Southwest Airlines is giving some passengers booked for Nov. 13 through Nov. 16 more time to fly after Friday’s nationwide air traffic control outage. The airline’s advisory says eligible travelers can change flights or try standby within five days of their original travel date without paying a fare difference, provided they keep the same departure and destination cities.
Southwest says flights have resumed since the FAA lifted the nationwide ground stop. Delays and cancellations can continue while the airline restores its schedule. Check the flight status before leaving for the airport, even if you’re keeping your original reservation.
How to check your options
The advisory refers to qualifying cities but did not display a list when Edit USA reviewed it. Open your reservation on Southwest’s website or app to see what the airline offers for your route. If your Nov. 16 booking qualifies, Nov. 21 is five days after your original travel date. A standby spot depends on space. Getaways by Southwest package customers must call 833-792-4899 to make changes.
When Southwest cancels or significantly delays your flight
If you decide not to travel after Southwest cancels or significantly delays your flight, the airline says you may qualify for a refund of the unused ticket and optional charges for the flight you miss, including paid extra legroom or priority boarding. Its help center also lists separate rebooking options when Southwest cancels or significantly delays a flight. Check the federal refund rules before accepting a travel credit.
