Planning a trip with Southwest Airlines and wondering how to snag a sweet deal with a discount code? You've come to the perfect place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of applying a discount code to your Southwest Airlines booking, ensuring you get the best possible price for your next adventure. Let's get started, shall we?
How to Add a Discount Code to Southwest Airlines: Your Ultimate Guide
Southwest Airlines is known for its budget-friendly fares, "Bags Fly Free" policy, and no change fees (though fare difference may apply). Adding a discount code can make your travel even more affordable. While Southwest might not have a prominent "promo code" box on their main flight search page like some other airlines, they do offer various ways to save, which we'll explore in detail.
 |
| How To Add Discount Code To Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Discovering and Understanding Your Southwest Discount Code
First things first, let's talk about where these elusive discount codes come from and what kind of codes Southwest typically offers.
Sub-heading: Where to Find Southwest Discount Codes
Official Southwest Promotions: Keep a close eye on the Southwest Airlines official website (Southwest.com) under their "Special Offers" or "Rapid Rewards Promotions" sections. This is often where they announce sales, limited-time discounts, and special offers.
Rapid Rewards Program: If you're a Rapid Rewards member (and if you're not, you should be – it's free to join!), you'll often receive exclusive discount codes or promotional offers directly to your email. These can be tied to your loyalty status or specific promotions.
Southwest Credit Cards: Holding a Southwest Airlines co-branded credit card can unlock a wealth of benefits, including bonus points, Companion Pass qualification boosts, and sometimes even direct discount offers.
Southwest LUV Vouchers and Gift Cards: While not strictly "discount codes," these function very similarly in reducing the cost of your flight. LUV Vouchers are often issued as compensation for flight disruptions, while gift cards can be purchased or received as gifts.
Partnerships and Targeted Offers: Occasionally, Southwest partners with other companies or offers targeted promotions to specific demographics (e.g., students, military personnel). These might come through email or dedicated landing pages.
Sub-heading: Understanding Different Types of Southwest "Codes"
It's crucial to differentiate between the various ways Southwest offers discounts, as they are applied differently.
Promo Codes: These are less common but do exist. If you have a true "promo code," it will typically be an alphanumeric string that you'll enter during the flight search process.
LUV Vouchers: These are electronic vouchers with a specific voucher number and security code. They reduce the fare amount but usually cannot cover taxes and fees.
Gift Cards: Similar to LUV Vouchers, gift cards have a 16-digit card number and a 4-digit security code. They can be used for the flight cost, including taxes and fees.
Flight Credits (formerly Travel Funds): If you cancel a flight or change to a lower-priced itinerary, Southwest issues flight credits. These are automatically associated with your Rapid Rewards account or confirmation number.
Rapid Rewards Points: While not a discount code, redeeming Rapid Rewards points is a primary way to get "free" or heavily discounted flights. We'll touch on this briefly.
Important Note: Always read the terms and conditions of any discount code, LUV Voucher, or promotional offer carefully. Pay attention to expiration dates, eligible routes, travel periods, and any minimum purchase requirements.
Step 2: Beginning Your Flight Search on Southwest.com
Now that you have your code or understand the type of discount you're applying, let's head to the Southwest Airlines website.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling fast, start reading slow.
Sub-heading: Accessing the Southwest Website
Open your preferred web browser and navigate to Southwest.com.
On the homepage, you'll see the flight search widget.
Sub-heading: Entering Your Flight Details (with a twist!)
This is where the magic (or at least, the potential for magic) happens for promo codes.
Enter your Origin City and Destination City.
Select your Departure Date and Return Date (if applicable).
Choose the number of Passengers.
Crucially, look for the "Promo Code" field. On the main flight search widget, it's typically located towards the top, often near the passenger selection.
If you have a traditional alphanumeric promo code, enter it here before clicking "Search."
If you're using a LUV Voucher, Gift Card, or Flight Credit, you will not enter them here. You'll apply these later in the payment section.
If you're planning to use Rapid Rewards points, select "Points" instead of "Dollars" at the top of the search widget.
Click the orange "Search" button.
Step 3: Selecting Your Flights
After searching, you'll be presented with a list of available flights and fares.
Sub-heading: Reviewing Fare Options
Southwest typically offers several fare types: Wanna Get Away Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select. The discount code, if applied in Step 2, should already reflect in the prices shown here.
Carefully review the flight times, connections (if any), and the overall price.
Sub-heading: Choosing Your Preferred Flights
Select your desired departure flight.
Select your desired return flight (for round trips).
Click "Continue."
Step 4: Entering Passenger Information (Standard Process)
This step is straightforward and standard for any booking.
You'll be prompted to enter the details for each passenger, including:
First Name
Middle Name (optional)
Last Name
Date of Birth
Gender
Redress Number (if applicable)
Rapid Rewards Number (highly recommended to earn points!)
Verify all information for accuracy.
Click "Continue."
Step 5: Applying LUV Vouchers, Gift Cards, or Flight Credits
QuickTip: Repetition reinforces learning.
 |
This is where you'll apply most Southwest discount methods other than a traditional promo code.
Sub-heading: Navigating to the Payment Section
You'll now be on the "Payment" screen. This is where you finalize your purchase.
Look for sections like "Apply LUV Vouchers," "Apply Gift Cards," or "Use your name's flight credit amount." The exact phrasing might vary slightly but will be clear.
Sub-heading: Entering Your Code/Voucher Details
For LUV Vouchers: Click on the "Apply LUV Vouchers" option. A pop-up or expanded section will appear asking for your LUV Voucher number and security code. Enter these accurately. Remember, you can typically use up to two LUV Vouchers per passenger per reservation.
For Gift Cards: Click on the "Apply Gift Cards" option. You'll enter your 16-digit gift card number and the 4-digit security code. You can use a maximum of three gift cards per passenger per reservation.
For Flight Credits: If you have flight credits associated with your Rapid Rewards account or a specific confirmation, they should appear as an available option to apply. Simply select the credit you wish to use. You can apply a maximum of three flight credits per passenger per reservation.
After entering the details for your voucher or gift card, click "Apply" or "Add."
The system will recalculate your total, showing the reduced amount. You'll notice the value of the applied voucher/gift card/credit deducted from your fare.
Sub-heading: Combining Payment Methods
If your discount method (LUV Voucher, Gift Card, or Flight Credit) doesn't cover the full cost of the fare, you will be prompted to use an additional payment method (e.g., credit card, Apple Pay) to cover the remaining balance.
You generally cannot combine multiple traditional "promo codes" on a single Southwest booking. However, you can often combine a promotional offer (if applied at the search stage) with LUV Vouchers, Gift Cards, or Flight Credits for the remaining balance.
Step 6: Review and Purchase
You're almost there! This final step is crucial for double-checking everything.
Sub-heading: Final Review of Your Itinerary
Carefully review all the details of your booking:
Flight dates and times
Departure and arrival airports
Passenger names
Total cost after discounts
Payment breakdown
Sub-heading: Completing Your Purchase
Read and agree to Southwest Airlines' Terms and Conditions and Contract of Carriage.
Click the "Purchase" or "Complete Booking" button.
You will receive a confirmation email with your itinerary and confirmation number. Keep this email safe!
And voil�! You've successfully added a discount to your Southwest Airlines flight. Enjoy your savings and your trip!
QuickTip: Scan for summary-style sentences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are 10 common questions related to applying discount codes on Southwest Airlines, with quick answers:
How to find Southwest Airlines discount codes?
You can find Southwest discount codes and promotions on their official website's "Special Offers" page, through their Rapid Rewards email newsletters, and sometimes via co-branded credit card offers.
How to apply a Southwest promo code on the website?
If you have a traditional alphanumeric promo code, enter it in the "Promo Code" field located on the main flight search widget before you click "Search."
How to use a Southwest LUV Voucher?
Southwest LUV Vouchers are applied on the "Payment" screen during the booking process. Look for the "Apply LUV Vouchers" option and enter your voucher number and security code.
How to redeem a Southwest gift card?
Southwest gift cards are redeemed on the "Payment" screen. Select the "Apply Gift Cards" option and input your 16-digit card number and 4-digit security code.
How to apply flight credits on Southwest Airlines?
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
If you have flight credits (formerly Travel Funds), they will typically appear as an option to apply on the "Payment" screen, often linked to your Rapid Rewards account or a previous confirmation number.
How to combine multiple discount methods on Southwest?
While you generally cannot combine multiple promo codes, you can often combine a promo code (if applicable) with LUV Vouchers, Gift Cards, or Flight Credits to cover the total fare. You can use up to two LUV Vouchers, three gift cards, and three flight credits per passenger per reservation.
How to know if my Southwest discount code is valid?
The Southwest system will validate your code upon entry. If it's invalid or expired, an error message will typically appear. Always check the terms and conditions provided with the code for validity periods and restrictions.
How to get military discounts on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest offers military and government fares, but these are not available online. You need to call Southwest Airlines directly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) or visit a Southwest ticket counter to inquire about and book these fares.
How to apply a Southwest Companion Pass discount?
The Southwest Companion Pass is not a discount code you apply. Instead, once you've earned the Companion Pass, you designate a Companion, and they fly for free (plus taxes and fees) on any flight you book and travel on. You simply add them to your reservation as a Companion.
How to resolve issues when a Southwest discount code isn't working?
If your discount code isn't working, first re-check the code for typos and review its terms and conditions (expiration date, eligible routes, etc.). If it still doesn't work, contact Southwest Airlines Customer Service for assistance.
 |
