You've got some Southwest Airlines credit, and now you're wondering how to actually use it, right? Maybe it's from a canceled trip, a fare change, or even a generous friend. Whatever the reason, having Southwest credit is like having a little travel treasure chest. But how do you open it and see what's inside? Don't worry, it's simpler than you might think! Let's dive in, step by step, to unlock your Southwest Airlines credit and get you ready for your next adventure.
How to Check Your Southwest Airlines Credit: A Comprehensive Guide
Southwest Airlines offers various forms of credit, including flight credits, Southwest LUV Vouchers, and Southwest Gift Cards. Each has its own characteristics and ways to be checked and redeemed. This guide will walk you through checking the balance and understanding the nuances of each.
Step 1: Identify Your Type of Southwest Credit
First things first, do you know what kind of credit you have? This is crucial because the method of checking varies slightly depending on whether it's a flight credit, a LUV Voucher, or a gift card. Take a moment to recall how you received the credit. Was it from:
A canceled flight? This is most likely a Flight Credit.
A promotional offer or customer service gesture? This could be a Southwest LUV Voucher.
A purchased gift? That's a Southwest Gift Card.
Once you've identified the type, you're ready for the next step!
Step 2: Checking Flight Credits (Most Common)
Flight credits are the most frequent type of credit you'll encounter if you've had to change or cancel a Southwest flight. They are typically tied to the original passenger and the confirmation number of the canceled trip.
Sub-heading 2.1: Checking Through Your Rapid Rewards Account (Recommended)
If you have a Rapid Rewards account, this is by far the easiest and most comprehensive way to view your flight credits.
Log In to Your Rapid Rewards Account:
Go to the official Southwest Airlines website (southwest.com).
Click on "Log In" at the top right corner of the page.
Enter your Rapid Rewards account number or username and your password.
Navigate to "My Account" or "My Travel Funds":
Once logged in, look for "My Account" in the top menu (desktop) or scroll down to "My Travel Funds" (mobile app/website).
Within "My Account," you'll usually find a section related to "Payment" or "Flight Credits." Click on that.
View Your Available Flight Credits:
Here, you should see a list of any available flight credits associated with your name and Rapid Rewards account.
Pay close attention to the expiration dates listed alongside each credit. Southwest has updated its policies, so some older credits may not expire, while newer ones have specific expiration terms based on the fare type and original purchase date (e.g., Basic fares typically expire six months from the purchase date, while Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares may have a 12-month expiration from the purchase date or even no expiration for credits issued before May 27, 2025).
Sub-heading 2.2: Checking Without a Rapid Rewards Account (Using Confirmation Number)
Even if you don't have a Rapid Rewards account, or if the flight credit isn't showing up for some reason, you can still check it using the original confirmation number.
Access the "Check Travel Funds" Page:
Go to southwest.com.
Look for a link like "Check Travel Funds" or "Check Travel Credits." You can often find this in the footer under "Support" or by using the site's search function. A direct link is typically available at
Southwest.com/travel-funds/
Enter Required Information:
You will be prompted to enter the first name, last name, and the confirmation number of the original reservation from which the flight credit was generated.
Double-check for any typos! The information must precisely match what was on the original booking.
Retrieve Your Credit Details:
After submitting, the system should display the value of the flight credit and its expiration date.
Important Note: If your flight credit is from a disrupted flight (e.g., a cancelled flight due to weather, operational issues), it might take up to 48 hours for the accurate expiration date to reflect in the system.
Step 3: Checking Southwest LUV Vouchers
Southwest LUV Vouchers are typically issued as a form of goodwill or compensation. They function similarly to cash for flight bookings.
Locate Your LUV Voucher Details:
You'll need the LUV Voucher number and the associated security code (often a 4-digit PIN) to check its balance and use it. These details are usually printed on the voucher itself or provided in the email if it was sent digitally.
Use the "Check Travel Funds" Page or During Booking:
While there isn't a dedicated "check LUV Voucher balance" page like with gift cards, you can effectively check it by entering the details when you are about to make a booking.
Alternatively, the main "Check Travel Funds" page at
Southwest.com/travel-funds/ The system will confirm its validity and balance when you attempt to apply it.
Understand Expiration:
Southwest LUV Vouchers do have expiration dates, which are clearly indicated on the voucher itself. Ensure you use the voucher and complete your travel by this date. If you use a LUV Voucher in conjunction with other forms of payment, the earliest expiration date of all payments applies to the entire booking.
Step 4: Checking Southwest Gift Card Balance
Southwest Gift Cards are straightforward to check and use.
Visit the Gift Card Balance Page:
Go to southwest.com.
Look for "Check Gift Card Balance" in the footer or under "Support."
A direct link is often available at
Southwest.com/gift-card/check-balance/
Enter Card Details:
You will need the 16-digit gift card number and the 4-digit security code (PIN). These are typically found on the back of a physical card or in the email for an e-gift card.
View Your Balance:
Once you enter the details, your remaining gift card balance will be displayed.
Key Information about Gift Cards:
Southwest Gift Cards generally do not expire. This makes them a very flexible form of credit.
They are also fully transferable, meaning anyone can use them.
Step 5: Understanding and Using Your Credit
Now that you've checked your credit, let's briefly touch on how to use it and some important considerations.
Sub-heading 5.1: Redeeming Your Credit for a Flight
When you're ready to book a new flight on Southwest.com:
Select your desired flight(s).
Proceed to the payment screen.
You will see options to apply "Travel Funds," "LUV Vouchers," or "Gift Cards."
Enter the relevant details (confirmation number for flight credit, voucher number/security code for LUV Voucher, card number/security code for gift card).
You can generally use up to three forms of payment per passenger per booking, which can include a combination of credit types and a credit card if there's a remaining balance.
Sub-heading 5.2: Expiration Dates Are Key!
This is critical. Pay very close attention to the expiration dates:
Flight Credits (especially Basic fares booked on or after May 28, 2025): These can expire. If your credit was issued from a "Wanna Get Away" (now "Basic") fare, it expires six months from the original purchase date of the ticket. For "Wanna Get Away Plus," "Anytime," and "Business Select" fares booked on or after May 28, 2025, transferable flight credits expire 12 months from the original purchase date.
Flight credits issued on or before May 27, 2025, do not expire. This was a significant change, so if you have older credits, they may be valid indefinitely.
Southwest LUV Vouchers: Always have a specific expiration date.
Southwest Gift Cards: Generally do not expire.
Sub-heading 5.3: Transferability
Basic Flight Credits: Generally not transferable to another person. They are tied to the original passenger.
Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select Flight Credits (Transferable Flight Credits™): Can be transferred one time to another Rapid Rewards member. This is a fantastic new feature!
Southwest LUV Vouchers: Once applied to a reservation, they can only be used by the ticketed passenger for that specific reservation.
Southwest Gift Cards: Are fully transferable before redemption.
Step 6: What If You Can't Find Your Credit or It's Expired?
Don't panic if you encounter issues!
Double-Check Information: Ensure you're entering the correct first name, last name, and confirmation number as they appeared on the original reservation.
Wait 48 Hours: If your flight was significantly disrupted, wait a couple of days for the system to update.
Contact Southwest Customer Service: This is your best resource.
You can call them directly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).
You can also try their chat with an agent feature on their website.
Provide them with as much detail as possible: original confirmation number, passenger names, flight dates, and how you believe the credit was issued.
While not guaranteed, sometimes agents can offer solutions or re-issue credits in special circumstances, especially for recently expired ones. It never hurts to ask politely!
10 Related FAQ Questions and Quick Answers
Here are some common questions you might have about Southwest Airlines credit:
How to use multiple Southwest flight credits on one booking?
You can generally apply up to three forms of payment per passenger on a single booking, which can include multiple flight credits, LUV Vouchers, or gift cards, along with a credit card for any remaining balance.
How to check the expiration date of my Southwest flight credit?
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account and navigate to "My Account" then "Payment" or use the "Check Travel Funds" page on Southwest.com with your confirmation number. The expiration date will be displayed there.
How to transfer a Southwest flight credit to another person?
Only "Transferable Flight Credits™" (from Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares booked on or after May 28, 2025) can be transferred one time to another Rapid Rewards member. Basic fare flight credits are not transferable.
How to redeem a Southwest LUV Voucher?
You redeem a Southwest LUV Voucher by entering its voucher number and security code on the payment screen when booking a flight on Southwest.com or through their mobile app.
How to use a Southwest gift card for international flights?
Southwest gift cards can be used for any Southwest Airlines flight, including international destinations, provided the booking is made through Southwest Airlines directly (not third-party sites or Southwest Vacations packages for the entire package, though they can be used for the flight portion).
How to find my Southwest confirmation number for a flight credit?
The confirmation number for a flight credit is the same as the original confirmation number of the canceled or changed flight that generated the credit. You'll need this to look up your credit without logging into Rapid Rewards.
How to get a refund instead of a Southwest flight credit?
Southwest offers refundable fares (Anytime, Business Select). If you booked a non-refundable fare (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus) and cancel, you'll typically receive a flight credit, not a cash refund, unless Southwest cancels or significantly changes the flight.
How to combine different types of Southwest credit?
You can combine different types of Southwest credit (e.g., a flight credit and a gift card) on a single booking on the payment screen, as long as you don't exceed the limit of three forms of payment per passenger.
How to ensure my Southwest flight credit doesn't expire?
For credits issued on or before May 27, 2025, they do not expire. For newer credits, especially Basic fares, ensure you book and complete travel before the stated expiration date. Upgrading a Basic fare may change its credit type, potentially extending its life.
How to contact Southwest Airlines customer service for credit inquiries?
You can contact Southwest Customer Service by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) or by using the "Chat with an Agent" feature on their official website.
