Have you ever had a flight change or cancellation on Southwest Airlines, leaving you with an unused credit? Perhaps you received a generous LUV Voucher as a thank you for your flexibility during a travel disruption. These credits are incredibly valuable and can significantly reduce the cost of your next adventure. But how exactly do you apply them? Don't worry, we're here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you can use your Southwest credit with ease!
Southwest Airlines offers various forms of credit, primarily Flight Credits (formerly known as Travel Funds) and LUV Vouchers. While both are fantastic for saving money on future flights, they have slightly different rules and application processes. Understanding these differences is key to a smooth booking experience.
Let's dive into the specifics!
How to Apply a Credit on Southwest Airlines: A Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you have a Flight Credit from a cancelled trip or a LUV Voucher, applying it to your next Southwest flight is straightforward once you know where to look.
Step 1: Identify Your Credit Type and Gather Information
This is where your journey begins! Before you even think about booking, it's crucial to know what kind of credit you have and where its details are stored.
Sub-heading: Understanding Flight Credits (Travel Funds)
Flight Credits are typically issued when you cancel a non-refundable flight or change your flight to a lower-priced itinerary. They are usually tied to the original passenger's name.
How to find them:
Rapid Rewards Account: If you have a Rapid Rewards account and the original booking was linked to it, log in to your account on Southwest.com. Navigate to "My Account" (desktop) or "My Travel Funds" (mobile/app), then select "Payment." Any available flight credits associated with your name and account should be listed there, along with their expiration dates.
Check Travel Funds Page: If your credit isn't linked to a Rapid Rewards account, or you simply want to verify, you can visit Southwest's "Check Travel Funds" page directly on their website. You'll need the original confirmation number and the first and last name of the passenger on the original reservation.
Key Information Needed: You'll primarily need the confirmation number from the original flight that generated the credit.
Sub-heading: Understanding Southwest LUV Vouchers
LUV Vouchers are often issued as compensation for things like flight delays, cancellations, or volunteering to be bumped from an oversold flight. These are typically sent via email.
How to find them:
Email: Check your email inbox for a message from Southwest Airlines containing your LUV Voucher details. It will include a voucher number and a security code.
Key Information Needed: You'll need both the voucher number and the security code provided in the email.
Step 2: Browse and Select Your New Flight
Now for the fun part – finding your next adventure!
Go to Southwest.com: Open your web browser and head to the official Southwest Airlines website (Southwest.com). You can also use the Southwest Airlines mobile app.
Search for Flights: Enter your desired origin, destination, dates, and number of passengers as you normally would.
Select Your Fare: Choose your preferred flight times and fare type (e.g., Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select). Remember that certain fare types may have different credit expiration policies for any future credits generated from them.
Step 3: Proceed to the Payment Section
Once you've selected your flights, you'll be taken through a few screens to review your itinerary and passenger details.
Review Details: Double-check all flight details, dates, and passenger information to ensure accuracy.
Continue to Payment: Click through until you reach the "Payment" section of the booking process. This is where you'll apply your hard-earned credit!
Step 4: Apply Your Credit
This is the most crucial step! The interface for applying credits is intuitive, but it's important to select the correct option.
Sub-heading: Applying Flight Credits (Travel Funds)
On the Payment screen, look for a section labeled something like "Apply Travel Funds" or "Flight Credits."
Click on this option. A field will appear where you'll be prompted to enter the confirmation number associated with your Flight Credit.
Enter the confirmation number. Southwest's system will then pull up the available credit tied to that reservation.
Important Note: Flight Credits are generally tied to the original passenger. If you're booking for someone else, the credit must be linked to their name.
Sub-heading: Applying Southwest LUV Vouchers
On the Payment screen, locate the section labeled "Apply LUV Vouchers."
Click on this option. You'll see fields to enter your LUV Voucher number and the security code (PIN).
Carefully input both of these details exactly as they appear on your voucher email.
Key Distinction: Unlike Flight Credits, LUV Vouchers are generally transferable, meaning you can use them to book a flight for anyone, not just the person whose name is on the voucher.
Step 5: Review Applied Credit and Remaining Balance
After you've entered your credit information, the system will apply the value of your credit to the flight cost.
See the Deduction: You'll see the total amount of your flight reduced by the value of your applied credit.
Check Remaining Balance:
If your credit covers the entire cost of the flight (including taxes and fees for Flight Credits), you're all set! Just confirm the booking.
If there's a remaining balance, you'll need to pay the difference using another accepted form of payment, such as a credit card, PayPal, or another Southwest Gift Card/LUV Voucher (keeping in mind the limits on payment types).
Important Note for LUV Vouchers: LUV Vouchers can be applied toward the flight cost but generally cannot cover government-imposed segment fees, excise taxes, Passenger Facility Charges, or September 11th Security Fees. You'll need to cover these separately with another payment method.
Step 6: Complete Your Booking
Once you're satisfied with the applied credit and any remaining payment, finalize your reservation.
Enter Payment for Balance (if applicable): If you have a remaining balance, enter your credit card details or select another payment method to cover it.
Confirm and Purchase: Click the "Purchase" or "Book Flight" button to complete your reservation.
Receive Confirmation: You'll receive a confirmation email with your new itinerary and receipt, reflecting the applied credit. Keep this email for your records!
Important Considerations and Tips
Expiration Dates are Crucial! Always pay close attention to the expiration dates of your credits. While Flight Credits issued on or before May 27, 2025, do not expire, those created on or after May 28, 2025, will have specific expiration dates (6 months for Basic fares, 12 months for Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares, from the date of original purchase). LUV Vouchers also have expiration dates (typically 6 months to 1 year from issue). You must complete travel by the expiration date.
Multiple Forms of Payment: Southwest generally allows up to three forms of payment per passenger per reservation. This means you can combine Flight Credits, LUV Vouchers, and Gift Cards, along with a credit card if needed. However, for LUV Vouchers, you're usually limited to two vouchers if you also need to use a credit card for taxes/fees, to stay within the three-payment limit.
Transferability: Remember that Flight Credits are usually tied to the original passenger, while LUV Vouchers are transferable. This is a significant difference to keep in mind if you're booking for someone else.
Checking Your Balance: You can always check the balance and expiration of your Flight Credits through your Rapid Rewards account or the "Check Travel Funds" page. For LUV Vouchers, refer back to the original email or contact Southwest customer service.
Phone Assistance: If you encounter any issues or have complex situations (like combining many vouchers), don't hesitate to call Southwest Airlines customer service. They can often assist with applying credits over the phone.
By following these steps, you'll be a pro at applying your Southwest Airlines credits in no time, making your next flight more affordable and your booking experience hassle-free!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check the balance of a Southwest Flight Credit?
You can check the balance of a Southwest Flight Credit by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, navigating to "My Account" > "Payment" > "My Travel Funds." Alternatively, use the "Check Travel Funds" page on Southwest.com by entering the original confirmation number and the passenger's first and last name.
How to use a Southwest LUV Voucher if I don't have the email?
If you've lost the email containing your LUV Voucher details, you'll need to contact Southwest Airlines customer service directly. They can help you retrieve the voucher number and security code.
How to combine multiple Southwest Flight Credits on one booking?
Southwest allows you to apply up to three forms of payment per passenger per reservation. If you have multiple Flight Credits, you can enter each confirmation number individually in the payment section during booking, as long as you don't exceed the three-payment limit.
How to use a Southwest credit for someone else's flight?
Southwest Flight Credits are generally non-transferable and can only be used by the original passenger. However, Southwest LUV Vouchers are transferable and can be used to book a flight for anyone.
How to pay for taxes and fees when using a Southwest LUV Voucher?
Southwest LUV Vouchers typically cover only the base fare of the flight. Government-imposed taxes and fees must be paid separately using another form of payment, such as a credit card or a Southwest Gift Card.
How to extend the expiration date of a Southwest Flight Credit?
Flight Credits created on or after May 28, 2025, have expiration dates. Generally, the expiration date cannot be extended. However, if your flight was significantly disrupted, the credit might be valid for a longer period (five years from original booking date). Always check the specific terms of your credit.
How to apply a Southwest credit when booking on the mobile app?
The process for applying a Southwest credit on the mobile app is very similar to the website. During the payment step, you will find options to "Apply Travel Funds" or "Apply LUV Vouchers" where you can input the necessary details.
How to use a Southwest credit if the new fare is cheaper?
If the new fare is cheaper than your Southwest Flight Credit, the remaining balance of the credit will typically be held under the original confirmation number or as a new flight credit, retaining its original expiration date (if applicable). For LUV Vouchers, any remaining balance on the voucher typically remains active until its original expiration date.
How to convert a Southwest LUV Voucher into a Flight Credit?
While not an official "conversion" tool, some travelers have found success in booking a refundable (or Wanna Get Away Plus) flight with their LUV Voucher, then canceling it. The funds may then be returned as a Flight Credit, which could potentially have different expiration terms or be easier to manage within your Rapid Rewards account. This is a known workaround and not an official Southwest policy, so use with caution and verify terms.
How to use a combination of Southwest Gift Cards and Flight Credits?
You can combine Southwest Gift Cards and Flight Credits on a single booking. Remember the limit of up to three forms of payment per passenger per reservation. Apply the Gift Card and Flight Credit details in their respective sections during the payment process.
