Passengers of Southwest Airlines who have experienced a cancelled or delayed flight have a legal right to compensation. According to EU 261, an airline is obliged to compensate passengers if there’s a significant disruption. Here, we will look at your rights and the steps you should follow to get the compensation you have a right to from the airline.
Southwest Airlines Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Southwest Airlines compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in case of flight cancellation or delay.
Southwest Airlines Compensation for Flight Delay
According to UK and EU regulations, passengers may be entitled to up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight experiences a delay. It’s crucial to note that this flight delay compensation is calculated using the flight’s landing time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim is the actual time you land at your destination airport.
Let’s take a look at how much compensation you could be eligible for if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation varies based on various criteria, such as the duration of the delay and the distance of your flight:
| Less than 3 hours | Between 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Distance |
| €0 | €250 | €250 | All flights up to 1500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All intra-EU flights over 3500 km |
| €0 | €300 | €600 | All non-EU flights over 3500 km |
Remember you may not always receive compensation for every flight delay. Southwest Airlines is not obliged to provide compensation when extraordinary circumstances outside their control occur. This includes bad weather, problems at the airport, or air traffic controller strikes. In such situations, you will usually not be compensated as it is not the airline’s fault.
Southwest Airlines Compensation for Flight Cancellation
EU Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines have to notify passengers of flight cancellations at least 14 days before the scheduled flight. If the airline fails to notify you in time, you might be eligible for flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, based on the flight distance. Nevertheless, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it could potentially avoid compensation for the cancelled flight if the following conditions are met:
| Advance Notice | Re-routing Requirements |
| 14 Days | None |
| 7 – 13 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight |
| Less than 7 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight |
When accepting an alternative flight, passengers retain their right to compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The amount of compensation is calculated based on two factors: the flight distance and the duration of the delay, according to the table below:
| Under 2 hours | 2-3 hours | 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Never arrived | Distance |
| €125 | €250 | €250 | €250 | €250 | All flights 1,500 km or less |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Internal EU flights over 1,500 km |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km |
| €300 | €300 | €300 | €600 | €600 | Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km |
Southwest Airlines doesn’t have to compensate you if they provide an alternative flight that departs and arrives close to the same time as your original flight. Also, you generally won’t receive compensation if the flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as adverse weather conditions or when airline workers go on strike.
Are Southwest Airlines Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
EU Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from EU airports. It also covers flights arriving in the EU if the airline originates in the EU. This includes airlines from European Union member states as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Nevertheless, Southwest Airlines isn’t a European airline. Therefore, they don’t have to pay you compensation if their flights operate outside of Europe. This is true even for their flights to Europe if they start outside the EU.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing from EU airports | ✔️ Yes |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ❌ No |
How to Claim Compensation from Southwest Airlines
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight delay or cancellation with Southwest Airlines, it’s important to understand that you might be entitled to compensation under EU laws. That’s why it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do:
- Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We know the EU laws well and will do our best to secure your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.
These steps will help you file your claim quickly and increase your chances of getting the compensation you’re owed. You may have plenty of time after your flight to submit a claim, but it’s best to file it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details.
What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation
Southwest Airlines goes the additional mile to support passengers during travel disruptions by offering services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions happen, Southwest Airlines is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. This right, established under EU 261, kicks in when flight delays exceed two hours. The services provided include:
- Food and Drinks: Passengers are provided with meals and beverages appropriate to the length of delay. This may include vouchers for airport restaurants or direct distribution of snacks and drinks.
- Communication: Southwest Airlines offers two free phone calls, emails, or fax messages to keep passengers connected with family or business contacts.
- Accommodation: If the delay extends for the night or requires an additional stay, Southwest Airlines arranges hotel accommodation. This also covers transportation between the airport and the hotel.
- Special Assistance: Extra care is given to passengers with reduced mobility or special needs.
To access these services, you can simply approach airline staff at the airport for instant assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When Southwest Airlines cancels a flight, passengers have the option to get a full refund or rebook on another flight. This option is essential for minimizing travel inconveniences and helping passengers to handle unforeseen circumstances successfully.
- Full Refund: if you request a refund, you can get full reimbursement for the parts of your trip that you didn’t use, including any tickets you only partly used. Also, if the cancellation means your trip no longer serves its original purpose, you may get a flight back to where you first started at the earliest chance.
- Rebooking: if you choose to continue your trip, Southwest Airlines will provide rebooking on the next available flight to your destination. You also have the option to select an alternative route if there are seats available. If the next available flight is scheduled for the following day or later, Southwest Airlines will arrange accommodation and transfers as needed. Furthermore, you have the right to be rebooked, even in a higher class, at no additional cost to you if that’s the only available option.
It’s important to keep in mind some additional considerations. If you’re rebooked on a lower class than originally booked, you’re eligible for a partial refund of the cost difference. Additionally, if your booking includes connecting flights, Southwest Airlines will assist in rebooking your entire journey, not just the cancelled segment.
Whether opting for a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to ensure this process as easy as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.
Recent Flight Delays and Cancellations
Was your flight delayed or cancelled without a valid reason? Check our table for the latest flight delays and cancellations. Assess your right to compensation using our claim checker, and let us protect your rights and pursue compensation for you.
Did not find your flight in our table? Try our compensation form, and we will check it for you.
| Date | Airline (Flight number) | Route | Status | Your compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
20.06.202507:45 | Southwest Airlines 2174 | Boston (BOS) Baltimore (BWI) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
20.06.202505:50 | Southwest Airlines 2892 | Savannah (SAV) Houston (HOU) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202522:50 | Southwest Airlines 3174 | Baltimore (BWI) Boston (BOS) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202522:30 | Southwest Airlines 1307 | Nashville (BNA) San Antonio (SAT) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202522:05 | Southwest Airlines 4563 | Las Vegas (LAS) Santa Barbara (SBA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:35 | Southwest Airlines 2164 | El Paso (ELP) San Antonio (SAT) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:20 | Southwest Airlines 3756 | New York (MCO) San Antonio (SAT) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:10 | Southwest Airlines 1614 | Baltimore (BWI) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:05 | Southwest Airlines 3412 | Las Vegas (LAS) San Antonio (SAT) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:50 | Southwest Airlines 898 | San Antonio (SAT) Houston (HOU) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:40 | Southwest Airlines 2541 | Salt Lake City (SLC) Las Vegas (LAS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:40 | Southwest Airlines 3413 | Baltimore (BWI) Savannah (SAV) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:35 | Southwest Airlines 654 | San Antonio (SAT) Los Angeles (LAX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:35 | Southwest Airlines 942 | Nashville (BNA) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:30 | Southwest Airlines 1011 | Chicago (MDW) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:30 | Southwest Airlines 2047 | Salt Lake City (SLC) Phoenix (PHX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:25 | Southwest Airlines 2746 | St Louis (STL) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:20 | Southwest Airlines 3056 | Houston (HOU) Chicago (ECP) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:05 | Southwest Airlines 1927 | Baltimore (BWI) San Antonio (SAT) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202519:35 | Southwest Airlines 2366 | Chicago (DAL) San Antonio (SAT) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202519:35 | Southwest Airlines 1944 | Salt Lake City (SLC) Los Angeles (SMF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202519:30 | Southwest Airlines 477 | Phoenix (PHX) San Antonio (SAT) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202519:15 | Southwest Airlines 2163 | Denver (DEN) San Antonio (SAT) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202518:55 | Southwest Airlines 937 | Chicago (MDW) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202518:45 | Southwest Airlines 4405 | San Diego (SAN) San Antonio (SAT) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202518:40 | Southwest Airlines 3411 | Las Vegas (LAS) San Antonio (SAT) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202518:00 | Southwest Airlines 4707 | Salt Lake City (SLC) Denver (DEN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202518:00 | Southwest Airlines 4201 | Salt Lake City (SLC) Phoenix (PHX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202517:15 | Southwest Airlines 3633 | Salt Lake City (SLC) San Diego (SAN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202517:00 | Southwest Airlines 4487 | San Jose (SJC) Burbank (BUR) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202516:45 | Southwest Airlines 1956 | Salt Lake City (SLC) Las Vegas (LAS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202516:45 | Southwest Airlines 1187 | Denver (DEN) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202516:45 | Southwest Airlines 1437 | Chicago (MDW) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202516:05 | Southwest Airlines 898 | Phoenix (PHX) San Antonio (SAT) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202515:40 | Southwest Airlines 3171 | Charlotte (CLT) Denver (DEN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202514:35 | Southwest Airlines 1490 | Seattle (SEA) Los Angeles (SMF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202514:25 | Southwest Airlines 2663 | Buffalo (BUF) Tampa (TPA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202514:10 | Southwest Airlines 2533 | New York (MCO) Tulsa (TUL) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202513:45 | Southwest Airlines 3979 | Baltimore (BWI) Buffalo (BUF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202513:45 | Southwest Airlines 2090 | St Louis (STL) Burbank (BUR) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202512:30 | Southwest Airlines 202 | Denver (DEN) Chicago (ECP) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202511:25 | Southwest Airlines 150 | San Jose (SJC) Burbank (BUR) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202511:15 | Southwest Airlines 2663 | Chicago (MDW) Buffalo (BUF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202510:35 | Southwest Airlines 1625 | Baltimore (BWI) Buffalo (BUF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202510:30 | Southwest Airlines 1596 | Nashville (BNA) Burbank (BUR) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202509:55 | Southwest Airlines 1566 | Burbank (BUR) Los Angeles (SMF) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202508:20 | Southwest Airlines 1529 | Baltimore (BWI) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202508:10 | Southwest Airlines 2915 | Baltimore (BWI) Savannah (SAV) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202507:50 | Southwest Airlines 2029 | Chicago (MDW) Savannah (SAV) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202507:30 | Southwest Airlines 3189 | St Louis (STL) Chicago (ECP) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202506:25 | Southwest Airlines 172 | Oakland (OAK) Burbank (BUR) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202506:15 | Southwest Airlines 3976 | Baltimore (BWI) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202505:50 | Southwest Airlines 1409 | Boston (BOS) Baltimore (BWI) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202505:00 | Southwest Airlines 1148 | Boston (BOS) Nashville (BNA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202521:55 | Southwest Airlines 3175 | Houston (HOU) Tulsa (TUL) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202521:45 | Southwest Airlines 3469 | St Louis (STL) Tulsa (TUL) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202521:45 | Southwest Airlines 1936 | Baltimore (BWI) Louisville (SDF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202521:40 | Southwest Airlines 968 | Chicago (MDW) Louisville (SDF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202520:45 | Southwest Airlines 4393 | Chicago (DAL) Tulsa (TUL) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202520:35 | Southwest Airlines 2068 | Chicago (MDW) Tucson (TUS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202520:25 | Southwest Airlines 893 | San Diego (SAN) Tucson (TUS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202520:15 | Southwest Airlines 4571 | Nashville (BNA) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202519:50 | Southwest Airlines 3189 | St Louis (STL) Chicago (ECP) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202519:50 | Southwest Airlines 2450 | Tulsa (TUL) Chicago (DAL) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202519:50 | Southwest Airlines 3650 | New York (MCO) Louisville (SDF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202518:15 | Southwest Airlines 2541 | Las Vegas (LAS) Louisville (SDF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202517:50 | Southwest Airlines 3337 | Austin (AUS) Tulsa (TUL) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202517:50 | Southwest Airlines 4007 | Chicago (MDW) Tulsa (TUL) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202516:00 | Southwest Airlines 4738 | Chicago (MDW) Buffalo (BUF) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
18.06.202515:35 | Southwest Airlines 384 | Nashville (BNA) (DCA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
18.06.202515:00 | Southwest Airlines 3956 | Memphis (MEM) Phoenix (PHX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202512:30 | Southwest Airlines 1466 | Memphis (MEM) Nashville (BNA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202510:25 | Southwest Airlines 1034 | Nashville (BNA) Denver (DEN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202509:40 | Southwest Airlines 736 | Denver (DEN) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202509:15 | Southwest Airlines 1195 | Nashville (BNA) Milwaukee (MKE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202509:00 | Southwest Airlines 1229 | Nashville (BNA) West Palm Beach (PBI) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202507:25 | Southwest Airlines 1200 | Nashville (BNA) New Orleans (MSY) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202507:20 | Southwest Airlines 1431 | Boston (BOS) Chicago (MDW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202506:40 | Southwest Airlines 373 | San Antonio (SAT) El Paso (ELP) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.06.202522:05 | Southwest Airlines 846 | St Louis (STL) Des Moines (DSM) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.06.202521:55 | Southwest Airlines 3175 | Houston (HOU) Tulsa (TUL) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.06.202521:55 | Southwest Airlines 205 | Denver (DEN) Tucson (TUS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.06.202521:50 | Southwest Airlines 1660 | Nashville (BNA) San Antonio (SAT) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.06.202521:45 | Southwest Airlines 2411 | Las Vegas (LAS) Boise (BOI) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.06.202521:45 | Southwest Airlines 3478 | Las Vegas (LAS) Tucson (TUS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.06.202521:45 | Southwest Airlines 3469 | St Louis (STL) Tulsa (TUL) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.06.202521:45 | Southwest Airlines 1379 | Denver (DEN) Boise (BOI) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.06.202521:40 | Southwest Airlines 4202 | Phoenix (PHX) Boise (BOI) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.06.202521:40 | Southwest Airlines 3979 | Baltimore (BWI) Buffalo (BUF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.06.202521:30 | Southwest Airlines 3353 | Chicago (MDW) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.06.202521:25 | Southwest Airlines 3910 | Chicago (MDW) San Antonio (SAT) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.06.202520:25 | Southwest Airlines 893 | San Diego (SAN) Tucson (TUS) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
17.06.202520:15 | Southwest Airlines 4571 | Nashville (BNA) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.06.202519:50 | Southwest Airlines 1065 | Nashville (BNA) Chicago (ECP) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.06.202519:10 | Southwest Airlines 1387 | Chicago (DAL) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.06.202519:00 | Southwest Airlines 2046 | Las Vegas (LAS) Tulsa (TUL) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.06.202518:55 | Southwest Airlines 2182 | Baltimore (BWI) West Palm Beach (PBI) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.06.202518:20 | Southwest Airlines 650 | Seattle (SEA) Los Angeles (SMF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.06.202518:15 | Southwest Airlines 2541 | Las Vegas (LAS) Louisville (SDF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.06.202518:15 | Southwest Airlines 2379 | Oakland (OAK) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
