Yes, you can cancel a Southwest flight after checking in, but the outcome depends on how far into the process you are
If you have checked in online or at a kiosk but have not yet boarded the plane, Southwest will let you cancel and convert your ticket to a travel credit. The credit stays valid for one year from your original booking date and can be used for any future Southwest flight. You do not lose money — you straightforward shift it to a later trip.
If you have already boarded the aircraft, cancellation is no longer an option. Once the cabin door closes, you are committed to the flight. If you need to get off after boarding, you would have to deplane, which requires crew approval and may result in you being marked as a no-show for that flight and any connections.
The key difference is when you cancel relative to boarding. The earlier you cancel after checking in, the simpler the process and the fewer complications you face.
Key Takeaways
- You can cancel after checking in online or at a kiosk as long as you have not boarded the aircraft.
- Cancellation converts your ticket to a travel credit valid for one year from your original booking date, not from the cancellation date.
- To cancel after checking in, contact Southwest directly by phone, at the airport ticket counter, or through the website — do not straightforward skip the flight.
- If you board and then try to leave, you will likely be marked as a no-show, which can affect any connecting flights on the same itinerary.
- Southwest does not charge a cancellation fee, but you cannot get a cash refund — only a credit toward future travel.
How to cancel after checking in online or at a kiosk
If you checked in through the Southwest website, mobile app, or airport kiosk and now need to cancel before boarding, your fastest option is to call Southwest directly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). Have your confirmation number ready. A representative can cancel your reservation and issue the travel credit to the same account or email you used to book.
You can also walk to the Southwest ticket counter at the airport and ask an agent to cancel. This works well if you are already there and want to handle it in person. The agent will process the cancellation on the spot and confirm your travel credit in the system.
Do not straightforward leave the airport or skip boarding without canceling. If you are marked as a no-show, Southwest will still hold your ticket as used, and you will not receive a credit. Always cancel through an official channel first.
What happens to your ticket when you cancel
Southwest converts your ticket into a travel credit that you can use to book any Southwest flight in the future. The credit is tied to the name on the original ticket and cannot be transferred to another person, even a family member. You must use it yourself or not at all.
The credit is valid for one year from your original booking date, not from the date you cancel. For example, if you booked a flight for March 15, 2024, and cancel it in April 2024, your credit expires on March 15, 2025. This matters if you are canceling close to your original travel date — you may have less time to rebook than you think.
When you rebook using the credit, you pay only the difference if the new flight costs more. If the new flight costs less, Southwest does not refund the difference — the unused portion of the credit straightforward expires when the year is up.
Canceling after boarding: what you need to know
Once you have boarded the aircraft and the cabin door has closed, you cannot cancel your ticket. If you change your mind after boarding, you would need to ask a flight attendant to deplane you, which requires crew approval. This is rarely granted unless there is a genuine emergency or medical issue.
If you do deplane after boarding, you will be marked as a no-show for that flight. This means your ticket is forfeited and you receive no credit. If you have a connecting flight booked on the same itinerary, that connection will also be canceled, and you will not receive a credit for it either.
The only exception is if Southwest cancels the flight or significantly delays it before departure. In those cases, you can rebook on a different flight or request a travel credit even after boarding has begun.
Canceling a connecting flight in a multi-leg trip
If you are booked on multiple Southwest flights in one itinerary — for example, a flight from Denver to Dallas and then Dallas to Los Angeles — canceling the first leg affects the second. If you cancel the Denver-to-Dallas flight after checking in, your Dallas-to-Los Angeles flight is also canceled unless you contact Southwest to keep it active.
Call Southwest before you cancel the first flight and ask them to separate the itinerary. This way, you can cancel the first leg and keep the second one intact. If you do not do this and straightforward cancel the first flight, you will need to rebook the second flight separately, which may cost more or have fewer available seats.
If you have already canceled the first flight and want to keep the second, call Southwest when ready and explain the situation. They can sometimes reactivate the second flight if there is time before departure.
Common mistakes to avoid when canceling after check-in
The biggest mistake is not canceling at all and straightforward not showing up. This forfeits your ticket with no credit. Always go through an official cancellation process, even if you are in a hurry.
Another common error is waiting until the last minute to cancel. If you cancel very close to departure time, you may not reach a representative in time, or the system may not process the cancellation before the flight departs. Cancel as soon as you know you will not be flying.
Do not assume that canceling online through the website will work the same way as canceling a booking you have not checked in for yet. Once you have checked in, you need to contact Southwest directly — phone or in-person at the counter — to cancel and receive your credit.
What to do if you need to change your flight instead of canceling
If you want to fly on a different Southwest flight instead of canceling entirely, you can rebook directly through the website or app after checking in. Search for a different flight on the same day or a future date, and Southwest will explore your original ticket to the new flight. If the new flight costs more, you pay the difference. If it costs less, the difference stays as a credit.
This is faster than canceling and rebooking separately, because you do not have to wait for a representative. You can change your flight yourself in real time through the Southwest website or mobile app, as long as you have not boarded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a Southwest flight after checking in if I am sick?
Yes. Illness does not change the cancellation policy. You can cancel after checking in and receive a travel credit. If you are too ill to call, ask a family member or friend to contact Southwest on your behalf with your confirmation number. You will need to provide your name and booking details.
Do I lose money if I cancel after checking in?
No. You receive a travel credit equal to the full amount you paid. You cannot get cash back, but the credit is valid for one year and works toward any future Southwest flight. There is no cancellation fee.
What if I cancel after checking in but before boarding, and then want to rebook on the same flight?
You can rebook on the same flight using your travel credit if seats are still available. Go to the Southwest website, search for the same flight, and explore your credit. If the flight is full, you will need to choose a different flight or date.
Can someone else use my travel credit if I cancel?
No. The travel credit is tied to the name on your original ticket and can only be used by you. It cannot be transferred to a family member, friend, or anyone else, even if you paid for their ticket.
What happens to my seat if I cancel after checking in?
Your seat is released back into the available pool and can be assigned to another passenger. This happens when ready when you cancel, so other travelers may board in your place. This does not affect your travel credit — you still have the full amount to use later.