Southwest tickets are refundable, but the rules depend on when you bought them and what type of ticket you hold
Southwest Airlines does not charge change or cancellation fees, which sets it apart from most other major carriers. If you cancel a flight, you receive a credit toward future travel on Southwest rather than a refund to your original payment method. The credit never expires — you can use it whenever you want. However, if you paid with a credit card, debit card, or other payment method, you cannot get cash back; the credit stays in Southwest's system under your name.
The one exception is if you purchased a refundable ticket directly through Southwest's website or phone line. These tickets are rare and cost more than standard fares. With a refundable ticket, you can cancel and receive money back to your original payment method instead of a travel credit. Most people who book Southwest get the standard non-refundable ticket, which means cancellation results in a credit only.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Southwest tickets convert to a travel credit when cancelled, not a cash refund, and that credit never expires.
- Refundable tickets exist but cost significantly more and must be purchased directly from Southwest to may have access to for cash refunds.
- You can cancel or change your flight online, by phone, or at the airport without paying a fee.
- If Southwest cancels your flight, you receive a refund to your original payment method or a credit, depending on the circumstances.
- Travel credits transfer to another person if you provide Southwest with their name and confirmation number before the original passenger flies.
How to cancel or change your Southwest flight
Log into your Southwest account on their website using your confirmation number and last name. Select the flight you want to change or cancel. You can modify your flight to a different date or time at no cost, or cancel entirely. If you cancel, Southwest immediately issues a travel credit to the email address on file. The credit appears in your account within minutes.
You can also call Southwest's reservations line at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to make changes or cancel. Phone agents can process the same cancellations and changes as the website. If you are at the airport, go to a Southwest ticket counter and they can cancel your flight there, though the credit will still be issued to your account rather than paid in cash.
Once you cancel, Southwest sends you an email with your new travel credit amount and a confirmation number. You use that credit by booking a new flight under the same name. The credit applies automatically at checkout — you do not need to enter a code or voucher number.
The difference between standard and refundable tickets
Southwest sells two types of tickets: Wanna Get Away (the standard fare) and Wanna Get Away Plus (the refundable option). Wanna Get Away Plus costs roughly 20 to 40 percent more than the standard fare for the same flight. When you cancel a Wanna Get Away Plus ticket, Southwest refunds the full price to your original payment method as cash, not a credit.
To purchase a Wanna Get Away Plus ticket, you must book directly through Southwest's website or phone line. Third-party travel websites like Kayak, Expedia, or Google Flights do not sell the refundable version. If you booked through a third party and want to cancel for a cash refund, you will need to contact that website's customer service, not Southwest directly, because the third party holds the booking.
Most Southwest passengers buy Wanna Get Away because it is cheaper. The trade-off is that cancellation gives you a credit, not cash. If you think you might need to cancel and want your money back, the refundable ticket is worth the extra cost upfront.
What happens if Southwest cancels your flight
If Southwest cancels your flight due to weather, mechanical issues, or other reasons, you have three options. First, you can rebook on another Southwest flight to the same destination at no cost. Second, you can request a refund to your original payment method — this applies to all ticket types, including standard Wanna Get Away fares. Third, you can accept a travel credit for the full ticket price.
Southwest does not automatically refund you; you must request it. Contact Southwest within 30 days of the cancellation by phone, online, or at the airport. Have your confirmation number ready. If you do not request a refund within 30 days, Southwest converts your booking to a travel credit that you can use later.
If Southwest cancels your flight and you choose the refund option, the money goes back to the payment method you used to buy the ticket. If you paid with a credit card, it returns to that card. If you paid with a debit card, it returns to that account. Refunds typically process within 7 to 10 business days, though some banks take longer to post the money to your account.
Using or transferring your travel credit
A Southwest travel credit is tied to the name of the person who originally booked the ticket. You can use it to book a new flight under that same name anytime — there is no expiration date. You do not need to use the credit within a certain timeframe, and you can split it across multiple bookings.
You can transfer your travel credit to another person, but only before the original passenger flies. Go to your Southwest account, select the booking you want to transfer, and enter the new passenger's name and date of birth. Southwest will send a confirmation email to the new passenger with their confirmation number. That person can then use the credit to book a flight under their own name.
If the original passenger has already flown, the credit cannot be transferred. It remains in the original passenger's account and only they can use it. There is no way to convert an unused credit back to cash after the original flight date has passed.
Refunds for third-party bookings
If you booked your Southwest flight through a travel website like Expedia, Kayak, or Costco Travel, you must contact that website to cancel or request a refund — not Southwest directly. The third-party site holds the booking and processes the cancellation. Southwest's refund policy still applies, but the third party may add its own rules or delays.
Some third-party sites charge their own cancellation fees on top of the airline's policy, even though Southwest itself does not. Read the terms on the website where you booked before you purchase. If you want to avoid third-party fees and have full control over your booking, book directly through Southwest's website or phone line.
If you booked through a third party and the airline cancels your flight, contact the third-party site first. They will handle the rebooking or refund request on your behalf. If the third party is slow to respond, you can also contact Southwest directly with your confirmation number, and they can tell you what options are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cash refund if I cancel a standard Southwest ticket?
No. Standard Wanna Get Away tickets convert to a travel credit when you cancel. The credit never expires and you can use it for any future Southwest flight under the same name, but you cannot get cash back. Only Wanna Get Away Plus (refundable) tickets return cash to your original payment method.
What if I cancel my flight but never use the travel credit?
The credit stays in your Southwest account indefinitely. There is no expiration date. You can use it months or years later for any flight. If you pass away, the credit may be transferred to a family member, but you should contact Southwest directly to arrange this.
Do I lose my credit if I change my flight instead of cancelling?
No. Changing your flight to a different date or time does not result in any credit or refund. You simply pay the difference if the new flight costs more, or keep the difference as a credit if the new flight costs less. There is no fee for making the change.
How long does it take to get a refund after Southwest cancels my flight?
If you request a cash refund after Southwest cancels, the money typically returns to your original payment method within 7 to 10 business days. Some banks take additional time to post the refund to your account. If you choose a travel credit instead, it appears in your account within minutes.
Can I use someone else's Southwest travel credit?
Only if they transfer it to you before their original flight date. Once the original passenger has flown, the credit is locked to their name and cannot be transferred. You must contact Southwest before the flight to request a transfer, and they will issue a new confirmation number under your name.