Southwest Starts Sending Refunds
Southwest promised refunds for customers who had canceled flights, or experienced heavy delays over the holidays. The Department of Transportation got involved, asking the airline to speed up the process and answer every claim within 60 days.
Now some customers are already receiving their refunds, but much less than they expected. The airline’s social media channel are filled with complaints about a variety of issues from the holiday mess.
One customer for example received only a $9 refund, when she claimed costs of about $140. It’s hard to say if all proper documentation was submitted, but $9 for a canceled flight seems ridiculous.
@SouthwestAir can you tell me why you said you’d reimburse my cancelled Christmas flight that stranded me and send only $9? Is this a joke? LOL #southweststolechristmas #SouthwestAirlines pic.twitter.com/xxgKCWQuig
— LALALand (@MsBombdiggity) January 9, 2023
In one case, Southwest offered a $200 refund when the claim was for $4,000 (HT: View from the Wing).
@SouthwestAir Reimbursement news seems to be a PR stunt and not paying out what is owed. Submitted over $4000 for our group with details and receipts. Was offered $200. What will it take for SW to step up?
— King Rabbit (@ZombieBunnyOrg) January 10, 2023
Another passengers claims her flight was canceled and she had to drive 1,000 miles home. Southwest only offered a reimbursement for about half of the cost of her flight.
@southwestair was all over the news saying they are offering FULL refunds to people whose flights were canceled/delayed 12/24-1/3 (mine was canceled 12/27 & I had to drive 1000 miles home). They are trying to offer me a half refund. LIARS. I declined. I want ALL of my money back pic.twitter.com/rny2Ez2f9d
— Megan Rickerson (@MegoslegosNY) January 12, 2023
Another customer claims that she had to rebook with another airline after Southwest canceled his flight. But the airline now is refunding about a third of the cost of flights, and adding LUV vouchers.
lol at @SouthwestAir refunding me for <50% of the cost of the flights I had to rebook due to their operational meltdown. “based on the receipts you provided,” you owe me ~$1,300, not $446.80. when can I expect the rest of the refund?? pic.twitter.com/apZ7pVfSEF
— Sara Howard (She/Her) (@showardpvd) January 7, 2023
Then there are customers who are still being offered airline credits instead of full refunds, even though it was Southwest who canceled the flights.
@SouthwestAir it's sad that I even need to do this but I did not make my birthday reservations with your airline using travel credits so I don't expect to receive travel credits in lieu of my full refund. I want a FULL refund. Period. #DoBetter #SouthwestAirlines pic.twitter.com/lnHT3BgK6O
— Ericka Kane (@ErickaKane) January 5, 2023
Or even worse, partial credit…
@SouthwestAir thanks for my $46 flight credit. This is absolutely insane. My entire trip was $302 dollars so I’m a little confused why I was only given a $46 flight credit lol. And then you didn’t even care to respond to the other information I requested!!
— Jessica Ports (@JessicaPorts1) January 6, 2023
I have reached out to some these customers and will update the article if they provide any additional information about their claims. Also let me know in the comments if you are having issues with Southwest refunds.
