What is Southwest Airlines cancellation policy after 24 hours?

Once the 24-hour window expires, fees apply by fare class. Main Cabin: Choice / Choice Preferred / Choice Extra: no fee — transferable flight credit (Rapid Rewards members only, one transfer), valid 12 months from booking. Basic Economy: Basic: no fee — non-transferable flight credit, valid 6 months from booking.

What is Southwest Airlines's change fee?

Main Cabin: Choice: no fee — fare difference applies or credit issued. Basic Economy: Basic: no fee — fare difference applies or credit issued.

Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy (2026)

Full refund to original payment within 24 hours of booking.

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Page updated: August 2026

24-Hour Rule

Yes — free cancellation within 24 hours of booking. Full refund to original payment within 24 hours of booking.

Cancellation Fees

Fare Class	Fee
Basic Economy	Basic: no fee — non-transferable flight credit, valid 6 months from booking
Main Cabin	Choice / Choice Preferred / Choice Extra: no fee — transferable flight credit (Rapid Rewards members only, one transfer), valid 12 months from booking
Premium	N/A
Business	N/A

Change Fees

Fare Class	Fee
Basic Economy	Basic: no fee — fare difference applies or credit issued
Main Cabin	Choice: no fee — fare difference applies or credit issued
Premium	Choice Preferred / Choice Extra: no fee — fare difference applies or refund
Business	N/A — Southwest does not have a separate business cabin

Refund Method

All fares: flight credit issued upon cancellation. Basic credits are non-transferable (6-month expiry). Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra credits are transferable to Rapid Rewards members (12-month expiry). Cancel at least 10 minutes before departure.

Same-Day Change

Free for all fare types. No fee, no fare difference on same-day standby.

No-Show Policy

Ticket value preserved as flight credit. Cancel at least 10 minutes before departure to retain credit.

If Southwest Airlines Cancels Your Flight

When an airline cancels or significantly changes your flight, U.S. Department of Transportation regulations require the airline to provide a full refund to the original form of payment — including ticket price, taxes, fees, and any paid extras — regardless of fare type.

Under DOT rules, a "significant change" includes: arrival delayed 3+ hours (domestic) or 6+ hours (international), a change in departure or arrival airport, additional connections, or an involuntary downgrade to a lower class of service.

The refund must be issued automatically within 7 business days for credit card purchases or 20 calendar days for other payment methods. Airlines may offer travel credits or vouchers as an alternative, but must inform you of your right to a cash refund. You are not required to accept a voucher.

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Aviation Consumer Protection — Refunds (transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/refunds, last updated November 7, 2025).

How to Cancel

Online at southwest.com → My Account → Manage Reservations → Cancel
Southwest app → My Trips → Cancel
Call 800-435-9792 (24/7)
At Southwest ticket counter

Tips

Southwest charges no change or cancellation fees on any fare
Cancel at least 10 minutes before departure to preserve your flight credit
Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra credits are transferable to Rapid Rewards members
Basic fare credits are non-transferable and expire 6 months from booking

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Southwest Airlines cancellation policy?: Southwest Airlines offers free cancellation within 24 hours of booking, plus fare-class-based fees after that window closes. Refund method: All fares: flight credit issued upon cancellation. Basic credits are non-transferable (6-month expiry). Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra credits are transferable to Rapid Rewards members (12-month expiry). Cancel at least 10 minutes before departure.
Can I cancel a Southwest Airlines flight for free?: Yes — Full refund to original payment within 24 hours of booking.
What is Southwest Airlines cancellation policy after 24 hours?: Once the 24-hour window expires, fees apply by fare class. Main Cabin: Choice / Choice Preferred / Choice Extra: no fee — transferable flight credit (Rapid Rewards members only, one transfer), valid 12 months from booking. Basic Economy: Basic: no fee — non-transferable flight credit, valid 6 months from booking.
What is Southwest Airlines's change fee?: Main Cabin: Choice: no fee — fare difference applies or credit issued. Basic Economy: Basic: no fee — fare difference applies or credit issued.
How do I get a refund from Southwest Airlines?: All fares: flight credit issued upon cancellation. Basic credits are non-transferable (6-month expiry). Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra credits are transferable to Rapid Rewards members (12-month expiry). Cancel at least 10 minutes before departure.
What happens if I no-show on Southwest Airlines?: Ticket value preserved as flight credit. Cancel at least 10 minutes before departure to retain credit.