Are missed flights refundable on Southwest Airlines

If you have a Southwest Airlines flight departure at the peak hour and are on the way to the airport, you get stuck in traffic. Now, due to no fault of your own, you miss your flight and are puzzled about what to do next. Considering such scenarios, Southwest Airlines is the best choice for its flexibility. The airline understands that, in most cases, missed flights are unintentional and has provided you with some ways to manage the situation. It can be an anxious situation to get into, but having an idea of what to do next can help you manage it well. If you miss your Southwest Airlines flight, refer to this post to get ahead of the situation. 

What is the Southwest Airlines Missed Flight Policy?

If, for any reason, you miss boarding your Southwest Airlines flight, then you must stay updated with the airline's policies that primarily specify your eligibility to apply for a refund, the time frame, and some exceptional situations that you might fit into. So, instead of panicking in such a situation, you can find a way out by referring to Southwest Airlines' Missed Flight Policy. 

• If you miss your flight, you must contact Southwest Airlines 10 minutes before departure to cancel your reservation; otherwise, your funds will be forfeited. 
• The exceptional situations for Southwest Airlines missed flights include a significant change or delay in the flight departure, a delay of three or more hours for domestic flights, a delay of six or more hours for international flights, or a flight cancellation. 
• For missed flights, you may receive a Transferable Flight Credit from Southwest Airlines that must be used before the specified expiration date. 
• The Southwest Airlines missed flight policy also includes flights reserved with a cash + points combination for payment. 
• If you are traveling on an itinerary that involves partner airlines of Southwest, refer to the respective airline's policy. 

Are Missed Flights Refundable on Southwest Airlines?

Southwest Airlines is considered one of the best airlines for its flexibility. The airline handles refunds based on the fare you purchased. You will not receive the refund to your original payment method; instead, it will be issued as travel credits or points. So, when you have missed the Southwest flight, then you can expect a refund as provided below: 

• Choice Extra or Choice Preferred Reservations: The value will be refunded to you as a Transferable flight credit. 
• Basic or Choice Reservations: The complete funds will be forfeited. 
• Basic or Choice Reward Travel Reservations: Because these reservations are booked with points, Southwest Airlines will forfeit the points used for the reservation, along with taxes and fees. 
• Choice Preferred or Choice Extra Reward Travel Reservations: The points used for the flight reservation will be returned to your Rapid Rewards Account, and any related taxes or fees will be converted to Transferable Flight Credit. 
• Getaways by Southwest Vacation Bookings: The funds deposited for the Southwest Airlines reservation will be forfeited. 

How to handle Southwest Airlines' Missed Flight?

When you miss your flight with Southwest Airlines, there are some necessary steps you must take to handle the situation effectively. This will not rectify the problem, but will make it more manageable. So, below are some points provided to you to tackle the Southwest Airlines missed flight situation: 

• You should reach out to the Southwest Airlines agent immediately and explain the situation. 
• Find another flight scheduled on the same date and rebook it. 
• Request a standby with the Southwest Agent at the airport. 
• Reach the Southwest Airlines airport counter and speak with the customer service representative. 

Conclusion: Missed flight can be hectic to handle, but if you have booked your flight with Southwest Airlines, then you will be well taken care of. Though in such situations there are some restrictions, the airline tries its best to make it as favorable as possible for you. If you ever get stuck with a missed Southwest flight, you can refer to this post to get the situation sorted. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Southwest Airlines refund if I miss my flight?

No, you will not receive a refund to your original payment method; instead, you will receive a Transferable Flight Credit, depending on your fare type. 

2. What happens if you miss a flight on Southwest?

If you miss your flight, you must cancel or rebook it at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure to be eligible for a flight credit. 

3. Does Southwest Airlines charge any no-show fee?

No, Southwest Airlines does not charge any fee for a no-show flight. 

4. What is Southwest Airlines' no-show policy?

If you cancel your Southwest flight at least 10 minutes before flight time, your booking amount will not be forfeited; otherwise, it will be. 

5. What if I missed a flight due to Southwest Airlines' fault?

You can request a rebooking or cancel your flight without any charges, or request a refund if the reason is appropriate. 

6. Does the no-show policy apply to the Southwest flight ticket bought with a Cash and Points combination?

Yes, the no-show policy will apply to the Southwest flight ticket purchased with the Cash and Points combination.