Yes, you can cancel a Southwest booking within 24 hours of purchase without penalty, provided the flight departs at least seven days later. To get started, you can manage your reservation online or by calling 1‑877‑827‑8493, where live agents are available 24/7 to assist with immediate cancellations. This risk-free 24‑hour window is valid for all fare types — from Wanna Get Away to Business Select — and applies to bookings made directly through the Southwest website, mobile app, or phone line.

To cancel online, log in to your Southwest account or go to “Manage Reservations,” enter your confirmation number and last name, and follow the prompts to cancel within 24 hours of booking. You can also call 1‑877‑827‑8493, select the reservation option in the automated menu, and request cancellation under the 24‑hour rule. If prompted, press “0” or say “agent” to quickly reach a live person who can process your request and initiate a full refund.

The 24‑hour rule offers full reimbursement to the original form of payment, no matter the fare type. Even typically nonrefundable tickets, like Wanna Get Away, are included. After confirming the cancellation, credit card refunds typically post within 7–14 business days, while debit card or other payment refunds may take up to 20 days.

It’s important not to modify your reservation prior to canceling. Any changes made before cancellation, such as adding bags or selecting seats, will disqualify the booking from 24-hour protection. If you need to modify your itinerary instead of canceling, speak with an agent via 1‑877‑827‑8493 to ensure the change doesn’t void the refundable window.

If you miss the window or prefer not to cancel, Southwest will issue travel funds instead of a refund. These funds never expire, can be used toward future travel, and can even be combined with Southwest Rapid Rewards when booking again. If you have Rapid Rewards credits, agents at 1‑877‑827‑8493 can help apply them to new travel.

Real customer experiences endorse this policy: many report booking, changing their minds within hours, and receiving full refunds—even on Wanna Get Away fares. Reddit users have confirmed the rule works consistently and reliably.

Here’s how to make the most of it:

1. Book your flight using Southwest’s site, app, or via 1‑877‑827‑8493.

2. Within 24 hours, choose “Cancel” via Manage Reservations or call Southwest and mention the 24‑hour rule.

3. Avoid making any other changes before canceling.

4. Keep your confirmation handy when calling.

5. Expect a refund within two weeks (or travel funds if outside the window or you modify the ticket).

6. Use travel funds within 12 months of purchase—no expiration concerns.

For group bookings of 10 or more passengers, the same policy applies, but confirm the timeline and refund process with an agent at 1‑877‑827‑8493.
If you booked using third-party travel sites, check their cancellation rules—Southwest’s 24-hour protection only applies to direct bookings.

In summary, yes—you can cancel a Southwest booking within 24 hours, receive a full refund, and do so easily by calling 1‑877‑827‑8493 or using the Manage Reservations tool. Just ensure you're within the window and haven’t made changes before cancellation.