Independent summary, reviewed September 2026. WarBird Flight is not affiliated with Southwest Airlines. Fare rules on your ticket govern.
Southwest Airlines Flight Changes and Cancellations: Policy Explained
What it costs to change a Southwest Airlines flight, when you can get a refund, and how to get it done. Call (708) 866-8751 with your confirmation code and a licensed agent will check your fare rules and make the change or cancellation for you.
Changing a Southwest Airlines flight
Southwest does not charge change fees on any fare; you pay the fare difference if the new flight is more expensive.
Higher fare types allow cancellation for a refund or a reusable flight credit; the lowest fare has tighter rules on credit validity. The agent will explain which applies before you book.
Same-day changes and same-day standby are available on most fares, subject to seat availability.
Cancelling a Southwest Airlines flight
Under US Department of Transportation rules, any ticket to, from, or within the United States booked at least seven days before departure can be cancelled for a full refund within 24 hours of purchase.
Refundable fares are returned to the original form of payment. Non-refundable fares become a flight credit when cancelled at least 10 minutes before departure.
If Southwest cancels or significantly changes your flight, you can rebook free or request a refund.
How to change or cancel by phone
- Have your Southwest Airlines confirmation code and the name on the booking ready.
- Call (708) 866-8751. The agent pulls up the booking and reads the fare rules that apply to your ticket.
- For a change, the agent finds new flights and quotes any fare difference or fee before anything is done. For a cancellation, the agent tells you whether you get a refund or a credit, and how much.
- Approve, and the updated itinerary or the cancellation confirmation is emailed to you.
Related help for Southwest Airlines
Licensed agents at our partner agency handle these by phone, 24/7. No charge for a quote.
Guides on changes, cancellations, and disruptions
Airline policiesThe 24-Hour Flight Cancellation Rule, ExplainedHow the US Department of Transportation's 24-hour rule works, which tickets it covers, and how to use it.
Airline policiesSame-Day Flight Changes: How Each Airline Handles ThemSame-day confirmed changes and standby rules on Delta, United, American, Southwest, Alaska, and JetBlue.
Airline policiesYour Flight Was Cancelled: Rights, Refunds, and RebookingWhat airlines owe you when they cancel, how to choose between rebooking and a refund, and how to get moving fastest.
Airline policiesWhen Airlines Owe You a Cash Refund, Not a CreditThe US Department of Transportation's automatic refund rule: which cancellations and schedule changes qualify, how fast the money must come back, and how to ask.
Airline policiesWhen the Airline Changes Your Schedule: Your Rebooking and Refund RightsAirlines move flight times and drop connections weeks before you travel. Which changes you can refuse, when a full refund is owed, and how to get a better rebooking than the one they picked.- Airline policiesFlight Delays: What US Airlines Owe You, and What They Don'tThere is no federal payout for a delay in the US. What you can actually claim — meals, a hotel, a refund — and how the controllable-versus-weather line decides it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I change a Southwest flight?
Call with your confirmation number. There is no change fee on any Southwest fare; only the fare difference applies.
Can I get a refund from Southwest?
Within 24 hours of booking, yes. Afterwards, refundable fares are refunded and non-refundable fares become a flight credit.
What if Southwest cancels my flight?
You can rebook free or request a full refund.
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