The thought of missing a flight gives us nightmares. We feel that all our itinerary planning has gone in vain. However, you can avoid all these hassles if you are traveling with Southwest Airlines. The Southwest missed flight policy helps you get on your original itinerary as soon as possible (with minimum inconveniences). The Airline knows that you may miss a flight due to personal/ traffic reasons. Whether you miss your original flight or a connecting one, you will get solutions to reach your destination within a minimum time. In addition, travelers may receive compensation for delayed flights (on select routes). We have provided the latest Southwest Airlines Missed Flight Policy 2026 on this page. It will ensure a trouble-free journey for passengers.

What should you know about the Southwest Missed Flight Policy?

Southwest Airlines’ missed flight policy depends mainly on the fare type. In all cases, you should contact Southwest Airlines customer service to avoid a no-show. We have shared the key highlights of this policy hereunder.

• You must cancel a Southwest flight at least 10 minutes before departure to avoid the fare forfeiture.
• Southwest Airlines confiscates the entire fare value of Basic (Wanna Get Away)/ Choice (Wanna Get Away Plus) fares (if not informed within the deadline).
• Choice Preferred (Anytime)/ Choice Extra (Business Select) fares can convert the value of a missed flight into a transferable flight credit.
• You lose your entire Points/ Fees on reward travel fares.
• Southwest follows a flat tire policy to make recovering from a missed flight easier.
• Travelers do not have to pay any fee for missing their flights (under the grace window). You may have to pay for fare adjustments for rebooking.
• Southwest allows you to rebook flights through online/ offline methods.

MFP Tip: Travelers need to call the Southwest Airlines phone number to escape a no-show. You may also visit the airport within the deadline (two hours after the departure) to avoid this. Call MyFlightPolicy customer support at Call Us : +1-877-271-4004 for further help with flight-related queries.

How does Fare Type affect the Southwest Missed Flight Policy?

Your Southwest Airlines missed flight policy varies depending on your fare. We have tabulated the missed flight rules for different fares below.

Fare / Booking Type	Paid Reservation (Cash)	Reward Travel (Points)
Choice Extra (formerly Business Select)	Refunded as Transferable Flight Credit™.	Points: Redeposited to the purchaser. Taxes/Fees: Converted to Transferable Flight Credit™.
Choice Preferred (formerly Anytime)	Refunded as Transferable Flight Credit™.	Points: Redeposited to the buyer. Taxes/Fees: Converted to Transferable Flight Credit™.
Choice (formerly Wanna Get Away Plus)	Forfeited (Funds are lost).	Forfeited (Points and taxes/fees are lost).
Basic (formerly Wanna Get Away)	Forfeited (Funds are lost).	Forfeited (Points and taxes/fees are lost).
Getaways by Southwest	Forfeited (Funds are lost).	N/A

Does Southwest have a No-Show Policy for Missed Flights?

Southwest has a hard and fast no-show policy. If you miss the flight without giving at least 10 minutes’ notice of cancellation, you will usually lose the value of the ticket. Southwest will cancel your entire itinerary (including return flights). If you pay for the ticket, you will lose the value of the ticket. If you use award tickets, the change will be credited back to you. Any taxes will become a credit for the future flight. Here are some key points to know about this policy.

• You will lose the entire fare value.
• Southwest will cancel all the remaining segments of your flight.
• Passengers with reward travel fares will get a refund in their Rapid Rewards account.
• Additional taxes are converted into a Southwest transferable flight credit.
• Call Southwest Airlines customer support quickly to avoid a no-show.

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What is the Southwest Missed Flight Standby Scheme?

The Southwest Airlines standby rule allows travelers to rebook on the same day. It applies if they miss their flight for any reason (like unexpected delays because of traffic). This rule helps travelers get on earlier flights/ keep their ticket value. Here are some key points about the Southwest Airlines Missed Flight Standby policy.

• Southwest will add you to the standby passenger list on the following available flight.
• The standby availability depends on priority and seat availability. Higher priority is given to flyers who have secured reservations.
• It is available for all passengers who missed their flight (for any reason).

How much are the Southwest Missed Flight Fees?

Southwest Airlines doesn’t impose a missed flight fee. However, the Airline will retain the cost of your flight if you do not cancel your scheduled air journey at least 10 minutes prior to departure. If you miss your flight, it typically results in your ticket losing value, with fare dollars turned into a credit that can be transferred. For some fare options (Basic/Wanna Get Away), your fare dollars will be forfeited. But with some new fares/ reward fares, you will receive a credit if you miss your flight. Flyers can still save money by canceling in advance.

What is the Southwest Flat Tire Policy?

It is an unofficial courtesy allowing passengers who miss their flight by a short time (often up to two hours) to be rebooked on the next available flight. It gives you the liberty to rebook your flight without paying a penalty. You will save yourself from the ticket forfeiture. It is not guaranteed and depends on the agent’s discretion/ circumstances. You need to contact Southwest immediately after realizing you will be late (to use this policy). Travelers will have to explain the situation and ask for a standby seat on the next flight. Here are some key details about the flat tire policy of Southwest Airlines.

• You need to reach the airport at most within 2 hours after the flight departure.
• This policy is more generally followed on the domestic route.
• The Airline will put you on a standby basis for the next flight.
• You are not always guaranteed a flight under this unofficial scheme.

Related Post – Southwest Airlines Seat Selection Policy: Your Key to Best Seats

What Options do I have if I missed my Southwest Airlines Flight?

Missing a flight can be daunting if you do not know the options available to you. You have the following options after you missed your flight with Southwest.

Category	Policy & Benefits	Action Steps
Rebooking Benefits	No Additional Charges: Possible alternate flights are provided at no extra cost (if missed due to disruptions). Space Availability: Subject to seat availability on subsequent flights.	Inform Southwest immediately to avoid no-show penalties.
Self-Service Tools	Availability Search: Use the official website/ mobile app to find immediate alternatives.	Maintain flexibility with travel times/ dates (to increase seat options).
Flight Credit	Choice Preferred (formerly Anytime)/ Choice Extra (formerly Business Select) fares can receive transferable credits if they do not want to travel after missing their flights.	Cancel your flight (in any case) 10 minutes before departure (through the website/ customer care call).
Direct Assistance	Personalized Guidance: Customer service can assist with manual rebooking as well as travel procedures.	Call Southwest as soon as you realize the flight will be missed.

MFP Tip: You need to call Southwest Airlines immediately in all cases to get alternate options as well as avoid a no-show. Call the expert travel agents of MyFlightPolicy at Call Us : +1-877-271-4004 to receive expert assistance with your rebookings and flight scheduling.

Related Post – Southwest’s New Seat Refund Policy 

How can I get a Southwest Missed Flight Refund?

There is no cash refund in case a Southwest flight is missed. However, the exception is in the event that a flight had a refundable fare (Choice Extra/Preferred). It is given, provided the flight was cancelled at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled flight departure. In other cases, the cost for a Basic or Wanna Get Away Plus fare is forfeited. Southwest may offer a Transferable Flight Credit for a greater fare (valid for a certain period of time). Travelers can check their refund status on the official website/ app.

What are the rules for the Southwest Missed Flight due to delay?

You are eligible for a full refund/ free rebooking (if Southwest significantly impacts your flight’s departure time). The Southwest flight delay must be 3+ hrs in domestic/ 6+ hrs in international. Otherwise, you have to cancel at least 10 minutes prior to your flight’s departure time (to avoid a no-show fee) in exchange for flight credits (subject to airline approval). Basic tickets will just depreciate in value (in most cases). You need to be extra cautious if you have Non-refundable tickets. Such travelers should call Southwest customer support immediately. It will help them rebook themselves on the next available flight.

Related Post – Southwest’s New Seat Refund Policy May Cost Plus-Size Flyers More

What if I miss connections due to a Southwest Delayed Flight?

Southwest will often switch you to the next available flight for free for missing connections due to a delay from Southwest. Travelers will have to notify the Airline immediately (prior to their original flight’s departure). It will prevent them from forfeiting the full value of their fare (because of a no-show). It becomes even more important for a basic fare ticket. You may also get Southwest flight delay compensation (even for non-refundable tickets). The Southwest compensation for delayed flight depends on the fare type/ flight route. Southwest will also offer you hotel reimbursement if the delay warrants you to stay overnight.

How to avoid missing a Flight with Southwest Airlines?

While Southwest has a robust missed flight policy in place, you should take concrete steps to avoid missing it. Here is some advice (that you need to follow) to avoid missing your Southwest flight.

• Travelers should set multiple alarms. It is recommended for a morning Southwest flight.
• Flyers need to keep the Southwest Airlines phone number in a diary. It is beneficial in last-minute emergencies.
• You should arrive at the airport early (at least 2 hours before your flight). This time applies to domestic flights. The airport arrival time for international flights is 3 hours before.
• Make use of the online check-in facility provided by Southwest Airlines (in order to circumvent airport queues).
• Flyers should constantly track their flight status. It will help them receive real-time updates.
• It is essential to contact Southwest Airlines promptly. You can do so if you feel you might not arrive on time.
• All travelers should have a plan B (in case they encounter any inconveniences).

Related Post – Southwest Airlines New Flights For Summer 2026

Summing it up

The Southwest missed flight policy offers easy ways to rebook yourself on the next available plane. You should inform Southwest about missing your flight at least 10 minutes before departure. You will enjoy easy refunds (in the form of transferable flight credits) for Choice Extra & Choice Preferred fares. Talking politely to the Airline staff will help you get on the same-day standby list. You will receive rebooking options (online/ offline) at no additional fee (fare differences may apply). Passengers also receive compensation from Southwest for significant flight delays. You can avoid all these troubles if you reach the boarding airport well in advance to avoid missing a Southwest Airlines flight.

Call www.myflightpolicy.com customer support agents at Call Us : +1-877-271-4004 for further assistance with this issue. You will get full help with flight bookings/ rebookings/ cancellations/ changes/ other related issues. Our expert travel agents are there to assist you on the given helpline channel 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions