Southwest Airlines offers a generous 24-hour cancellation policy, allowing you to cancel a reservation without penalty, provided two conditions are met:
You booked directly through Southwest’s official website or app, or by calling 1‑877‑827‑8493.
Your flight is scheduled to depart at least seven days after purchase.
If both conditions are satisfied, you can cancel at any time within the 24 hours after booking to receive a full refund to your original payment method—no questions asked. This policy covers all fare types, including Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select. Even fares typically non-refundable can be fully refunded if canceled promptly. To proceed, visit the Manage Reservations page on Southwest.com or in the mobile app, or call 1‑877‑827‑8493. If calling, use “0” or say “agent” to quickly reach a live representative, and clearly state you want to cancel under the 24-hour rule.
Here’s what travelers need to know:
Only cancel—not change. Any modification to a booking—like adding Rapid Rewards, seat changes, or adding other passengers—disqualifies the 24-hour rule. Cancel the original reservation first.
Refunds typically post in 7–14 business days for credit card payments, slightly longer for debit or other methods. Checking your bank statements is recommended. If there’s a delay, calling 1‑877‑827‑8493 with your confirmation code handy can help expedite the process.
International callers can also reach Southwest’s 24/7 customer support at numbers listed on their website. If you're traveling abroad and need assistance, those lines are available any time.
Travel credits vs. refunds: If you cancel after the 24-hour period, you won’t receive a refund but will be issued Southwest travel funds. These credits never expire and can be used toward future bookings. Note that they do not include taxes or government fees (unless the flight was canceled or missed). Fare differences may apply when rebooking.
Group bookings (10+ passengers) are treated differently. While the policy generally applies, call 1‑877‑827‑8493 to confirm how cancellation or rebooking works for your group, as special provisions may apply.
Rapid Rewards members benefit too. Refunds returned to your Rapid Rewards account as travel funds can be combined with points when booking future travel, providing flexible options.
Corporate travelers should note that refunds go back to the original payment form. Even if booked through a corporate portal or travel agency, canceling within 24 hours ensures a full refund.
In real-world examples, Reddit users have successfully canceled deeply discounted Wanna Get Away tickets and received full refunds when they canceled promptly:
“I booked then changed my mind an hour later—they refunded the full fare, even though it was non-refundable”
To make a 24-hour cancellation hassle-free:
Book your flight through the Southwest website, app, or via 1‑877‑827‑8493.
As soon as you change your mind—even 23 hours later—cancel via Manage Reservations or call Southwest.
Keep your confirmation number, then monitor your refund.
If it doesn’t show up after 14 days, follow up with Southwest using your confirmation code and the 24-hour rule as a reference.
This policy gives travelers peace of mind, allowing them to lock in fares without pressure. Whether the fare drops shortly after booking or your schedule changes, you have a day to confirm—or cancel—risk-free.
In conclusion, yes—you can cancel a Southwest booking within 24 hours for a full refund, provided you meet the criteria. Use the Manage Reservations tool or call 1‑877‑827‑8493 promptly to ensure compliance with the policy.