Airline policy · Southwest Airlines

Southwest Cancelled Flight Rights

Southwest is the dominant carrier at Midway (~80% of traffic) and has a moderate presence at O'Hare (Terminal 2). Its policies differ from the legacy carriers in two important ways: it has no interline agreements, and it rarely provides hotel vouchers. Both shape what you should do next.

Last verified: September 2026

Need help now? Southwest customer service: 1-800-435-9792; app and southwest.com both offer 24/7 chat.

Rebooking

  • Southwest rebooks you on the next available Southwest flight at no charge. No change fees ever.
  • No interline agreements — Southwest cannot put you on United, American, Delta, or any other carrier. If Southwest can't get you there, you wait for the next Southwest flight or book your own alternate.

Meal vouchers

  • Southwest is less generous than legacy carriers. It may provide $10–$12 vouchers for significant controllable delays.
  • Not provided for weather or ATC delays.

Hotel vouchers

  • Rarely provided. Southwest typically does not cover hotel accommodations for overnight delays, even controllable ones.
  • Be persistent and consider escalating to a supervisor, but plan on booking your own room and requesting reimbursement.

Receipt reimbursement

  • Southwest accepts reimbursement requests through southwest.com/customer-support.
  • It is known to apply stricter reimbursement policies than legacy carriers.

Questions to ask the gate agent

Bring this list to the counter — it takes thirty seconds to read and makes sure nothing is left on the table.

  • Is this delay within Southwest's control?
  • Can I get a meal voucher for this delay?
  • Since Southwest doesn't have interline partners, what are my options beyond waiting for the next Southwest flight?
  • Can you rebook me on the first flight tomorrow morning with a confirmed seat?
  • Is there any compensation or LUV voucher for this disruption?

FAQ

Will Southwest pay for my hotel if my flight is cancelled?

Rarely. Southwest typically does not cover hotel accommodations for overnight delays, even controllable ones. Book your own room early and request reimbursement afterward.

Can Southwest rebook me on another airline?

No. Southwest has no interline agreements, so it cannot place you on United, American, Delta, or any other carrier. You wait for the next Southwest flight or book your own alternate.

Does Southwest give meal vouchers?

It may provide $10–$12 vouchers for significant controllable delays, but not for weather or ATC delays.

How do I file for reimbursement?

Submit a request through southwest.com/customer-support. Keep all receipts and note the cancellation reason. Southwest's reimbursement policies tend to be stricter than the legacy carriers'.

Why does this matter more at Midway?

Because Southwest operates roughly 80% of Midway's flights, most stranded MDW passengers are dealing with Southwest — and specifically with the lack of interline rebooking and rare hotel vouchers.

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