Southwest Airlines is known for its customer-centric approach, and part of that commitment is their transparent and accommodating refund policy. Understanding how this policy works can save you time and stress if you ever need to change or cancel your flight. Let’s dive into the details.
What Does Southwest Refund Policy Cover?
Southwest Refund Policy stand out by providing flexibility and leniency, especially when it comes to cancellations or changes made by passengers. Here’s a breakdown of what their policy typically covers:
Refunds for Cancelled Flights: If Southwest cancels your flight, you’re entitled to a full refund to your original form of payment.
Refunds for Early Bird Fees: If you cancel your flight, Early Bird fees are generally refundable.
Refundable Fares: Refundable fares are eligible for a full refund to the original form of payment if canceled before the departure time.
Non-refundable Fares: Even with non-refundable fares, Southwest allows you to convert the ticket price into travel funds for future use if you cancel before the departure time.
How to Cancel and Get a Refund?
Southwest Airlines makes the process of canceling a flight and obtaining a refund fairly straightforward. Follow these steps:
Visit the Southwest Website: Log in to your Southwest Airlines account.
Go to “Manage Reservations”: Locate your upcoming flight and select “Cancel Reservation.”
Choose Refund Option: If you have a refundable fare or cancel before the departure time for a non-refundable fare, opt for a refund to the original payment method or select travel funds.
Confirmation: Once canceled, you’ll receive a confirmation email, including details about your refund or travel funds.
Understanding Travel Funds
Southwest Airlines offers Travel Funds as an alternative to refunds for non-refundable fares. These funds are essentially credits that can be used toward future flights. Some key points about Travel Funds:
Transferable: Travel Funds can be used by anyone. They aren’t limited to the person named on the original ticket.
Expiration: Typically, Travel Funds expire one year from the original booking date.
Booking with Travel Funds: When booking with Travel Funds, ensure the new flight’s cost doesn’t exceed the total Travel Funds available.
