For a long time, Southwest Airlines has been dedicated to offering passengers a pleasant and comfortable travel experience. However, at times, due to unexpected aircraft-related issues or uncertain mechanical conditions a few flights get severely delayed due to which passengers don’t reach their destination on time. When something like this occurs, passengers ask for Southwest Airlines Delay Compensation, which is offered in different forms based on the delayed time, fare class and reason.
Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a frequent traveler with Southwest Airlines, you must know how the entire compensation process works in general. Go through this comprehensive guide, which highlights the prominent aspects of compensation policy and how a passenger can seamlessly file a claim.
Does Southwest Have Any Compensation Policy For Flight Delays?
Since 1967, Southwest has built an exceptional reputation for designing flexible policies and providing top-notch service to the passengers. If ever you purchase a reservation with them and your flight gets delayed then you need not to stress unnecessarily as you will receive compensation for delayed flights. Here’s how Southwest offers compensation under different scenarios.
- Southwest Airlines will issue compensation to the passengers if their flight got delayed due to sudden maintenance, crew shortage etc.
- The compensation is divided into three segments, according to the flight delay time.
- You will not receive any compensation if your scheduled flight gets delayed due to unfortunate weather changes.
- Passengers will receive travel or meal vouchers if your flight got delayed due to 1 hour for the reason which was within the airline’s control.
- If the delay is caused for more than 2 hours, then you will receive Southwest Airlines Delay Compensation in the form of travel vouchers and hotel accommodation as a token of additional assistance.
- For delays exceeding more than 3 hours, you will receive compensation in the form of travel credits and extra amenities.
- Factors which play a fundamental role in compensation are fare class chosen by the passenger, flight delay time and reason due to which the specific flight got delayed by Southwest.
How Can I File A Claim For Southwest Airlines Delay Compensation?
If you wish to seek compensation for a flight which got canceled or delayed by Southwest Airlines then here’s the procedure you must follow. In total, there are five different platforms through which you can avail compensation in the form of flight vouchers, hotel accommodation, meals or transportation. Go through the step-by-step guide shared below for your understanding and reference.
Official Website
- Passengers must visit the official [southwest.com] website.
- Next step is to login with a valid user ID and password.
- Navigate to the bottom and search for the “Help Centre” option.
- Search for the “Request Reimbursement or Voucher” form.
- Fill in all the necessary information.
- Flight Details: Flight Name, Flight Number, Booking Number, Origin City, Arrival City.
- Personal Information: Complete Name, Email Address, Phone Number, Address, City, Zip Code, State, Country.
- Choose your address type out of Home or Business.
- Click on the “Next” option.
- Proceed to adhere to the on-screen instructions.
- See which type of compensation is offered to you.
- Use the compensation.
Phone Call
- To ask for compensation, call at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) from the contact information mentioned in your flight itinerary.
- Once you connect with an airline representative, explain your situation to them.
- Address the clear reason why your flight got delayed or canceled by Southwest.
- Update the agent about the delayed time duration.
- Now, you must share your booking number and last name.
- Let the agent check if you can receive compensation or not.
- The agent will ask you to share the necessary information to fill out the compensation form.
- Supply the supportive documents.
- Share confirmation to submit the claim.
- The flight specialist will process your compensation.
- Check whether compensation is offered in the form of meal vouchers, lodging, or transportation.
- Agree and accept the compensation.
- Once you adhere to the compensation, you will receive a confirmation mail.
App
- Download the mobile app and log in.
- Secondly, navigate to the “Look Up Reservation” option.
- On the next page, fill in your ticket reference number and the last name.
- Review if there’s any mention of Southwest Airlines Delay Compensation.
- Double-check your details
- Select the compensation type.
- Wait for processing.
- You will receive compensation in the next few minutes.
- Head to the “Contact Us” page.
- Search for the “Email Us” option.
- Now, proceed to choose the “Send Us An Email” option.
- Write a proper email for compensation.
- Mention your booking reference number, name, and contact information.
- Send the mail and wait for a response.
- In the next 24-48 hours, you will receive an update about compensation.
Airport Counter
- Go to a Southwest Airlines ticket counter.
- Address your issue to the help desk executive.
- Provide your 13-digit PNR number and last name.
- Allow the executive to check compensation eligibility and criteria.
- If you fall under the category, the executive will offer you on-spot compensation.
When Does Southwest Offer LUV Voucher As Reimbursement?
Southwest Airlines is known for operating punctual flights. However, there are days when few flights don’t take off as intended which ultimately stresses out the passengers. Under such circumstances, they offer reimbursement in the form of a LUV voucher which can be used to purchase flights in the future. Read the below mentioned pointers to know when Southwest offers a LUV voucher.
- You will receive an LUV Voucher as compensation if your flight gets delayed due to a reason that was under the airline’s control.
- Passengers can ask for an LUV voucher by filling out the compensation form within one year of the canceled or delayed flight.
- Only one LUV Voucher is issued per passenger.
- If Southwest has issued an LUV Voucher one time, you can’t claim it again for the same reason.
- A passenger can ask for an LUV Voucher if Southwest delays or cancels a flight 8 days before the departure.
- Additionally, you will also receive an LUV Voucher if you reach your destination after a delay of three or more hours.
Does Southwest Compensate For A Flight Canceled Due To Bad Weather?
There is no compensation for a flight which got delayed due to terrible weather. However, there is always an exception. In scenarios when cancels or delays your flight due to bad weather here are the alternatives you can pick as you cannot claim for Southwest Airlines Delay Compensation from the airlines.
- Avail Flight Rebooking: If your previous flight got canceled due to lousy weather and you still wish to reach your destination, then call up at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) and ask them to rebook you on a subsequent flight. At times, you will be automatically rebooked on another flight.
- Ask For Refund: If you have purchased a refundable fare type, you can ask for a refund via the official website or by calling up an airline executive. The refund will be processed into the original mode of payment. Those who have purchased a non-refundable ticket type will receive travel credits for future usage.
- Request For Travel Voucher: Apart from offering a refund, Southwest also offers a $100 travel voucher to passengers, which they can use to book a flight ticket in the future.
Will I Receive Compensation For A Late Southwest Flight?
Yes, you will receive compensation if your Southwest flight got exceptionally delayed due to 1-3 hours. Although, a passenger can seek compensation only if their flight got delayed due to crew availability, unpredictable operational challenges or sudden mechanical issues. Alternatively, flights get delayed for drastic weather changes but there is no compensation for such circumstances.
What Should I Do If Southwest Delays My Scheduled Flight?
Even if you’re sure that you will receive compensation, it’s better to have a firm understanding of the tips so that you can handle such situations efficiently. Here are some important tips for your guidance.
- Keep Checking Notifications: Open the Southwest app or website and keep a strong eye on your flight updates. This way, you will know the correct departure time for your flight.
- Sit Nearby Information Screen: If your flight gets postponed, you must sit near these screens as the latest updates about every flight are demonstrated here. The airport authority will instantly update the timings on the screen.
- Listen To Announcements: Pay attention to every announcement related to your flight and communicate regularly with an airline representative to know the exact timings of your flight’s departure.
Conclusion
Delays are quite uncertain and can happen anytime. Henceforth, rather than stressing out, you must know how to take a safe exit. A clear understanding about the policies and thorough understanding on how to file a claim and help you to get the compensation you deserve. For more updates, you can reach out to our airline representative for guided assistance.
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