Southwest Flight Delayed or Cancelled? What Southwest Commits To
Southwest has one of the more specific delay commitments among US airlines: a travel voucher for qualifying controllable delays. Here is how it works, along with the federal refund rule and Southwest's meal and hotel commitments.
Southwest's LUV Voucher commitment
Southwest's Customer Service Plan (revised October 16, 2026) says that for significant delays or Southwest-initiated cancellations within Southwest's control, you may be eligible for a fully transferable LUV Voucher of at least $75 if all of these apply:
- Southwest cancelled or delayed your flight within seven days of the scheduled departure
- You arrived at your final destination three or more hours after the scheduled arrival time
- You submit the request at Southwest.com/DelayForm within one year of the flight
If Southwest already issued you a voucher for the same disruption, that counts as meeting the commitment. Delays from weather, air traffic control, and other events outside Southwest's control do not qualify.
Meals, hotels, and rebooking
On the DOT Airline Customer Service Dashboard, for controllable disruptions, Southwest commits to:
- Rebooking on Southwest at no extra cost
- A meal or meal voucher for waits of 3 hours or more
- A hotel and ground transportation for overnight disruptions
Southwest does not commit to rebooking you on another airline, and it does not commit to cash compensation or frequent flyer points for delays.
The DOT refund rule
Southwest flights are covered by the DOT refund rule (14 CFR Part 260). If Southwest cancels your flight, or significantly changes or delays it (for domestic flights, departing 3+ hours earlier or arriving 3+ hours later than scheduled, or a change of airport or added connections), and you decide not to travel and do not accept rebooking or a credit, the airline must offer a refund under the DOT rule to your original payment method.
Credit card refunds are due within 7 business days. Accepting a flight credit or flying the new itinerary generally gives up the refund for that ticket.
What to do
- Write down scheduled vs. actual arrival time. The LUV voucher depends on arrival, not departure.
- Save the reason Southwest gives in the app, text, or email.
- Ask for a meal voucher at the 3-hour mark and a hotel if you are stuck overnight.
- Keep receipts for any expenses you pay yourself.
- Submit the delay form, then follow up in writing if you need to, with a complete timeline.
FAQ
How much is the Southwest delay voucher? Southwest's Customer Service Plan says at least $75, for qualifying controllable delays with a 3+ hour late arrival.
Does weather count? No. Southwest's plan covers disruptions within its control. Weather and air traffic control generally do not qualify.
Can I get a refund instead of rebooking? Yes, if your flight was cancelled or significantly changed and you decline rebooking and credits, the DOT rule applies.
How long do I have to request the voucher? Southwest says to submit the request within one year after the flight.
Create your letter
If you need to follow up with Southwest in writing, Delay Draft creates a clear, professional letter you send yourself. Delay Draft is not a law firm and does not file claims.