Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy (2026) — Change Fees, Refunds & How to Cancel
Full refund to original payment within 24 hours. However, Southwest's standard policy is already extremely flexible — all fares can be cancelled anytime for credit.
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Yes — free cancellation within 24 hours of booking. Full refund to original payment within 24 hours. However, Southwest's standard policy is already extremely flexible — all fares can be cancelled anytime for credit.
Cancellation Fees
| Fare Class | Fee |
|---|---|
| Basic Economy | N/A |
| Main Cabin | No fee — Wanna Get Away: travel credit. Wanna Get Away Plus: transferable credit |
| Premium | No fee — Anytime: full refund to original payment |
| Business | No fee — Business Select: full refund to original payment |
Change Fees
| Fare Class | Fee |
|---|---|
| Basic Economy | N/A — Southwest has no Basic Economy |
| Main Cabin | No fee ever (fare difference applies or credit issued) |
| Premium | No fee (Business Select: fare difference or refund) |
| Business | No fee — full refund to original payment |
Refund Method
Anytime & Business Select: refund to original payment. Wanna Get Away: travel funds (valid 1 year). Wanna Get Away Plus: transferable travel funds.
Same-Day Change
Free for all fare types. No fee, no fare difference on same-day standby.
No-Show Policy
Ticket value preserved as travel funds. No penalty — just cancel 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 is the most flexible US airline — no change or cancellation fees ever
- Always cancel before departure to preserve your travel funds
- Wanna Get Away Plus credits are transferable to other passengers
- Business Select and Anytime fares get full refunds (not just credit)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Southwest Airlines cancellation policy?
- Southwest Airlines cancellation policy allows free cancellation within 24 hours of booking (must be booked 7+ days before departure for US flights). After 24 hours: Main Cabin — no fee — wanna get away: travel credit. wanna get away plus: transferable credit. Basic Economy — n/a.
- Can I cancel a Southwest Airlines flight for free?
- Yes — Full refund to original payment within 24 hours. However, Southwest's standard policy is already extremely flexible — all fares can be cancelled anytime for credit. No fee — Wanna Get Away: travel credit. Wanna Get Away Plus: transferable credit
- What is Southwest Airlines's change fee?
- Main Cabin: No fee ever (fare difference applies or credit issued). Basic Economy: N/A — Southwest has no Basic Economy.
- How do I get a refund from Southwest Airlines?
- Anytime & Business Select: refund to original payment. Wanna Get Away: travel funds (valid 1 year). Wanna Get Away Plus: transferable travel funds.
- What happens if I no-show on Southwest Airlines?
- Ticket value preserved as travel funds. No penalty — just cancel before departure to retain credit.