Navigating the Lifespan of Your Southwest Airlines Credits: A Comprehensive Guide
Have you ever had to cancel a flight and found yourself with a Southwest Airlines credit, wondering just how long you have to use it before it vanishes into thin air? You're not alone! Many travelers find themselves in this exact situation. Southwest's policy around flight credits and travel funds has seen some significant updates, and understanding them is crucial to making the most of your travel investment. Let's embark on a detailed journey to demystify Southwest Airlines credit expiration, step by step!
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| How Long Does Southwest Airlines Credit Last |
Step 1: Identify Your Credit Type - The Crucial First Question!
Before we dive into expiration dates, the most important step is to understand what kind of Southwest credit you possess. Southwest primarily issues a few types of credits, and their expiration policies can differ.
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Flight Credits: These are typically issued when you cancel a non-refundable flight.
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Transferable Flight Credits: A newer type of credit, available with certain fare classes, that can be transferred to another Rapid Rewards member.
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Southwest LUV Vouchers: These are promotional vouchers, often issued as compensation or through special offers.
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Rapid Rewards Points: The currency of Southwest's loyalty program.
Engage with me right now: Do you know which type of credit you have? Knowing this will significantly narrow down your search for its expiration policy. If you're unsure, don't worry, we'll cover how to find out in a later step!
Step 2: Understanding the "No Expiration" Era and Recent Changes
For a significant period, Southwest Airlines proudly offered "flight credits that don't expire." This was a major differentiator and a huge customer perk. However, it's crucial to understand that this policy has recently changed for new bookings.
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Flight Credits Created On or Before May 27, 2025: If your flight credit was created on or before May 27, 2025 (this includes credits from reservations booked and ticketed, or voluntarily changed before this date), these credits do NOT expire. You'll often see a placeholder expiration date of December 31, 2040, in your account, which essentially means they are non-expiring. This was a fantastic benefit for many.
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Flight Credits Created On or After May 28, 2025: This is where the new rules come into play. Flight credits created from reservations booked and ticketed, and/or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, will have a specified expiration date. This date is based on the fare type and the original booking date. All travel using these credits must be completed by the stated expiration date.
Sub-heading: The Nuances of New Expiration Dates by Fare Type
Southwest has introduced different expiration periods depending on the fare class you originally purchased.
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Business Select®, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away Plus® Fares (resulting in Transferable Flight Credits): Flight credits resulting from these fare types, when booked or changed on or after May 28, 2025, will expire 12 months from the date you originally booked the reservation.
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Basic Fares: Flight credits from Basic fares booked or changed on or after May 28, 2025, will expire six months from the date you originally booked the reservation. This is a shorter window, so pay close attention if you frequently book Basic fares.
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Credits from Significantly Disrupted Flights: If your flight was significantly disrupted by Southwest (e.g., major delays, cancellations), and you choose a flight credit instead of a refund, your flight credit or Transferable Flight Credit will be valid for five years from the date you originally booked the reservation (for eligible fares). This is a generous exception for unforeseen circumstances.
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Credits from Southwest LUV Vouchers or Other Flight Credits: If you book a new reservation using a Southwest LUV Voucher or another flight credit, and then cancel that new reservation, the resulting credit will adopt the expiration date of the original voucher or flight credit used, or the standard expiration date based on fare type (12 months or 6 months from original booking), whichever comes first.
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Credits from Gift Cards: If your original booking was made with a Southwest gift card, the resulting flight credit (for eligible fares) will generally not expire.
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
Step 3: How to Check Your Southwest Airlines Credit Balance and Expiration Date
Knowing the policy is one thing; finding your specific credit and its expiration is another. Southwest provides clear ways to do this.
Sub-heading: Online Access via Your Rapid Rewards Account
This is the easiest and most recommended method.
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Log in to Your Rapid Rewards Account: Go to Southwest.com and log in with your Rapid Rewards number and password.
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Navigate to "My Account": Once logged in, look for "My Account" in the menu options (usually at the top for desktop, or scroll down for mobile/app).
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Select "Payment" or "My Travel Funds": Within "My Account," you'll typically find a "Payment" section or a direct link to "My Travel Funds."
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View Available Flight 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: Using the "Check Travel Funds" Page
If your flight credit isn't associated with a Rapid Rewards account, or you simply want a quick lookup, you can use the "Check Travel Funds" page on Southwest's website. You'll typically need the confirmation number from your original cancelled reservation and the passenger's last name.
Step 4: Strategies for Using Your Southwest Airlines Credit
Once you know what you have and when it expires, it's time to put that credit to good use!
Sub-heading: Booking a New Flight
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
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Online: When booking a new flight on Southwest.com, proceed to the payment screen. You'll see an option to "Apply Travel Funds" or "Apply Flight Credit." Enter the confirmation number associated with your credit.
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Multiple Forms of Payment: Southwest allows you to use up to three forms of payment per booking. This means you can combine multiple flight credits or use a credit along with a credit card for the remaining balance.
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Taxes and Fees on Award Flights: Flight credits can also be used to cover the taxes and fees associated with flights booked using your Rapid Rewards points.
Sub-heading: Understanding Transferable Flight Credits
If you have a Transferable Flight Credit (from Business Select, Anytime, or Wanna Get Away Plus fares booked on or after May 28, 2025), you have an added layer of flexibility.
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Transfer to Another Rapid Rewards Member: You can transfer the entire amount of the credit to another Rapid Rewards member. This is a one-time transfer and cannot be reversed. You'll need the recipient's full name, email, and Rapid Rewards account number. This is done through your "My Account" section under "View Travel Funds" and then "Transfer to someone else."
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Personal Use: Of course, you can also use your Transferable Flight Credit for your own future travel.
Step 5: What Happens if Your Southwest Travel Funds Expire?
This is the part no one wants to think about. If your flight credit expires, it is generally forfeited. This means you lose the value of that credit. Given the recent policy changes, it's more important than ever to be aware of the new expiration windows, especially for Basic fares.
While Southwest has historically been quite flexible, the new policies aim to standardize expiration. It's always worth contacting Southwest Customer Service if you have a credit that recently expired, as they might offer a goodwill extension in some specific circumstances, but this is not guaranteed and less likely with the new rules in place.
Step 6: Tips for Managing Your Southwest Credits
To avoid the disappointment of expired credits, consider these proactive measures:
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Set Reminders: Make a note of your credit's expiration date in your calendar or on your phone.
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Consolidate if Possible: While you can't combine multiple non-transferable flight credits into one, you can use up to three separate credits on a single booking.
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Consider Upgrading: If you're on the fence about a future trip and your credit is from a Basic fare with a shorter expiration, consider if an upgrade to a Wanna Get Away Plus fare (if available and cost-effective) would be beneficial, as it would generate a Transferable Flight Credit with a longer, 12-month expiration from the original booking date.
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Use Them for Others (if applicable): If you have Transferable Flight Credits, consider transferring them to a friend or family member who has immediate travel plans if you don't.
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Stay Informed: Southwest's policies can evolve. Regularly check their official website for the latest terms and conditions regarding flight credits.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
Tip: Use this post as a starting point for exploration.
How to check the expiration date of my Southwest flight credit?
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, go to "My Account," and then select "Payment" or "My Travel Funds." Your available credits and their expiration dates will be listed there. Alternatively, use the "Check Travel Funds" page with your original confirmation number.
How to use multiple Southwest flight credits for one booking?
When booking a new flight online, proceed to the payment screen. You'll see an option to "Apply Travel Funds." You can enter the confirmation numbers for up to three separate flight credits to be applied to a single reservation.
How to transfer Southwest travel funds to another person?
Only "Transferable Flight Credits" (from Business Select, Anytime, or Wanna Get Away Plus fares booked on or after May 28, 2025) can be transferred. Log into your Rapid Rewards account, go to "My Travel Funds," and select the option to transfer the credit. You'll need the recipient's full name, email, and Rapid Rewards account number.
How to extend the expiration of Southwest flight credits?
Generally, flight credits cannot be extended once their expiration date has passed, especially with the new policies. However, for credits from significantly disrupted flights, they may have a longer validity. For non-expiring credits issued before May 28, 2025, no extension is needed.
How to convert Southwest LUV Vouchers into flight credits?
QuickTip: Compare this post with what you already know.
Southwest LUV Vouchers are a form of travel fund. When you use a LUV Voucher to book a flight and then cancel that flight, the resulting flight credit will generally adopt the expiration date of the original LUV Voucher or the standard fare-based expiration, whichever is earlier.
How to use Southwest travel funds if they are from a "Basic" fare?
Flight credits from Basic fares booked on or after May 28, 2025, have a shorter expiration of six months from the original booking date. You use them just like other flight credits when booking online by entering the confirmation number on the payment screen.
How to get a refund instead of a Southwest flight credit?
Southwest's "Wanna Get Away Plus," "Anytime," and "Business Select" fares are generally refundable. If you cancel within 24 hours of booking, you are also eligible for a full refund. Otherwise, non-refundable fares will result in flight credits.
How to contact Southwest customer service regarding travel funds?
You can contact Southwest Airlines Customer Service by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). You can also find additional contact information and support options on their website under "Contact Us."
How to check if my Southwest flight credit expires on December 31, 2040?
This expiration date (December 31, 2040) is a placeholder used by Southwest to signify that the flight credit does not expire. If your credit shows this date, it means it falls under the old policy of non-expiring credits (created on or before May 27, 2025).
How to differentiate between flight credits and Rapid Rewards points?
Flight credits are tied to a monetary value from a cancelled ticket and have specific expiration rules based on fare type and booking date. Rapid Rewards points are part of Southwest's loyalty program, earned through flying or partners, and do not expire. You use points for award flights, and credits for cash-value bookings.
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