Traveling with Southwest Airlines is often a fantastic experience, known for its friendly service, open seating, and two free checked bags. If you've been fortunate enough to receive Southwest gift cards, you're probably eager to use them for your next adventure. But a common question arises: how many Southwest Airlines gift cards can you actually use for a single booking? Let's dive into the details with a comprehensive, step-by-step guide!
Understanding Southwest Airlines Gift Card Usage: Your Comprehensive Guide
Have you ever found yourself with a stack of gift cards and wondered if you can use them all at once for that dream vacation? You're not alone! Southwest Airlines has specific policies regarding gift card redemption, and knowing them can save you time and hassle.
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| How Many Southwest Airlines Gift Cards Can You Use |
Step 1: Let's Get Started – Do You Have Your Gift Cards Handy?
Before we go any further, grab all your Southwest Airlines gift cards. We'll be talking about their numbers and security codes, so having them readily available will make this process much smoother. Knowing the exact value of each card will also be incredibly helpful in planning your redemption strategy.
Step 2: The Golden Rule – How Many Can You Use?
This is the most crucial piece of information: You can use a maximum of three (3) Southwest Airlines gift cards per passenger on each reservation when booking online or through the mobile app.
Sub-heading: What if my purchase exceeds the value of three gift cards?
If the total cost of your flight exceeds the combined value of your three gift cards, you will only be able to use two Southwest gift cards, and you'll need another form of payment (like a credit card or PayPal) to cover the remaining balance. This is an important distinction to remember to avoid any surprises during checkout.
Tip: Read aloud to improve understanding.
Sub-heading: What about multiple passengers on one reservation?
If you're booking for multiple passengers on the same reservation, the "three gift cards per passenger" rule applies. This means if you have two passengers, you could potentially use up to six gift cards (three for each passenger), provided each individual ticket cost allows for it within the "use two if total exceeds" rule.
Step 3: Where Can You Redeem Your Southwest Gift Cards?
Southwest Airlines offers several convenient ways to redeem your gift cards:
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Online at Southwest.com: This is the most common and generally easiest method.
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On the Southwest Airlines Mobile Apps: Similar to the website, you can use gift cards for initial flight bookings.
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By calling Southwest Airlines Reservations: You can speak with a representative by calling 1-800-435-9792 (1-800 I FLY SWA).
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At Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter locations: If you prefer an in-person transaction.
Step 4: Step-by-Step Online Redemption Process
Redeeming your Southwest gift cards online is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:
Sub-heading: Booking Your Flight
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Go to Southwest.com or open the Southwest Airlines Mobile App.
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Search for your desired flights by entering your departure and arrival cities, dates, and number of passengers.
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Select your preferred itinerary and fare type (e.g., Wanna Get Away, Anytime, Business Select).
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Proceed to the payment screen.
Sub-heading: Applying Your Gift Cards
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On the payment screen, look for an option to "Apply Gift Cards" or "Southwest Gift Card."
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Carefully enter the 16-digit gift card number and the 4-digit security code (PIN) for your first gift card.
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Click "Apply." The gift card balance will be deducted from your total.
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If you have more gift cards to use (up to the limit of three per passenger, keeping the "use two if total exceeds" rule in mind), repeat steps 2 and 3 for each additional card.
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Keep a close eye on your remaining balance. If the gift cards don't cover the full cost, you'll be prompted to provide another form of payment (credit card, PayPal, etc.) for the difference.
Tip: Use this post as a starting point for exploration.
Step 5: Important Considerations and Tips
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Non-refundable: Southwest gift cards are generally non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash, check, or credit unless required by law.
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No Expiration Date: A fantastic perk! Southwest gift cards do not expire, and there are no dormancy fees. This means you can hold onto them for as long as you need to find the perfect flight.
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What Gift Cards Can't Be Used For: While versatile, Southwest gift cards are not valid for all purchases. They generally cannot be used for:
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Southwest Vacations Packages (separate Southwest Vacations gift cards exist for this)
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Cargo
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Hotel or rental car bookings (unless part of a Southwest Vacations package purchased with a Southwest Vacations gift card)
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Southwest Airlines merchandise
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Southwest Airlines group tickets
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EarlyBird Check-In
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Oversized and excess baggage fees (though some sources suggest sales tax, security fees, and passenger facilities charges can be paid with a gift card)
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Upgraded Boarding at the airport
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Pet Fares
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Unaccompanied Minor service charges
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Checking Your Balance: You can easily check the balance of your Southwest gift card on the Southwest Airlines website by navigating to the gift card section and entering the card number and security code.
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Combining with Other Payment Methods: You can combine Southwest gift cards with other payment methods like credit cards, PayPal, and even Southwest LUV Vouchers or flight credits (though specific limits apply to these combinations as well).
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Lost or Stolen Cards: Southwest gift cards are generally not replaceable if lost, stolen, or destroyed. Treat them like cash!
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Splitting Payments for One-Way Flights: If you have many gift cards and need to use more than the per-passenger limit for a round-trip, consider booking your outbound and return flights as separate one-way reservations. This effectively allows you to use up to three gift cards for the outbound and three for the return, doubling your capacity.
Step 6: What if I Have More Than Three Gift Cards Per Passenger?
This is a common scenario. As mentioned, the online system only allows three per passenger (and often limits to two if the total exceeds). Here are a few strategies:
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Book separate one-way tickets: As described above, this is the most common workaround to maximize gift card usage.
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Consider calling Southwest Reservations: While the online system has a hard limit, sometimes a phone agent can assist with more complex payment scenarios, though this is not guaranteed to bypass the core limits.
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"Manufacture" flight credits: Some savvy travelers might book a flight using three gift cards, then cancel it to receive a flight credit (which doesn't expire for Wanna Get Away Plus or higher fares as of May 28, 2025). This can effectively consolidate smaller gift card balances into a larger flight credit, which can then be combined with other credits or gift cards in subsequent bookings. Always check the latest Southwest policies regarding flight credits and their expiration dates, as these can change.
By following these steps and understanding the nuances of Southwest's gift card policy, you'll be well on your way to enjoying your next flight on the "LUV" airline!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to help you further:
How to use Southwest gift cards online?
To use Southwest gift cards online, search for your flight on Southwest.com, proceed to the payment page, and select "Apply Gift Cards." Enter the 16-digit card number and 4-digit security code for each card (up to the limit of three per passenger).
How to check my Southwest gift card balance?
Tip: Take your time with each sentence.
To check your Southwest gift card balance, visit the Southwest Airlines website, navigate to the "Gift Cards" section, and look for a "Check Your Balance" option. You'll need to enter your 16-digit card number and 4-digit security code.
How to combine multiple Southwest gift cards for one flight?
You can combine up to three Southwest gift cards per passenger on a single reservation when booking online. If your total purchase exceeds the value of three cards, you may be limited to using two gift cards and will need an additional payment method.
How to use more than three Southwest gift cards for a single trip?
To use more than three Southwest gift cards for a single trip, consider booking your outbound and return flights as separate one-way reservations, allowing you to apply up to three gift cards for each one-way booking.
How to purchase Southwest gift cards?
Southwest gift cards can be purchased on Southwest.com, through the Southwest Airlines mobile app, or at various approved retail locations like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy.
How to use a Southwest gift card for someone else?
You can use your Southwest gift card to book travel for someone else by simply entering their name and travel information during the booking process and applying your gift card as payment.
QuickTip: Slow down if the pace feels too fast.
How to redeem Southwest gift cards for taxes and fees?
Yes, Southwest gift cards can be used to pay for the flight portion of your trip, which includes the base fare, sales tax, security fees, and passenger facilities charges.
How to find the security code on a Southwest gift card?
The 4-digit security code (PIN) on a Southwest gift card is typically located on the back of the physical card, often under a scratch-off strip, or provided digitally with e-gift card deliveries.
How to apply a Southwest gift card with a LUV voucher or flight credit?
Southwest allows combinations of payment methods. When checking out, you'll usually be able to apply LUV Vouchers or flight credits first, followed by gift cards, and then a credit card for any remaining balance. Specific limits apply to each type of payment.
How to use a Southwest gift card for EarlyBird Check-In or baggage fees?
Southwest gift cards generally cannot be used for optional travel charges such as EarlyBird Check-In, oversized/excess baggage fees, upgraded boarding, pet fares, or unaccompanied minor service charges.
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