Your Ultimate Guide to Redeeming Credit on Southwest Airlines: Don't Let Those Funds Expire!
Ever had to change or cancel a flight, only to find yourself with a mysterious "credit" staring back at you from your airline account? If that airline is Southwest, congratulations! You're in luck, because Southwest's approach to credits is generally more flexible and user-friendly than many other carriers. But even with their customer-friendly policies, knowing exactly how to redeem your Southwest credit can save you time, hassle, and ensure you don't accidentally let those valuable funds disappear.
Ready to turn that credit into your next adventure? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Discover Your Southwest Credit – What Kind Do You Have?
Before you can redeem your credit, you need to know what type of credit you possess. Southwest offers a few different forms, and their redemption processes can vary slightly.
Sub-heading: Identifying Your Travel Funds
The first step is always to log in to your Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards account on their website (Southwest.com) or via their mobile app. Once logged in, navigate to the "My Account" section. From there, you'll typically find a "Payment" or "View Travel Funds" tab. This is where your treasures lie!
You might encounter one or more of the following:
Flight Credit (also known as Unused Ticketless Travel Funds): This is the most common type. It typically results from canceling a flight that was originally paid for with cash. The value of your original ticket is held as a credit.
Important Note: As of May 28, 2025, Southwest has updated its expiration policies. Flight Credits from Business Select®, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away Plus® fares now expire twelve months from the date the fare was purchased and ticketed. Basic fare flight credits expire six months from the date the fare was purchased and ticketed.
Previously, many flight credits from certain fare types (booked before July 28, 2022) did not expire. Always check the specific expiration date associated with your credit.
Transferable Flight Credit™: This is a newer and fantastic benefit for those who booked Business Select®, Anytime, or Wanna Get Away Plus® fares and then canceled. These credits can be transferred to another Rapid Rewards Member! This is a game-changer if you can't use the credit yourself but know someone who can.
Expiration: Transferable Flight Credits created from reservations booked or changed on or after May 28, 2025, expire twelve months from the date the fare was booked and ticketed.
Southwest LUV Vouchers®: These are usually issued as compensation for various reasons, such as a delayed flight, an oversold flight (where you volunteer to be bumped), or other customer service gestures.
Expiration: LUV Vouchers typically have an expiration date, often six months to one year from the issue date. Be sure to check the specific voucher details.
Key difference: LUV Vouchers generally cannot be used for government-imposed taxes and fees on a new flight, only for the base fare. You'll need another form of payment for those.
Southwest® Gift Cards: These are pretty straightforward, functioning like any other gift card.
Expiration: Southwest gift cards do not expire.
Usage: They can be used for the flight portion, including taxes and fees.
Southwest Vacations Package Travel Credit: If you canceled a Southwest Vacations package (flight + hotel/car), you might have this. These credits are specifically for booking new Southwest Vacations packages, not just standalone flights.
Expiration: Typically valid for travel commencing within 13 months (395 days) from the original departure date of the canceled package.
Action Item: Go to Southwest.com (or the app), log in, and find your "Travel Funds." Jot down the confirmation numbers, associated names, and expiration dates for any credits you have. This information is crucial for the next steps!
Step 2: Choosing Your New Flight – The Fun Part!
Now that you know what kind of credit you're working with, it's time to find a flight!
Sub-heading: Searching for Your Perfect Trip
Go to the main booking page on Southwest.com or open the mobile app.
Enter your desired origin and destination.
Select your travel dates.
Choose the number of passengers.
Important: When searching, select "Dollars" for the payment type. Even though you're using credit, you're essentially applying it to a cash fare. You'll have the option to apply travel funds on the payment page.
Click "Search."
Browse through the available flights and fares. Remember that Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares all have different benefits and point-earning rates, but your credit can generally be applied to any of them.
Tip: If your credit is from a Wanna Get Away fare, and you book a new Wanna Get Away fare, any remaining credit will retain the original expiration date. If you book a higher fare class (e.g., Anytime), and then cancel that flight, the credit might convert to a Transferable Flight Credit with a new expiration date, depending on the original credit's type and the new fare purchased. It's always best to use up your credit on a flight that you are confident you will take before its expiration.
Step 3: Applying Your Credit – The Redemption Process
This is where your notes from Step 1 come in handy!
Sub-heading: Navigating the Payment Page
Once you've selected your desired flight(s) and proceeded through the passenger information page, you'll reach the "Passenger & Payment Info" page. This is where you'll apply your credits.
Scroll down to the "Payment Method" section.
You'll see options like "Credit Card," "PayPal," etc. Look for a section titled "Southwest Travel Funds" or similar. It might say "Apply Flight Credits," "Apply LUV Vouchers," or "Apply Gift Cards."
Click on the appropriate option based on the credit you're using.
For Flight Credits: You'll typically need to enter the original confirmation number (from the flight that generated the credit) and the first and last name of the passenger associated with that credit. Make sure the name matches exactly as it appeared on the original reservation.
For Southwest LUV Vouchers: Enter the LUV Voucher number and the security code (usually found on the voucher itself).
For Southwest Gift Cards: Enter the 16-digit card number and the 4-digit security code.
Click "Apply Funds" or a similar button.
Sub-heading: Important Considerations for Applying Funds
Multiple Forms of Payment: Southwest generally allows you to use up to three forms of payment per passenger on each reservation. This means you can combine multiple flight credits, LUV Vouchers, or gift cards, and then pay the remaining balance with a credit card if needed.
However, there are nuances:
If your purchase exceeds the value of three Southwest Gift Cards, you might be limited to using two gift cards plus another form of payment (like a credit card).
For Flight Credits, a maximum of three flight credits can be applied per passenger on each reservation. If your purchase exceeds this, you might be limited to two flight credits and a credit card.
For Southwest LUV Vouchers, a maximum of two LUV Vouchers can be applied per passenger on each reservation.
If using a LUV Voucher, remember you'll need another payment method for taxes and fees.
Matching Passenger Names: If you're using a Flight Credit, it's typically tied to the passenger whose name was on the original ticket. Ensure the new booking is for the same passenger or that the credit is a Transferable Flight Credit™ that has been properly transferred.
Balance Remaining: If your credit doesn't cover the entire cost of the new flight, you'll be prompted to pay the remaining balance with another accepted payment method (credit card, Rapid Rewards points + cash, etc.).
Remaining Credit: If your credit exceeds the cost of the new flight, the remaining balance will usually be held as a new flight credit under the original confirmation number (or a new one, depending on the fare type and how the credit was originally generated). This new credit will inherit the earliest expiration date from any funds applied to the new booking. Always confirm the new expiration date.
Step 4: Review and Confirm Your Booking
Once you've applied your credit(s) and any additional payment, carefully review all the details of your new reservation.
Sub-heading: Double-Checking Everything
Flight dates and times
Passenger names
Origin and destination airports
Total cost and how it was paid (confirm your credit was applied correctly)
After verifying everything, proceed to confirm your booking. You should receive a confirmation email shortly, detailing your new itinerary and payment. Save this confirmation email!
Step 5: Transferring a Transferable Flight Credit™ (If Applicable)
This step is specifically for those with the newer Transferable Flight Credit™.
Sub-heading: The Transfer Process
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com.
Go to "My Account" and then "View Travel Funds" (or the "Payment" tab).
You should see your Transferable Flight Credit listed. Look for an option like "Transfer to someone else."
You will need the recipient's full name, email address, and their Rapid Rewards account number.
Confirm the transfer. Once transferred, it generally cannot be reversed, and the credit can only be transferred once. The entire amount of the Transferable Flight Credit must be transferred; you cannot transfer a partial amount.
The recipient can then follow the steps above (Step 2 and 3) to redeem the credit for their own flight.
Types of Southwest Credits and Their Key Differences
Understanding the nuances of each credit type is essential for smooth redemption:
Flight Credit (from canceled cash fare):
Expiration: 6 or 12 months from original purchase/ticketing date (depending on fare type) for credits created on or after May 28, 2025. Unexpired credits from before July 28, 2022, generally do not expire.
Usage: Applies to the base fare and generally to taxes/fees.
Transferability: Generally non-transferable unless it's a Transferable Flight Credit™ (from specific fare types).
Transferable Flight Credit™:
Expiration: 12 months from original purchase/ticketing date for credits created on or after May 28, 2025.
Usage: Applies to the base fare and generally to taxes/fees.
Transferability: One-time transfer to another Rapid Rewards Member.
Southwest LUV Voucher:
Expiration: Typically 6-12 months from issue date.
Usage: Applies to the base fare only. You'll need a separate payment for taxes and fees.
Transferability: Generally non-transferable.
Southwest Gift Card:
Expiration: Never expires.
Usage: Applies to base fare, taxes, and fees.
Transferability: Yes, it's a gift card!
Southwest Vacations Package Travel Credit:
Expiration: Travel must be completed within 13 months of the original package departure date.
Usage: Only for new Southwest Vacations packages.
Transferability: Non-transferable.
Always double-check the specific terms and conditions of your credit. Southwest's policies can evolve, and the details on your individual credit or voucher will be the most accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about redeeming Southwest credit, along with quick answers:
How to check the expiration date of my Southwest credit?
You can check the expiration date by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, going to "My Account," and then "View Travel Funds" or the "Payment" tab. The expiration date for each credit will be listed there.
How to use multiple Southwest credits for one booking?
You can generally use up to three forms of payment per passenger on a single booking. Simply apply each flight credit, LUV Voucher, or gift card one by one in the "Payment Method" section of the checkout page.
How to redeem Southwest LUV Vouchers online?
When on the payment screen, select the option to "Apply LUV Vouchers" and enter your voucher number and security code. Remember, LUV Vouchers typically only cover the base fare, so you'll need another payment method for taxes and fees.
How to apply a Southwest credit to someone else's flight?
Only Transferable Flight Credits™ can be directly transferred to another Rapid Rewards member. For other flight credits, they are typically tied to the original passenger and cannot be used by someone else.
How to use a Southwest gift card for my flight?
On the payment screen, select "Apply Gift Cards" and enter the 16-digit gift card number and 4-digit security code. Gift cards can be used for the base fare and taxes/fees.
How to tell if my Southwest credit is transferable?
Transferable Flight Credits™ are explicitly labeled as such in your "View Travel Funds" section. They typically result from canceled Business Select®, Anytime, or Wanna Get Away Plus® fares.
How to get a refund instead of a Southwest flight credit?
Generally, only Business Select® and Anytime® fares are fully refundable to your original form of payment if canceled at least 10 minutes prior to departure. Wanna Get Away® and Wanna Get Away Plus® fares usually result in a flight credit. However, by U.S. law, any ticket booked at least 7 days in advance is fully refundable if canceled within 24 hours of purchase.
How to use a Southwest credit for taxes and fees on an award flight?
Yes, Southwest flight credits can often be used to pay for the taxes and fees associated with an award flight booked with Rapid Rewards points. Apply the credit in the payment section during the booking process.
How to combine a Southwest credit with Rapid Rewards points?
You cannot directly combine a standard Flight Credit with Rapid Rewards points for the same portion of the fare. However, if you book a flight using "Cash + Points," you can sometimes use a flight credit to cover the "cash" portion, but this feature can be complex. Typically, you'd use points for the flight, and then a flight credit for any associated taxes/fees.
How to use an expired Southwest credit?
Unfortunately, once a Southwest credit has expired, it generally cannot be redeemed or reactivated. This is why it's crucial to check your expiration dates and use your credits before they lapse.
