Southwest’s missed flight policy allows rebooking with minimal fees if you notify before departure. Call 1–888–843–5587 for assistance, travel credits, or same-day flight options.
Missing a flight can be stressful, but Southwest Airlines offers one of the more flexible missed flight policies in the airline industry. Whether it’s traffic delays, unexpected emergencies, or a change in plans, understanding Southwest’s guidelines can help you rebook quickly and minimize costs.
- Immediate Steps if You Miss Your Flight
- If you realize you will miss your Southwest flight, contact their customer service immediately at 1–888–843–5587 or visit the airport ticket counter. Southwest recommends notifying them before your scheduled departure to avoid being marked as a “no-show,” which can impact future segments of your trip.
- No-Show Policy
- Southwest’s no-show policy applies mainly to Wanna Get Away fares. If you fail to cancel your reservation at least 10 minutes before departure and do not show up, the unused funds will be forfeited. However, for Business Select and Anytime fares, the value of your ticket can be applied toward future travel, even if you miss the flight without canceling in advance.
- Same-Day Rebooking Options
- Southwest’s customer-friendly policy allows passengers to rebook on the next available flight without hefty penalties. The process depends on the fare type:
- Wanna Get Away: If you cancel before departure, you can retain travel credit for future bookings. If you miss the flight entirely without canceling, the funds are forfeited.
- Anytime & Business Select: These fares are fully refundable, and you can apply funds toward a new ticket or request a refund.
- Wanna Get Away Plus: Offers more flexibility than the standard Wanna Get Away fare, allowing same-day changes with minimal restrictions.
Full information link- https://flyrules.com/blog/what-happens-if-you-miss-a-flight-on-southwest-airlines/
4. Standby Travel
Southwest offers free same-day standby travel for Business Select, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away Plus fares. For regular Wanna Get Away fares, you can still request standby, but availability is not guaranteed, and your funds may be converted into a travel credit instead of a seat on the next flight.
5. Exceptions for Special Circumstances
Southwest may waive penalties or offer additional rebooking assistance if you miss a flight due to:
Medical emergencies (with documentation)
Severe weather disruptions
Delays caused by connecting flights from other carriers
Airline-related operational issues
- Travel Funds and Credits
- If eligible, the value of your unused ticket will be issued as Travel Funds, which can be applied toward future Southwest flights within the validity period (usually 12 months from the original booking date).
- Tips to Avoid Missing a Flight
- Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before domestic flights.
- Use Southwest’s mobile app to check in and monitor flight status.
- Cancel or change flights online if you anticipate being late.
Southwest Airlines missed flight policy is flexible compared to many other carriers, especially with its no-change-fee approach. The key is to cancel or notify the airline before your flight departs to preserve your ticket value. If you miss your flight, call 1–888–843–5587 or speak with a gate agent immediately to discuss rebooking options and avoid losing travel funds.
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