Ah, so you've found yourself with some Southwest flight credits! Excellent! These little golden tickets can save you a pretty penny on future travel. Southwest is known for its customer-friendly policies, including no change fees, which often results in flight credits if your plans shift. But how exactly do you use them? Don't worry, we're about to embark on a comprehensive journey to demystify the process.
How Do I Use My Flight Credits on Southwest Airlines? A Step-by-Step Guide
Using your flight credits on Southwest Airlines is a straightforward process, primarily done through their website or mobile app. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate it seamlessly.
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| How Do I Use My Flight Credits On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Let's Get Started! Do You Know Your Flight Credit Details?
Before you can apply your flight credits, you need to know what you're working with! This is perhaps the most crucial initial step. Without the necessary information, you won't be able to access your funds.
Sub-heading: Identifying Your Flight Credits
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Where do flight credits come from? Flight credits typically originate when you cancel a non-refundable ticket or change a flight to a lower-priced itinerary. They represent the value of the original ticket you paid for.
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What information do you need? To use your flight credit, you'll generally need the original confirmation number of the canceled flight and the first and last name of the passenger the credit is associated with. If you were a Rapid Rewards member and the credit is tied to your account, logging in might automatically display them.
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Checking Your Travel Funds:
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Southwest.com: The easiest way to check is by visiting the "Check Travel Funds" page on Southwest.com. You'll simply enter the first name, last name, and confirmation number.
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My Account (for Rapid Rewards Members): If you have a Rapid Rewards account, log in and navigate to "My Account." From there, select the "Payment" tab. Any available flight credits associated with your name and account should be listed, along with their expiration dates.
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Mobile App: Similarly, on the Southwest mobile app, log in and scroll down to "My Travel Funds" to see your available credits.
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It's vital to note that Southwest has recently changed its flight credit expiration policy. While credits created on or before May 27, 2025, generally do not expire, those created from reservations booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, will have a specified expiration date. Basic fare flight credits expire within six months, while other fares (Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select) typically expire 12 months from the original booking date.
Step 2: Finding Your Perfect Flight
Now that you've confirmed your flight credit details, it's time for the fun part: finding a new adventure!
Tip: Slow down when you hit important details.
Sub-heading: Searching for Flights on Southwest.com or the Mobile App
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Standard Flight Search: Go to Southwest.com or open your mobile app and use the regular flight search tool. Enter your desired origin, destination, dates, and number of passengers.
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Be Flexible (If Possible!): Southwest's pricing can fluctuate. If your travel dates are flexible, consider using the "Low Fare Calendar" tool on Southwest.com. This can help you identify the cheapest days to fly, maximizing the value of your flight credit.
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Select Your Fare Type: As you browse flights, you'll see different fare options like Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select. Remember that the type of fare you originally purchased might influence how your credit can be used or its transferability.
Step 3: Applying Your Flight Credits at Checkout
This is where your flight credits come into play! Once you've selected your desired flights and are proceeding to the payment screen, you'll find the option to use your credits.
Sub-heading: The Payment Section Explained
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Proceed to Payment: After selecting your flights, you'll move through the booking process, confirming passenger details and reviewing your itinerary. Eventually, you'll reach the "Payment" section.
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Locate the "Travel Funds" Option: On the payment screen, look for a section or dropdown menu labeled "Travel Funds," "Flight Credits," or "Apply Funds." Click or tap on this option.
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Enter Your Credit Information:
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You will be prompted to enter the confirmation number of the original reservation from which the flight credit was issued.
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You'll also need to input the first and last name of the passenger associated with that specific flight credit.
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Important: The name on the flight credit must match the name of a passenger on the new reservation you are booking.
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Apply the Credit: Once you've entered the details, click "Apply" or "Redeem." The system will then deduct the value of your flight credit from the total cost of your new flight.
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Using Multiple Flight Credits: Southwest generally allows you to use up to three forms of payment per transaction. This means you can combine multiple flight credits (if they are for the same passenger) or use one or two flight credits along with a credit card or gift card to cover the remaining balance. If your flight credits do not cover the entire cost, you will need to provide another form of payment for the remainder.
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Review and Purchase: Carefully review your updated total, ensuring the flight credit has been applied correctly. Then, proceed with the purchase to finalize your booking. You will receive a new confirmation number for your flight.
Step 4: What Happens Next? Confirmation and Beyond
Congratulations! You've successfully used your Southwest flight credits. But what should you expect after booking?
Sub-heading: Receiving Your New Confirmation
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New Confirmation Number: You will receive a brand new confirmation number for your newly booked flight. Make sure to keep this handy.
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Email Confirmation: Southwest will send an email confirming your new itinerary and payment details, including how the flight credit was applied.
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Checking Your Itinerary: You can always access your trip details by logging into your Rapid Rewards account or by using the "Check In/Manage Reservations" option on Southwest.com with your new confirmation number and last name.
Step 5: Understanding Different Types of Southwest Funds (and Their Nuances)
Tip: Focus on clarity, not speed.
Southwest has a few different types of "funds" beyond standard flight credits. It's helpful to understand the distinctions.
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Sub-heading: Flight Credits vs. LUV Vouchers vs. Gift Cards
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Flight Credits (formerly known as Travel Funds): These are the most common and are issued when you cancel or change a non-refundable flight. They are tied to a specific passenger's name and, for credits issued on or after May 28, 2025, have an expiration date.
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Southwest LUV Vouchers: These are often issued as compensation for issues like delayed flights, missing baggage, or voluntary denied boarding. LUV Vouchers are transferable (not tied to a specific name) and have their own expiration date, typically 6 months to 1 year from issuance. A key difference is that LUV Vouchers generally cannot be used to cover taxes and fees, only the airfare portion, unless you convert them to travel funds (a bit of a workaround!).
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Southwest Gift Cards: These are purchased gift cards and are similar to cash. They never expire and can be used for flights, including taxes and fees. Flights purchased with gift cards that are then canceled will result in a flight credit, subject to the expiration rules of that specific fare.
Step 6: Special Circumstances and Troubleshooting
Sometimes, things don't go exactly as planned. Here are a few common scenarios and how to address them.
Sub-heading: When the Names Don't Match or Other Issues Arise
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Name Mismatch: If the flight credit is in a different name than the passenger on the new reservation, you generally cannot directly apply it unless it's a "Transferable Flight Credit" (usually from Business Select, Anytime, or Wanna Get Away Plus fares booked or changed on or after May 28, 2025). Most flight credits are non-transferable. If you have a non-transferable credit in someone else's name, that person would need to be on the new reservation, or you might need to call Southwest Customer Service for assistance, though direct transfers are limited.
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Expiration Dates: Always be mindful of your flight credit's expiration date. For credits issued on or after May 28, 2025, travel must be completed by the expiration date, not just booked.
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Partial Use: If your new flight costs less than your flight credit, the remaining balance will typically be issued as a new flight credit with the original expiration date (or a new one based on the new policy).
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Booking by Phone or at the Airport: While online and app booking is most common, you can also redeem your flight credits by calling Southwest Customer Service (1-800-I-FLY-SWA) or by visiting a Southwest ticket counter.
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Disrupted Flights: If your flight was significantly disrupted by Southwest, any resulting flight credits may have an extended validity period, sometimes up to five years from the original booking date. It might take up to 48 hours for the system to reflect this extended expiration.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about using Southwest flight credits, all starting with "How to," along with their quick answers:
How to check my Southwest flight credit balance?
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
You can check your Southwest flight credit balance on Southwest.com by going to the "Check Travel Funds" page and entering the original confirmation number and the passenger's first and last name. Rapid Rewards members can also log into their account under "My Account" and then the "Payment" tab.
How to use multiple Southwest flight credits for one booking?
You can use up to three forms of payment, including multiple flight credits, per Southwest transaction. Simply apply each flight credit individually during the payment process by entering its confirmation number and associated passenger name.
How to transfer Southwest flight credits to another person?
Generally, most Southwest flight credits are non-transferable and can only be used by the original passenger. However, "Transferable Flight Credits" (from Business Select, Anytime, or Wanna Get Away Plus fares booked or changed on or after May 28, 2025) can be transferred once between Rapid Rewards Members.
How to extend the expiration date of a Southwest flight credit?
For flight credits issued on or after May 28, 2025, extensions are generally not possible beyond their stated expiration. However, credits issued before this date do not expire. If a flight was significantly disrupted, the resulting flight credit might have an extended validity of up to five years.
How to use a Southwest LUV Voucher instead of a flight credit?
Southwest LUV Vouchers are applied similarly to flight credits on the payment screen by selecting "Apply LUV Vouchers" and entering the voucher number and security code. Remember, LUV Vouchers generally cannot cover taxes and fees.
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
How to use a flight credit if I'm not a Rapid Rewards member?
You can still use your flight credit even if you're not a Rapid Rewards member. Simply use the "Check Travel Funds" tool on Southwest.com to find your credit, and then apply it during the booking process by entering the original confirmation number and your name.
How to apply a flight credit if my new flight is cheaper?
If your new flight costs less than your flight credit, the remaining balance will be issued as a new flight credit. This new credit will typically retain the original expiration date (or inherit a new one based on the fare type and the May 28, 2025 policy change).
How to use a flight credit to pay for taxes and fees on a rewards flight?
Yes, Southwest flight credits can be used to cover the taxes and fees on flights booked with Rapid Rewards points, making your "free" flight even cheaper! Apply the flight credit during the payment step for your award ticket.
How to book a flight with a flight credit over the phone?
You can absolutely book a flight with a flight credit by calling Southwest Customer Service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). Have your original confirmation number and passenger name ready to provide to the agent.
How to determine if my flight credit has an expiration date?
Flight credits created from reservations booked and ticketed and/or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, will have a specified expiration date (6 months for Basic fares, 12 months for others). Flight credits unexpired on, or created on or after July 28, 2022, generally do not expire. Always check your specific credit details on Southwest.com or in your Rapid Rewards account for the most accurate expiration information.
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