Missing a flight is not a pleasant experience, but sometimes you can’t help it. When flying Southwest, rest assured even when you miss your flight. Southwest missed flight policy enables you to handle everything at ease without costing you much.

Did you just realize you will miss your flight? This guide explains all the steps you need to take after missing a flight booked with Southwest Airlines. Read on to understand your options in detail.

What Happens If I Miss My Southwest Airlines Flight?

If you missed a flight on Southwest Airlines without prior notice, you become a No Show. Southwest no show policy applies when you fail to show up for your flight on time and do not inform them in advance. That’s what happens when you miss your flight and, as a result:

  • You are marked a No-show
  • You lose all the booking fare associated with the same.
  • If you had a return trip or multi-flight itinerary, it gets entirely canceled.

The best you can do to overturn the situation is to inform Southwest Airlines about missed flight in advance and get the best possible options for yourself.

What Is Southwest Airlines Missed Flight Policy?

Southwest always tries to put customers first and their missed flight policy is also designed to do the same. If you inform them about your circumstances beforehand, you might have a chance to redeem your itinerary. Here’s how their policy works:

  • If you miss your flight without notifying the airline, you may lose your ticket value in the name of Southwest no-show fee.
  • You must inform the airline in advance or as per their Flat-Tire rule to get a rebooking on the next available flight at no extra cost.
  • The airline may even refund you depending on your ticket type and the reason for missing the flight.

If you do not wish to be affected by Southwest Airlines no show policy, immediately inform the airline that you won’t be able to make it.

What Is Southwest Airlines Flat-Tire Rule?

Like many airlines, Southwest also has a flat tire rule for missed flights. This rule gives you up to 2 hours after the flight’s departure to reach the airport and get a rebooking from the airline. Under this rule:

  • Inform Southwest immediately that you will be missing your flight.
  • Reach the departure airport within 2 hours of the flight’s departure.
  • Give a valid reason for the missed flight, including the proof.
  • Confirm Southwest Airlines rebooking on the next flight on your route with available seats.

What Do I Do After Missing a Southwest Airlines Flight?

If you miss a Southwest Airlines flight, you can follow the Southwest Airlines flat tire rule and follow a standard procedure to secure a rebooking. Here are the details for your reference:

Contact Southwest Airlines Immediately

As soon as you know that you will miss your flight, inform Southwest Airlines immediately. To do so, Call Southwest Airlines phone number and get in touch with an agent to tell them about missed flight.

Arrive At The Airport

You have up to 2 hours after departure to arrive at the airport and connect with someone at the Southwest customer service desk. You can find the airline’s desk as soon as you reach and share your valid reason for missing the flight with proof.

Request a Rebooking Or Refund

Ask Southwest Airlines for a rebooking, and they will help you do it at no extra cost. This counts as Southwest missed flight compensation for you. You can also request a refund on the ticket fare if your fare type and reason for missing flight are eligible for it.

Please Note: The faster you inform Southwest airlines of missed flights, the better chances you have to get a rebooking or refund.

Standby Options For Southwest Missed Flight

Southwest Airlines even offers standby options for passengers who miss their flights but still need to travel urgently:

Standby RulesDetails
EligibilityOpen to passengers with valid reservations.
PriorityBased on reservation status and timing.
FeesTypically, no extra charges for standby.
Seat AvailabilityDepends on open seats on the next flight.

Remember to ask about the Southwest Airlines same day change fees before you confirm the next available flight booking with the airline.

How Can You Get a Refund After Missing Southwest Flights?

Southwest Airlines also offers a refund on missed flights, depending on the reason. If you missed a flight due to a delay or emergency caused by the airline itself. You can request for a refund or travel credit. Here’s how:

  • Log in to your Southwest Airlines account.
  • Access your reservation details.
  • Check eligibility for missed flight credit or refund.
  • Contact Southwest customer service for help with refunds.

You can save your travel credits for future bookings and fly again without spending too much.

Do I Have to Pay a Rebooking Fees To Southwest?

No. Southwest Airlines does not charge a rebooking fee for missed flights if you inform them within 2 hours of the original flight departure and arrive at the airport. There might be a same-day change fee if you can not make it on time. Please connect with Southwest Airlines customer service team for more details on the fee and other payments related to missed flights.

Final Say

That’s all you need to know about missing your flights with Southwest Airlines. If you missed a Southwest flight again, you can easily follow our process and request a rebooking on an alternate flight. For more information feel free to contact our team at the given numbers and we will be happy to assist, Our team can also provide further information on other Southwest airlines services for a better experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I miss my flight on Southwest?

If you miss your flight, Southwest allows you to rebook on the next available flight without additional fees, as long as seats are open. However, acting quickly and informing the airline enhances your chances of securing a convenient option.

Does Southwest charge for a no-show?

Southwest doesn’t charge a specific fee for a no-show, but failing to notify the airline can result in forfeiting your ticket’s value. To avoid this, always cancel or reschedule your flight in advance.

Can I get a refund if I miss my Southwest flight?

Refund eligibility depends on your ticket type and the reason for missing the flight. Refundable fares may qualify for reimbursement, while non-refundable tickets are typically converted into travel credits.

Is it better to cancel or no-show for a flight?

It’s always better to cancel your flight rather than a no-show, as this preserves the value of your ticket for future use. Canceling shows courtesy to the airline and can make rebooking smoother

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