Southwest's cancellation policy lets you cancel any flight up to 10 minutes before departure without paying a cancellation fee

Southwest does not charge a cancellation fee when you cancel a flight. Instead of a refund, you receive a travel credit good for one year from your original booking date. You can use that credit to book any Southwest flight, and the credit never expires as long as you use it within that year window.

This is different from most other airlines. United, American, and Delta charge $75 to $200 to cancel a domestic flight. Southwest's approach means you are not locked into your original flight—you can change your mind without losing the money you paid.

The catch is that you do not get cash back. If you paid $150 for a flight and cancel it, you get a $150 credit to use on Southwest, not a $150 refund to your credit card or bank account.

Key Takeaways

  • Southwest charges no fee to cancel a flight at any point before 10 minutes before departure.
  • Cancellation results in a travel credit equal to your ticket price, valid for one year from the original booking date.
  • The travel credit can be used for any Southwest flight and applies to the person named on the original ticket.
  • If you do not use the credit within one year, you lose it—Southwest does not convert unused credits to cash.
  • Refunds in cash are available only if Southwest cancels the flight or significantly changes the departure time.

How the travel credit works

When you cancel a Southwest flight, the airline issues a travel credit in the name of the passenger on the ticket. You log into your Southwest account, find the credit under "Funds," and explore it when you book your next flight. The credit covers the base fare only—it does not include taxes and fees, which you pay separately on the new booking.

The credit is tied to the person whose name is on the original ticket. You cannot transfer it to someone else or use it as a gift. If you booked a flight for your spouse and then cancel it, your spouse is the only one who can use that credit.

You have one year from the date you made the original booking to use the credit. If you book a flight on January 15, 2024, and cancel it, you must use the credit by January 15, 2025. After that date, Southwest keeps the money.

When Southwest will give you a cash refund instead

Southwest refunds your money to your original payment method only in two situations: Southwest cancels the flight, or Southwest changes the departure time by more than one hour.

If your flight is cancelled due to weather, mechanical issues, or crew problems, you can either rebook on another Southwest flight at no cost or request a refund. If Southwest moves your departure time forward or backward by more than 60 minutes, you have the same choice.

In both cases, you must request the refund within 30 days of the cancellation or schedule change. Contact Southwest customer service by phone, through the website, or at the airport. Have your confirmation number ready.

Changing your flight without cancelling

You do not have to cancel to move to a different flight. Southwest lets you change your flight for free as long as you do it before 10 minutes before departure. Log into your account, select "Manage Reservations," choose your flight, and click "Change Flight." Pick a new date and time, and if the new flight costs less, you get a travel credit for the difference. If it costs more, you pay the difference.

This is faster than cancelling and rebooking separately, and it keeps everything in one transaction. You keep your original confirmation number, and your boarding position may carry over depending on when you change.

What happens if you miss your flight

If you do not show up for your flight and do not cancel beforehand, Southwest treats it as a no-show. You do not lose your money—you still get a travel credit for the full ticket price. However, you cannot use that credit on the same day or the next day. The credit becomes available 24 hours after your original flight departure time.

This rule exists to prevent people from booking multiple flights and choosing at the last minute. If you know you will miss a flight, cancel it before departure so you can use the credit when ready.

Travel credits and companion passes

If you purchased a Companion Pass with your original ticket, the pass is tied to that booking. If you cancel the flight and rebook on a different date, the Companion Pass moves with you to the new flight at no extra cost. You do not need to do anything—Southwest automatically transfers it.

If you cancel and never rebook, you lose the Companion Pass. It is not refunded separately and cannot be used on a different booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a Southwest flight the day before and get my money back?

No. Cancelling any time before 10 minutes before departure gives you a travel credit, not a refund. You can use that credit on any Southwest flight within one year, but you do not receive cash back unless Southwest cancelled the original flight.

What if I cancel and never use the credit?

The credit expires one year after your original booking date. After that, Southwest keeps the money. There is no way to recover it or convert it to cash. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar if you think you might forget.

Can someone else use my travel credit?

No. The credit is locked to the name on the original ticket. Only that person can use it. You cannot give it to a family member or friend, even if you paid for their ticket.

Do I lose my boarding position if I change my flight?

It depends on when you change. If you change more than 24 hours before your new flight, you get a new boarding position based on when you made the change. If you change within 24 hours, your original boarding position usually carries over.

What if Southwest changes my flight time by 30 minutes?

A 30-minute change does not may have access to for a refund. Southwest only refunds cash if the change is more than one hour. For changes under one hour, you can cancel and get a travel credit, or keep the flight as scheduled.