The most valuable trait a traveler can have when flying is flexibility. If something goes wrong at the last minute with one's itinerary, if there's an emergency, or even if there is a conflict schedule, having the ability to cancel a flight with atrocious fees is reassuring. Southwest Airlines is the only United States carrier that has an open-arms cancellation policy. In this article, we'll walk you through the basics of Southwest Airlines cancellation policy so you can book your flights hassle-free. 

No Cancellation Fees: A Major Draw 

  One of the major reasons that Southwest's cancellation policy is so popular is that there are no cancellation fees that come into play. While most other airlines charge enormous penalties for cancelling or changing flights, Southwest doesn't charge anything for cancelling or rearranging in flights. This applies to all fare classes, even the cheapest "Wanna Get Away" fares, which are usually the most limiting on other carriers. You may be given credit for travel in place of a refund if you're not on a refundable ticket, but you'll never forfeit money to fees for cancelling. 

Refunds and Flight Credits: What to Look For 

  The kind of fare you've booked determines how your cancellation is treated. If you've paid for a refundable fare—such as Anytime or Business Select—you can get a full refund to your initial form of payment if you cancel. But when you reserve a non-refundable Wanna Get Away fare and then cancel, your cash is converted to a flight credit for the same amount in the way of Travel Funds. These are redeemable on future travel and remain good for as long as 12 months from the date of purchase. If you buy a flight using Rapid Rewards points, the points are returned to your account, and the taxes or fees paid for are refundable. 

Cancellation of a Southwest Flight 

  Cancelling a Southwest flight is straightforward and can be done through the website, mobile application, or by contacting customer support. Log in to your account, view your future trips, and choose the trip you want to cancel. The system will guide you through it, and you'll know immediately whether you can get a credit or refund. If you traveled on points or with a third party, it will probably be slightly different, but Southwest prefers simple. Last-Minute Cancellations and No-Show Policy 

  Although Southwest has a flexible cancellation policy, be sure to adhere to their no-show policy. When you buy a Wanna Get Away ticket and don't cancel your flight at least 10 minutes before the flight leaves, you forfeit your Travel Funds. When you buy the refundable fares, if you don't cancel, you still get to retain the refund, but actually canceling is better if you realize that you're not going to go on your flight. 

Conclusion 

  Southwest Airlines' policy on cancellations is one of the most lenient in the airline world. No charges to cancel, transparency regarding refunds and travel credits, and easy cancellation make it easy to travel. If your plans are changing weeks in advance or at the last minute, Southwest offers the flexibility today's traveler demands. Look up current conditions on the website to know before canceling or rebooking your journey.