How Southwest Flight Delay Compensation Works?

Flight delays can mess up tight travel plans. You might wonder what compensation you are qualified for if you are flying with Southwest Airlines and your flight gets delayed.

Southwest is known for customer friendly policies but the details around compensation for delays are not always clear. This blog presents a breakdown of how their system works and what you should know before heading to the airport. Contact Southwest Airlines at 1-800-435-9792 or Skytravelfly at +1-888-415-1531 for more information.

What is the 10 Minute Rule for Southwest?

Southwest Airlines offers flexibility to its passengers. The Southwest 10-minute rule is one such case. This rule applies to boarding not delays. It is worth understanding in the context of travel planning.

The 10-minute rule states that you must be at the gate and ready to board at least 10 minutes before departure. Southwest reserves the right to cancel your reservation and give your seat to someone else if you are not present at the gate. Even if you have checked in and passed security if you are not physically present at the gate on time, you could miss your flight without recourse.

This rule is particularly important if your connecting flight is tight due to an earlier delay. It also strengthens the necessity of monitoring gate announcements and arrival times carefully.

How Does Southwest Flight Delay Compensation Work?

The Southwest flight delay compensation works differently from other major carriers. It is not based on a published rulebook or government regulation since US law does not require compensation for delays. Instead, it relies heavily on discretion and circumstance. Here is how it works:      

No Standard Payouts Like in Europe

There’s no law requiring airlines to pay compensation for delayed flights if you’re flying within or from the US. The United States does not mandate automatic cash payouts unlike the EU’s EC 261 regulation. So, if your Southwest flight is delayed, you won’t automatically get money back just for the inconvenience.

Southwest May Offer Vouchers or Travel Credit

Southwest occasionally offers travel vouchers, Rapid Rewards points or even partial refunds when delays are significant and the airline is at fault such as with a mechanical issue or crew shortage. These are typically issued proactively or upon request.

No Compensation for Weather or Air Traffic Delays

There is no obligation for the airline to offer Southwest delay compensation if your delay was caused by weather, airport congestion or other issues beyond the airline’s control. Your best bet in such cases is rebooking assistance or a travel credit at their discretion.

How to Request Compensation under Southwest 10-minute rule?

It is worth reaching out to Southwest customer service if your flight was delayed more than two hours or caused you to miss a connection. You can do this:

•     By speaking to a gate agent or airline supervisor at the airport.
•    Through the Contact Us form on the Southwest website.
•    Via their social media accounts

Be clear and polite along with being specific. Mention your flight number, date, the length of the delay and how it impacted you. If the delay caused a missed event, lost reservation or extra expenses include that too for Southwest flight delay compensation.

Conclusion:

Southwest does not have an official compensation chart for delayed flights. Vouchers or other acts of kindness may be given to passengers who are polite and persistent. Speak with customer support instantly if the delay has made your trip more difficult. Dial Skytravelfly at +1-888-415-1531 or Southwest Airlines at 1-800-435-9792 in case of any doubts or concerns.