It is indeed a frustrating situation to find yourself in after missing a flight; however, with Southwest, you’ll need to act fast before your flying plans are completely ruined. Known informally as the Southwest airlines missed flight policy, the airline may lay down a few conditions to get you on board the next available flight.
In case the flight was missed within about 2 hours of scheduled departure after getting to the airport, the next possible flight may be booked at the airline’s discretion.
This may not be a guarantee: rebooking on the next flight will be subject to availability, and with that, your chances and the outcome may highly depend on the situation-however late; what type of fare is involved; and how promptly does the passenger get in touch with the airline.
Southwest Fare Type Impacts Missed Flights
Whether it is a cancelable ticket or not is one of the main determinants determining what follows after a person called as missing a flight:
For non-refundable fares (the most common ones being, for instance, “Wanna Get Away” or “Wanna Get Away Plus”), the rule is the same: upon missing your flight and not having cancelled it, the value of that flight segment is forfeited. Unless you are lucky and manage to get someone to courtesy hold a spot for you on the next flight.
For refundable fares (for instance, “Business Select” or “Anytime”), missing a flight could, provided you tell the airline, give you a little leeway: a refund or a travel credit for future flights.
Hence, if ever you booked your flight with Southwest and, considering the possibility of day-of delays or sudden potential changes in plans, a refundable fare is better for that safety. For the travelers on a tight budget and tending toward cheaper fare options, weighing in on the possibly losing the ticket price in the eventuality of not boarding is worth the consideration.
If you know (or suspect) that you will miss your flight
If you see that you are slowly missing your flight – maybe due to traffic, delays with public transportation, or some sudden conflict at home – what you do proactive could possibly save the day.
Notify Southwest as soon as possible. Contacting the airline directly on the phone or in any other way would allow them to make a last-minute change or cancellation on your behalf, which might minimize your losses (all the more so if you’ve gone for a refundable fare).