Travel plans change, flexibility is key. Southwest knows this which is why they have one of the most passenger friendly cancellation policies in the industry: the Southwest 24-hour Cancellation. This policy gives you a sigh of relief knowing you have a window to adjust your travel plans without getting hit with fees.
This post will go into the details of the Southwest 24-hour Cancellation, everything you need to know about refunds, changes and how to get the most out of this benefit.
Understanding the 24-Hour Window
The Southwest 24-hour Cancellation allows you to cancel your flight anytime within 24-hours of booking. This 24-hour window starts when your reservation is confirmed, not when your flight departs.
What Gets Refunded?
The beauty of Southwest Airlines' 24-hour Cancellation Policy lies in its versatility. Whether you opt for the more basic "Wanna Get Away" or the flexible "Anytime fare”, your choice doesn't matter. Either way, you're eligible for a complete refund of your ticket cost. Change of plans? Cancel the rebooked flight within a 24-hour window and you're good. The entire fare swings back to your wallet.
Refund Options: Cash Back or Travel Credit
There are two alternatives for keeping yourself updated with the news. Southwest Airlines reimburses you in two ways when it comes to receiving your refund:
Original Payment Method: You can request a 100% refund, which will be credited back to the original payment method (the one used to book the flight in the first place). This is ideal if you no longer require the flight and prefer the cash back in your account.
Flight Credit: For those who anticipate needing to travel in the future, you can choose to convert your canceled flight's value into a flight credit. This credit can be used towards a future Southwest Airlines flight purchase.
Making the Cancellation
Need to cancel your flight? It's easy at Southwest Airlines as there is a 24-hour Cancellation policy. There are two different ways to easily deal with it:
Online: Go to the website of Southwest Airlines and click on "Manage My Reservations". You will find your reservation and click on the "Cancel" option. Pick from the options of having your original payment amount refunded or obtaining a flight credit with a few clicks of the mouse.
Mobile App: Southwest Airlines' mobile app is obtainable (both iOS and Android) to be downloaded and to be logged in. Go to your account and have the reservation details shown, then press "Cancel Flight". Just like the website, you can choose your preferred way of refund.
Important Considerations
Even though the Southwest Airlines' 24-hour Cancellation flexibilities are quite significant, here, you have some of the major facts to keep in mind:
Time Zone: The period of 24 hours is determined from the time of your reservation and not from the time you board the plane. Additionally, ensure you factor in time zone differences if booking across different regions.
Changes vs. Cancellations: The 24-hour window strictly relates to cancellation. The 24-hour limit does not usually cover changes though. So, you can change your flight ticket within 24 hours using its original booking only without a fee, depending on the fare type. However, any fare difference between your original and new flight may apply.
Beyond 24 Hours: If you miss the 24-hour window, Southwest's standard cancellation policy applies. This typically involves a cancellation fee and the remaining value of your ticket converted into a flight credit
Maximizing the 24-Hour Cancellation
Below are the tips on how you can take advantage of Southwest Airlines' 24-Hour Cancellation Policy:
Book early for the popular routes: If you're flexible with your travel dates, consider booking your flight as soon as you have a general time frame in mind. This gives you the full 24-hour window to adjust plans if needed.
Check Prices before You Finish Booking: Use the 24-hour window to your advantage. Book your flight initially, and then continue to monitor prices for the next 24 hours. If you find a better deal elsewhere, you can simply cancel your Southwest Airlines reservation and rebook with the cheaper option.
Guarantees for Last-Minute Decisions: The 24-hour Cancellation allows you to be spontaneous! Book a flight on a whim, knowing you have a buffer zone to re-evaluate your plans without penalty.
In Conclusion
Southwest Airlines' 24-hour cancellation policy is a good alternative for travelers who seek options and want to be sure about their travel on the airline. Once you define the rules, make sound decisions in terms of refunds, and gain the benefits of the airline, you can make sure your travel booking process with Southwest is a stress-free one. Therefore, next time you plan a trip, think about Southwest Airlines if you want better flying.
