Southwest does not offer refunds for most ticket purchases, but you get a travel credit instead

Southwest Airlines does not refund cash for tickets you buy directly from them. When you cancel a Southwest flight or do not use your ticket, the airline converts your payment into a travel credit that you can use toward any future Southwest flight. The credit stays valid for one year from the original ticket purchase date. You cannot transfer the credit to another person, and you cannot convert it back to cash.

The one exception is if you purchased your ticket through a third-party site like Expedia, Kayak, or a travel agent. In that case, the refund policy belongs to whoever sold you the ticket, not to Southwest. You would contact the third-party seller, not Southwest, to request a refund.

Key Takeaways

  • Southwest converts cancelled tickets into travel credits valid for one year, not cash refunds.
  • You can use a travel credit on any Southwest flight for any passenger, but only you (the original ticket holder) can book it.
  • If you bought through Expedia, Kayak, or another third-party site, contact that seller about refunds, not Southwest.
  • Travel credits do not expire if you do not use them within a year — Southwest changed this policy in 2021 — but the airline can change the policy again.

How to request a travel credit after cancelling a flight

You can cancel a Southwest flight and receive a travel credit through the Southwest website, the Southwest mobile app, or by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). On the website or app, log into your account, find the reservation, and select the option to cancel. The system will when ready issue a travel credit to the email address on your account. You do not have to request it separately.

If you cancel by phone, the agent will process the cancellation and confirm the travel credit amount. Keep the confirmation number and the email receipt. The credit appears in your Southwest account under "Funds" and shows the expiration date. You can view it anytime by logging in.

What happens if Southwest cancels your flight

If Southwest cancels the flight, you have three options: rebook on another Southwest flight at no charge, request a travel credit, or ask for a refund to your original payment method. This is the only situation where Southwest will refund cash to a credit card, debit card, or bank account. You have 30 days from the cancellation date to request the refund.

To request a refund after Southwest cancels, contact Southwest customer service by phone at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA or through the website. Have your confirmation number ready. The refund takes 7 to 10 business days to appear in your account, though some banks take longer to post it.

Using your travel credit on a future flight

A Southwest travel credit is not a voucher or code — it is stored in your Southwest account and tied to the name on your original ticket. When you book a new flight, log into the same account and select the option to use your available funds. The credit applies automatically at checkout. You can split the credit across multiple bookings if you want.

Only the person whose name is on the original ticket can use the credit to book. However, once you book a flight with the credit, you can change the passenger name on that new flight one time at no charge. This means you can use your credit to book a flight for someone else, as long as you make the name change before departure.

Travel credits and flight delays

A flight delay does not automatically give you a refund or travel credit. You are may have access to to the flight you paid for, even if it arrives hours late. If the delay causes you to miss a connection or if you choose not to fly after a long delay, you can cancel the flight and receive a travel credit. The delay itself does not trigger a refund from Southwest.

If a delay is caused by Southwest's own operations (not weather or air traffic control), you may be able to request compensation under Department of Transportation rules, but that is separate from a refund. Southwest does not offer automatic compensation for delays, and you would need to file a claim with the airline or pursue it through small claims court.

Third-party ticket sellers and refund policies

If you bought your Southwest ticket through Expedia, Kayak, Costco Travel, or another reseller, your refund rights depend on that seller's policy, not Southwest's. Some third-party sellers offer refunds; others issue travel credits or non-refundable fares. Check your confirmation email from the seller to see which policy applies to your ticket.

To request a refund from a third-party seller, contact the seller directly, not Southwest. Southwest can see that the ticket exists but cannot process refunds for tickets sold through other companies. The seller may require you to cancel through their website or call their customer service line.

What changed with Southwest's travel credit policy

In 2021, Southwest removed the expiration date from travel credits. Before that, credits expired one year after purchase. Now, a credit remains valid indefinitely unless Southwest changes the policy again. The airline has stated that it does not plan to add expiration dates back, but policies can change. If you have an old travel credit, it is still good to use.

Southwest also allows you to transfer a travel credit to another person by changing the name on the original ticket before you book a new flight. This is different from most airlines, which tie credits to the original passenger. You can only make one name change per credit, so choose carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cash refund if I cancel a Southwest flight?

No. Southwest issues a travel credit instead. The only way to get cash back is if Southwest cancels the flight. Then you have 30 days to request a refund to your original payment method.

What if I bought my ticket on a credit card and want to dispute the charge?

You can contact your credit card company and dispute the charge, but Southwest will likely point out that you received a travel credit, which has value. The credit card company may side with the airline. It is usually faster to use the travel credit on a future flight.

Can I give my Southwest travel credit to someone else?

Yes, but only by changing the passenger name on the original ticket before you book a new flight. You can change the name once. After that, the new person's name is locked in and they can use the credit. You cannot transfer a credit to multiple people.

Do travel credits expire?

Not currently. Southwest removed expiration dates in 2021, so credits now remain valid indefinitely. However, the airline can change this policy at any time, so do not assume a credit will last forever.

What if the airline goes out of business?

Travel credits are not protected by federal law if an airline fails. You would be an unsecured creditor in bankruptcy proceedings. This is a real risk with any airline, though major carriers like Southwest are less likely to fail than smaller ones.