Southwest will rebook you on the next available flight at no charge, or refund your ticket price in full

When Southwest cancels your flight, you have two when ready options: the airline will automatically place you on the next Southwest flight to your destination at no extra cost, or you can request a refund of your ticket price. You do not have to choose right away—Southwest will hold your reservation while you decide. The airline contacts you by email and phone (using the number on your booking) to inform you of the cancellation and your options.

Southwest does not charge change fees or require you to book a specific flight. If the next available Southwest flight is days away and you need to reach your destination sooner, you can book with another airline and request reimbursement from Southwest for the difference in price, though the airline will only reimburse up to the original ticket price. Keep your receipt from the other airline to submit with your claim.

Key Takeaways

  • Southwest will automatically rebook you on the next available flight to your destination at no charge when your flight is cancelled.
  • You can request a full refund of your ticket price instead of rebooking, and Southwest will process it within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you book with another airline to reach your destination faster, Southwest will reimburse the difference up to your original ticket price if you submit a claim with your receipt.
  • Southwest contacts you by email and phone using the number on your reservation, so check both when ready after a cancellation notice.
  • You are not may have access to to compensation for meals, hotels, or ground transportation under U.S. law when an airline cancels a flight, though Southwest may offer a travel credit in some situations.

How Southwest notifies you and what to do first

Southwest sends cancellation notices through multiple channels: email to the address on your booking, a text message to your phone number, and a phone call. Check your email spam folder when ready, as cancellation notices sometimes land there. The notification includes your confirmation number, the cancelled flight details, and a link to manage your booking on Southwest's website.

Log into Southwest.com using your confirmation number and last name. You will see two options: rebook on another Southwest flight or request a refund. If you choose to rebook, Southwest shows you all available flights to your destination for the next several days, sorted by departure time. You can select any flight without paying a change fee. If you choose a refund, Southwest processes it to your original payment method within 7 to 10 business days.

If you booked through a travel agent or third-party site like Expedia or Kayak, contact that vendor first—they may handle the rebooking or refund on your behalf. If they do not respond quickly, you can also manage your booking directly on Southwest.com using your confirmation number.

Rebooking on another Southwest flight

When you rebook, Southwest shows you flights in order of departure time. The airline does not require you to take the first available option—you can choose any flight that works for your schedule, even if it departs days later. If no Southwest flights serve your route that day, the airline will book you on the next available flight, which may be the following day or later.

If you are rebooked on a flight that departs at a significantly different time than your original flight, you may be may have access to to a refund instead if that does not work for you. Contact Southwest customer service to discuss your options. The airline sometimes offers a travel credit (a voucher good for future flights) in addition to rebooking, though this is not may provide and depends on the reason for the cancellation and Southwest's discretion.

Requesting a refund instead of rebooking

You can request a refund of your full ticket price by selecting the refund option on Southwest.com or by calling Southwest customer service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). The refund goes back to your original payment method—the card you used to buy the ticket, or your Southwest account if you paid with a gift card or travel credit.

Refunds typically process within 7 to 10 business days, though your bank or credit card company may take an additional 1 to 3 business days to post the credit to your account. If you paid with a debit card, the timeline can be longer. You will receive a confirmation email once Southwest initiates the refund, which includes a reference number you can use to track it.

Booking with another airline and getting reimbursed

If Southwest's next available flight is too far in the future and you need to reach your destination sooner, you can book with another airline (United, American, Delta, or any other carrier) and request reimbursement from Southwest. Southwest will reimburse you up to the price of your original ticket. If the new ticket costs more, you pay the difference yourself. If it costs less, you keep the savings.

To request reimbursement, submit a claim to Southwest through their website or by mail. You will need your original Southwest confirmation number, the receipt from the other airline, and proof of payment. Southwest processes these claims within 6 to 8 weeks. Keep copies of all receipts and documentation until the claim is resolved.

Book the other airline ticket only after you have confirmed that Southwest cannot get you to your destination in a reasonable timeframe. If you book another airline before exploring Southwest's rebooking options, the airline may deny your reimbursement claim.

What Southwest does not cover

U.S. law does not require airlines to pay for meals, hotel rooms, ground transportation, or other expenses when they cancel a flight. Southwest is not obligated to provide these either. However, Southwest sometimes offers a travel credit (a voucher for a future flight) as a goodwill gesture, particularly if the cancellation strands you overnight or affects a large number of passengers. This is at the airline's discretion and is not may provide.

If you incur expenses while waiting for a rebooking—such as a hotel room because your flight was cancelled the night before—you can submit a claim to Southwest with receipts, but the airline will likely deny it unless the cancellation was caused by Southwest's own error (such as a maintenance issue the airline knew about and did not disclose). Weather-related cancellations, air traffic control delays, and other circumstances beyond the airline's control are not reimbursable under federal law.

When a cancellation is due to weather or other circumstances

Southwest is not required to pay compensation or cover expenses when a cancellation is caused by weather, air traffic control decisions, or other circumstances outside the airline's control. The airline will still rebook you or refund your ticket, but you will not receive additional money for the inconvenience.

If Southwest cancels your flight due to a mechanical issue, crew scheduling problem, or other reason within the airline's control, you still will not receive compensation under U.S. law—the airline's only obligation is to rebook or refund you. However, if you believe Southwest's cancellation was due to negligence or a violation of its own policies, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation, which may investigate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to accept the first available flight Southwest offers me?

No. Southwest will show you all available flights to your destination for several days. You can choose any flight that works for your schedule. If no Southwest flights work for you, you can request a refund instead.

What if I already paid for a hotel or rental car for my original flight date?

Southwest does not reimburse these expenses under federal law. Contact your hotel and rental car company directly to see if they will waive cancellation fees or allow you to reschedule. Some companies offer free cancellation if you cancel within a certain timeframe.

Can I get a refund if Southwest offers me a flight that departs much later than my original?

Yes. If the rebooking significantly changes your travel plans, contact Southwest customer service to request a refund instead. The airline may also offer a travel credit in addition to rebooking, though this is not may provide.

How long does a Southwest refund take?

Southwest processes refunds within 7 to 10 business days to your original payment method. Your bank or credit card company may take an additional 1 to 3 business days to post the credit. Debit card refunds can take longer.

What if Southwest cancels my flight twice?

If Southwest cancels your rebooked flight, you have the same options again: rebook on another flight or request a refund. Contact Southwest when ready after the second cancellation. If multiple cancellations strand you overnight, ask Southwest customer service about a travel credit or other information.