Southwest's refund timeline depends on your payment method and whether you're getting cash back or a travel credit
Southwest typically processes refunds within 20 business days if you paid by credit or debit card. If you paid by check, money order, or gift card, the timeline stretches to 30 business days. Travel credits (which Southwest calls "LUV Vouchers") appear in your account much faster—usually within 24 hours of your cancellation or refund request.
The clock starts when Southwest receives and approves your refund request, not when you submit it. If you request a refund through Southwest's website or app, approval usually happens within 1 to 2 business days. If you call or email, it may take longer depending on how busy their customer service team is.
One important detail: Southwest's 20 or 30 business days is their target, not a may provide. Delays happen, especially during peak travel seasons or after widespread flight disruptions. If your refund hasn't arrived after 35 business days, contact Southwest directly with your confirmation number.
Key Takeaways
- Credit and debit card refunds take up to 20 business days after Southwest approves your request.
- Check, money order, and gift card refunds take up to 30 business days after approval.
- Travel credits appear in your account within 24 hours and don't require a separate refund process.
- The refund clock starts when Southwest approves your request, which usually happens within 1 to 2 business days of submission.
- If your refund doesn't arrive within 35 business days, contact Southwest customer service with your confirmation number.
How to request a refund from Southwest
Log into your Southwest account on their website or mobile app and go to "Manage Reservations." Find your cancelled flight, select it, and look for the refund option. You'll see choices: get a refund to your original payment method, receive a travel credit, or donate the value to charity. Choose the refund option and confirm.
If you booked through a travel agent or third-party website, you cannot request a refund directly from Southwest. Contact whoever sold you the ticket instead. They handle the refund request with Southwest on your behalf, which adds extra time to the process.
You can also call Southwest at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to request a refund by phone. Have your confirmation number ready. Phone requests work, but they add 1 to 3 business days to the approval timeline because a representative has to manually process it.
Why your refund might take longer than 20 days
Your bank or credit card company may hold the refund for an additional 3 to 5 business days after Southwest sends it. This is outside Southwest's control. If Southwest processes your refund on day 15 but your bank takes 5 days to post it, you won't see the money until day 20. Check your bank's refund policy if you're waiting longer than expected.
Refunds for flights paid with a gift card or prepaid card sometimes take longer because Southwest has to verify the card is still active. If the card has been closed or replaced, Southwest may need to contact you for an alternative payment method before they can process the refund.
During major disruptions—like widespread weather events or system outages—Southwest's refund queue backs up significantly. In these situations, refunds may take 30 to 40 business days even for credit card payments. Southwest will not expedite refunds during these periods.
Checking the status of your refund
Log into your Southwest account and go to "Manage Reservations" to see if your refund request is still pending or has been processed. The system shows "Refund Pending" while Southwest is reviewing it, and "Refund Processed" once it's been approved and sent to your bank or payment method.
If your status shows "Refund Processed" but the money hasn't hit your account, wait 5 to 7 more business days. Your bank is holding it. If it still hasn't arrived after 7 business days, contact your bank's customer service—the delay is on their end, not Southwest's.
Southwest does not send email notifications when a refund is processed. You have to check your account manually or call customer service to confirm the status.
Travel credits versus cash refunds
Southwest offers two paths: a cash refund to your original payment method, or a travel credit (LUV Voucher) good for any Southwest flight for one year from the original booking date. Travel credits process when ready—within 24 hours—while cash refunds take 20 to 30 days.
If you need the money right away, a travel credit is faster. If you don't plan to fly Southwest again soon, request the cash refund instead. You cannot convert a travel credit back to cash once it's issued, so choose carefully.
Travel credits are non-transferable and expire one year from your original booking date. If you don't use the credit by that date, Southwest keeps the money. Mark your calendar if you choose this option.
What to do if your refund is missing or delayed
If 35 business days have passed since Southwest approved your refund and the money hasn't arrived, gather your confirmation number, original booking details, and the date you requested the refund. Call Southwest at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA and explain the situation. Have them confirm the refund was processed and sent to your bank.
If Southwest confirms they sent the refund but your bank says they never received it, ask Southwest for the transaction reference number. Give this number to your bank's customer service team. They can trace the refund and push it through if it got stuck in their system.
Keep records of every communication with Southwest—confirmation numbers, dates, and names of representatives you spoke with. If the refund issue escalates, these details help resolve it faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose my refund if I don't request it within a certain time?
No. You can request a refund from Southwest for up to one year after your original booking date. There is no important date to ask for your money back, though waiting longer makes it harder to track down your original booking details.
Can Southwest refund me faster if I pay a fee?
No. Southwest does not offer expedited refunds for any price. All refunds follow the same 20 to 30 business day timeline regardless of how you request them.
What if I paid with a gift card I no longer have?
Tell Southwest when you request the refund. They will ask for an alternative payment method—a credit card, debit card, or mailing address for a check. Provide this information and your refund will go there instead.
Does the refund go back to the same card I used to book?
Yes, unless that card has been closed or replaced. If your card is no longer active, Southwest will contact you for a different payment method. If you don't respond, the refund may be held or returned to Southwest's account.
Can I get a refund if I booked a non-refundable fare?
Southwest does not sell non-refundable fares. All Southwest tickets are refundable, though you may receive a travel credit instead of cash if you cancel voluntarily. If Southwest cancels your flight, you get a cash refund or travel credit at your choice.