Southwest doesn't charge change or cancellation fees, which makes refunds simpler than most airlines. The key question is your fare type: some fares refund to your original payment, while others convert to flight credit you can use later.
Which fares refund as cash
Business Select and Anytime fares are refundable to your original form of payment if you cancel in time. You can also choose to keep the value as transferable flight credit instead.
Because there is no cancellation fee, you keep the full value either way — the only difference is cash back versus credit for a future trip.
Wanna Get Away credits
Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares are not refunded as cash. When you cancel, the value becomes flight credit. Wanna Get Away Plus credit is transferable to another traveler; standard Wanna Get Away credit generally is not.
Southwest flight credits from recent bookings typically no longer expire, but always confirm the terms shown in your account so you don't lose value.
How to cancel and request it
Sign in at southwest.com or the app, open 'My Trips,' select the flight and choose 'Cancel Flight.' You'll be offered a refund (for eligible fares) or flight credit. Cancel at least 10 minutes before departure to keep the value.
If you booked as part of a vacation package or through an agency, cancel through that channel. If you're unsure what you're entitled to, call us and we'll check the fare rules with you.
Deadlines and no-shows
The critical deadline is 10 minutes before scheduled departure. Cancel before then and you keep the value; miss it as a no-show and you can forfeit the funds, especially on Wanna Get Away fares.
If your plans are uncertain, cancel early — you can always rebook — rather than risk a no-show.
Frequently asked questions
Does Southwest charge a cancellation fee?
No. Southwest does not charge change or cancellation fees on any fare.
Which Southwest fares refund to cash?
Business Select and Anytime fares can be refunded to your original payment; Wanna Get Away fares convert to flight credit.
Do Southwest flight credits expire?
Credits from recent bookings generally no longer expire, but confirm the terms in your account.
What happens if I no-show?
Missing the flight without cancelling at least 10 minutes before departure can forfeit the value, particularly on Wanna Get Away fares.
Related planning resources
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