Your Guide to Unlocking Southwest Airlines Flight Credits: A Step-by-Step Journey!
Ever found yourself with a canceled flight, a change of plans, or perhaps downgraded your fare, and now you're wondering, what happened to the money I paid? Chances are, Southwest Airlines has issued you a flight credit. These credits are incredibly valuable for future travel, but knowing how to find, understand, and apply them can sometimes feel like navigating a maze.
Don't fret! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of checking your Southwest Airlines flight credit, ensuring you make the most of your travel funds. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Are You a Rapid Rewards Member? Let's Find Out!
This is where your journey begins! Before we delve into the specifics, ask yourself: "Do I have a Southwest Rapid Rewards account?"
If you do: Excellent! This is often the easiest way to track your flight credits.
If you don't: No worries at all! Southwest provides alternative methods for non-members, which we'll cover.
Knowing this will help us choose the most efficient path for you.
Step 2: Accessing Your Flight Credits – The Member Advantage
If you're a proud Rapid Rewards Member, this is likely your quickest route to finding those valuable flight credits.
Sub-heading: Logging into Your Southwest Account
Navigate to the Southwest Airlines Website: Open your web browser and go to
www.southwest.com Locate the "Log In" or "My Account" Section: You'll typically find this in the top right corner of the homepage. Click on it.
Enter Your Credentials: Input your Rapid Rewards account number or username and your password. Click "Log In."
Sub-heading: Finding "My Travel Funds" or "Payment"
Once you're logged into your account, the layout might vary slightly depending on whether you're on a desktop or mobile device.
For Desktop Users: Look for "My Account" in the menu options at the top of the page. From there, select "Payment." You should see any available flight credits associated with your name and account number listed here, along with their corresponding expiration dates.
For Mobile and Southwest App Users: Scroll down to the bottom of the page where you might find "My Travel Funds." Alternatively, within your account menu, look for "Payment."
Pro Tip: Sometimes, especially if your flight was significantly disrupted, it can take up to 48 hours for the flight credit to appear in your account. If you just canceled, give it a little time!
Step 3: Checking Flight Credits for Non-Rapid Rewards Members (and Everyone Else!)
Even if you're not a Rapid Rewards member, or if your flight credit isn't showing up in your account for some reason, Southwest has a dedicated tool for you.
Sub-heading: Using the "Check Travel Funds" Page
Visit the Southwest Airlines Website: Head over to
www.southwest.com Locate the "Check Travel Funds" Option: This is often found by searching the help center, or sometimes directly linked from the footer or a "Travel Funds" section on the main site. You can also directly go to
www.swabiz.com/travel-funds/ Provide Necessary Information: To retrieve your flight credit, you'll need the following three pieces of information:
First Name (as it appeared on the original reservation)
Last Name (as it appeared on the original reservation)
Original Confirmation Number (from the canceled flight)
Click "Check Funds": Once you've entered the details, click the button to retrieve your flight credit information.
Important Note: The confirmation number is key here. If you don't have it, try checking your email for the original booking confirmation. If you still can't find it, proceed to Step 5.
Step 4: Understanding Your Flight Credit: Expiration and Transferability
Once you've located your flight credit, it's crucial to understand its characteristics. Southwest has recently updated its flight credit policies, so pay close attention!
Sub-heading: Expiration Dates – A Recent Change
Prior to May 28, 2025, many Southwest flight credits did not expire. However, for flight credits created from reservations booked and/or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, there's a specified expiration date.
Basic Fares: Flight credits from Basic fares typically expire six months from the date the fare was purchased and ticketed.
Business Select®, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away Plus® Fares: Flight credits from these fares expire twelve months from the date the fare was purchased and ticketed.
Significantly Disrupted Flights: If your flight was significantly disrupted by Southwest and you received a flight credit, it might be valid for five years from the date you originally booked the reservation. This is a key distinction!
Remember: All travel must be completed by the expiration date of your flight credit.
Sub-heading: Transferability – Who Can Use It?
The transferability of your flight credit also depends on the original fare type:
Basic Fares: Flight credits from Basic fares are generally non-transferable. They are tied to the original passenger's name.
Business Select®, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away Plus® Fares: These fares are eligible for a Transferable Flight Credit™. This means you can transfer the credit one time to another Rapid Rewards member. This is a fantastic perk if your plans change and someone else can benefit!
To Transfer a Transferable Flight Credit™:
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account.
Go to "My Account" > "View Travel Funds."
Select "Transfer to someone else" and provide the recipient's full name, email, and Rapid Rewards account number. Be aware: Once transferred, it cannot be reversed, and only one transfer is allowed.
Step 5: When All Else Fails – Contacting Southwest Customer Service
If you've tried the online methods and still can't locate your flight credit, or if you have specific questions about its validity or application, don't hesitate to reach out to Southwest Airlines directly.
Sub-heading: Calling Southwest's Dedicated Line
The most reliable and direct way to get personalized assistance is by calling their customer service.
Gather Your Information: Have your full name, original confirmation number(s), and any relevant booking emails handy. The more information you can provide, the faster they can assist you.
Dial the Number: You can call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). Be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours.
Explain Your Situation: Clearly state that you are trying to check or locate a flight credit. Provide the agent with the details you have. They can often look up credits using just your name and email if the confirmation number is elusive.
Why call? A representative can:
Retrieve your credit status even if you don't have the confirmation number.
Confirm the exact value and expiration date.
Advise you on how to apply the credit to a new booking.
Help combine multiple eligible credits if you have them.
Provide up-to-date information on policies.
Step 6: Applying Your Flight Credit to a New Booking
Now that you know how to check your flight credit, let's talk about using it!
Sub-heading: During the Booking Process
Search for Your New Flight: Go to Southwest.com and search for your desired flight as you normally would.
Proceed to the Payment Screen: Once you've selected your flights and entered passenger details, you'll reach the payment section.
Apply Travel Funds/Flight Credit: On the payment screen, you'll see an option to "Apply Travel Funds" or "Apply Flight Credit." Click on this.
Enter Confirmation Number(s): You'll be prompted to enter the confirmation number associated with your flight credit. If you have multiple credits, you can typically apply up to three forms of payment (including flight credits, LUV Vouchers, and gift cards) per booking.
Pay Any Remaining Balance: If the flight credit doesn't cover the full cost of your new ticket, you'll need to pay the remaining balance using another accepted payment method.
Important: Ensure the name on the flight credit matches the passenger you are booking for (unless it's a Transferable Flight Credit™ being used by the recipient).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about Southwest Airlines flight credits, with quick answers:
How to check the expiration date of my Southwest flight credit?
You can check the expiration date by logging into your Rapid Rewards account under "My Account" > "Payment," or by using the "Check Travel Funds" page on Southwest.com with your original confirmation number.
How to use multiple Southwest flight credits for one booking?
Southwest allows you to use up to three forms of payment per booking, which can include multiple flight credits, LUV Vouchers, and gift cards. You will enter each confirmation number individually on the payment screen.
How to find my original confirmation number for a lost flight credit?
If you've lost your original confirmation number, try searching your email for the booking confirmation. If that fails, contact Southwest Customer Service with your full name and travel dates; they can often look it up for you.
How to transfer a Southwest flight credit 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 Account" > "View Travel Funds," and select "Transfer to someone else," providing the recipient's Rapid Rewards details.
How to convert a Southwest LUV Voucher into a flight credit?
LUV Vouchers are distinct from flight credits and are generally issued for goodwill gestures (e.g., delays). While they can be used for flights, they are not directly converted into "flight credits" in the same way canceled fares become flight credits. However, if you book a Wanna Get Away Plus fare with a LUV Voucher and then cancel it, the resulting credit will be a Transferable Flight Credit.
How to get a refund instead of a flight credit from Southwest?
Most Southwest fares are non-refundable, and a cancellation will result in a flight credit. Fully refundable fares (like Business Select and Anytime fares, if you cancel at least 10 minutes prior to departure) are eligible for a refund to the original form of payment.
How to check Southwest flight credit if I'm not a Rapid Rewards member?
You can check your flight credit using the "Check Travel Funds" page on Southwest.com. You'll need your first name, last name, and the original confirmation number.
How to apply a Southwest flight credit to a flight booked with points?
Flight credits are generally used for cash bookings. If you cancel a flight booked with Rapid Rewards points, the points are returned to your account. If you paid taxes/fees with cash and cancelled, those may convert to a transferable flight credit.
How to use a Southwest flight credit for a flight that costs more than the credit?
When booking, apply your flight credit first. The system will then show you the remaining balance, which you can pay with a credit card, gift card, or another accepted form of payment.
How to know if my flight credit has expired?
The expiration date will be clearly displayed when you view your flight credit details in your Rapid Rewards account or on the "Check Travel Funds" page. Pay close attention to the new policies for credits issued on or after May 28, 2025.