How Long Does Southwest Airlines Hold a Reservation?
📞☎ +1(866) 756-4238
Southwest Airlines offers several options for holding a reservation, making it easier for travelers to manage their bookings.
1. Hold Option for 24 Hours
Southwest Airlines allows you to hold a reservation for up to 24 hours without paying for your ticket. This option is available when you book directly on the Southwest Airlines website or through their mobile app.
- No Payment Required: You can reserve your flight for up to 24 hours without any upfront payment.
- 24-Hour Flexibility: If you decide within 24 hours that you want to proceed with the booking, you can pay for your ticket. If you don’t confirm, the reservation will automatically be canceled.
- Applies to Most Fares: This option is typically available for all types of fares, including Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select tickets.
2. Extended Hold for Payment
If you’re looking for a longer hold, Southwest also offers an option called Southwest Vacations, which can hold a reservation for a longer period with the option to pay later. However, this is typically associated with vacation packages, not individual flights.
3. Same-Day Booking or Last-Minute Reservations
For reservations made on the same day, Southwest doesn’t specifically “hold” your flight for a period. You’ll need to pay for your ticket immediately.
4. How to Hold a Reservation
To hold a reservation with Southwest:
- Go to the Southwest website or the Southwest mobile app.
- Select your desired flights, and when you’re ready to book, choose the option to hold your reservation (typically during checkout).
- Be sure to make your payment within 24 hours to avoid automatic cancellation.
Conclusion
Southwest Airlines allows passengers to hold a reservation for up to 24 hours with no payment required. This provides flexibility for travelers who may need more time to finalize their plans. After 24 hours, the reservation will be automatically canceled unless payment is made.