What is Southwest Airlines' Missed Flight Policy?

Missing a flight can throw your plans into chaos. Maybe traffic was worse than expected, security lines dragged on forever or your connecting flight landed too late. Whatever the reason for missing your Southwest flight, the big question is what can be done about it.

Southwest Airlines offers more flexibility than many other carriers. You can usually save your trip if you know their rules and act quickly. This blog breaks down what you need to know under three main points: Southwest missed flight policy along with refund options and what to do if you miss a connection through no fault of your own. You can contact Southwest at 1-800-435-9792 or AirCancellation at +1-888-826-0067 for more details.

Southwest Airlines Missed Flight Policy: Rules & Options

Southwest does not have a single, rigid rule for missed flights. What happens to your ticket depends mostly on the fare you hold and whether you notified the airline in time.

Fare Types and Rules

Southwest offers three primary fare classes:

1. Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus: These are nonrefundable fares. You lose the entire ticket value if you miss your flight and fail to cancel at least 10 minutes before departure. But you’ll receive the full value back as a travel credit called a Travel Fund if you cancel in time.
2. Anytime: Fully refundable. You can request a cash refund or keep the funds as credit for later use in case you miss your flight but cancel before departure.
3. Business Select: Also fully refundable with the same options as Anytime fares.

The Flat-Tire Rule

Southwest agents sometimes extend an unofficial grace policy usually called the “flat-tire rule.” If you show up at the airport shortly after your flight has departed and explain your situation, staff may rebook you on the next available flight at no charge. It is not guaranteed but Southwest has a reputation for being customer-friendly in these situations.

Standby as an Option

Another possibility is standby travel. You can request standby on the next flight if you miss your original flight but still want to leave the same day.

• Free for Anytime and Business Select fares.
• Wanna Get Away fares may require you to pay the fare difference though agents sometimes waive it if seats are open.

Key Point

The most important thing you can do if you know you’re going to miss your flight: cancel your ticket before it departs. Even if you’re sure you won’t make it, pulling up the Southwest app and hitting “cancel” preserves your funds and options.

Southwest Airlines Missed Flight Refund Policy

Southwest missed flight refunds work differently depending on your fare. Here is how to handle each case stepwise.

1. For Refundable Fares (Anytime and Business Select)

If you purchased one of these tickets, you are in luck:

1. Log in to your Southwest account or the mobile app.
2. Find your missed flight under “My Trips.”
3. Select “Cancel/Refund.”
4. Choose a refund to your original payment method or opt for travel funds if you know you’ll fly again soon.

2. For Nonrefundable Fares (Wanna Get Away)

These tickets don’t come with cash refunds but you can still save your money as credit if you cancel in time:

1. Cancel at least 10 minutes before departure.
2. Your funds automatically convert into a Travel Fund tied to your confirmation number.
3. These credits can be applied to a new booking for up to one year or sometimes longer if extensions are offered.

3. If You Miss and Don’t Cancel

1. Wanna Get Away: Value is forfeited completely. No refund and no credit.
2. Anytime and Business Select: You can still get your refund since they’re refundable fares.

4. How to Cancel or Request Refunds

• Mobile app/website: The fastest method.
• Phone: Call Southwest if you’re on your way and suspect you’ll be late.
• Airport desk: Agents can cancel, rebook and sometimes override fees on the spot.

Tips for Southwest Missed Connection Compensation

Missing a connection is different from simply being late. If your first flight was delayed by the airline and that caused you to miss your second flight, Southwest usually steps in to fix the situation.

1. When Southwest Is Responsible

If the delay was due to an issue within the airline’s control like mechanical problems, crew delays or operational issues, you may receive:

• Free rebooking on the next available flight.
• Hotel vouchers if the delay forces an overnight stay.
• Meal vouchers if you’re stuck waiting several hours.
• Travel credits or Rapid Rewards points as a goodwill gesture if you contact customer service later.

2. For Delays Due to Weather

Southwest generally won’t provide hotels or meals if a storm, fog or other weather problem causes you to miss your connection. They will still rebook you at no charge, but you’ll be responsible for your own expenses. Travel insurance or credit card trip protection can cover these costs.

How to Seek Southwest Missed Connection Compensation?

1. At the airport: Talk to the nearest gate agent or service desk right away. They have authority to rebook and issue vouchers.
2. Document delays: Keep boarding passes, flight details and receipts if you pay out of pocket for food or hotels.
3. Follow up later: If you feel you weren’t fairly compensated, submit a claim online with Southwest Customer Relations. Many travelers receive bonus travel credits after politely explaining their situation.

Pro Tip

Asking for standby on earlier flights is usually successful even if you do not get vouchers. Southwest flights operate frequently on popular routes and agents may fit you in on an earlier departure once seats open.

Conclusion: Southwest Airlines Missed Flight Policy

Missing a Southwest flight is stressful but the flexible policies give you ways to recover. Start by understanding how your fare type affects your options. Wanna Get Away tickets require proactive cancellation to avoid losing funds while Anytime and Business Select tickets carry full refund rights. Don’t hesitate to ask an agent about the Southwest missed flight standby or the flat-tire rule if you arrive late.

For the Southwest missed flight connection due to delay, know that hotel and meal vouchers or goodwill credits can be provided if you ask. You can reach out to the Southwest missed flight phone number 1-800-435-9792 or AirCancellation at +1-888-826-0067 for any queries or further information.

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