooking notifications. If the new flight doesn’t work, contact Southwest to explore options. Refunds are processed quickly, often within a few business days.
Tips for Navigating the Cancellation Policy
Southwest’s policy is generous, but new 2025 rules require attention. Cancel at least 10 minutes before departure to avoid losing your funds. Keep your confirmation number to access credits, as emphasized by travel blogs.
Book refundable fares (Choice Preferred or Choice Extra) if you need cash refunds. For Basic fares, plan to use credits within six months to avoid expiration. Check Southwest’s website for fare details before booking.
Challenges and Traveler Feedback
The introduction of six-month expirations for Basic fare credits has frustrated some travelers, as seen on Reddit, where users lament the loss of Southwest’s “no-expiration” policy. Smaller airports may have limited rebooking options, so flexibility is key. Always document website issues to avoid phone fees.
If you’re dealing with a complex cancellation, like a Companion Pass booking, you may need to cancel linked reservations separately. Southwest’s support can guide you through these scenarios. Reach out early to avoid last-minute stress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Southwest’s 2025 Cancellation Policy
Based on queries from Reddit, Quora, and travel forums, here are answers to common questions about Southwest’s cancellation policy.
Q: Can I get a cash refund for a Basic fare?
A: No, Basic fares are non-refundable and provide flight credits valid for six months. Refundable fares like Choice Preferred or Choice Extra offer cash refunds if canceled 10 minutes before departure. Check fare rules at booking.
Q: What happens if I miss the 10-minute cancellation window?
A: If you’re a no-show, Basic and Choice fare funds are forfeited, but Choice Preferred and Choice Extra fares convert to Transferable Flight Credits. Cancel early to avoid losses. Call
(844) 734-0813 for assistance with urgent issues.
Q: Can I transfer my flight credits to someone else?
A: Transferable Flight Credits from Choice, Choice Preferred, or Choice Extra fares can be transferred once to another Rapid Rewards member. Basic fare credits are non-transferable. Confirm eligibility before canceling.
Q: What if Southwest cancels my flight due to weather?
A: You’ll get a full refund or rebooking, but weather-related cancellations don’t qualify for the $75 voucher for controllable delays. Check your email for rebooking details. Contact Southwest for rebooking options.
Q: Can I cancel a Rapid Rewards points booking?
A: Yes, points are fully refunded to the original account if canceled 10 minutes before departure. Taxes and fees become flight credits valid for 12 months. No fees apply.
Q: How do I cancel a Companion Pass booking?
A: Cancel the companion’s flight first, then your own, via the website or app. You may need to call
(844) 734-0813 for help with linked reservations. Ensure both cancellations are processed to avoid issues.
