What Do I Do If I Missed My Connecting Flight on Southwest Airlines?

Missing a flight is probably a traveler's worst experience due to the inconveniences that usually arise from such incidences. A study conducted in 2017 revealed that on average, each U.S. passenger who encountered flight disruptions, including cancellations and missed connections, reached their destination eight and a half hours late.

You could miss your connecting flight on an U.S. based airline, including Southwest Airlines, due to factors such as inclement weather, airline's fault, and personal mishaps. Not to worry, though. Listed below is a guide on what to do if you happen to miss your connecting flight on Southwest Airlines, based on your flight disruption.

Personal mishaps

This entails a scenario where you're at fault leading to a missed connecting flight. It could be due to traffic congestion on your way to the airport, missed alarms, or distractions at the airport, leading to a missed boarding announcement.

• The first thing you should do is call the airline right away, informing them of your situation and the likelihood of missing the flight.
• You could opt to cancel your connecting flight, which is a better alternative compared to a no-show.
• Southwest Airlines operates under a free, same-day ticket change policy. Thus after canceling your flight, the airline will help you rebook a convenient trip to your destination. However, it's not obliged to do so. The sad part is that you'll have to pay again.
• If you happen to be among the Airlines' elite miles, your chances of boarding at the last moment are higher. However, the airline will not hold the plane for you.

Inclement weather

It's always challenging for airlines to operate effectively, especially during seasons with severe weather conditions, often causing flight disruptions.

• Southwest Airlines will help you rebook at no cost.
• You may have to make appropriate arrangements, for instance, using travel insurance to cater for meals and accommodation where applicable, since it does not provide compensation.

Airline's fault

A typical example fitting in this category is missing a connecting flight due to mechanical problems. In such a scenario, Southwest Airlines will:

• Rebook you on the next outbound flight without additional charges.
• Provide meals and accommodation in a situation where the next available flight is the following morning; however, it is under no obligation by law.

Alternative method

As a significant airline operator based in the United States, Southwest Airlines handles its daily operations on a busy schedule and could be challenging to access live customer support services on its website. You can consider calling the Southwest Airlines customer service to assist you in missing your connecting flight.