Had A Flight Canceled By Southwest? Here’s How To Get Your Money Back
Those entitled to airfare reimbursements from Southwest Airlines can fill out a form on the company's website to receive what they are owed within 20 business days.
During the busiest travel week of the year, Southwest Airlines completely melted down faster than the Wicked Witch of the West. They left tens of thousands of their customers stranded at airports all around the nation as travelers were trying to reach their final destinations to celebrate the holidays with their family and friends. If you were one of the unlucky many that had your flight canceled, we will cover what your options are to receive a refund for your canceled flight and how to get reimbursed for expenses you may have incurred while you were stranded.
Last Friday was the first day since Christmas that Southwest didn’t report a double-digit percentage of canceled flights from their schedule. During that time frame, they canceled over 15,000 flights during the traditionally busiest travel week of the year. According to The Points Guy, Southwest CEO Bob Jordan attributed the cancellations to, “an unprecedented storm for all airlines.”
Conversely, Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg tweeted, “not weather related.” Regardless of the difference in opinion about the cause of the cancellations, by law, Southwest is required to refund the purchase price of the airfare that was purchased as well as costs for hotels, meals, and alternate transportation that may have been used to get customers to where they were headed. However, If you accepted a rebooking from Southwest, then, unfortunately, you wouldn’t be entitled to a refund for your airfare purchase.
On the Southwest website, it states If your flight was either canceled or significantly delayed during the travel period of December 24th, 2022, and January 2nd, 2023, you can request your refund of your unused ticket to the original form of payment by filling out an online form with your name and reservation confirmation number. Southwest is required to issue your refund promptly. A letter sent by the Secretary of Transportation earlier this week set some timelines for Southwest to follow, which are: if a customer paid by credit card, the refund should be received within seven business days and if the payment method was cash, check, or any other form it is to be refunded within 20 days. There is also a separate form to fill out if you were separated from your luggage or other belongings.
Southwest Airlines has also stated that they will reimburse reasonable expenses incurred by the affected travelers. This would include those meals, boarding, and alternate transportation like rebooking on another airline or renting a car to drive to your destination. For that reimbursement, you will have to email the Southwest Airlines helpline directly to request the reimbursement and attach copies of those receipts to be reviewed by Southwest for them to decide on the validity of your claim.
Southwest has asked for their customers’ patience and said it will take them a little while to work through the backlog of thousands of requests they have already received. If you are waiting longer than the specified time frames go for the resolution of your reimbursement, Pete Buttigieg advises filing a consumer complaint with the United States Department of Transportation. The DOT requires airlines to respond to customer complaints within 30 days of receiving them, and a written response is due by the company within 60 days.
Another consumer option if you paid by credit card is some card issuers offer travel insurance protection for their customers, and they might be able to help as well. You will need to contact them directly for information on their processes. Following these steps should bring you the resolution you are entitled to under consumer protection laws. Unfortunately, all the refunds won’t make up for the frustration and inconvenience you have experienced during the holiday.
