Southwest Airlines tickets are refundable, but the rules depend on the fare type you bought
Southwest Airlines does not charge change or cancellation fees on any ticket, which sets it apart from most other major carriers. However, whether you get money back—rather than a travel credit—depends on which fare you purchased. Business Select and Anytime fares can be refunded to your original payment method. Wanna Get Away fares, the cheapest option, convert to a travel credit that you can use toward any future Southwest flight, but you cannot get cash back.
The refund process itself is straightforward once you understand which bucket your ticket falls into. You initiate the refund or credit through Southwest's website, by phone, or at the airport. The airline processes refunds within 7 to 10 business days, though the time can vary depending on your bank or credit card company.
Key Takeaways
- Business Select and Anytime fares refund as cash to your original payment method; Wanna Get Away fares convert to a travel credit only.
- Southwest charges no change or cancellation fees, but you must request the refund or credit yourself—the airline does not automatically issue one.
- Refunds process within 7 to 10 business days after you request them, though your bank may take additional time to post the funds.
- If you cancel within 24 hours of booking, you can receive a full refund regardless of fare type.
- Travel credits from Wanna Get Away fares do not expire and can be transferred to another person using the original passenger's name.
How the three Southwest fare types handle refunds
Wanna Get Away is Southwest's lowest-priced fare. When you cancel, the full amount becomes a travel credit valid for one year from the original booking date. You can use this credit to book any Southwest flight under the same passenger name. The credit does not expire after one year—it remains in your account indefinitely—but you must use it before the airline closes your account due to inactivity. You cannot transfer a Wanna Get Away credit to another person, though you can change the passenger name on the original booking before using the credit.
Anytime fares cost more than Wanna Get Away but less than Business Select. If you cancel an Anytime ticket, you receive a full refund to your original payment method. There is no travel credit step; the money goes back to your card or bank account. This applies whether you cancel before your flight or after it departs unused.
Business Select is Southwest's premium fare and includes perks like priority boarding and a free checked bag. Cancellations on Business Select tickets also refund in full to your original payment method. Like Anytime, there is no intermediate travel credit—you get cash back.
The 24-hour refund window that applies to all fares
Southwest allows you to cancel any ticket—including Wanna Get Away—for a full refund within 24 hours of booking, regardless of fare type. This window applies as long as you booked at least seven days before your scheduled departure. If you booked fewer than seven days out, you can still cancel within 24 hours, but you will receive a travel credit instead of a refund, even on Business Select or Anytime fares.
To use the 24-hour window, you must cancel through Southwest's website, mobile app, or by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA. The refund or credit posts immediately to your account; you do not have to wait 7 to 10 business days.
How to request a refund or travel credit
Log into your Southwest account on the airline's website or open the mobile app. Find your booking under "My Trips," select the flight, and choose "Cancel Flight." The system will show you whether your fare qualifies for a cash refund or a travel credit. Confirm the cancellation, and the refund or credit will process.
If you prefer not to use the website or app, call Southwest at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). A representative can cancel your ticket and confirm whether you will receive a refund or credit. You can also cancel in person at a Southwest ticket counter at the airport, though this is slower than the online or phone route.
After you request the cancellation, Southwest immediately removes your reservation from the flight. Refunds to credit cards or bank accounts typically appear within 7 to 10 business days, but your financial institution may take additional time to process and display the funds. Travel credits appear in your Southwest account right away and are ready to use immediately.
What happens if you miss your flight without canceling
If you do not cancel before your flight departs and simply do not show up, Southwest automatically converts your ticket to a travel credit. This applies to all fare types, including Business Select and Anytime. You do not lose the money, but you cannot get a refund—only a credit toward a future flight.
The credit remains valid for one year from your original booking date and can be used by the original passenger or transferred to someone else if you provide their name. If you want to avoid this automatic conversion and instead receive a refund on an Anytime or Business Select ticket, you must cancel before the flight departs, even if you are not going to fly.
Refunds for flights canceled or changed by Southwest
If Southwest cancels your flight or makes a significant schedule change, you have the right to a refund on any fare type, including Wanna Get Away. Southwest will first offer you a rebooking on another flight at no charge. If you decline the rebooking and request a refund instead, the airline will refund the full ticket price to your original payment method.
A "significant" schedule change typically means a departure time shift of more than one hour or a change in the number of stops. If Southwest makes a minor adjustment—say, 30 minutes earlier or later—you do not automatically get a refund, but you can still request one if the new time does not work for you. Contact Southwest directly to discuss your options.
Travel credits and how to use them
Travel credits from canceled Wanna Get Away fares or no-shows can be used to book any Southwest flight for any passenger, as long as the original passenger's name is on the credit. You do not have to be the person flying; you can give the credit to a family member or friend and they can use it to book their own trip.
To use a travel credit, log into your Southwest account, search for a flight, and at checkout select "Use Funds on Account" instead of entering a new payment method. The credit will apply to the ticket price. If the new flight costs more than your credit, you pay the difference. If it costs less, the remaining balance stays in your account for future use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I bought a Wanna Get Away ticket?
No, Wanna Get Away fares refund as travel credits only, not as cash. However, the credit never expires and can be used on any Southwest flight under the original passenger's name. You can also transfer it to another person if you provide their name to Southwest.
How long does it take to see a refund in my bank account?
Southwest processes refunds within 7 to 10 business days after you request them. Your bank or credit card company may take additional time to post the funds, so the total time can be 10 to 14 days or longer depending on your financial institution.
What if I cancel my flight but then want to fly Southwest again?
If your fare qualifies for a cash refund, you can use that money to book a new ticket. If you received a travel credit instead, you can use the credit directly in your Southwest account to book any future flight without paying again, as long as the new flight costs the same or less.
Do I lose my money if I miss my Southwest flight?
No. If you do not show up for your flight and do not cancel beforehand, Southwest automatically converts your ticket to a travel credit valid for one year. You can use this credit to book another flight, or transfer it to someone else by providing their name.
Can Southwest refund me if they cancel my flight?
Yes. If Southwest cancels your flight or makes a significant schedule change, you can request a full refund to your original payment method on any fare type, including Wanna Get Away. Southwest will first offer to rebook you on another flight at no charge.