Airline-imposed flight delays, cancellations, and unexpected schedule changes always impact your travel. With Southwest, you can rest assured as the airline will take care of your needs. The Southwest Airlines flight delay compensation policy is aligned with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines.
But how you get compensation depends on several airline regulations. To know your rights and eligibility, read the detailed information in this guide to make sure you do not remain stranded at the airport for long with nothing.
What Is Southwest Policy On Flight Delays?
Southwest Airlines is admired by several U.S. travelers because of its affordable fares and incredible service. But even with such great features, flight delays are sometimes inevitable. But if your flights are delayed, maybe due to maintenance or crew scheduling, the airline will take care of your needs under its friendly policy. Here are some of the Southwest delay compensation rules as of 2025:
It Lets You Change Flights For Free
If your flight is experiencing a delay, request to switch to a new departure date at no extra cost. This applies even to Southwest’s non-refundable flight tickets. The airline allows you to reschedule up to 14 days from the original travel date.
Southwest Keeps You In the Loop
The airline is obliged to inform you of the schedule changes around 7-8 days in advance. If Southwest fails to notify you of this significant change in advance and your flight gets delayed 3+ hours for domestic or 6+ hours for international travel, you can claim compensation.
You May Get Extra Support For Long Delays
If the delays are controllable, such as mechanical issue,s and last 3+ hours, you can even get meal vouchers, ground transportation help, and even hotel stays for overnight delays based on your situation.
DOT Compensation Rule
If your flight makes you arrive late after a controllable delta, Southwest Airlines offers at least a 75$ transferable voucher as per DOT rules. Besides, if the flight is canceled after a long delay, you will even get a rebooking with minimal disruptions to your plans.
Pro Tip- If you are not happy with a rebooking, you can request a full refund or a Transferable Flight Credit for future travel.
What Can I Do If My Southwest Flight Gets Delayed?
Facing a significant flight delay and not sure what to do? Well, Southwest has you covered with several options to make it right. For a delay of three or more hours for domestic travel and 6 or more hours for international trips, you have a few options to select from. Here are the details:
- Do Nothing, Continue Travel: It is not necessary to take action unless your plans or a connecting flight is getting affected due to a delay. You can simply monitor the flight’s status via the official Southwest website or mobile app. But if you are affected, check out the other options
- Change Your Flight: Southwest automatically rebooks you on another flight for a longer-than-usual delay with a confirmation message to your email or in the app. In case you don’t get a rebooking or the itinerary is unsuitable, you can change flights free of cost at the airport or via the Southwest customer helpline number.
- Cancel Your Flight: If you choose not to travel because of a flight delay, you have up to 10 minutes before the departure of the flight to cancel it and request a refund or Transferable Flight Credit.
Important- Failure to cancel flights before departure will fall under Southwest Airlines no-show policy, and you will not get any delay compensation.
How to Claim Compensation for a Delayed Southwest Flight?
If your flight has been delayed, then you are free to file for a claim via online and offline methods. To receive the claim, you need to submit the Southwest Airlines Flight Delay Compensation request form via the methods discussed below.
Through Website
- Open the official website of Southwest Airlines.
- Navigate to the ‘Help Center’ option on the webpage.
- Click on the ‘Travel Funds, Refunds, & Reimbursements.
- Select ‘I want to request reimbursement for costs due to delayed or canceled flight.’
- Tap on the ‘Request Reimbursement’ option in yellow.
- Enter your travel details.
- Follow the prompts on the screen.
- Initiate the process of requesting a refund.
On Call
- Contact Southwest Airlines at 1 (800) 435-9792.
- Follow the IVR prompt and connect to an agent.
- Provide booking details.
- Specify desired compensation (voucher, refund, or credit).
- Record the emailed confirmation number.
Please note: Submit claims within 30 days of Southwest Airlines flight delays for efficient processing.
What Compensation Is Available for Southwest Flight Delays?
Compensation varies by delay duration and cause, limited to controllable delays. The table below outlines options:
|
Delay Duration |
Compensation Type |
Details |
|
3+ hours (domestic) / 6+ hours (international) |
Transferable Voucher |
Minimum $75 for controllable delays. Claim via Southwest’s Help Center. |
|
3+ hours (controllable) |
Meal Voucher |
Available at airport service counters for food or drinks. |
|
Overnight delay |
Lodging |
Hotel accommodation, if no flights are available, arranged by Southwest. |
|
Significant delay |
Ground Transportation |
To/from airport or hotel, if applicable. Request via airport staff or 1-800-435-9792. |
|
Any delay (if canceled) |
Refund or Flight Credit |
Refund within 7 days to the original payment, or a 5-year credit (for bookings on/after May 28, 2025). Cancel 10 minutes before departure. |
Note: Weather-related delays are not eligible for Southwest Airlines compensation. Verify eligibility at www.southwest.com/help.
Final Say
Nobody wishes for a flight delay, but knowing your options is better than facing consequences. Southwest Airlines flight delay compensation ensures you do not have any trouble managing your plans even after a significant controllable delay. For non controllable delays severely affecting your plans, kindly contact Southwest agents or speak to our experts directly and recieve help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Southwest feed you on long flights?
No, Southwest Airlines does not offer any in-flight meals, but you may get snacks and nonalcoholic beverages on flights over 250 miles. Alcoholic drinks are also available for purchase on some flights.
Does Southwest give compensation for delayed flights?
Yes, it does. You are eligible to receive a refund when your flight is significantly delayed for 3 or more hours for a domestic trip and six or more hours on an international journey. You can check the details with an airline agent and learn more.
Can I get compensation for a 2-hour flight delay?
No, no compensation is given for a 2-hour flight delay, but you can speak to the Southwest Airlines team and cancel your flights for a full refund in such cases.
How many hours does your flight have to be delayed to get compensation?
Usually, most airlines in the USA will refund your money only when your flights are delayed for over 3 hours or more in domestic travel and 6 hours or more in international trips.
What is the 10-minute rule for Southwest?
Southwest Airlines has a 10-minute rule, which states that all refundable bookings can be canceled up to 10 minutes before departure for a full refund or transferable flight credit. Make sure to check your ticket’s eligibility for more.
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