Navigating payment options for flights can sometimes feel like solving a complex puzzle, especially when you have a stack of gift cards. But don't worry, if you're wondering how many gift cards you can use at Southwest Airlines, you've come to the right place! We're here to demystify the process and ensure your travel plans take off smoothly.
Step 1: Are You Ready to Fly with Savings? Let's Confirm!
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's confirm you're in the right headspace. Are you excited about the possibility of combining your Southwest gift cards to significantly reduce or even cover the cost of your next adventure? If a resounding "Yes!" just escaped your lips, then you're perfectly aligned to master the art of Southwest gift card redemption. Let's get started!
Step 2: Understanding Southwest's Gift Card Policy – The Core Rule
The most crucial piece of information you need to know is Southwest Airlines' policy on gift card usage.
Sub-heading: The Magic Number: Three
Southwest Airlines allows you to apply a maximum of three (3) Southwest Gift Cards per passenger on each reservation. This is a key limitation to remember. If your purchase exceeds the combined value of three gift cards for a single passenger, you'll generally be allowed to use two gift cards and will need to use another form of payment for the remaining balance.
Sub-heading: What About Multiple Passengers?
The "three gift cards per passenger" rule is important. If you're booking for multiple people on the same reservation, each passenger on that reservation can have up to three gift cards applied to their portion of the fare. This means if you have, say, a family of four, you could potentially use up to 12 gift cards in total for that single reservation (3 per person x 4 people).
Step 3: Where Can You Redeem Your Southwest Gift Cards?
Southwest gift cards are quite versatile in terms of where you can use them for booking flights.
Sub-heading: Online and Mobile App Bookings
The most common and convenient way to redeem your gift cards is online:
Southwest.com®: This is the primary platform for booking flights and applying your gift cards.
Southwest Airlines® Mobile Apps and Mobile Website: You can also use your gift cards when booking flights through their mobile platforms, though sometimes this is only for the initial flight booking.
Sub-heading: Other Redemption Methods
While online is popular, you also have other options:
Calling Southwest Airlines: You can call their reservations line at 1-800-435-9792 (1-800 I FLY SWA®) and provide your gift card details to an agent.
Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter Locations: If you prefer to book in person, you can present your gift cards at any Southwest Airlines ticket counter.
Step 4: Step-by-Step Guide to Using Your Gift Cards Online
This is where the rubber meets the runway! Follow these steps to apply your gift cards when booking a flight on Southwest.com:
Sub-heading: Preparing for Your Booking
Gather Your Gift Cards: Make sure you have the 16-digit card number and the 4-digit security code for each Southwest gift card you intend to use. These are essential for successful redemption.
Check Your Balances: It's always a good idea to check the balance of your gift cards before you start booking. You can usually do this on the Southwest Airlines gift card section of their website or by calling the number on the back of the card. This helps you plan your payment strategy.
Sub-heading: The Booking Process
Go to Southwest.com: Open your web browser and navigate to the official Southwest Airlines website.
Search for Your Flight: Enter your departure and arrival airports, dates, and number of passengers as you normally would to find flights.
Select Your Flights: Choose your desired flights and proceed through the booking process until you reach the payment screen.
Find the Gift Card Payment Option: On the payment page, look for a section or option specifically for "Southwest Gift Card" or similar. It's usually distinct from credit card payment fields.
Enter Gift Card Details:
You'll typically see fields to enter the 16-digit gift card number and the 4-digit security code.
Enter the details for your first gift card.
Look for an "Add another gift card" or similar button/link. Click it to reveal additional fields for your second and third gift cards.
Apply Gift Cards: Once you've entered the details for your gift cards, there will be an "Apply" or "Redeem" button. Click it to apply the funds from your gift cards to your booking. The total will update to reflect the applied gift card amounts.
Address Any Remaining Balance:
If the gift cards cover the entire cost of your flight, congratulations! You're all set.
If there's a remaining balance after applying your gift cards, you'll need to pay the difference using another accepted payment method. Southwest accepts major credit cards (American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, etc.), PayPal, and Apple Pay (for initial flight bookings).
Complete Your Purchase: Review all your flight details and payment information carefully. Once everything looks correct, click "Purchase" or "Confirm" to finalize your booking. You'll receive a confirmation email shortly after.
Step 5: Important Considerations and Tips
To make your gift card redemption as smooth as possible, keep these points in mind:
Sub-heading: What Southwest Gift Cards Can Be Used For
Passenger Air Travel: This is the primary use for Southwest gift cards.
Taxes, Fees, and Government/Airport Charges: These can typically be paid with a Southwest gift card.
Sub-heading: What Southwest Gift Cards Cannot Be Used For
Southwest gift cards have some limitations. They are generally not valid for the purchase of:
Southwest Airlines Vacations Packages (these are separate gift cards)
Cargo
Hotel
Rental car (booked separately, not as part of a package)
Southwest Airlines merchandise
Southwest Airlines group tickets
EarlyBird Check-In®
Oversized and excess baggage fees
Upgraded boarding at the airport
Pet Fares
Unaccompanied Minor service charges
Additional Southwest gift cards
Sub-heading: Balances and Expiration
No Expiration Date: Good news! Southwest gift cards generally do not expire. This gives you plenty of time to use them.
Remaining Balances: If your purchase is less than the value of a gift card, the remaining balance will stay on that gift card until it's used up. Keep your gift card number and security code handy for future use.
Non-Refundable: Southwest gift cards are typically non-refundable and not redeemable for cash or credit, except where required by law.
Sub-heading: Lost or Stolen Gift Cards
Southwest gift cards are generally not replaceable if lost, stolen, or destroyed. Treat them like cash!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Southwest gift cards, along with quick answers:
How to check my Southwest gift card balance? You can check your Southwest gift card balance by visiting the gift card section on Southwest.com or by calling the customer service number provided on the card (often 1-866-393-2081).
How to combine multiple Southwest gift cards into one? Southwest does not offer a direct way to combine the balances of multiple gift cards into a single new gift card. You must apply them individually during the booking process, up to the maximum limit.
How to use Southwest gift cards for someone else's flight? Yes, you can use your Southwest gift card to book travel for someone else. Simply enter their name and travel information during the booking process and use your gift card(s) as payment.
How to pay for taxes and fees with a Southwest gift card? Yes, sales tax, security fees, and Passenger facilities charges associated with your flight can be paid using a Southwest gift card.
How to use a Southwest gift card if the flight cost is less than the card value? If your flight cost is less than the gift card's value, the remaining balance will stay on the original gift card for future use. Keep the card number and security code.
How to use a Southwest gift card if the flight cost is more than the card value? If the flight cost exceeds the gift card's value (or the combined value of your allowed gift cards), you will pay the remaining balance using another accepted payment method, such as a credit card.
How to apply Southwest gift cards to an existing reservation? Generally, Southwest gift cards are used at the time of initial booking. It might be challenging to apply them to an already existing reservation unless you are making a change that results in a fare difference. It's best to call Southwest customer service for assistance in such a scenario.
How to use a Southwest gift card for EarlyBird Check-In or baggage fees? Southwest gift cards are generally not valid for EarlyBird Check-In, oversized, or excess baggage fees. These typically require a credit card or other forms of payment.
How to know if my Southwest gift card has an expiration date? Southwest gift cards generally do not expire. This is a great benefit!
How to get a refund if I cancel a flight booked with a Southwest gift card? If you cancel a flight purchased with a Southwest gift card, the funds are typically held as a flight credit or Transferable Flight Credit under the confirmation number, not refunded back to the gift card. This credit can then be used for future travel.
