You've found yourself with Southwest Airlines credits, and you're wondering, how long do these precious travel funds actually last? It's a common question, and one that has seen some significant updates recently! Don't let your hard-earned credits vanish into thin air. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Southwest Airlines credit expiration, how to check your balance, and most importantly, how to make the most of them.
Understanding Southwest Airlines Credits: More Than Just "Travel Funds"
Before we dive into expiration dates, it's crucial to understand that "Southwest Airlines credits" isn't a single, uniform type of currency. Southwest has several categories of funds and points, each with its own rules:
Flight Credits (or Travel Funds): These are the most common type of credit, issued when you cancel a non-refundable flight or change to a lower-priced itinerary. They are tied to the original passenger and usually come with an expiration date.
Southwest LUV Vouchers: These are often issued as a gesture of goodwill, compensation for a flight disruption, or through promotions. They typically have their own specific expiration date.
Rapid Rewards Points: These are the points you earn through flying, using Southwest credit cards, or through various partners. The good news here? Rapid Rewards points generally do not expire! This is a significant advantage.
Southwest Gift Cards: These are purchased and function like any other gift card. They do not expire.
For the purpose of this guide, we'll primarily focus on Flight Credits/Travel Funds and Southwest LUV Vouchers, as these are the ones that most frequently raise questions about expiration.
The Big Shift: New Expiration Policies (Effective May 28, 2025)
Here's the most critical piece of information: Southwest Airlines has updated its policy regarding flight credit expirations for tickets purchased or changed on or after May 28, 2025. This is a notable change from their previous, more lenient "no expiration" policy for many flight credits.
If your flight credit was created on or before May 27, 2025, it generally does not expire. However, it's always wise to double-check!
For credits issued from tickets purchased or changed on or after May 28, 2025, the expiration periods are as follows:
Basic Fares: Flight credits from Basic fares expire six months from the date the fare was purchased and ticketed. This means you need to complete your travel by that date.
Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, and Business Select® Fares: Transferable Flight Credits™ from these fares expire twelve months from the date the fare was purchased and ticketed. Again, all travel must be completed by the expiration date.
Important Note: The expiration date is tied to the original purchase date of the ticket, not the date you cancelled or changed the flight. This is a crucial distinction that many travelers miss!
Step 1: Let's get started! Do you know what type of Southwest credit you have?
This is the first and most crucial step. Identifying the type of credit you possess will immediately narrow down the applicable rules.
Did you cancel a flight? You likely have a Flight Credit/Travel Fund.
Did Southwest give you a voucher for an inconvenience? That's probably a LUV Voucher.
Are you checking your points balance? Those are Rapid Rewards points.
Do you have a physical or digital card you bought or received as a gift? That's a Southwest Gift Card.
Once you have an idea, proceed to the next step to confirm and get the details!
Step 2: Checking Your Southwest Credit Balance and Expiration Date
Knowing exactly what you have and when it expires is paramount. Southwest provides a few straightforward ways to do this.
Sub-heading: Online Through Your Rapid Rewards Account (Recommended for Flight Credits)
This is the easiest and most reliable method for checking Flight Credits associated with your Rapid Rewards account.
Log In: Go to Southwest.com and log in to your Rapid Rewards account.
Navigate to "My Account": Once logged in, click on "My Account" in the top right corner (desktop) or scroll down to "My Travel Funds" (mobile/app).
Select "Payment": Within your account options, select "Payment."
View Your Credits: Any available flight credits associated with your name and account number should be listed here, along with their corresponding expiration dates.
Sub-heading: Using the "Check Travel Funds" Tool (For Unlinked Credits)
If your flight credit isn't showing in your Rapid Rewards account or you prefer not to log in, you can use the "Check Travel Funds" tool on Southwest's website.
Go to the Travel Funds Page: Visit the Southwest Airlines "Check Travel Funds" page (you can usually find this by searching "Southwest check travel funds" or under "Travel" or "Help" on their website).
Enter Confirmation Details: You'll need the original confirmation number of the cancelled flight and the first and last name of the passenger.
Retrieve Information: The system will display the available credit and its expiration date.
Sub-heading: For Southwest LUV Vouchers and Gift Cards
LUV Vouchers: You'll typically need the voucher number and security code to check its balance and expiration. This can usually be done on the "Check Travel Funds" page or the "Apply LUV Vouchers" section during booking.
Gift Cards: Southwest Gift Cards have no expiration date and their balance can be checked on Southwest.com under "Southwest Products" and "Southwest gift card."
Sub-heading: Calling Southwest Customer Service
If you encounter any issues or prefer speaking to a representative, calling Southwest Customer Service is always an option. Have your original confirmation number and passenger name ready.
General Questions: 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792)
Step 3: Understanding the "Use It By" vs. "Travel By" Distinction
This is where many people get tripped up. For most Southwest credits with an expiration date, the key phrase is "all travel must be completed by the expiration date." This means you can't just book a flight on the expiration date for travel next year. The entire trip, including your return, must be finished before the credit expires.
Example: If your credit expires on December 31, 2025, and you book a flight for December 28, 2025, returning on January 2, 2026, the credit will not be valid for that booking. You would need to book a flight that returns by December 31, 2025.
Step 4: Strategies to Maximize Your Southwest Credits Before They Expire
Don't let your hard-earned credits go to waste! Here are some proactive steps you can take:
Sub-heading: Book a Placeholder Flight
This is a classic strategy, especially helpful if you're not sure of your exact travel plans.
Find a Cheap Flight: Look for the cheapest possible Southwest flight, ideally a short, direct route, even if it's somewhere you don't intend to go.
Book with Your Credit: Use your expiring flight credit to book this placeholder flight.
Cancel and Re-issue (Important for pre-May 28, 2025 credits): For credits issued before May 28, 2025, if you cancel this new flight, the funds from that booking would be re-issued as a new flight credit that typically maintained the "no expiration" policy (though always verify with Southwest directly, as policies can change).
For credits issued on or after May 28, 2025, this strategy is less effective for extending the expiration date. When you rebook and then cancel a flight purchased with expiring travel funds, the new travel funds will adopt the expiration date of the original travel funds.
However, it can still be useful to "park" your funds if you need a little more time to finalize travel plans, as long as you understand the original expiration date will still apply.
Sub-heading: Use for a Short, Nearby Trip
If you have a credit nearing expiration and no major travel plans, consider a quick getaway. Think about a weekend trip to a nearby city or a visit to family. Even a short flight can utilize the credit.
Sub-heading: Consider Upgrading Your Fare
If you're already planning a Southwest trip, and have an expiring credit, you could potentially use it to upgrade your existing fare to a Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fare. While this might involve paying a fare difference, it ensures you utilize the credit.
Sub-heading: Pay Attention to Sales and Deals
Southwest frequently has sales. Keep an eye out for these to snag a good deal on a flight you can book with your expiring credit.
Sub-heading: Contact Southwest Customer Service (As a Last Resort for Extensions)
While Southwest's official policy generally states that extensions are not granted for flight credits with expiration dates, it never hurts to ask if you have extenuating circumstances (e.g., medical emergency, significant unforeseen event). Be polite, explain your situation clearly, and have all your flight details ready. Success is not guaranteed, but a courteous request can sometimes yield positive results.
Step 5: What Happens If Your Credit Expires?
Unfortunately, if your Southwest Flight Credit or LUV Voucher expires without being used, the value is generally forfeited. This is why proactive management is so important. Unlike Rapid Rewards points or Gift Cards, which hold their value indefinitely, these specific credit types have a hard deadline.
Rapid Rewards Points and Gift Cards: The Non-Expiring Perks!
It's worth reiterating the fantastic policies for these two:
Rapid Rewards Points: Your Rapid Rewards points do not expire. As long as your account remains open, your points are safe. This is a huge benefit for frequent Southwest flyers!
Southwest Gift Cards: Southwest Gift Cards also do not expire. They maintain their full value until redeemed.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions, all starting with "How to," with quick answers to help you navigate Southwest Airlines credits:
How to check my Southwest Flight Credit balance?
You can check your Flight Credit balance by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, going to "My Account" then "Payment," or by using the "Check Travel Funds" tool on Southwest.com with your original confirmation number and passenger name.
How to use Southwest Flight Credits to book a new flight?
When booking a new flight on Southwest.com, proceed to the payment section. You'll see an option to "Apply Travel Funds." Enter the original confirmation number and the passenger's first and last name to apply the credit to your new booking.
How to extend the expiration date of a Southwest Flight Credit?
For credits issued on or after May 28, 2025, extensions are generally not granted, and the new travel funds will retain the original expiration date even if rebooked and canceled. For older credits (issued before May 28, 2025), booking a new flight with the credit and then canceling it could re-issue the funds with a "no expiration" status, but this should always be verified with Southwest customer service as policies can evolve.
How to transfer Southwest Flight Credits to another person?
Generally, Flight Credits are non-transferable and can only be used by the original passenger. However, Transferable Flight Credits from Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares (for tickets purchased or changed on or after May 28, 2025) are transferable. Check the specific terms of your credit.
How to combine multiple Southwest Flight Credits?
Southwest generally allows you to apply up to three forms of payment per passenger, which can include multiple Flight Credits, LUV Vouchers, and a credit card for the remaining balance.
How to use a Southwest LUV Voucher?
LUV Vouchers can be used similarly to Flight Credits during the payment step of booking on Southwest.com. You will need the voucher number and security code. Note that LUV Vouchers typically cannot be used for taxes and fees.
How to avoid losing value on an expiring Southwest credit?
The best way is to book and complete travel before the expiration date. If not possible, consider booking a "placeholder" flight to use the credit, though for newer credits, the original expiration date will still apply to the re-issued funds. As a last resort, contact customer service.
How to check the expiration of my Southwest Rapid Rewards points?
Your Rapid Rewards points do not expire. You can see your point balance by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com.
How to use a Southwest Gift Card?
Southwest Gift Cards can be used for flights, including taxes and fees, when booking on Southwest.com or through their reservations line. They do not expire.
How to contact Southwest Airlines customer service for credit inquiries?
You can contact Southwest Airlines customer service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) for any inquiries regarding your flight credits, LUV Vouchers, or gift cards. Have your relevant booking information ready.
