Southwest Airlines’ refund policy might seem complicated at first, but once you read through the details, it’s actually pretty simple to understand. This guide will help you navigate Southwest refund policy, from the number of days in advance you must cancel your ticket to how much money you’ll receive as a refund and whether that amount includes fees. We’ll also cover how to get your money back in certain situations (e.g., rebooking after weather delays) and how long it will take before you see your money in your bank account or credit card statement.
Southwest Airlines: What is the refund policy?
If you'd like to find out Southwest Airlines refund policy, check out their frequently asked questions page for details. From there, you can see a full list of refundable and non-refundable fare types. The link is below in reference number one. If a full refund isn't available, they may offer partial refunds or credits towards future travel. Again, refer to reference number one below for specific information on refund rules and regulations. Be sure to check back periodically because policies do change from time to time based on market conditions and other factors outside of Southwest's control.
Southwest Airlines: What are your options if a flight gets cancelled?
In short, you can rebook or get a refund. Under Southwest's Contract of Carriage, you may be eligible for a refund in these situations: The flight was cancelled by Southwest Airlines; Southwest canceled flight more than one leg of your trip (i.e., if you booked through Dallas to Boston, but only made it as far as Chicago); The new flight schedule is inconvenient due to travel delays or you must overnight; Weather conditions delay a flight scheduled with two legs into an unplanned overnight stay; There are circumstances beyond your control that prevent you from reaching your destination on time (e.g., terrorist attack, war/civil unrest).
Southwest Airlines: What is an involuntary refund?
Some of you have had good experiences with a company, but due to extenuating circumstances beyond your control (like a Hurricane) you're unable to receive your service. Others have had awful experiences and are asking for their money back as compensation. Southwest considers both of these situations as involuntary refunds, which must meet different conditions than voluntary refunds outlined below. If you want to know more about getting a refund from Southwest Airline flight specifically, check out their Customer Bill of Rights; section 4 covers involuntary refunds in detail. If you do happen to submit an involuntary refund request, it should be treated similarly to how nonrefundable tickets are handled by other airlines -- however, as mentioned above, it varies from airline to airline.
Southwest Airlines: How can you get a refund on an upgrade fee?
Whether you have used your ticket yet or not, if you paid an upgrade fee, you may be able to obtain a refund. If not, ask why. You may then be able to apply that money towards another flight on Southwest. Be aware that you can only do so once per flight segment. And remember: An upgrade is just as non-refundable as a regular ticket. If you have purchased an upgrade and still need it but need a refund on a purchased ticket instead of paying another fare for it in addition to your upgrade, call Southwest Airlines customer service phone number to see what options are available for getting your money back without purchasing an additional ticket first.
Southwest Airlines: How long do you have to cancel a reservation before it's nonrefundable?
Southwest airlines state you must cancel your reservation before 24 hours of making it. After 24 hours you will not get a refund unless it's a medical emergency or you were contacted by Southwest at least 2 days before your flight and had no way to contact them. The same goes for rebooking SW Airlines flight - if you change your mind with less than 3 days left, prior to departure time, there is no penalty for canceling or changing reservations. If you have more than 3 days left prior to departure, then cancel within one hour of making your southwest flights reservations online or via telephone and receive a $75 credit per ticket issued towards future travel on Southwest Airlines. You will be charged $100 per ticket otherwise.
How long before departure do I need to check in online?
You need to check in online at least one hour before your scheduled departure, and if you have a Wanna Get Away fare, you must check in online at least 90 minutes before departure. This includes Southwest international flights as well. These rules apply to all airlines departing from gate-checked baggage. This can be done on a computer or mobile device such as an iPhone or Android phone. After you check in, go straight to security to get your boarding pass and go directly to your gate for boarding (to print a copy of your itinerary or receipt). If you miss either step, there’s no way for Southwest Airlines staff members (or anyone else) to help!
What does it mean to check in online?
With Southwest Airlines, you can check in southwest flight online 24 hours before your flight. When checking in online, you’ll have to enter all of your personal information, including a credit card number, even if you’re not checking any bags or purchasing any extra services for your flight. This means that you need to be absolutely sure about your plans before checking in online with Southwest Airlines – once it's done, it's done! You can only pay for your ticket with cash at most airport kiosks and ticket counters.
Are there ways around paying change fees if I am flexible with my travel dates, destination or destination airport and/or if it is close enough to departure time that Southwest might be able to find me a seat on another flight that better suits my schedule?
Yes, according to Southwest's FAQ page about Change Fees and Flight-Cancellation Fees. You can view some of those details below, but note that there may be more granular policies on when you'll get a refund vs. having to purchase another ticket (based on what flight you were supposed to be on) -- read more at Southwest's page. Also, as with many other airlines, there are additional fees and restrictions if you're canceling within seven days of your scheduled departure time. We include that info in our post below with highlights from Southwest travel policy so check it out for more details. - Original Post Title: Get Your Money Back - Southwest Airlines Frequently Asked Questions About Refunds /Change Fees/Flight Cancellations + Tips on How to Make It Work for You. Southwest Airlines is unique among its competitors because it has no change or cancellation fee. Are there ways around paying change fees if I am flexible with my travel dates, destination or destination airport and/or if it is close enough to departure time that Southwest might be able to find me a seat on another flight that better suits my schedule?: Yes, according to Southwest's FAQ page about Change Fees and Flight-Cancellation Fees. You can view some of those details below, but note that there may be more granular policies on when you'll get a refund vs.
Does frequent flyer status influence my cancellation and change fees?
Also takes Southwest Airlines’ frequent flyer status into account when you're charged fees. So, depending on how much you fly with Southwest in a year, your annual Frequent Flyer points can offset some of those fees. If you have no balance on your Rapid Rewards card and have accumulated points to offset fees, they'll do so automatically. The catch is that it's up to Southwest staff members' discretion as to whether they'll allow those points to count towards a fee reduction; therefore, keep a couple hundred points in your Rapid Rewards account at all times just in case.
When can I apply miles from multiple reservations toward one trip?
If you have previously used your Rapid Rewards points for two or more tickets on one reservation, and are wondering when you can redeem them on a single ticket, it's easy. The number of points needed to earn a free reward trip depends on where and when you fly. Additionally, if you are a Southwest frequent flyer, an online subscription is all that’s required for getting more points as per your use. It gives additional opportunities for earning miles quickly. As far as earning extra points is concerned, frequent flyers just need to stay in touch with their airlines by subscribing to any newsletters or email alerts coming from them. This helps in being eligible for attractive rewards which could be redeemed by using miles earned over time through continuous flying with Southwest airlines.
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