We've all been there – plans change, flights get canceled, and suddenly you're staring at a "flight credit" from Southwest Airlines. But then the nagging question sets in: How long do these magical credits actually last? It's a common query, and the answer, like many things in travel, has some nuances.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Southwest flight credit expiration, how to check your credits, how to use them, and even some clever ways to maximize their value. So, let's dive in!
A Deep Dive into Southwest Flight Credit Expiration
Step 1: Are you ready to unravel the mystery of your Southwest flight credit? Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's understand that Southwest's flight credit policy underwent a significant change recently. It's crucial to know when your flight credit was issued or when your reservation was originally booked/changed. This date will determine whether your credit has an expiration date or not.
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| How Long Do Flight Credits Last On Southwest Airlines |
The Game-Changing Dates: Before vs. After May 28, 2025
Southwest Airlines has implemented a key policy change that affects the expiration of flight credits.
Credits Created On or Before May 27, 2025: The Golden Era of No Expiration If your flight credit was created on or before May 27, 2025, you're in luck! These flight credits generally do not expire. This was a fantastic customer-friendly policy that Southwest introduced in 2022, offering unparalleled flexibility. However, there's a small caveat: if you use one of these non-expiring credits towards a new reservation on or after May 28, 2025, and then cancel that new reservation, the resulting flight credit will carry an expiration date based on the new policy. So, use them wisely!
Credits Created On or After May 28, 2025: New Expiration Rules Apply For flight credits created from reservations booked and ticketed and/or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, they will have a specified expiration date. This date will depend on the type of fare you originally purchased. All travel utilizing these credits must be completed by the expiration date.
Let's break down the expiration based on fare types:
Basic Fare Flight Credits: These credits will typically expire six months from the date you originally booked the reservation. This is Southwest's new lowest-priced fare, and it comes with fewer perks, including a shorter flight credit validity.
Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, and Business Select® Transferable Flight Credits™: These credits will expire 12 months (one year) from the date you originally booked the reservation. These fare types offer more flexibility, including the ability to transfer credits.
Credits from Significantly Disrupted Flights: If your flight was significantly disrupted (e.g., major cancellation or delay) and you chose a flight credit, these credits may be valid for five years from the date you originally booked the reservation (for Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select) or from the date you canceled the reservation (for Basic fares). This is an important distinction and offers a much longer window.
Credits Booked with a Southwest LUV Voucher®: If you used a LUV Voucher to book your original reservation and then received a flight credit upon cancellation, the flight credit will adopt the expiration date of the original LUV Voucher or will expire based on the fare type (e.g., six months for Basic, 12 months for Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select), whichever comes first.
Credits Booked with a Flight Credit or Transferable Flight Credit™: If you used an existing flight credit to book a new reservation, and then canceled that new reservation, the resulting flight credit will adopt the expiration date of the original flight credit used or will expire based on the fare type (e.g., six months for Basic, 12 months for Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select), whichever comes first.
Credits Booked with a Gift Card:
For Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares booked with a gift card, the resulting Transferable Flight Credit™ will expire 12 months from the date you originally booked the reservation.
For Basic fares booked with a gift card, the resulting flight credit will expire six months from the date you originally booked the reservation.
Step 2: Don't let your valuable credits vanish! Here's how to check their expiration.
Knowing the policy is one thing, but actually seeing your specific credit's details is another. Southwest provides a couple of easy ways to check your available flight credits and their expiration dates.
Sub-heading: Checking Your Flight Credits via Your Rapid Rewards Account (Recommended)
This is the most straightforward method if you have a Rapid Rewards account.
Login to your Rapid Rewards account: Go to Southwest.com and log in with your username and password.
Navigate to "My Account": Once logged in, select "My Account" from the menu options at the top of the page (for desktop) or scroll down to "My Travel Funds" at the bottom of the page (for mobile and the Southwest® app).
Select "Payment": Within your account menu, choose the "Payment" option.
View Your Credits: Any available flight credits associated with your name and Rapid Rewards account number should be listed here, along with their corresponding expiration dates.
Sub-heading: Checking Your Flight Credits via the "Check Travel Funds" Page
Tip: Skim once, study twice.
If your flight credit isn't associated with a Rapid Rewards account, or you simply prefer to check without logging in, you can use the "Check Travel Funds" page.
Go to the "Check Travel Funds" page: You can usually find a link to this page on the Southwest Airlines website, often in the footer or by searching their help center.
Enter Required Information: You'll typically need to enter the first name, last name, and confirmation number associated with the flight credit.
Retrieve Information: The system will then display your flight credit details, including the value and any applicable expiration date.
Important Note: If your flight credit is from a significantly disrupted flight, it may take up to 48 hours for the system to reflect the accurate expiration date. Flight credits from disrupted Basic fares may also take up to 48 hours to display in your account or be accessible from the Check Travel Funds page. Patience is a virtue here!
Step 3: Ready to book your next adventure? Let's use those flight credits!
Once you've confirmed your flight credit's validity, it's time to put it to good use! Using a Southwest flight credit is relatively simple during the booking process.
Sub-heading: Applying Your Flight Credit Online
Search for your desired flight: Go to Southwest.com (or use the mobile app) and search for the flight you'd like to book, just as you normally would.
Proceed to the payment screen: Select your flight and continue through the booking process until you reach the payment section.
Apply Flight Credit/Travel Funds: On the payment screen, you'll see an option to "Apply Travel Funds," "Apply Flight Credits," or a similar phrasing. Click on this option.
Enter Confirmation Number: You'll be prompted to enter the confirmation number associated with your flight credit. If you have multiple credits, you'll likely enter each confirmation number separately.
Review and Apply: The value of your flight credit will be applied to your new booking. If there's a remaining balance, you can pay it with another form of payment (credit card, LUV Voucher, gift card).
Helpful Tip: Southwest allows you to use up to three forms of payment per booking. Each flight credit you apply counts as one form of payment. Keep this in mind if you have several smaller credits you wish to combine.
Sub-heading: What if my new flight costs less than my credit?
If your new flight is less expensive than the value of your flight credit, the remaining balance will be issued as a new flight credit. This new credit will adopt the expiration date of the original flight credit or expire according to the new policy (six months or 12 months) based on the fare type of the new booking, whichever comes first. So, if you had a non-expiring credit and book a new Basic fare flight on or after May 28, 2025, and cancel, the remainder will expire in six months. This is a crucial detail to remember!
Sub-heading: Can I use flight credits for taxes and fees on award travel?
Yes! You can use your Southwest flight credits to cover the taxes and fees associated with award travel (flights booked with Rapid Rewards points). This is a great way to maximize the value of your points and credits.
Step 4: Understanding the nuances of Transferable Flight Credits™
Tip: Check back if you skimmed too fast.
Some Southwest fare types offer a special benefit: Transferable Flight Credits™. This is a fantastic perk that adds even more flexibility.
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Sub-heading: What are Transferable Flight Credits™?
Transferable Flight Credits™ are issued when you cancel a reservation booked with a Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, or Business Select® fare. The key difference from standard flight credits is that they can be transferred once to another Rapid Rewards Member.
Sub-heading: How to Transfer a Transferable Flight Credit™
Login to your Rapid Rewards account: The person who originally booked the flight and received the Transferable Flight Credit™ needs to log in.
Go to "My Account" > "View Travel Funds": Similar to checking your credits, navigate to this section.
Select "Transfer to someone else": You'll find an option to transfer the credit.
Enter Recipient Details: You'll need the recipient's full name, email address, and Rapid Rewards account number.
Important Considerations for Transferable Flight Credits™:
Once transferred, the credit cannot be reversed.
Only one transfer is allowed per credit.
The entire amount of the Transferable Flight Credit™ must be transferred; you cannot transfer a partial amount.
Travel must be completed by the expiration date of the transferred credit (which, as mentioned, is generally 12 months from the original booking date if created on or after May 28, 2025).
Maximizing Your Flight Credit Value
Here are a few strategies to make the most of your Southwest flight credits:
Book Sooner, Rather Than Later: With the new expiration dates, it's more important than ever to use your credits before they expire. Don't let them sit idle!
Consider Upgrading Your Fare: If you have a Basic fare flight credit and are worried about its short expiration, consider booking a Wanna Get Away Plus fare. If you then cancel that Wanna Get Away Plus fare, the resulting credit will have a longer expiration (12 months from the new booking date) and potentially be transferable.
Monitor Flight Prices: Southwest often has sales. Keep an eye out for deals that align with your travel plans to get the most bang for your flight credit buck.
Combine Multiple Credits: Remember the three forms of payment rule. If you have several smaller credits, you can combine them for a larger purchase.
Gift Card Strategy (Pre-May 28, 2025): For those with non-expiring credits issued before May 28, 2025, a common strategy was to convert LUV Vouchers (which have expiration dates) into non-expiring flight credits by booking a refundable fare with the voucher and then canceling. While the new policy applies expiration dates to flight credits from new bookings, the non-expiring nature of credits from pre-May 28, 2025 reservations remains. Always double-check the latest Southwest policies before attempting any "conversion" strategies.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check Southwest flight credit expiration?
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
You can check your Southwest flight credit expiration by logging into your Rapid Rewards account, navigating to "My Account," then "Payment," or by using the "Check Travel Funds" page on Southwest.com, entering your first name, last name, and confirmation number.
How to use Southwest flight credits to book a new flight?
To use Southwest flight credits, search for your desired flight on Southwest.com, proceed to the payment screen, and select the option to "Apply Travel Funds" or "Apply Flight Credits," then enter the confirmation number of your credit.
How to transfer a Southwest flight credit to another person?
Only "Transferable Flight Credits™" (from Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fares) can be transferred. The original booker logs into their Rapid Rewards account, goes to "My Account" > "View Travel Funds," and selects "Transfer to someone else," providing the recipient's name, email, and Rapid Rewards number.
How to extend Southwest flight credit expiration?
Southwest flight credits created on or after May 28, 2025, generally have fixed expiration dates (six or 12 months, or five years for significantly disrupted flights) and cannot be extended in the traditional sense. For credits issued before May 28, 2025, they do not expire.
How to apply multiple Southwest flight credits to one booking?
You can apply up to three forms of payment, including multiple flight credits, to a single Southwest booking. Simply enter the confirmation number for each credit in the "Apply Travel Funds" section during checkout.
QuickTip: Skim first, then reread for depth.
How to convert a Southwest LUV Voucher to a flight credit?
While LUV Vouchers have their own expiration dates and limitations (like not covering taxes/fees), you could historically convert them to flight credits by booking a refundable Wanna Get Away Plus fare with the voucher and then canceling it. The resulting flight credit would then behave like a standard flight credit. Be aware of the new policy changes and how they might affect the expiration of the resulting flight credit based on the date of this new booking.
How to get a refund for an expired Southwest flight credit?
Unfortunately, Southwest flight credits that have expired are generally forfeited and cannot be refunded. It's crucial to use them before their expiration date.
How to find the confirmation number for a Southwest flight credit?
The confirmation number for your Southwest flight credit is typically provided in the email you received when the credit was issued. You can also find it by logging into your Rapid Rewards account under "My Account" > "Payment."
How to use Southwest flight credits for taxes and fees on a points booking?
When booking a flight with Rapid Rewards points, you'll still need to cover the taxes and fees. On the payment screen, you'll have the option to apply available flight credits to cover these costs.
How to distinguish between a Southwest flight credit and a LUV Voucher?
Southwest flight credits (formerly Travel Funds) are typically issued when you cancel a flight or change to a lower-priced itinerary. LUV Vouchers are generally compensation for disruptions (e.g., delays, denied boarding). Flight credits are tied to a specific passenger (unless transferable), while LUV Vouchers can be used by anyone. Also, LUV Vouchers often cannot be used for taxes and fees, while flight credits can.
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