Do I get a refund if Southwest cancels my flight?

If you decide not to travel as a result of a Southwest-initiated cancellation, you can choose to either a) receive a method-of-payment refund or b) hold the value of the ticket as a flight credit that you can use to buy a future flight. Learn more about refunds and flight credits. Still have questions?



Yes, according to Southwest Airlines' policy and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, you are entitled to a full refund to your original form of payment if the airline cancels your flight and you choose not to be rebooked. This applies even if you purchased a "non-refundable" ticket like a Wanna Get Away fare. If Southwest cancels your flight, they will typically offer to rebook you on the next available flight for free, but you are not obligated to accept it. If you decide not to travel, you must proactively request the refund through their website or customer service line. In 2026, under updated DOT rules, these refunds must be processed within seven business days for credit card purchases. If you choose to take a Transferable Flight Credit instead of a cash refund, that credit will never expire, which is a unique perk of Southwest. However, always remember that if the cancellation is due to something within the airline's control (like a mechanical issue), you might also be eligible for vouchers for meals or hotels during your delay.

People Also Ask

Some airline policies can be challenging to keep track of, but the federal rules that govern refunds are — relatively — straightforward. You are owed a refund for any unused portion of your ticket: If your flight is canceled, significantly delayed, or has its schedule significantly changed. No matter the reason why.

MORE DETAILS

' If you're short on time, here's a quick answer to your question: Yes, in many cases, especially during significant delays or cancellations not due to extraordinary circumstances, airlines may cover the cost of hotel accommodations for passengers.

MORE DETAILS

Covered reasons for Trip Cancellation
  • Medical reasons (unforeseen ailment, injury or death in the family)
  • Inclement weather or natural disasters (tropical storms, hurricanes, etc.)
  • Terrorist attack (in or around where you're planning to visit)
  • Financial default (of a carrier)
  • Involuntary layoff or termination.


MORE DETAILS

Can I get a full refund if I cancel my flight 48 hours before departure? Customers can get a full ticket refund if they cancel a ticket 48 hours (2 days) before the departure time. First, they must log into their account on the service provider's online platform. Then, they need to cancel their flight booking.

MORE DETAILS

How do I accept or refuse a schedule change? Usually, you don't have to do anything when you agree to the schedule change. Just present yourself at the airport after checking-in. If you want a different flight or a refund, however, you must contact the airline.

MORE DETAILS

If I cancel my reservation within 24 hours of booking, can I get a refund? Yes, you can choose either to a) receive a method-of-payment refund or b) hold the value of the ticket as a flight credit or Transferable Flight CreditTM (depending on the fare) to buy a future flight.

MORE DETAILS

It's possible thanks to the 24-hour flight cancellation rule. The Department of Transportation's 24-hour refund regulation states that all airlines flying in the U.S., even international carriers, must issue a full refund if the reservation is canceled within a one-day window of booking.

MORE DETAILS

If you purchased a round-trip flight and need to change the first leg to a different day, your best bet will likely be to pay the change fee and book a new flight. If you only need to change the return portion of a round trip, however, it may be cheaper to book a new one-way flight than to pay the cancellation fee.

MORE DETAILS

Every major U.S. airline (except Southwest Airlines) typically charges penalty fees to change or cancel an economy fare flight. The fees, however, can vary from as low as $75 on a domestic flight to more than $400 on an international flight.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, you can make changes to your flight up until 10 minutes before scheduled departure time, even if you've already checked in. If you're changing to a flight within 24 hours, be sure to check in for your new flight after you make the change.

MORE DETAILS

The 24 Hour Cancellation Rule
Many airlines offer a 24-hour cooling-off period as a customer service policy, allowing you to cancel your flight, incurring no fees if you change your mind or otherwise need to cancel within 24 hours of booking. This policy typically applies to both refundable and non-refundable tickets.

MORE DETAILS

How Do I Know My Flight Is Refundable?
  1. Check if the refundable filter is applied on the flight page.
  2. Low fare denote non-refundable tickets and high fare denote refundable tickets.
  3. Contact customer care of the airlines at 1-802-341-3403.
  4. Ask for details from the travel agent who is booking your flight ticket.


MORE DETAILS

Comprehensive travel insurance typically covers canceled flights that delay your trip for at least 3–12 hours. If your flight is delayed more than 12 hours, you may even qualify for trip cancellation coverage, depending on your plan.

MORE DETAILS

All major airlines — except for Frontier — will cover a hotel stay and transportation to the hotel in the event of an overnight cancellation. Six of 10 will rebook on another airline at no extra cost. Just two airlines offer credits or travel vouchers if a cancellation causes a wait of at least three hours.

MORE DETAILS

Cancelling flights can incur a fee. A cancellation fee charged is sometimes charged by the airline, depending on the terms and conditions of your ticket. If you purchase a fully-refundable flight ticket, this fee may not apply. You might be wondering why you would pay money to cancel a flight that you're not flying on.

MORE DETAILS

The 24-hour rule Although federal regulations specify that these tickets must be purchased at least seven days in advance to be eligible for a refund, some airlines will allow you to cancel within 24 hours even if your travel dates are closer.

MORE DETAILS