Does Southwest Airlines give compensation for delayed flight
 

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Does Southwest Airlines give compensation for delayed flight

No one likes to get delayed because of flights. However, flight delays are the reality. There is a higher probability that every passenger who prefers air travel has faced a flight delay at least once in his/her life. If you have also faced such a situation and find yourself helpless without known airline policies, then it is high time to make yourself aware.

This blog is about what to do to get Southwest Airlines compensation for delayed flights.

Receiving fair compensation could be somewhat beneficial. It is important that all passengers flying with Southwest Airlines know the policies of Southwest Airlines Delayed Flight Compensation.

Does Southwest Airlines Compensate for Delayed Flights

Yes, you will be rightly compensated if your Southwest Airlines flight gets delayed significantly. If the reason for the delay is controllable by the airlines, then you are entitled to get compensation. These are the situations under which Southwest Airlines will provide compensation if your flight is delayed for more than 3 hours:

  • Aircraft swaps
  • Maintenance problems
  • Crew problems
  • Cabin cleaning
  • Baggage loading
  • Fueling

What is Southwest Flight Delay Compensation

Southwest Airlines must compensate certain passengers for delayed flights.

  • Southwest Airlines will make sure that you get the next available flight with them without paying any extra cost. They can’t arrange your flight with other airlines as there are no partner airlines of Southwest. So, rebooking with them is one of the options.
  • Southwest Airlines also offers food vouchers for its passengers whose flight is delayed for more than 3 hours.
  • If Southwest is responsible for the delay, they will offer free hotel accommodations to affected passengers. It is only for those who live far away from the airport, and flight delays are extended overnight. Southwest offers to accept compensation claims for suitable accommodations and transportation that you arrange independently if hotel vouchers aren’t available at its partner hotels.
  • In the event of an overnight delay, complimentary ground transportation is also provided to and from the hotel.
  • You can ask for a reimbursement in the form of a travel credit if you choose not to go. The credits can be applied to future Southwest Airlines travel and are completely transferable to another individual.

What is the LUV Voucher on Southwest Airlines

  • The LUV voucher is offered by Southwest Airlines when your flight is delayed or canceled within 7 days of your planned departure date. If the reasons behind this are controllable by the airlines, then you are entitled to get the LUV Voucher.
  • Even if you arrive 3 hours later than your scheduled time, Southwest Airlines owes you a Voucher.
  • Southwest Airlines has made clear instructions that the LUV Voucher should be at least $75, and it can be used for future travel. The best part of this is that it can be transferable to another person.

How to get Southwest Airlines Compensation for Delayed Flights

  1. Be on the homepage of Southwest Airlines and scroll down to the bottom. Here, you will find the “Help Center”, bring your arrow down to it and click the button.
  2. You will be directed to a page called “Travel Funds, Refunds, & Reimbursement page”.
  3. On this page, you will find a section for – I want to request reimbursement for costs due to a delayed or cancellation; click on that.  
  4. After this, you will see a yellow button with “Request Reimbursement”. Hit that button and fill in all the required details.
  5. Then pick what kind of compensation you want. Either you will get a LUV Voucher or reimbursement for your expenses.
  6. After submitting your request, you will get an email with your case number.

Note: If the passenger is traveling with a Southwest Companion pass, then he/she needs to submit 2 request forms. It might take up to 30 days to get compensation.

Can I request Southwest Airlines Flight Delay Compensation on the phone?

Yes! You can request your Southwest flight delay compensation over the phone too. You just need to contact the customer support team at 1-800-435-9792. Call them and inform them about the delay. Provide sufficient documents to verify your claim. The agent will complete the necessary process for you.

Is there any Southwest Delayed Baggage Compensation?

Yes! The law mandates that airlines pay for delayed baggage. If a traveler is flying within the United States and their bags are delayed, Southwest Airlines must provide compensation. Southwest must compensate up to $3,800 per domestic customer in the case of a baggage delay.

Make sure you have informed the airline authority before leaving the airport.

When does Southwest Airlines not need to compensate for Delayed Flights?

If the reasons for the Southwest flight delay are out of the control of airline management, then they don’t need to compensate. The following are the situations where compensation isn’t required:

  • Weather issues
  • Public health emergencies
  • Civil unrest and other security concerns
  • Labor shortages
  • Air traffic control problems
  • Shortage of fuel, supplies, etc.

Conclusion

You can get LUV Vouchers if your Southwest Airlines flight gets delayed. Southwest Airlines made sure that all passengers got proper accommodations and transportation, along with food if the delay was more than 3 hours. You can reach out to Southwest Customer Service if you need to report the issue. For any queries related to Southwest Airlines can be taken care of by calling +1 855-510-4054.

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