Southwest Airlines Refund Policy: Complete Guide (2025)

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Southwest Airlines Refund Policy

 

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Have a Southwest flight you can’t take and wondering about their refund policy? The good news: Southwest Airlines has one of the most flexible and passenger-friendly refund systems of any U.S. airline. Unlike many carriers that charge hefty cancellation fees, Southwest makes it simple to cancel or rebook without losing money.


Let’s walk through how the refund policy works, what you get back based on the type of fare you purchased, and some insider tips to make the most of it.

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Overview of the Southwest Airlines Refund Policy​

Southwest keeps it straightforward:

• No cancellation or change fees—ever.
• Refund eligibility depends on your fare type.
• Travel credits never expire (policy updated in 2022).

Industry insight: According to airline satisfaction surveys, Southwest consistently ranks among the best for refund and cancellation flexibility. That’s one of the reasons loyal flyers stick with them.

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Refund Policy by Fare Type​

Southwest’s policy varies depending on the fare class you purchased. Here’s the breakdown:

Wanna Get Away & Wanna Get Away Plus​

• Non-refundable fares.
• Cancellations result in travel credits (usable for future flights).
• Credits are tied to the traveler’s name and can’t be transferred.

Anytime Fares​

• Fully refundable.
• If you cancel, you’ll get your money back to the original form of payment.

Business Select Fares​

• Also fully refundable.
• Includes perks like bonus Rapid Rewards points and A1–A15 boarding.

Pro tip: A fare comparison table here makes it crystal clear which fares are refundable vs credit-only.

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How to Request a Refund or Cancel a Flight​

Southwest makes it easy with multiple options:

Online via Southwest.com​

• Log in → “My Trips” → Select flight → Cancel/Refund.

Mobile App​

• Open “Trips” → Select your flight → Cancel/Refund.

By Phone or at the Airport​

• Call customer service or speak to an agent at the ticket counter.

Quick note: If you booked with Rapid Rewards points, your points are refunded instantly, and any taxes/fees are credited back to your payment method.

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What Happens After You Cancel?​

• Refunds: Processed within 7 business days (credit card timelines may vary).
• Travel credits: Appear in your account almost immediately.
• Points bookings: Rapid Rewards points are redeposited right away.

Traveler anecdote: A family canceling their Orlando-to-Chicago trip saw their points back in their account before they even closed the app.

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Tips to Make the Most of Southwest’s Refund Policy​

Here’s how savvy travelers squeeze the most out of Southwest’s flexibility:

• Cancel early for smooth refund processing.
• Rebook if fares drop—cancel and apply credits toward the new lower price.
• Track credits in your Rapid Rewards account to avoid confusion.
• Use credits strategically for peak travel dates when fares are higher.

Real-world example: A passenger rebooked when fares dropped by $80. That travel credit covered their next short-haul trip.

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Final Thoughts — Why Southwest’s Refund Policy Stands Out​

Southwest Airlines has built its reputation on traveler-friendly policies, and its refund system is no exception. Whether you’re booking a cheap Wanna Get Away fare or splurging on Business Select, you’ll never get stuck with steep cancellation fees.


Think of it as peace of mind with every ticket.


Call (831-298-4213) today if you need help canceling a Southwest flight or requesting a refund. A little planning ensures you keep more money in your pocket for your next trip.