Facing Southwest error 500120227 during checkout? Find out why this booking error happens and how to fix it fast before your flight sells out.
Have you ever found the perfect flight, entered your details, and excitedly clicked “Book,” only to be stopped in your tracks by a frustrating error message? If you are staring at southwest error 500120227 right now, take a deep breath. You are not alone, and this is entirely fixable.
Usually, this error pops up during checkout with Southwest Airlines. It can happen for a few different reasons, ranging from a simple typo to a temporary glitch on the airline’s end. Here is exactly how to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it fast so you don’t lose your seat.
What Is Southwest Error 500120227?
Southwest error 500120227 usually appears during checkout when the system cannot process a booking request.
It acts as a safety net to stop incomplete or mismatched transactions from going through, protecting both your payment and your itinerary.
Booking Mistake vs. System Error: Why Southwest Error 500120227 Happens
When you see this error, the first thing to figure out is whether the issue is on your end (a user-side booking mistake) or the airline’s end (a system error).
User-Side Issues (Booking Mistakes): These happen when the information sent to the booking system doesn’t match up or gets interrupted.
- Session Timeouts: You left the checkout page open too long, and your secure session expired.
- Mismatched Details: A typo in your legal name or a missing birthdate on the passenger form.
- VPN Blocks: You are using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which the booking platform sometimes blocks for security reasons.
Airline-Side Issues (System Errors): These happen when the servers hit a snag that you cannot control.
- Price Changes: The price changed while you were checking out, so the system stopped the transaction.
- Sold-Out Fares: The specific ticket tier you selected sold out right as you were paying.
- Server Overload: The app or website is temporarily overwhelmed by high traffic.
Do This First to Fix This Booking Error
Before you dive into deep troubleshooting, try these quick, simple steps. They solve the problem the vast majority of the time:
- Do not hit the “Back” button: This can cause double-billing or completely lock up your reservation.
- Turn off your VPN: If you are using a VPN, disable it entirely. The website frequently blocks IP addresses routed through VPNs.
- Start fresh from the homepage: Go directly back to the homepage, log back into your Rapid Rewards account, and search for the flight again.
App vs. Browser Troubleshooting
If the quick fixes did not work, the issue might be tied to the device you are using.
Fixing App Glitches
Switch to a Browser: This is the most common fix. If the app is throwing an error, open your phone’s mobile browser (like Safari or Chrome) or grab a laptop and try booking there instead.
Clear App Data: Go to your phone’s settings and clear the app’s cache to wipe out any old, stuck data.
Fixing Web Browser Issues
Switch to the App: Conversely, if the desktop site is glitching, the mobile app might have a cleaner connection.
Go Incognito: Open a private or incognito window. This ignores old data that might be causing a pricing glitch.
Can I Cancel My Flight Within 24 Hours?
Sometimes, an error happens because you accidentally booked the wrong date or airport, and you realize it right after the payment goes through. Do not panic!
You can easily use the 24-hour cancellation policy. If you cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking, you will receive a full refund to your original payment method with no cancellation fee. If you booked using Rapid Rewards points, those points will be immediately redeposited into your account. Simply log in, navigate to your upcoming trips, and click cancel.
When to Call Support
If you have tried a different browser, turned off your VPN, and verified your details, but you still cannot book the flight, the fare may have actually sold out.
If none of the steps above work, the issue is likely temporary or related to fare availability. In that case, contacting support is the fastest solution. Call customer support directly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). Tell the representative you are getting error 500120227. They can usually push the booking through manually or explain exactly why the system is stopping it.
FAQ
Is southwest error 500120227 a payment issue?
It can be. If the name or billing address on your credit card doesn’t perfectly match what you entered, or if you are trying to use a card that isn’t saved correctly to your profile, the system may block the payment and show this error.
Can I fix this error online?
Yes, usually! You can typically fix it online by clearing your browser cache, turning off your VPN, or simply starting a fresh search from the homepage.
Why does my session keep expiring?
For your security, the website limits how long a checkout page can stay open. If you step away to grab your credit card or check with a travel partner, the session will expire to protect your personal data.
Does this error mean my card was charged?
Usually, no. This error is designed to stop a transaction before it processes. However, you should always check your bank statement to ensure a pending charge wasn’t accidentally pushed through. If you see a pending charge, wait 24–48 hours before contacting your bank, as most pending holds automatically drop.
Most cases of southwest error 500120227 are either minor booking mistakes or temporary system glitches — and both are fixable within minutes. Dealing with a booking glitch is stressful, but hopefully, these steps helped you secure your seat so you can finish packing and enjoy your trip!
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