Passengers of Southwest Airlines who have faced a delayed or cancelled flight have a legal right to compensation. According to EU 261/2004, an airline is obliged to compensate passengers when there is a significant disruption. Here, we will look at your rights and the actions you should follow to obtain the compensation you are entitled 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 the event of delay or flight cancellation.
Southwest Airlines Compensation for Flight Delay
According to UK and EU regulations, passengers are eligible for up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight arrives late. It’s important to note that this flight delay compensation depends on the flight’s arrival time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim relies on the actual time you arrive at your final destination.
Let’s take a look at how much compensation you may receive if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation depends on various criteria, including 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 |
Keep in mind you may not always receive compensation for every flight delay. Southwest Airlines isn’t required to pay compensation when extraordinary circumstances they cannot control arise. This covers bad weather, airport issues, or a strike by air traffic controllers. In these cases, you will usually not be given compensation as it is not the airline’s fault.
Southwest Airlines Compensation for Flight Cancellation
European Union Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines are required to inform passengers of 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, depending on the distance of the flight. Nevertheless, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it could potentially avoid paying 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 a different flight, passengers retain their claim for compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The compensation amount is determined based on two factors: the flight distance and the duration of the delay, in line with the table provided 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 isn’t required to compensate you if they offer 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 bad weather or when airline workers go on strike.
Are Southwest Airlines Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
European Union Regulation 261 covers all flights departing from airports in the EU. This regulation also extends to flights arriving in the EU if the airline is based in the EU. This includes airlines from European Union member states as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Nevertheless, Southwest Airlines is not a European airline. Consequently, they are not obliged 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 cancellation or delay with Southwest Airlines, it’s crucial to know that you might be entitled to compensation under EU regulations. This is why it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do:
- Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We understand the EU laws comprehensively and will make every effort to get you your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.
These steps will help you file your claim quickly and increase your chances of obtaining the compensation you’re entitled to. There may be plenty of time after your flight to submit a claim, but it’s best to complete 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 extra mile to help passengers during travel disruptions by providing services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions occur, Southwest Airlines is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. The right, established under EU Regulation 261/2004, becomes applicable when flight delays exceed two hours. The services provided include:
- Meals and Refreshments: Passengers are provided with food and drinks 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 provides 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 airport staff at the airport for immediate assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When Southwest Airlines cancels a flight, passengers can choose to get a full refund or rebook on a different flight. This flexibility is crucial for minimizing travel interruptions and helping passengers to manage unforeseen circumstances effectively.
- 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 journey, Southwest Airlines shall provide rebooking on the next available flight to your destination. You also have the option to choose 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, including in a higher class, at no additional cost to you if that’s the only available option.
It’s essential 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. Furthermore, if your booking involves connecting flights, Southwest Airlines will assist in rebooking your entire journey, not only the cancelled segment.
Whether opting for a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to ensure this process as smooth as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.