Yes, you can cancel a Southwest flight within 24 hours of booking, but the outcome depends on when you booked and what you do with the credit

Southwest allows you to cancel any flight within 24 hours of the time you made your booking and receive a credit toward future travel at no penalty. This is different from most other airlines, which charge cancellation fees. The 24-hour window starts the moment your booking is confirmed, not when your flight departs.

If you cancel outside that 24-hour window, you do not lose the money — Southwest converts it to a travel credit that never expires. You can use it for any Southwest flight, on any date, for any passenger. The credit stays in your account indefinitely until you use it or your account is inactive for two years.

Key Takeaways

  • Cancellations within 24 hours of booking return a credit with no cancellation fee, unlike most airlines.
  • Cancellations after 24 hours still give you a credit, but you cannot get cash back under Southwest's standard policy.
  • The 24-hour clock starts when you complete your booking, not when your flight is scheduled to leave.
  • Travel credits never expire as long as your account remains active, and you can transfer them to another person.

How the 24-hour cancellation window works

When you book a Southwest flight online, by phone, or through a travel agent, Southwest sends a confirmation email with a timestamp. Your 24-hour cancellation window opens at that moment. If you cancel within 24 hours of that timestamp, you receive a travel credit for the full amount you paid, with no deduction for a cancellation fee.

You can cancel through Southwest's website, the mobile app, or by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA. Online and app cancellations process when ready. Phone cancellations may take a few minutes, but the credit appears in your account the same day. You do not need a reason to cancel — Southwest does not ask why.

The credit is issued to the name and email address on the original booking. If someone else booked the ticket for you, the credit goes to that person's account, and they can transfer it to you or use it for your future flights.

What happens if you cancel after 24 hours

Once the 24-hour window closes, Southwest still does not charge a cancellation fee. Instead, the full amount of your ticket converts to a travel credit automatically. You can use this credit for any Southwest flight, on any date, for any passenger — including yourself on a different flight.

Southwest does not issue refunds to credit cards or bank accounts under its standard policy. The only way to get cash back is if you booked a refundable ticket through a third-party site like Expedia or Kayak, in which case you would need to contact that site, not Southwest directly. Most third-party bookings are non-refundable.

The credit never expires as long as your Southwest account is active. If you do not use it for two years, Southwest may close the account, but you can reactivate it by logging in or making any transaction.

Transferring your credit to someone else

Southwest credits are tied to the name on the original ticket, but you can transfer the credit to another person. The person receiving the credit must provide their name and confirmation number when they book a flight. You do not need to do anything on your end — just give them the confirmation number from your original booking.

The recipient can use the credit for any Southwest flight under their own name. They do not have to be a family member or have any relationship to you. This makes Southwest credits more flexible than most airline credits, which are locked to the original passenger.

Cancelling a flight that was delayed or cancelled by Southwest

If Southwest cancels your flight or delays it significantly, you have different options than a voluntary cancellation. You can rebook on another Southwest flight at no charge, request a credit, or ask for a refund to your original payment method. These rights exist outside the 24-hour window and explore regardless of when you booked.

If Southwest cancels your flight, you have until the end of the day of the scheduled flight to decide what you want to do. If the airline offers a rebooking that works for you, take it when ready — rebooking slots fill quickly on busy routes. If you want a credit or refund instead, contact Southwest by phone or through the website and explain that the airline cancelled the flight.

Using your travel credit before it expires

You can check your credit balance by logging into your Southwest account online or in the app. The balance appears under "Funds in Your Account" or "Travel Funds." When you book a new flight, Southwest automatically applies any available credit to the purchase price.

If your credit is larger than the flight you want to book, the remaining balance stays in your account for future use. If your credit is smaller than the flight price, you pay the difference with a credit card or other payment method. You can split a credit across multiple bookings if you want.

What to do if you need to cancel but missed the 24-hour window

If you booked more than 24 hours ago and need to cancel, you still have options. You can cancel and receive a travel credit that works on any Southwest flight. You can also contact Southwest to see if you may have access to for a refund under specific circumstances — for example, if you have a medical emergency or a death in the family. Southwest does not may provide a refund in these cases, but the airline reviews requests on a case-by-case basis.

Call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA and explain your situation. Have your confirmation number ready. If Southwest approves a refund, it typically takes 7 to 10 business days to appear in your account. Most refund requests are denied, so a travel credit is the more likely outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 24-hour cancellation window explore to basic economy fares?

Yes. Southwest does not have a basic economy fare, and all Southwest tickets come with the same 24-hour cancellation window and no change fees. This is one of the main differences between Southwest and other airlines.

Can I cancel a flight booked through a travel website like Expedia?

You can cancel through Southwest directly using your confirmation number, and you will receive a Southwest travel credit. However, if you want a refund to your credit card, you must contact the travel website where you booked, not Southwest. Most third-party bookings are non-refundable, so a travel credit is likely your only option.

What if I booked a flight for someone else and they want to cancel?

The credit goes to the name and email address on the booking. If you booked it, the credit is in your account. You can transfer it to the other person by giving them your confirmation number, or you can use it to book a flight for them later.

Do I lose my credit if I don't use it within a certain time?

No, as long as your Southwest account stays active. Credits expire only if your account is inactive for two years. You can keep a credit indefinitely by logging into your account or making any transaction at least once every two years.

Can I get cash back instead of a travel credit?

Not under Southwest's standard policy. All cancellations result in a travel credit. The only exception is if you booked through a third-party site that offers refunds, in which case you contact that site directly — but most third-party Southwest bookings are non-refundable.