It's a fantastic feeling to have Southwest Airlines travel funds, isn't it? It's like finding a forgotten twenty-dollar bill in your old jeans, but instead of a measly twenty, it's free travel! But unlike that twenty-dollar bill, which you can just hand over, using Southwest travel funds can sometimes feel a bit like deciphering an ancient riddle. Fear not, fellow traveler! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of reclaiming and utilizing your Southwest travel funds, ensuring your next adventure is seamless and satisfying.
Your Ticket to the Skies: A Comprehensive Guide to Using Southwest Airlines Travel Funds
Ever found yourself with unused Southwest travel funds and wondered, "Now what?" You're not alone! Many travelers accumulate these funds through canceled flights, fare changes, or even as compensation. The good news is, using them is often simpler than you think, and with this guide, you'll be a pro in no time.
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| How To Use Southwest Airlines Travel Funds |
Step 1: Discovering Your Travel Fund Treasure!
Before you can spend your travel funds, you need to find them! This might sound obvious, but Southwest has a few different types of "travel funds," and knowing which one you have is the first crucial step.
A. Identify Your Travel Fund Type:
Flight Credits (formerly "Travel Funds"): These are the most common. They result from canceling a flight or changing to a lower-priced itinerary. They are typically tied to the original passenger and the original confirmation number.
Transferable Flight Credits™: These are a newer type of credit, primarily issued when you cancel a Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fare. The key difference? These can be transferred once to another Rapid Rewards Member! This is a game-changer for many.
Southwest LUV Vouchers®: These are usually issued as compensation for things like significant delays, denied boarding, or lost baggage. They have a specific voucher number and security code and often come with an expiration date. Crucially, LUV Vouchers typically cannot be used to cover taxes and fees.
Southwest® Gift Cards: These are pretty straightforward – they're like cash for Southwest flights and never expire. They are also fully transferable.
B. Accessing Your Funds Online:
For Flight Credits and Transferable Flight Credits™:
If you're a Rapid Rewards Member: The easiest way is to log in to your Southwest.com account. Navigate to "My Account" (desktop) or "My Travel Funds" (mobile app) and then select the "Payment" tab. Any available flight credits or transferable flight credits associated with your name and account should be listed, along with their expiration dates.
If you're not a Rapid Rewards Member, or if the funds aren't linked to your account: You can use the "Check Travel Funds" page on Southwest.com. You'll need the original confirmation number and the first and last name of the original passenger.
For Southwest LUV Vouchers: You'll typically have an email with the voucher number and security code. Keep this handy!
For Southwest® Gift Cards: You'll have the 16-digit card number and a 4-digit security code.
C. Jot Down Essential Information: Once you've located your funds, make sure to note down the following:
Confirmation Number (for Flight Credits/Transferable Flight Credits)
Passenger Name (associated with the Flight Credit)
Voucher Number and Security Code (for LUV Vouchers)
Gift Card Number and Security Code (for Gift Cards)
Expiration Date (this is critically important!)
Step 2: Planning Your Next Southwest Adventure
Now that you know what you have, it's time for the fun part: booking your flight!
A. Search for Flights: Head to Southwest.com or use the Southwest mobile app. Enter your desired origin, destination, dates, and number of passengers, just as you normally would for a new booking.
Tip: Keep in mind that Flight Credits are generally tied to the original passenger. If you're trying to book a flight for someone else with a Flight Credit in your name, it usually won't work unless it's a Transferable Flight Credit™ and you've already transferred it.
B. Select Your Desired Flight: Browse the available flights and choose the one that best suits your travel plans. Proceed through the booking process until you reach the "Passenger & Payment Info" screen.
Step 3: Applying Your Travel Funds at Checkout
Tip: Read carefully — skimming skips meaning.
This is where the magic happens! The payment section is where you'll tell Southwest you're using your previously acquired funds.
A. Locate the "Apply Travel Funds, Vouchers, & Gift Cards" Section: On the "Passenger & Payment Info" page, look for an expandable section. Click on it to reveal the options.
B. Input Your Fund Details:
For Flight Credits / Transferable Flight Credits™:
Select "Apply Flight Credits."
Enter the original confirmation number of the canceled flight that generated the credit.
Enter the first and last name of the passenger associated with that original confirmation number.
Click "Apply Funds." The system will then show you the available balance.
For Southwest LUV Vouchers:
Select "Apply LUV Voucher."
Enter the voucher number and security code.
Click "Apply Voucher." Remember, these typically don't cover taxes and fees.
For Southwest® Gift Cards:
Select "Apply Gift Card."
Enter the 16-digit gift card number and the 4-digit security code.
Click "Apply Gift Card."
C. Important Considerations for Application:
Multiple Forms of Payment: Southwest generally allows you to use up to three forms of payment per passenger per transaction. This means you could use multiple Flight Credits, or a combination of Flight Credits, LUV Vouchers, and a credit card.
However, if your travel funds (Flight Credits or LUV Vouchers) don't cover the entire cost of the flight (including taxes and fees), you might be limited to using two travel funds and then a third form of payment (like a credit card) for the remaining balance.
Pro Tip: If you're having trouble combining multiple travel funds online, especially if they don't fully cover the flight, calling Southwest customer service (1-800-I-FLY-SWA or 1-800-435-9792) can often resolve this. Their agents can sometimes manually combine or apply funds that the online system struggles with.
Name Match: For Flight Credits, the name on the travel fund must match the name of the passenger on the new reservation. This is a common point of confusion and error. Transferable Flight Credits™ are the exception, allowing a one-time transfer.
Expiration Dates: Ensure your travel funds are valid for the date of your new flight. If you have multiple funds, and one has an earlier expiration date, Southwest may apply the earliest expiring fund first, or you may be required to complete travel by the earliest expiration date of any fund used. Always double-check the expiration date of your funds before booking.
Step 4: Review and Confirm Your Booking
Once your travel funds are applied, the system will update the total cost.
A. Check the Remaining Balance: If there's a remaining balance, you'll need to pay it using another accepted payment method (credit card, PayPal, etc.).
B. Final Review: Carefully review all the details of your new booking – dates, times, passenger names, and the final payment breakdown.
C. Complete the Purchase: Click the "Purchase" or "Book" button to finalize your reservation. You should receive a confirmation email shortly after. Save this confirmation email!
Step 5: What if My Funds Don't Cover the Whole Flight?
It's common for travel funds not to cover the entire cost of a new flight, especially with rising airfares.
A. Pay the Difference: As mentioned, you can use a credit card or other accepted payment method to cover any remaining balance.
B. Partially Used Funds: If your travel fund is more than the cost of the new flight, the remaining balance will usually be issued as a new flight credit under the original confirmation number (for Flight Credits) or a new one, with the original expiration date carrying over. This means you won't lose the remaining value, but you'll need to remember the original confirmation number for future use.
Step 6: Understanding Expiration Dates and Transferability
Southwest's policies on expiration and transferability have seen some changes. Staying informed is key to maximizing your funds.
A. Expiration Policies:
Flight Credits (from Wanna Get Away fares): These generally expire six months from the original date the fare was purchased.
Transferable Flight Credits™ (from Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select fares): If created on or before May 27, 2025, these do not expire. However, if created from reservations booked or changed on or after May 28, 2025, they expire twelve months from the date the fare was purchased and ticketed.
LUV Vouchers: These have specific expiration dates, usually 6 months to a year from the issue date, and travel must be completed by that date.
Gift Cards: These never expire.
Always check the specific expiration date when you look up your travel funds, as policies can vary based on the original booking date and fare type.
B. Transferability:
Flight Credits: Generally not transferable and must be used by the original passenger.
Transferable Flight Credits™: Can be transferred once to another Rapid Rewards Member. To do this, you would typically log into your Rapid Rewards account, find the transferable credit, and follow the prompts to transfer it. The recipient must also be a Rapid Rewards Member.
LUV Vouchers: Generally not transferable and are linked to the recipient.
Gift Cards: Fully transferable.
Tip: Read at your natural pace.
Step 7: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best intentions, you might run into a snag. Here are some common problems and solutions:
A. "Name does not match" error: This is the most frequent issue with Flight Credits. Ensure the name you're entering exactly matches the name on the original reservation. If it's a Transferable Flight Credit™, make sure it's been properly transferred to the current passenger's Rapid Rewards account.
B. Expired Funds: While Southwest made many flight credits non-expiring for a period, newer policies mean expiration dates are back for some. If your funds recently expired, it's worth calling Southwest Customer Service. Sometimes, they may offer a goodwill extension or conversion to a LUV voucher (though a fee might apply).
C. Unable to Combine Funds Online: If you have multiple travel funds and the website isn't letting you apply them all, call Southwest Customer Service. They often have more flexibility on their end to combine and apply funds, especially if the funds don't fully cover the flight.
D. Partial Usage Confusion: If you're using a fund that's greater than the cost of your new flight, and you're unsure how the remainder will be handled, the confirmation email for your new booking should clarify. If not, a quick call to Southwest can confirm the remaining balance and its associated confirmation number.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about Southwest Airlines travel funds:
How to check the balance of my Southwest travel funds?
You can check the balance by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com under "My Account" > "Payment" or by using the "Check Travel Funds" page on Southwest.com with your original confirmation number and name.
How to transfer Southwest travel funds to another person?
Only "Transferable Flight Credits™" can be transferred, and only once, to another Rapid Rewards Member. You typically do this through your Rapid Rewards account online. Standard Flight Credits are generally non-transferable.
Tip: Jot down one takeaway from this post.
How to use multiple Southwest travel funds for one booking?
You can use up to three forms of payment per passenger per transaction. If your funds don't cover the full cost, you might be limited to two travel funds and one additional payment method (like a credit card). If you have issues, call Southwest customer service.
How to extend the expiration date of Southwest travel funds?
Flight credits created on or before May 27, 2025, do not expire. For those created on or after May 28, 2025, expiration dates apply (6 or 12 months depending on fare type). While extensions are not guaranteed, it's worth contacting Southwest Customer Service if your funds are close to expiring.
How to convert a Southwest LUV Voucher into a flight credit?
LUV Vouchers are a distinct form of payment and cannot be "converted" into flight credits. They have their own terms and conditions, and generally, any remaining value after a booking is forfeited, or a new voucher is issued if there's a residual.
How to use Southwest travel funds for international flights?
QuickTip: Pay attention to first and last sentences.
Yes, Southwest travel funds can be used for international flights booked directly through Southwest Airlines, just like domestic flights.
How to use Southwest travel funds for taxes and fees?
Flight Credits (formerly Travel Funds) and Gift Cards can be used to cover the full cost of the flight, including taxes and fees. However, Southwest LUV Vouchers typically cannot be used for government-imposed taxes and fees, which must be paid separately.
How to redeem Southwest travel funds by phone?
You can absolutely redeem travel funds by calling Southwest Customer Service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). This is often helpful if you're experiencing online issues or have complex fund combinations.
How to get a refund for unused Southwest travel funds?
Southwest travel funds are generally non-refundable and hold no cash value. They are issued for future travel only.
How to combine Southwest travel funds with Rapid Rewards points?
Southwest recently introduced "Cash + Points," allowing you to pay for flights using a combination of cash (or travel funds that function like cash, such as Flight Credits and Gift Cards) and Rapid Rewards points. This option should appear during the booking process.
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