It's fantastic that you're looking to put your Southwest Airlines credit to good use! Whether it's from a cancelled trip, a fare downgrade, or a LUV Voucher, understanding how to apply these funds effectively can save you money and ensure your next journey is seamless. Let's dive in and make sure you become a pro at redeeming your Southwest credit!
Unleashing Your Travel Potential: A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Southwest Airlines Credit
Having Southwest Airlines credit in hand is like having a golden ticket to your next adventure. But how exactly do you turn that credit into a confirmed flight? Don't worry, we've got you covered with this comprehensive, step-by-step guide.
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| How To Use Southwest Airlines Credit |
Step 1: Identify Your Credit Type and Its Details - Are You Ready to Fly?
Before you even think about searching for flights, you need to understand what kind of Southwest credit you possess. Southwest has a few different forms, and their terms and conditions can vary.
Sub-heading 1.1: Understanding Flight Credits
Flight credits are the most common type of credit you'll encounter. These typically arise when you cancel a flight or rebook a flight at a lower fare.
How to check:
If associated with a Rapid Rewards account: Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com. Navigate to "My Account," then select "Payment" or "My Travel Funds." You should see any available flight credits listed there, along with their associated confirmation numbers and expiration dates.
If not associated with a Rapid Rewards account: Visit the "Check Travel Funds" page on Southwest.com. You'll usually need the original confirmation number and the passenger's name to look up the credit.
Key things to note about Flight Credits:
Expiration Dates (Crucial!): This is where it gets a little tricky due to recent policy changes.
For credits created on or before May 27, 2025: Great news! These generally do not expire.
For credits created on or after May 28, 2025: These credits now do have an expiration date, typically 12 months from the original booking date (or 6 months for Basic fares). If you apply an old, non-expiring credit to a new reservation booked after May 28, 2025, and then cancel that new reservation, the resulting credit will have an expiration date.
Transferability:
Transferable Flight Credits™: These are issued for Business Select®, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away Plus® fares if you cancel. They can be transferred once to another Rapid Rewards Member. This is a fantastic benefit if you can't use the credit yourself.
Basic Fare Flight Credits: These are generally not transferable.
Passenger Specificity: Most flight credits are tied to the name of the original passenger. This means the person whose name is on the credit is usually the one who must use it.
Sub-heading 1.2: Understanding Southwest LUV Vouchers
Southwest LUV Vouchers are often issued as a gesture of goodwill, for bumped flights, or for other customer service reasons.
How to check: You should have a physical or digital voucher with a unique number and security code. The expiration date will be clearly stated on the voucher itself.
Key things to note about LUV Vouchers:
Expiration Dates: LUV Vouchers have a defined expiration date by which both redemption and travel must be completed.
Non-transferable: LUV Vouchers are typically non-transferable.
Restrictions: They cannot be applied towards government-imposed charges and fees, which you will need to pay separately.
Sub-heading 1.3: Understanding Southwest Gift Cards
Tip: Look for examples to make points easier to grasp.
Southwest Gift Cards are like cash for Southwest flights.
How to check: You'll have a 16-digit card number and a 4-digit security code.
Key things to note about Gift Cards:
No Expiration: Southwest Gift Cards generally do not expire.
Applicable to Fare & Fees: They can be used for the full cost of the fare, including taxes and fees.
Step 2: Choose Your Destination and Flight - Where Do You Want to Go?
Now that you know what kind of credit you have, it's time for the fun part: picking your next adventure!
Sub-heading 2.1: Browse Flights on Southwest.com
Go to the official Southwest Airlines website: Southwest.com.
Use the flight search tool to enter your desired origin, destination, travel dates, and number of passengers.
Click "Search" to view available flights and fares.
Sub-heading 2.2: Considering Fare Types and Their Benefits
As you browse flights, keep in mind Southwest's different fare types:
Basic: The lowest price, but with more restrictions (e.g., flight credit expires in 6 months if cancelled, not transferable).
Wanna Get Away Plus®: Offers a 12-month transferable flight credit if cancelled.
Anytime: More flexible, generally refundable, and offers transferable flight credit if cancelled.
Business Select®: The most flexible, refundable, priority boarding, and offers transferable flight credit if cancelled.
Choosing a higher fare like Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select provides more flexibility if your plans change and you need to cancel, as the resulting credit will be transferable.
Step 3: Proceed to Payment and Apply Your Credit - The Moment of Truth!
Once you've selected your desired flight(s), you'll proceed to the payment page. This is where you'll apply your Southwest credit.
Tip: Reread if it feels confusing.
Sub-heading 3.1: Locating the "Apply Travel Funds" Option
After reviewing your flight details and passenger information, scroll down to the "Payment" section on the checkout page.
You should see an option labeled "Apply Travel Funds" or similar. Click on this.
Sub-heading 3.2: Entering Your Credit Information
A pop-up or new section will appear asking for your travel fund details.
For Flight Credits: You will typically need to enter the confirmation number of the original flight from which the credit was issued, along with the exact name of the passenger associated with that credit.
For Southwest LUV Vouchers: Enter the LUV Voucher number and its associated security code.
For Southwest Gift Cards: Enter the 16-digit gift card number and the 4-digit security code.
Click "Apply Funds" or "Redeem" to apply the credit to your booking.
Sub-heading 3.3: Combining Multiple Forms of Payment
Southwest allows you to use up to three forms of payment per booking.
If your credit doesn't cover the entire cost of the new flight, you can apply additional flight credits (up to the three-payment limit), LUV Vouchers, gift cards, or use a credit card to pay the remaining balance.
Important Note: If you're using LUV Vouchers, remember you'll still need another form of payment for taxes and fees if the voucher doesn't cover them. If you're using multiple flight credits, ensure their combined value covers the entire cost (fare plus taxes/fees) or you'll need another payment method.
Step 4: Review and Confirm Your Booking - Almost There!
After applying your credit, you'll see the updated balance due.
Review all details carefully: Double-check the flight dates, times, passenger names, and the total amount.
Agree to the terms and conditions.
Click "Purchase" or "Confirm" to finalize your booking.
You will receive a confirmation email with your new flight details. Keep this email safe!
Step 5: What If Your Credit Exceeds the New Fare? - Don't Lose Out!
What happens if the flight you're booking costs less than your existing credit?
If you apply a flight credit and the new fare is lower, the remaining balance of your original credit will typically be retained as a new flight credit.
This new credit will carry the original expiration date of the credit it came from (if it had one), or it will adopt the new expiration rules if it's from a booking made after May 28, 2025.
Always check the confirmation email or your "My Travel Funds" section for details on any residual credit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Your Quick Answers!
Here are 10 common questions about using Southwest Airlines credit, with quick answers to get you flying!
QuickTip: Reread tricky spots right away.
How to check my Southwest flight credit balance?
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, go to "My Account" then "Payment" or "My Travel Funds." Alternatively, use the "Check Travel Funds" page on Southwest.com with your original confirmation number and name.
How to use a Southwest LUV Voucher?
During the payment step of booking a flight on Southwest.com, select "Apply Travel Funds" and enter your LUV Voucher number and security code. Remember, you'll still need to pay taxes and fees separately if the voucher doesn't cover them.
How to transfer Southwest flight credit to someone else?
Only "Transferable Flight Credits™" (from Business Select, Anytime, or Wanna Get Away Plus fares) can be transferred. Log in to your Rapid Rewards account, go to "My Account" > "View Travel Funds" > "Transfer to someone else." You'll need the recipient's full name, email, and Rapid Rewards account number.
How to use multiple Southwest credits on one booking?
You can use up to three forms of payment per Southwest booking. This means you can combine up to three flight credits, LUV Vouchers, or gift cards, along with a credit card if needed, to cover the total cost.
How to use Southwest credit for a flight that costs less than the credit?
Tip: Highlight sentences that answer your questions.
If your new flight costs less than your applied credit, the remaining balance will be issued as a new flight credit, retaining the original expiration date or adopting new rules if applicable (for credits from bookings on or after May 28, 2025).
How to apply Southwest credit for international flights?
Southwest flight credits can generally be used for international flights offered by Southwest Airlines, as long as the credit covers the fare and applicable taxes/fees for that specific booking.
How to find the expiration date of my Southwest credit?
For credits associated with your Rapid Rewards account, log in and check "My Travel Funds" under "My Account." For other credits, refer to your original confirmation email or the "Check Travel Funds" page on Southwest.com. Credits created on or after May 28, 2025, generally expire 12 months from the original booking date.
How to use Southwest credit for part of a fare?
Yes, you can use your Southwest credit to pay for a portion of the fare. If the credit doesn't cover the full cost, you can pay the remaining balance using another approved payment method (credit card, another travel fund, etc.).
How to redeem Southwest Rapid Rewards points instead of credit?
When booking a flight, instead of selecting "Apply Travel Funds," choose the option to "Pay with Rapid Rewards Points." You must be logged into your Rapid Rewards account.
How to ensure my Southwest credit isn't wasted?
The best way to ensure your credit isn't wasted is to use it before it expires! Keep track of expiration dates, especially for newer credits. If you have transferable credit, consider transferring it to someone who can use it if your own travel plans are uncertain.
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