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 offered a voucher instead of a refund? What the rules say

Southwest Airlines can offer a voucher or credit, but US DOT rules say you can still choose a cash refund in many cases.

Check your Southwest case in 30 seconds

Vouchers offered instead of a refund

A voucher or credit offered as an alternative must come with notice of the right to a refund and stay valid for at least five years.

14 CFR 260.6(c)

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

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)

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

Form of refund

Refunds go back in the original form of payment unless the consumer agrees to a cash equivalent. No processing fee may be kept.

14 CFR 260.10

What to do now with Southwest

1. Do not accept the voucher, credit or rebooking if you want cash. Accepting it ends the refund right under 14 CFR 260.6.
2. If you already have a voucher you did not affirmatively accept, tell Southwest in writing that you want a refund to your original form of payment.
3. Keep the date of your request. 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

Can Southwest force me to take a voucher instead of a refund?

No, if the flight was cancelled or significantly changed and you do not accept the alternative. It may offer a voucher, but it must tell you about your right to a refund.

How long must a Southwest voucher last?

At least five years if it is offered as an alternative to a refund (14 CFR 260.6(c)).

I already took a Southwest voucher. Can I still get cash?

If you affirmatively accepted it, no fare refund is owed under this rule. If you did not accept it, you can still ask for the refund. Use the checker to see your case.

Does this apply to flights I booked through an agency?

The merchant of record owes the refund, so start with the agency if it charged your card.

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