We've all been there – you cancel a trip, change a flight, or receive some compensation, and then you remember: Southwest Airlines credit! But where is it? How do you use it? And what exactly is it? Don't worry, you're in the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about finding and utilizing your Southwest Airlines credit.
The Quest for Your Southwest Airlines Credit: A Step-by-Step Adventure!
Let's embark on this journey together. The good news is, Southwest makes it relatively straightforward to track down your valuable travel funds.
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| How To Find My Southwest Airlines Credit |
Step 1: Identify Your Type of Southwest Credit – The First Clue!
Before we dive into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand that Southwest Airlines has a few different types of "credit." Knowing which one you have will streamline your search significantly.
1.1 Flight Credits (formerly Travel Funds):
What they are: These are the most common type of credit. You receive a Flight Credit when you cancel a non-refundable flight (Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus) or change to a cheaper flight. They are tied to the original passenger and the original confirmation number.
Key characteristics:
Digital: You won't receive a physical card or voucher.
Non-transferable (mostly): Generally, Flight Credits are only usable by the original passenger, with the exception of Transferable Flight Credits (see below).
Expiration: They typically expire 6-12 months from the original booking date, depending on the fare type. However, credits from significantly disrupted flights might be valid for up to five years from the cancellation date.
1.2 Transferable Flight Credits™:
What they are: These are a newer type of credit, specifically issued for cancellations of Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, and Business Select® fares booked on or after May 28, 2025.
Key characteristics:
Transferable: The key difference! These can be transferred one time to another Rapid Rewards® member. This is a game-changer for flexibility!
Expiration: They generally expire 12 months from the original booking date.
1.3 Southwest LUV Vouchers®:
What they are: These are usually issued as compensation for various situations, such as significant flight delays, involuntarily denied boarding (being "bumped"), or other customer service gestures.
Key characteristics:
Physical or Digital: They can be issued as a physical voucher or digitally.
Transferable: LUV Vouchers are generally transferable.
Expiration: They have a specific expiration date printed on them, typically 6 months to 1 year from the date of issue. Travel must be completed by this date.
1.4 Southwest® Gift Cards:
What they are: These are straightforward gift cards that can be purchased or received as gifts.
Key characteristics:
No expiration date: This is a major advantage!
Transferable: Fully transferable.
Physical or Digital: Can be physical or e-gift cards.
Step 2: The Easiest Path – Checking Through Your Rapid Rewards Account
This is your first and often most successful stop if you have a Rapid Rewards account.
QuickTip: Every section builds on the last.
2.1 Log In to Your Rapid Rewards Account:
Go to the official Southwest Airlines website (
southwest.com Click on "Log In" in the top right corner.
Enter your Rapid Rewards number or email address and password. If you've forgotten them, use the "Forgot password" link.
2.2 Navigate to "My Account":
Once logged in, click on "My Account" at the top of the page (desktop) or scroll down to "My Travel Funds" (mobile and app).
2.3 Explore "Payment" or "My Flight Credits":
Within "My Account," look for an option like "Payment" or "My Flight Credits."
Clicking here should display any available flight credits associated with your name and Rapid Rewards account number.
You'll see an at-a-glance look at the total number of flight credits you have. Click on "Payment" to see more details.
2.4 Review Details:
Carefully review the details of each credit, including the original confirmation number, the value, and the expiration date. This information is crucial for using the credit later.
Step 3: Checking Funds Without a Rapid Rewards Account (or if it's not showing up)
Sometimes, your credit might not be directly linked to your Rapid Rewards account, or you may not have one. Don't despair!
3.1 Use the "Check Travel Funds" Page:
Southwest Airlines provides a dedicated page for checking travel funds not associated with a Rapid Rewards account.
Go to
southwest.com/travel-funds Alternatively, you can often find a link at the bottom of the Southwest.com homepage under "Southwest Products" or in the "Support" section.
3.2 Provide Required Information:
QuickTip: A careful read saves time later.
You'll typically need the following:
First Name
Last Name
Confirmation Number (from the original flight reservation that generated the credit). This is a critical piece of information.
3.3 Enter the Details and Submit:
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Carefully enter the information and click "Check Funds."
The system should then display any matching flight credits.
3.4 For Southwest LUV Vouchers & Gift Cards:
LUV Vouchers: While they can sometimes be viewed via the "Check Travel Funds" page if linked to a reservation, the most reliable way to check a LUV Voucher balance is by having the voucher number and security code. You might also find a dedicated "Check LUV Voucher Balance" link under "Southwest Products" or "Gift Card" section on their website.
Gift Cards: Southwest has a specific "Check Gift Card Balance" page. Go to
southwest.com/gift-card/check-balance/
Step 4: When All Else Fails – Contacting Southwest Customer Service
If you've tried the above steps and are still unable to locate your credit, or if you have a complex situation, it's time to reach out to Southwest's excellent customer service.
4.1 Gather Your Information:
Before calling, have as much information as possible ready:
Original confirmation numbers.
Dates of original flights.
Names of all passengers on the original reservation.
Any email confirmations you received.
Details of why you believe you have a credit (e.g., "I canceled flight WXYZ on [date]").
4.2 Call the General Reservations Line:
The primary number for Southwest Airlines is 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).
Explain your situation clearly and calmly. They have the tools to look up credits using various pieces of information.
4.3 Be Prepared for Verification:
For security reasons, they will likely ask you several verification questions to confirm your identity before providing any credit information.
4.4 Explore Other Contact Methods:
Tip: Read at your own pace, not too fast.
Chat with an Agent: Southwest often has a live chat option available on their website (look for a "Chat with an Agent" button, usually in the "Help Center" or "Support" sections). This can be a convenient way to get assistance without waiting on hold.
Email Customer Care: While typically slower, you can also email Southwest Customer Care. Find their contact email through the "Help Center."
Step 5: Understanding and Using Your Southwest Credit
Now that you've found your credit, let's talk about how to apply it to your next adventure!
5.1 How to Apply Flight Credits/Travel Funds:
When booking a new flight on Southwest.com, proceed to the payment screen.
You'll see an option to "Apply Travel Funds" or "Apply Flight Credits."
Click on this option and enter the original confirmation number associated with the credit and the first and last name of the passenger the credit belongs to.
Each Passenger can use a total of three forms of payment per booking, and each flight credit counts as a form of payment. This means if you have multiple credits, you might need to use them in combination with a credit card or gift card.
5.2 How to Apply Southwest LUV Vouchers:
Similar to flight credits, on the payment screen, look for an option to "Apply LUV Vouchers."
You will need to enter the voucher number and security code.
5.3 How to Apply Southwest Gift Cards:
On the payment screen, select "Apply Gift Cards."
Enter the gift card number and security code.
You can apply a maximum of three Southwest gift cards per passenger on each reservation. If your purchase exceeds the amount on three gift cards, you'll need to use two gift cards and another form of payment.
5.4 Important Considerations for Redemption:
Expiration Dates: Always be mindful of expiration dates. If you use a credit with an expiration date in conjunction with another form of payment, the earliest expiration date of all payments may apply to the remaining value.
Non-Refundable Fares & Credits: If you cancel a flight booked with a non-refundable fare, the funds typically convert back to a flight credit.
Transferable Flight Credits™: Remember, these can be transferred once to another Rapid Rewards member. To do this, you'll likely need to go through your Rapid Rewards account or contact customer service to initiate the transfer.
Booking Portions: Southwest gift cards, LUV Vouchers, and Flight Credits can generally only be used for the flight portion of your trip, not for hotels, car rentals, or vacation packages (though you can earn Rapid Rewards points on vacation packages).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
QuickTip: Stop scrolling if you find value.
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Southwest Airlines credit:
How to check my Southwest LUV Voucher balance? You can usually check a Southwest LUV Voucher balance by navigating to the "Check Travel Funds" page on Southwest.com and entering the voucher number and security code, or sometimes via the gift card balance check page if it's a digital voucher.
How to transfer 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 to another Rapid Rewards member one time. This is typically done through your Rapid Rewards account or by contacting Southwest Customer Service.
How to extend the expiration date of my Southwest flight credit? Generally, Southwest flight credits have a firm expiration date from the original booking. While extensions are rare, especially for standard flight credits, credits from significantly disrupted flights may have a longer validity period (up to five years). It's always best to use them before they expire.
How to use multiple Southwest flight credits for one booking? You can use up to three forms of payment per passenger per booking, and each flight credit counts as one form of payment. During the payment step, apply each credit using its original confirmation number. If you have more than three, you may need to combine them with a gift card or split the purchase across multiple bookings if allowed.
How to find the confirmation number for my lost Southwest flight credit? If you've lost the original confirmation number, your best bet is to check your email inbox for the original booking confirmation. If you have a Rapid Rewards account, log in and check "My Account" as credits are often linked there. If all else fails, contact Southwest Customer Service with your name and original flight details.
How to use a Southwest gift card for part of my flight? On the payment screen during booking, select "Apply Gift Cards" and enter the gift card number and security code. You can use up to three gift cards per passenger per reservation.
How to get a cash refund instead of Southwest flight credit? Only Business Select® and Anytime® fares are fully refundable to the original form of payment if canceled at least 10 minutes prior to departure. Wanna Get Away® and Wanna Get Away Plus® fares are non-refundable and will result in a flight credit for future travel.
How to check my Southwest Rapid Rewards points balance? Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com. Your points balance will be prominently displayed on your "My Account" dashboard.
How to apply a Southwest credit for a family member if it's not transferable? If the credit is a standard Flight Credit (not a Transferable Flight Credit™), it's generally tied to the original passenger. This means only that specific family member can use it. They would need to be the passenger on the new booking.
How to determine the expiration date of my Southwest credit? When you view your credit in your Rapid Rewards account or using the "Check Travel Funds" page, the expiration date will be clearly listed. For Flight Credits, it's typically 6-12 months from the original booking date, while LUV Vouchers have a specific date printed on them. Always confirm the exact expiration date displayed.
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