What is Southwest Airlines cancellation policy?

Southwest Airlines cancellation policy allows free cancellation within 24 hours of booking. Full refund to original payment within 24 hours of booking.. After 24 hours: 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.

Can I cancel a Southwest Airlines flight for free?

Yes — Full refund to original payment within 24 hours of booking. Choice / Choice Preferred / Choice Extra: no fee — transferable flight credit (Rapid Rewards members only, one transfer), valid 12 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.

Have a question about Southwest Airlines cancellation policy?

Talk to an Expert

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.

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 cancellation policy allows free cancellation within 24 hours of booking. Full refund to original payment within 24 hours of booking.. After 24 hours: 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.
Can I cancel a Southwest Airlines flight for free?: Yes — Full refund to original payment within 24 hours of booking. Choice / Choice Preferred / Choice Extra: no fee — transferable flight credit (Rapid Rewards members only, one transfer), valid 12 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.