Southwest Airlines allows you to cancel a booking within 24 hours of purchase—without penalty—only if the reservation was made at least seven days before scheduled departure. To do this, simply visit Southwest.com or use their mobile app, log in to “Manage Reservations,” and select the option to cancel. You can also call their 24/7 customer service line at 1‑877‑827‑8493. During that call, request that your cancellation fall within the 24‑hour risk‑free window. According to Southwest’s official policy, “We allow you to cancel your unchanged reservation(s) without penalty within 24 hours of the initial booking for a full refund if the reservation is made one week or more prior to a flight’s departure” (southwest.com). That refund will be returned to your original method of payment.

This policy applies to all fare types—whether it’s Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select—so even deeply discounted tickets can be fully refunded if canceled promptly (nerdwallet.com). Nonrefundable tickets, like Wanna Get Away, will still receive a reimbursement as travel credits if canceled after the 24‑hour window, but refunds are guaranteed only within the first day. According to NerdWallet, “Even for nonrefundable reservations, if you cancel within 24 hours of booking, you can receive a refund back to the original form of payment or convert the airfare into Southwest travel funds” (nerdwallet.com).

To ensure your cancellation is processed correctly, do not modify the reservation before cancelling—any change can void the 24‑hour protection. One Reddit user shared that modifying before canceling “converts the fare into flight credit but doesn’t reset the 24 hours,” so it’s best to cancel directly (reddit.com). Once canceled, refunds typically appear within 7–14 business days for credit cards, and up to 20 days for debit or other payment types.

If you're calling 1‑877‑827‑8493, press "0" or say “representative” if needed to bypass the automated menu. Make sure to mention you’re requesting a 24‑hour cancellation and have your confirmation number and traveler name ready. If calling from outside the U.S., you may use international Southwest helplines—available 24/7—found on their website.

While the 24‑hour window provides a no‑cost refund, cancellations made after this period result in travel credits stored in your Rapid Rewards account. These credits never expire and can be used toward future travel, though fare differences may apply.

In conclusion, yes—you can cancel a Southwest flight within 24 hours and receive a full refund as long as you cancel within that window and the flight is more than a week away. Use their website, app, or call 1‑877‑827‑8493 promptly to ensure compliance with the policy.