Southwest Airlines Refund Policy 2026: Complete Guide to Travel Funds, Fee-Free Changes & Cash Refunds
Updated: January 9, 2026 | Verified by Former Southwest Employee
?? Table of Contents
The 30-Second Summary
Southwest is the most flexible major airline. No change fees ever. But here's the catch: Wanna Get Away fares only get Travel Funds (not cash). If you want a cash refund, you need Anytime or Business Select. Travel Funds expire in 12 months!
Need help? Call 1-844-656-7300 � we can help convert Travel Funds to usable credits.
1. No Change Fees (Ever!)
Southwest is unique: zero change fees, zero cancellation fees, forever. This policy has never changed since they started.
? What This Means:
- Change your flight unlimited times for free
- Cancel anytime before departure
- No fare difference if new flight is cheaper (get Travel Funds back)
- Pay fare difference only if new flight is more expensive
2. Southwest Fare Types: Which One Should You Book?
| Feature | Wanna Get Away | Wanna Get Away Plus | Anytime | Business Select |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $$$ | $$$$ | $$$$$ | $$$$$$ |
| Cash Refund? | ? Travel Funds | ? Travel Funds | ? Yes | ? Yes |
| Transferable Funds? | ? No | ? Yes | ? Yes | ? Yes |
| Same-Day Standby | ? | ? | ? | ? |
| Boarding Position | C Group | B/C Group | A/B Group | A1-15 |
3. Travel Funds Explained
Travel Funds Expiration Warning
Travel Funds expire 12 months from the original purchase date - NOT the cancellation date. Many travelers lose hundreds because they don't realize this.
Travel Funds Rules:
- Must use funds for travel by the expiration date
- Cannot combine with other payments except Rapid Rewards points
- Wanna Get Away funds are non-transferable
- Rapid Rewards members can convert expiring funds to points (LUV Vouchers)
4. How to Get a Cash Refund from Southwest
? Cash Refund Eligible:
- Business Select fare
- Anytime fare
- Flight cancelled by Southwest
- Significant delay (typically 3+ hours)
- Death or serious illness (with documentation)
? Travel Funds Only:
- Wanna Get Away fare (voluntary cancel)
- Wanna Get Away Plus (voluntary cancel)
- Changed your mind
5. Rapid Rewards Points Refunds
Southwest Rapid Rewards is one of the best programs for cancellations:
- Points: Instantly redeposited to your account - no fee
- Taxes (cash portion): Refunded to original payment
- No redeposit fee: Unlike most airlines
- Points never expire: As long as you have account activity every 24 months
6. The No-Show Trap (Critical!)
The Most Common Southwest Mistake
If you don't cancel before departure, Southwest considers you a "no-show" and your Travel Funds become completely unusable. They're not refunded, not transferable - just gone.
Always cancel if you can't make it! Even 5 minutes before departure is better than no-show.
7. Companion Pass & Related Refunds
The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most valuable travel perks. Here's how it works with cancellations:
Companion Pass Cancellation Rules:
- Companion ticket cancelled: Only $5.60 taxes refunded (no points cost)
- Primary ticket cancelled: Companion ticket automatically cancelled
- Southwest cancels flight: Both tickets eligible for rebooking or refund
- Companion Pass never expires mid-year: Valid through December 31 of earning year + next year
Pro Tip: If you're close to earning Companion Pass (110,000 qualifying points), consider booking refundable Business Select fares. The points still count toward your goal, and you can adjust plans if needed.
8. Southwest Bags Fly Free Policy
Southwest's "Bags Fly Free" is one of their biggest advantages:
- First 2 checked bags: FREE (up to 50 lbs each)
- Carry-on + personal item: FREE
- Overweight bags (50-100 lbs): $75 each
- Third+ checked bags: $75 each
When Flight is Cancelled:
- No bag fees to refund: First 2 bags are always free anyway
- Overweight/extra bag fees: Refunded if Southwest cancels flight
- Delayed bags: Southwest reimburses essential purchases (submit receipts)
- Lost bags: Up to $3,800 liability per passenger (domestic)
9. Your Legal Rights vs. Southwest Airlines
Under DOT regulations, you have specific rights that Southwest cannot override:
? Your Guaranteed Rights:
- 24-hour full refund: Cancel any ticket within 24 hours if booked 7+ days out
- Cash refund when Southwest cancels: Never have to accept Travel Funds for airline cancellations
- Refund timeline: Must receive refund within 7 business days (credit card)
- Tarmac delay protections: Must deplane after 3 hours on domestic flights
- Denied boarding compensation: $775-$1,550 for involuntary bumping
The December 2022 Meltdown Lesson
During Southwest's holiday 2022 meltdown (16,700+ cancelled flights), passengers learned the importance of knowing their rights. If you're affected by mass cancellations:
- You're entitled to cash refund (not just Travel Funds)
- Reasonable expense reimbursement for hotels, meals, transportation
- Keep ALL receipts
- File DOT complaint at airconsumer.dot.gov if denied
7. Step-by-Step: How to Cancel Your Southwest Flight
Method 1: Southwest.com or App
- Log into southwest.com or the Southwest app
- Go to "My Trips"
- Select "Cancel Flight"
- Choose whether to get Travel Funds or Refund (if eligible)
Method 2: Phone
- Provide confirmation number
- Request cancellation and refund type
Need Help with Southwest Travel Funds?
We can help you use or convert expiring Travel Funds before they're lost.
Call Expert Agent: 1-844-656-730024/7 Support � Zero Wait Time � Southwest Experts
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Does Southwest charge change fees?
No! Southwest is the only major US airline with no change fees ever. You can change any flight any number of times for free. You only pay the fare difference if the new flight costs more.
Do Southwest Travel Funds expire?
Yes. Travel Funds expire 12 months from the original purchase date - not the cancellation date.
Can I get a cash refund from Southwest?
Only Business Select and Anytime fares are refundable to cash. Wanna Get Away fares become Travel Funds. Exceptions: Southwest cancels your flight, or medical emergency with documentation.
What is Southwest Wanna Get Away Plus?
Wanna Get Away Plus is a mid-tier fare that adds same-day standby, transferable Travel Funds, and EarlyBird check-in for a small premium over basic Wanna Get Away. Great if you think plans might change.
Can I transfer Southwest Travel Funds?
Only Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares have transferable Travel Funds. Regular Wanna Get Away funds can only be used by the original passenger.
Does Southwest have a 24-hour cancellation policy?
Yes, but it's less important since Southwest has no change fees anyway. All fares are always changeable/cancellable for free.
How do I get Southwest Rapid Rewards refunded?
Rapid Rewards points are redeposited immediately upon cancellation - no fee. Taxes paid with cash are also refunded. Points never expire with activity.
What happens if I miss my Southwest flight?
Southwest has a strict no-show policy. If you don't cancel before departure, your Travel Funds become unusable. Always cancel if you can't make it!
Does Southwest fly internationally?
Yes. Southwest flies to Mexico, Central America (Belize, Costa Rica), and the Caribbean (Aruba, Jamaica, etc.). Same flexible policies apply.
How do I talk to a real person at Southwest?
Skip the automated menus.