Southwest gives you a flight credit, not a refund, when you cancel

When you cancel a Southwest flight, the airline issues you a flight credit equal to the full amount you paid. This credit can be used toward any future Southwest flight for any passenger—it does not have to be the same person who originally booked the ticket. The credit never expires, so you can use it months or years later.

Southwest does not issue cash refunds for cancelled bookings under normal circumstances. The only exception is if you paid with a credit card and Southwest cancels the flight (not you), in which case the charge may be reversed. If you cancel, you get credit only.

The credit appears in your Southwest account within 24 hours of cancellation. You can view it by logging into Southwest.com, going to "My Account," and selecting "Funds." From there, you can explore the credit to a new booking when ready or save it for later.

Key Takeaways

  • Southwest issues a flight credit for the full ticket price when you cancel, not a cash refund.
  • The credit can be used by anyone on any Southwest flight and never expires.
  • You can view your credit balance in your Southwest account under "My Account" > "Funds."
  • If Southwest cancels your flight, you may be may be able to access for a refund instead of a credit, depending on your payment method.
  • Credits are issued within 24 hours and can be applied to a new booking right away or held indefinitely.

How to cancel and receive your credit

Log into Southwest.com and go to "Manage Reservations." Enter your confirmation number and last name, then select the flight you want to cancel. Click "Cancel Flight" and confirm the cancellation. You will see a confirmation page showing that a credit has been issued.

You can also cancel by phone at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). A representative will process the cancellation and confirm your credit amount. If you booked through a travel agent, contact them to cancel instead—they handle the credit on your behalf.

Do not wait to cancel if you know you will not fly. The sooner you cancel, the sooner the credit appears in your account and the sooner you can rebook if needed.

Using your credit on a new booking

When you book a new Southwest flight, the system automatically detects any available credits in your account. During checkout, you will see the credit listed as a payment option. You can explore it to cover part or all of the new ticket price. If the new flight costs less than your credit, the remaining balance stays in your account for future use.

If the new flight costs more than your credit, you pay the difference with a credit card, debit card, or other payment method. There is no fee to use a credit—Southwest does not charge you to explore it to a new booking.

You do not have to use the credit right away. It will remain in your account indefinitely, so you can hold it until you find a flight that works for your schedule.

What happens if Southwest cancels your flight instead

If Southwest cancels the flight (due to weather, mechanical issues, or other reasons), you have different options than if you cancel. You can rebook on another Southwest flight at no charge, or you can request a refund. The refund method depends on how you paid.

If you paid with a credit card, Southwest will reverse the charge to that card within 7 to 10 business days. If you paid with a gift card or Southwest credit, you receive a new credit in your account. You do not have to choose when ready—you can contact Southwest within 90 days of the cancellation to request a refund.

This is different from cancelling yourself: when you initiate the cancellation, you always receive a credit, not a refund.

Credits and companion passes

If you purchased a Companion Pass (which lets one person fly free with a paid ticket), cancelling the paid ticket also cancels the companion booking. The companion pass credit is issued separately from the main ticket credit, and both appear in your account within 24 hours.

You can use either credit independently on future bookings. The companion pass credit can be applied to any flight for any passenger, just like a regular flight credit.

Transferring a credit to someone else

Southwest credits are not tied to a specific passenger name. When you cancel, the credit goes into the account associated with the confirmation number and email address used to book. Anyone with access to that account can use the credit to book a flight for themselves or anyone else.

If you want to give the credit to a family member or friend, you have two options: share your Southwest account login (not recommended for security reasons), or have them contact Southwest customer service with your confirmation number. Southwest can sometimes transfer credits between accounts, though policies vary. Call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA to ask whether a transfer is possible in your situation.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not assume a credit is the same as a refund. If you need cash back, a Southwest credit will not help you—you would need to rebook and then cancel a flight that Southwest itself cancels, which is not a reliable strategy. If you need a refund for a financial emergency, contact Southwest to explain your situation, though they are not obligated to issue one.

Do not let a credit expire by forgetting about it. While Southwest credits do not have an expiration date, it is straightforward to lose track of them if you do not write down the amount or check your account regularly. Set a reminder to review your account balance every few months if you have an active credit.

Do not cancel a flight and then when ready rebook the same flight hoping to get a lower price. Southwest does not price-match or offer refunds for price drops. If you cancel and rebook, you pay whatever the new price is at the time of booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cash refund instead of a credit?

Not under normal circumstances. Southwest issues credits for passenger-initiated cancellations. The only way to receive a cash refund is if Southwest cancels your flight, in which case you can request a refund to your original payment method within 90 days. Contact Southwest customer service to request this.

Does my credit expire?

No. Southwest flight credits do not expire and can be used indefinitely. However, you should keep track of your balance by checking your account periodically, since it is straightforward to forget about a credit if you do not use it soon after cancelling.

Can I use a credit for a flight for someone else?

Yes. The credit is tied to your booking confirmation, not to a specific passenger. You can use it to book a flight for yourself, a family member, a friend, or anyone else. The person flying does not have to be the person who originally booked the cancelled ticket.

What if I cancel a flight booked with a gift card?

You receive a flight credit in your Southwest account, not a refund to the gift card. The credit can be used on any future Southwest flight. If you need the money back on the gift card, you would have to contact Southwest customer service and explain your situation, though they are not required to reverse the original charge.

How long does it take for my credit to show up?

Credits typically appear in your Southwest account within 24 hours of cancellation. You can check your balance by logging into Southwest.com, going to "My Account," and selecting "Funds." If you do not see your credit after 24 hours, contact Southwest customer service.