Information, not legal advice. RefundRules summarizes US DOT rules from 14 CFR Part 260. It does not know your ticket, the airline's records, or facts you leave out. Confirm with the airline and the DOT before relying on it.

Southwest Airlines cancelled your flight? Your cash refund rights

If Southwest Airlines cancels or significantly changes your flight and you do not accept the alternative, US DOT rules say you are owed a refund, not just a voucher.

Check your Southwest case in 30 seconds

Cancelled flight

A cancelled flight is a scheduled flight number and city pair published at the time of sale but not operated. The carrier that is merchant of record must refund the full fare, taxes and ancillary fees if the consumer does not accept rebooking, the changed flight, or a voucher, credit or other compensation.

14 CFR 260.2 (Cancelled flight); 14 CFR 260.6(a)

When the refund is automatic

Refund is due when (i) the flight is cancelled and no alternative is offered, (ii) the consumer rejects the changed flight, rebooking, or compensation, or (iii) the consumer does not respond and the flight departs without them, or does not respond to a voucher offer by the original departure date.

14 CFR 260.6(a)(2)

Accepting an alternative ends the refund right

If the consumer flies the changed flight, accepts rebooking, or affirmatively accepts a voucher, credit or other compensation, no fare refund is owed under 260.6.

14 CFR 260.6(a)(1); 14 CFR 260.7

Refund deadline

7 business days for credit card purchases; 20 calendar days for cash, check, debit card and other forms of payment. Note: the DOT consumer page says 20 business days; the regulation text says 20 calendar days.

14 CFR 260.2 (Prompt refund); 14 CFR 374.3

What to do now with Southwest

1. Do not accept a rebooking, changed flight or voucher if you want your money back.
2. Ask Southwest in writing for a refund to your original form of payment and cite 14 CFR 260.6.
3. Note the date. The clock is 7 business days for cards and 20 calendar days otherwise.
4. If it is not paid in time, file a DOT complaint.

Common questions

Does Southwest have to give me a cash refund if it cancels my flight?

Yes, if you do not accept rebooking, the changed flight, or a voucher. Southwest Airlines is a US carrier covered by 14 CFR 260.6, which requires a refund of the full fare, taxes and ancillary fees to the original form of payment.

How long does Southwest have to pay me back?

7 business days for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for cash, check, debit card and other payments (14 CFR 260.2 and 374.3).

Can Southwest make me take a voucher instead?

It can offer one, but it must tell you about your right to a refund, and a voucher must be valid for at least five years (14 CFR 260.6(c)). Do not accept it if you want cash. If you affirmatively accept it, no refund is owed under this rule.

What if I booked Southwest through Expedia or another agency?

The merchant of record owes the refund, so with an agency booking you usually start with the agency. Use the checker to see your case.

Official sources: DOT refunds, DOT automatic refund rule. This page is not affiliated with Southwest Airlines.