Southwest Airlines flight cancellation compensation
Was your Southwest flight canceled? Whether you’re flying domestically within the United States or to or from Europe, as a passenger you have rights and may be entitled to compensation in these situations. In this article, we’ll explore your passenger rights and compensation options, with a special focus on flight cancellations on Southwest Airlines.
Southwest flight compensation for cancelled domestic flights
If a domestic flight is cancelled in the United States, passengers have specific rights but are not necessarily entitled to compensation. Southwest Airlines, one of the leading domestic carriers, is generally required to rebook passengers on the next available flight to their destination at no extra cost.
If Southwest fails to provide reasonable rebooking options, passengers are not eligible for cash compensation. Southwest hower, does commit to the following:
- Rebook passenger on same airline at no additional cost
- Meal or meal cash/voucher when cancellation results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more for a new flight
- Complimentary hotel accommodations for any passenger affected by an overnight cancellation
- Complimentary ground transportation to and from hotel for any passenger affected by an overnight cancellation
Southwest Airlines does not commit to
- Rebook on partner airline or another airline with which it has an agreement at no additional cost
- Cash compensation when a delay results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more from the scheduled departure time
- Credit/travel voucher when delay results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more from the scheduled departure time
- Frequent flyer miles when delay results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more from the scheduled departure time
What if my Southwest flight to or from Europe is cancelled?
At the time of writing, Southwest doesn’t fly to or from Europe. In Europe, passengers are provided with comprehensive protection through EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261), which outlines extensive airline passenger rights for flight cancellations.
These regulations also apply to US citizens. But there are some caveats.
US Passengers to Europe
US passengers traveling to Europe on an EU airline may be entitled to compensation for flight cancellations, but not if flying on a US carrier. Southwest is a US airline, so even if this airline would fly to the EU, passengers on Southwest flights are not protected by EU passenger rights and are not eligible for compensation.
US Passengers from Europe
If you are a US passenger traveling back from Europe to the United States, you are entitled to compensation for flight cancellations, regardless of the airline you choose. This protection is similar to that afforded to EU passengers under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, which requires airlines to compensate passengers for flight cancellations, delays, and denied boarding.
If your flight is cancelled less than 14 days before departure, you are entitled to compensation of 250 euros (about $260) for short flights (up to 932 miles), 400 euros (about $425) for medium-haul flights (932 to 2,175 miles), and 600 euros (about $650) for long-haul flights (over 2,175 miles).
But, since Southwest only flies routes domestically and to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, these compensation rules currently do not apply.
Southwest may offer compensation in the future, similar to Europe
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg are actively working to implement new regulations that would provide American passengers, including those flying with Southwest Airlines, with enhanced protections and compensation in the event of flight cancellations, even on domestic flights. These proposed regulations are aimed at aligning with the rights offered to passengers in the European Union.
While the DOT has not yet announced when these rules will take effect, we will keep you updated here as more information becomes available. Southwest passengers, as well as all other US airline passengers, can look forward to potentially receiving compensation for flight cancellations similar to their European counterparts.
What are my rights if Southwest Airlines cancelled my domestic flight?
If your domestic flight is cancelled, you have the right to:
- A full refund of your ticket price
- A rebooking on the next available flight to your final destination, at no additional cost
- Assistance with accommodation and meals if your rebooked flight departs the next day or later
Can I get compensation if my flight with Southwest Airlines is cancelled?
If Southwest cancels your flight, they are obliged to offer you a replacement flight or a refund. As of now, you are not eligible for compensation. The Department of Transportation is working on new compensation legislation.