Missing a flight can throw your entire travel plan into chaos. Whether you were delayed by traffic, lost track of time, or faced an unexpected emergency, it’s important to know your options. If you're flying with Southwest Airlines and just missed your flight, you might be wondering: Can you rebook after a missed Southwest flight, and what does the process look like? At Get Human Desk, we specialize in making airline policies easier to understand so travelers can make fast, informed decisions.
In cases of a Southwest Airlines missed flight, the good news is that the airline offers more flexibility than most. However, your ability to rebook depends on how quickly you act, your fare type, and whether you were marked as a no-show. Here's what you need to know to get back on track as smoothly as possible.
Southwest Airlines is known for having customer-friendly policies, and that applies to missed flights too. But unlike a delay or cancellation initiated by the airline, a missed flight on the passenger’s end requires fast action. If you miss your flight and take no action, you could lose the value of your ticket—especially if you're flying on a Wanna Get Away fare.
Southwest allows passengers to cancel or change their flight up to 10 minutes before departure. If you do that, even if you can't travel, your fare value can usually be saved as flight credit. But if you simply don’t show up, you risk forfeiting the entire amount.
That’s why it’s crucial to notify Southwest as soon as you know you won’t make the flight. In many cases, they can rebook you on the next available flight the same day, especially if the flight you missed was early.
Rebooking after a missed Southwest flight is usually straightforward—if you take action quickly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Contact Southwest Airlines Immediately
Head to the nearest Southwest ticket counter at the airport, or call their customer service line. If you act within two hours of missing your flight, they’re often willing to rebook you without additional charges (depending on fare type and seat availability).
Check Your Fare Type
Your fare type plays a big role in whether or not you can rebook without penalty:
Wanna Get Away: Non-refundable. If you're a no-show, you lose the fare.
Wanna Get Away Plus: Offers more flexibility and transferable flight credits.
Anytime and Business Select: Fully refundable and easiest to rebook.
Ask for Same-Day Standby or Rebooking
If you arrive at the airport after your flight has taken off, ask about same-day standby or rebooking options. This may be free depending on your fare class, and you could catch a later flight.
Use the Southwest App or Website
If you’re not near an airport, check the Southwest app or online portal. In some cases, you can view available flights and rebook online.
For travelers unsure about how to proceed or needing direct help rebooking, Get Human Desk offers dedicated customer support. Call us at +1-833-923-5122 to speak with an agent who can guide you through your rebooking options in real time.
If you’re marked as a no-show and didn’t cancel or change your flight ahead of time, your options narrow significantly—especially if you booked a Wanna Get Away fare. In this case, the fare value is forfeited and cannot be used for future travel. Your best bet is to call customer support as soon as possible and see if anything can be done, though no guarantees are offered.
However, if your fare is Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select, you may still be able to rebook the flight or use the funds toward a future trip. These fare types include more flexible rebooking policies and protect your funds even if the flight is missed.
Here are some tips to help ensure you don’t lose the value of your ticket—even if you’re running late:
Cancel or modify your flight at least 10 minutes before departure via the app, website, or customer service.
Book flexible fares if your plans may change.
Set reminders for your flight times and leave early for the airport to avoid surprises.
Use same-day change options, available for certain fare types and routes.
Yes, you can rebook after a Southwest Airlines missed flight—but it depends on how quickly you act and what type of ticket you purchased. The best approach is to notify the airline as soon as possible, even if you're going to be just a few minutes late. The more proactive you are, the more likely it is that you'll be accommodated on a later flight without losing your fare value.
At Get Human Desk, we help travelers like you navigate these situations with less stress and more clarity. Whether you’re dealing with a missed flight or need help understanding your ticket options, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
To speak with a customer support specialist now, call +1-833-923-5122. We’ll help you rebook quickly and get you moving again.