Your Guide to Unlocking Your Southwest Airlines Credit: A Comprehensive Walkthrough
Have you ever had to cancel a Southwest flight, or perhaps your plans changed and you ended up with a credit for future travel? It's a common scenario, and knowing how to locate and utilize that credit is key to maximizing your travel budget! Don't let those valuable funds go to waste. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of finding your Southwest Airlines credit, understanding its nuances, and putting it to good use.
Step 1: Do You Have Southwest Credit? Let's Find Out!
Before we dive into the "how-to," the first question is, do you actually have Southwest credit? It might seem obvious, but sometimes credits are issued automatically after a cancellation, and you might not immediately realize you have one.
Think back to any past Southwest flights you've canceled or changed. Even if it was months ago, there's a good chance a credit was issued.
Did you receive an email from Southwest about a cancelled flight or a fare difference refund? These emails often contain confirmation numbers that are crucial for locating your credit.
Are you a Rapid Rewards member? If so, your credits are often linked to your account, making them easier to track.
If you suspect you have credit but aren't entirely sure, don't worry! The following steps will help you confirm.
Step 2: Understanding Southwest Credit Types
Southwest Airlines has a few different forms of credit, and it's important to understand the distinctions as they can affect how you find and use them.
Sub-heading: Flight Credits (Formerly "Travel Funds")
This is the most common type of credit you'll encounter.
What it is: Flight Credits are issued when you cancel a non-refundable fare (like Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus) at least 10 minutes prior to scheduled departure, or if you change to a lower-priced itinerary.
Key characteristics:
Expiration: This is where it gets a bit nuanced. Flight credits created on or before May 27, 2025, do not expire. However, flight credits created from reservations booked and ticketed on or after May 28, 2025, will have a specified expiration date based on the fare type and form of payment. Basic fares typically expire in six months, while Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares expire in 12 months from the original booking date.
Transferability: Flight credits from Basic fares are generally not transferable. However, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares are eligible for a Transferable Flight Credit™, meaning you can transfer them to another Rapid Rewards member.
Usage: Can be used to purchase future flights.
Sub-heading: Southwest LUV Vouchers
These are a different beast altogether.
What it is: LUV Vouchers are typically issued as a form of compensation (e.g., for a delayed flight, missing baggage, or if you volunteer to be bumped from a flight).
Key characteristics:
Expiration: LUV Vouchers usually have an expiration date, often 6 months to 1 year from the issue date. Travel must be completed by this expiration date.
Usage: Can be used for future travel, but generally cannot be used to cover taxes and fees associated with a ticket. You might need to pay those separately.
Transferability: LUV Vouchers are generally transferable to another person, even if they have a name on them.
Sub-heading: Gift Cards
While not technically a "credit" in the same way, gift cards function similarly for booking.
What it is: Purchased gift cards for Southwest travel.
Key characteristics:
Expiration: Southwest gift cards do not expire.
Usage: Can be used for flights, taxes, and fees.
Transferability: Fully transferable.
Step 3: Finding Your Flight Credits (The Most Common Scenario)
This is where the rubber meets the road! Southwest offers a few straightforward ways to find your flight credits.
Sub-heading: Method 1: Via Your Rapid Rewards Account (Recommended for Members)
If you're a Rapid Rewards member and the credit is tied to your name, this is the easiest and most comprehensive method.
Go to the Southwest Airlines Website: Open your web browser and navigate to Southwest.com.
Log In to Your Rapid Rewards Account: Look for the "Log In" button at the top right corner of the page and enter your Rapid Rewards number or username and password.
Access "My Account": Once logged in, click on "My Account" (usually found near your name at the top of the page on desktop, or by scrolling down on mobile/app).
Navigate to "Payment" or "My Travel Funds":
On a desktop, select "Payment" from the menu options within your account.
On mobile or the Southwest® app, scroll down to "My Travel Funds" at the bottom of the page.
View Your Available Flight Credits: Any available flight credits associated with your name and account number should be listed here, along with their corresponding expiration dates (if applicable).
Sub-heading: Method 2: Using the "Check Travel Funds" Page (For Non-Members or Unlinked Credits)
This method is perfect if you're not a Rapid Rewards member, or if you have a credit from a reservation that wasn't linked to your account.
Go to the Southwest "Check Travel Funds" Page: You can directly access this page by searching "Southwest Airlines Check Travel Funds" or by navigating to Southwest.com and looking for links related to "Travel Funds" or "Flight Credits" under their "Help Center" or "Customer Service" sections. A direct link is often
Southwest.com/travel-funds Enter Required Information: You will typically need to provide:
First Name
Last Name
Confirmation Number (This is the original confirmation number of the flight that generated the credit. This is crucial! If you don't have it, try searching your email for past Southwest booking confirmations.)
Click "Check Funds": The system will then display any associated flight credits.
Sub-heading: Method 3: Reviewing Your Email Confirmation
Often, when a flight is canceled or changed, Southwest will send an email confirmation detailing the credit issued.
Search Your Email: Open your email client and search for emails from "Southwest Airlines" or with subjects like "Cancellation Confirmation," "Itinerary Change," or "Travel Funds."
Locate the Confirmation Number: Within these emails, look for the original confirmation number of the canceled or changed flight. This number is what you'll use on the "Check Travel Funds" page.
Note the Details: The email might also contain information about the credit's value and any applicable expiration dates.
Step 4: Finding Your Southwest LUV Vouchers
LUV Vouchers are usually sent via email.
Check Your Email Inbox: Search for emails from Southwest Airlines with "LUV Voucher" in the subject or body.
Locate Voucher Details: The email will contain the voucher number and a security code. These are essential for using the voucher.
Note the Expiration Date: LUV Vouchers have expiration dates, so make sure to note when yours expires.
Step 5: Using Your Southwest Credit
Once you've successfully located your credit, using it is the next step!
Sub-heading: Applying Flight Credits
Start a New Flight Search: Go to Southwest.com and search for a new flight as you normally would.
Proceed to Payment Screen: Select your desired flights and continue through the booking process until you reach the "Payment" screen.
Apply Flight Credits: On the payment screen, you'll see an option to "Apply Travel Funds," "Apply Flight Credits," or something similar. Click on this option.
Enter Confirmation Number and Name: You will be prompted to enter the confirmation number from the original flight that generated the credit, along with the first and last name of the passenger associated with that credit.
Apply Funds: The credit will then be applied to your new booking. Remember, each passenger can generally use up to three forms of payment per booking, and each flight credit counts as one form of payment.
Sub-heading: Redeeming LUV Vouchers
Book Your Flight: Search and select your flight on Southwest.com.
Navigate to Payment: Proceed to the payment section during the booking process.
Select "Southwest LUV Voucher": You'll see an option to apply a LUV Voucher.
Enter Voucher Number and Security Code: Input the unique voucher number and security code found in your LUV Voucher email.
Apply Voucher: The voucher amount will be applied to the base fare of your new flight. Remember, LUV Vouchers generally do not cover taxes and fees, so you'll need another form of payment for those.
Step 6: Important Considerations and Tips
Expiration Dates are Key: Always double-check the expiration date of your credits, especially with the new policies effective May 28, 2025.
Transferability Matters: If you have a Transferable Flight Credit™ (from Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fares purchased on or after May 28, 2025), you can share it with another Rapid Rewards member. This is a huge benefit!
Name Matching: For Flight Credits, the name on the credit usually needs to match the name of the passenger on the new booking, unless it's a Transferable Flight Credit™.
Partial Usage: If you don't use the full amount of your credit on a new booking, the remaining balance will typically be issued as a new flight credit with the same original expiration date.
Calling Customer Service: If you're having trouble locating your credit or have specific questions, don't hesitate to call Southwest Airlines customer service. Have as much information as possible ready, like original confirmation numbers, passenger names, and dates of travel.
Track Your Credits: Keep a personal record of your Southwest credits, including the confirmation number, amount, and expiration date. This can save you a lot of hassle!
By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to find and utilize any Southwest Airlines credit you may have, ensuring you get the most out of your past travel plans and make your next adventure even more affordable!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check the balance of my Southwest Flight Credit?
You can check the balance by logging into your Rapid Rewards account and navigating to "My Account" then "Payment" (or "My Travel Funds" on mobile), or by using the "Check Travel Funds" page on Southwest.com and entering the original confirmation number and passenger's name.
How to use Southwest Flight Credits for a new booking?
When booking a new flight online, proceed to the payment screen. There will be an option to "Apply Travel Funds" or "Apply Flight Credits." Enter the original confirmation number and the passenger's first and last name.
How to extend the expiration date of a Southwest credit?
Flight credits created on or before May 27, 2025 do not expire. For credits created on or after May 28, 2025, their expiration is set. Generally, flight credit expiration dates are firm. However, LUV vouchers might have a one-time extension available by calling customer service.
How to transfer my Southwest Flight Credit to someone else?
Only "Transferable Flight Credits™" (from Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fares purchased on or after May 28, 2025) can be transferred. Both parties need to be Rapid Rewards members. You can initiate the transfer through your Rapid Rewards account online.
How to find the confirmation number for a lost Southwest credit?
If you can't find the confirmation number, check your email for any past Southwest booking confirmations or cancellation notices. If that fails, contact Southwest customer service with as much detail about your original booking as possible (dates, names, destinations).
How to use multiple Southwest credits for one booking?
Yes, you can typically use up to three forms of payment per booking, and each flight credit counts as one form of payment. You would apply each credit individually on the payment screen.
How to use a Southwest LUV Voucher to pay for taxes and fees?
Generally, LUV Vouchers cannot be used to pay for taxes and fees directly. They apply to the base fare. You will need to use another form of payment (like a credit card) for the remaining taxes and fees.
How to convert a Southwest LUV Voucher into a Flight Credit?
While not officially an option, some sources suggest a workaround: book a Wanna Get Away Plus fare with your LUV Voucher, then immediately cancel it. The funds may then convert to a Flight Credit, potentially allowing them to cover taxes/fees and become transferable, but they will retain the LUV Voucher's original expiration date. Proceed with caution and verify current policies.
How to check if my Southwest credit has expired?
When you check your credit balance online via your Rapid Rewards account or the "Check Travel Funds" page, the expiration date (if applicable) will be displayed alongside the credit details.
How to use a Southwest credit if I am not a Rapid Rewards member?
You can still use the "Check Travel Funds" page on Southwest.com. You will need the original confirmation number and the first and last name of the passenger associated with the credit.
