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

Southwest Airlines does not refund money to your original payment method when you cancel a flight ticket. Instead, the airline issues a travel credit equal to the full ticket price, valid for one year from the original booking date. You can use this credit to book any Southwest flight within that year, for any passenger — it does not have to be you.

The only exception is if you paid with a credit card and your credit card company has a refund protection policy. In that case, you would contact your card issuer, not Southwest, to request a chargeback. Southwest itself will not process a refund to your card.

If Southwest cancels the flight, oversells it, or makes a significant schedule change, you have the right to either accept a travel credit or request a refund to your original payment method. This is different from a cancellation you initiate yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • Cancelling your own Southwest ticket results in a one-year travel credit, not a cash refund.
  • Travel credits can be used by anyone for any Southwest flight and do not expire within the one-year window.
  • If Southwest cancels the flight or makes a major schedule change, you can request a refund to your original payment method instead of accepting a credit.
  • Travel credits are non-transferable after the original booking, so you cannot sell them or give them to someone else.
  • If you paid with a credit card, your card issuer may offer refund protection separate from Southwest's policy.

When Southwest will refund money instead of issuing a credit

Southwest refunds money to your original payment method only when the airline is responsible for the cancellation or change. This includes flight cancellations due to weather, mechanical issues, crew problems, or operational decisions. It also includes significant schedule changes — typically a change of more than one hour from your original departure time.

When one of these situations occurs, Southwest notifies you and offers two options: accept a travel credit for the full ticket price, or request a refund. You must choose one. The refund goes back to the card or account you used to purchase the ticket, not to a different payment method.

If you booked through a third-party website like Expedia or Kayak rather than directly with Southwest, the refund process may be slower because the third party must process it on your behalf. Contact the website where you booked first, not Southwest directly.

How to request a refund after Southwest cancels or changes your flight

Log into your Southwest account at southwest.com using your confirmation number and last name. Under "Manage Reservations," you will see the cancelled or changed flight. Select the option to modify or cancel, and you will be presented with the choice between a travel credit and a refund. Choose refund, and Southwest will process it to your original payment method.

If you booked by phone or in person, call Southwest at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to request the refund. Have your confirmation number ready. Processing typically takes five to ten business days, though it may take longer depending on your bank.

Keep your confirmation email and any communication from Southwest about the cancellation or change. If the refund does not appear within two weeks, contact Southwest again with these documents.

Travel credits: how they work and what you need to know

A Southwest travel credit is a voucher tied to your name and confirmation number. You can use it to book a new flight on southwest.com, by phone, or at the airport ticket counter. The credit covers the full ticket price but does not include taxes and fees — you pay those separately when you rebook.

Travel credits are valid for one year from the date of your original booking, not from the date you cancel. If your original ticket was for March 15, 2024, your credit expires March 15, 2025, regardless of when you actually cancelled. You can use the credit any time within that window.

You cannot transfer a travel credit to another person, and you cannot sell it. Only the person named on the original booking can use the credit. If you do not use it by the expiration date, Southwest keeps the money.

Refunds for paid baggage fees and seat selections

If you paid extra for a checked bag, seat selection, or other add-on and then cancel your flight, Southwest refunds those fees along with your ticket price. The refund or credit includes the full amount you paid for the ticket plus all add-ons.

If you receive a travel credit instead of a cash refund, the credit amount includes the add-on fees. When you rebook using the credit, you can explore it to a new ticket and new add-ons, or you can use it for just the base fare and keep the difference as a credit balance.

What happens if you miss your Southwest flight

If you miss your flight without cancelling in advance, Southwest does not refund your ticket. Instead, the airline automatically converts your ticket to a travel credit valid for one year. You can use this credit to rebook on a later Southwest flight at no additional cost, as long as the new flight costs the same or less.

If the new flight costs more, you pay the difference. If it costs less, you keep the remaining balance as a credit. This applies whether you missed the flight due to traffic, a late connection, or any other reason — Southwest treats it the same way.

Refunds through your credit card company

Some credit cards offer purchase protection or refund protection that covers airline tickets. If Southwest will not refund your money but your card's terms include this protection, you can contact your card issuer to request a chargeback or refund claim.

This process is separate from Southwest's refund policy. Your card company will investigate whether the charge qualifies under your card's terms. You will need to provide proof that you purchased the ticket and that Southwest did not refund it. This typically takes 30 to 60 days.

Check your credit card's terms and conditions or call the customer service number on the back of your card to learn whether this protection applies to your purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Southwest issues a one-year travel credit instead. You can use the credit to book any Southwest flight for yourself or anyone else, but you cannot convert it to cash. The only way to get cash back is if Southwest cancels the flight or makes a major schedule change, or if your credit card company offers refund protection.

What if I booked through Expedia or another travel website?

Contact the website where you booked first. They handle the refund or credit on your behalf. Southwest will not process a refund directly to you if you did not book through southwest.com or Southwest's phone line. The third-party website may have its own refund policy that differs from Southwest's.

How long does a Southwest refund take?

If Southwest cancels the flight or you request a refund after a major schedule change, the refund typically appears in your account within five to ten business days. Your bank may take an additional few days to post it. If you do not see it within two weeks, contact Southwest with your confirmation number.

Can I give my travel credit to someone else?

No. Travel credits are non-transferable and can only be used by the person named on the original booking. You cannot sell the credit, give it away, or use it for someone else's ticket. If you do not use it within one year, Southwest keeps the money.

What if my flight was delayed instead of cancelled?

A delay alone does not may have access to you to a refund or credit. You only get a refund or credit if Southwest cancels the flight or makes a significant schedule change (typically more than one hour). For delays, you can choose to take the flight as scheduled or cancel and receive a travel credit.