Southwest Airlines is known for its flexible policies, including those related to flight credits. If you've canceled a flight, changed an itinerary, or received compensation, there's a good chance you have a credit waiting for you! But how do you actually find it and put it to use? This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to uncover your Southwest credit, whether it's a flight credit, LUV voucher, or Rapid Rewards points.
Are you ready to unlock your travel potential with Southwest Airlines? Let's dive in!
How Do I Find Out If I Have a Credit with Southwest Airlines?
Navigating the world of airline credits can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. Southwest offers a few different types of credits, each with its own way of being accessed. We'll break down the most common ones: Flight Credits (formerly Travel Funds), LUV Vouchers, and Rapid Rewards Points.
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| How Do I Find Out If I Have A Credit With Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Identify the Type of Credit You Might Have
Before you start searching, it's helpful to consider why you might have a credit. This will give you a clue as to where to look first.
Did you cancel a flight or change an itinerary? If so, you likely have a Flight Credit (what used to be called Travel Funds). These are issued when you cancel a non-refundable fare (like Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus) at least 10 minutes prior to departure, or if you change a flight to a lower-priced one.
Did you receive compensation from Southwest for a disrupted flight, oversold flight, or lost baggage? This usually comes in the form of a LUV Voucher. These are essentially gift certificates from Southwest.
Are you a frequent flyer with Southwest? You might have accumulated Rapid Rewards Points through flying, credit card spending, or other partners.
Understanding the origin of your potential credit will streamline your search process significantly.
Step 2: Checking for Flight Credits (Travel Funds)
Flight Credits are the most common type of credit issued by Southwest when a flight is canceled or changed. They are generally tied to the original confirmation number or your Rapid Rewards account.
Sub-heading: Option A: Through Your Rapid Rewards Account (Recommended)
This is the easiest and most comprehensive way to view your Flight Credits if you're a Rapid Rewards member and your original booking was associated with your account.
Go to the Southwest Airlines Website: Open your web browser and navigate to
southwest.com Log In to Your Rapid Rewards Account: In the top right corner of the homepage, you'll see a "Log In" option. Enter your Rapid Rewards account number or username and password.
Access "My Account": Once logged in, click on "My Account" (usually found in the top right, or by clicking your name/profile icon).
Navigate to "Payment" or "My Travel Funds":
On Desktop: Within your "My Account" dashboard, look for a section or tab labeled "Payment." Click on it. You should see a list of any available Flight Credits associated with your name and account number.
On Mobile/Southwest App: Scroll down to "My Travel Funds" at the bottom of the page or within the "My Account" menu, select "Payment."
View Details: Here, you'll typically see a summary of your available Flight Credits. Click on "View Details" to see the balance and, most importantly, the expiration date for each individual credit.
Important Note: Flight credits from Basic fares booked on or after May 28, 2025, expire six months from the purchase date. Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares booked on or after May 28, 2025, expire twelve months from the purchase date. For older credits, if the funds were issued on or after July 28, 2022, they do not expire.
Tip: Pause if your attention drifts.
Sub-heading: Option B: Using the "Check Travel Funds" Page (No Login Required)
If you're not a Rapid Rewards member, or if the flight credit wasn't associated with your account, you can still look it up using the original confirmation number.
Go to the Southwest Airlines "Check Travel Funds" Page: Open your web browser and go directly to
southwest.com/travel-funds/ Enter Required Information: You'll need to provide the following:
First Name: The first name of the passenger for whom the credit was issued.
Last Name: The last name of the passenger.
Confirmation #: The original confirmation number of the canceled or changed flight. This is crucial!
Click "Check Funds": The system will then display any available Flight Credits associated with that confirmation number and name.
Tip: Keep your original booking confirmation emails! They contain the confirmation number you'll need for this process.
Step 3: Checking for Southwest LUV Vouchers
LUV Vouchers are different from Flight Credits and are typically issued as compensation. They have a unique voucher number and security code.
Locate Your LUV Voucher Information: LUV Vouchers are usually sent via email or sometimes given as a physical certificate. Find the email or physical voucher that contains:
LUV Voucher Number
Security Code
Go to the Southwest Airlines Website: Navigate to
southwest.com Initiate a Flight Search: Begin the process of booking a flight as you normally would. You don't need to complete the booking, just get to the payment screen.
Apply LUV Voucher at Payment Screen: On the "Passenger & Payment Info" page (where you select your payment method), look for a section that says "Apply Travel Funds, LUV Vouchers and gift cards" or similar. Click to expand it.
Enter LUV Voucher Details: You'll see fields to enter your LUV Voucher number and security code. Enter these details.
Check Balance (Optional): While you're on this screen, you'll be able to see the value of the LUV Voucher as you apply it. Southwest doesn't have a dedicated "check LUV voucher balance" page like it does for gift cards, but you can effectively check it by attempting to apply it to a dummy booking.
Remember: LUV Vouchers have their own expiration dates, usually 6 months to 1 year from the issue date, and cannot be used for government-imposed taxes and fees.
Step 4: Checking Your Rapid Rewards Points Balance
Rapid Rewards points are Southwest's loyalty currency. Unlike flight credits or LUV vouchers, these don't "expire" as long as your account remains open, but it's always good to know your balance!
Go to the Southwest Airlines Website: Open your web browser and go to
southwest.com Log In to Your Rapid Rewards Account: Use your Rapid Rewards account number or username and password to log in.
View Your Balance: Once logged in, your current Rapid Rewards point balance is prominently displayed at the top of the "My Account" page or dashboard. You'll often see it right next to your name.
Check Activity: To see a detailed history of how you've earned and redeemed points, you can typically navigate to a "Points Activity" or "My Activity" section within your Rapid Rewards account.
Pro Tip: Consider a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card to earn points on everyday spending and unlock valuable benefits like the Companion Pass!
Step 5: What to Do If You Can't Find Your Credit
Sometimes, despite following all the steps, you might still come up empty-handed. Don't despair!
Sub-heading: Double-Check Your Information
QuickTip: Absorb ideas one at a time.
Confirmation Number Accuracy: Are you absolutely sure you have the correct confirmation number for the original flight? Even one incorrect digit will prevent the system from finding it.
Name Spelling: Ensure the first and last names you're entering exactly match what was on the original reservation.
Email Accounts: If you had multiple email addresses, check the one used for the original booking.
Sub-heading: Wait a Little Longer
Recently Disrupted Flight? If your credit is from a significantly disrupted flight (e.g., severe weather cancellations), it may take up to 48 hours for the system to reflect the accurate expiration date and for the credit to appear in your account or on the "Check Travel Funds" page.
Sub-heading: Contact Southwest Customer Service
If you've exhausted the self-service options, it's time to reach out to Southwest directly.
Gather Your Details: Have as much information as possible ready, including:
Original confirmation numbers
Passenger names
Dates of original travel
Details of the cancellation or change
Any email correspondence from Southwest
Call Southwest Airlines: You can reach Southwest Customer Service by calling their main number. The fastest and most reliable way to check flight credit is by calling them. They can look up your credits using your name, email, and confirmation numbers.
Southwest Airlines Customer Service: 1-800-435-9792 (1-800-I-FLY-SWA)
Be Patient and Polite: Customer service representatives are there to help, and having all your information readily available will make the process smoother. Explain your situation clearly and calmly.
Step 6: Using Your Southwest Credit
Once you've located your credit, the next step is to put it to good use!
Sub-heading: Booking with Flight Credits
Search for a New Flight: Go to
southwest.com Proceed to Payment Screen: Select your desired flight and proceed through the booking process until you reach the "Passenger & Payment Info" screen.
Apply Flight Credit: Under the "Apply Travel Funds, LUV Vouchers and gift cards" section, select "Flight Credit." You will need to enter the original confirmation number associated with that flight credit and the passenger's first and last name.
Apply Funds: Click "Apply Funds." The value of the credit will be deducted from your new booking total.
Pay Any Remaining Balance: If the new flight costs more than your credit, you'll need to pay the difference with another accepted payment method (credit card, another flight credit, LUV voucher, or gift card).
Confirm Booking: Complete the booking process.
Important Considerations for Flight Credits:
One Confirmation Number Per Credit: Each flight credit is tied to its original confirmation number. If you have multiple credits from different canceled flights, you'll need to apply each one individually using its respective confirmation number.
Multiple Payment Methods: Southwest allows you to use up to three forms of payment per booking, and each travel fund counts as one.
Non-Transferable (Generally): Flight credits from Wanna Get Away fares are typically non-transferable to other passengers. However, Flight Credits from Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares are transferable to another Rapid Rewards member.
Expiration Dates: Be mindful of expiration dates, especially for Basic fares. While many funds issued after July 28, 2022, do not expire, older or specific fare types might still have expiration dates. Always check the details of your specific credit.
Sub-heading: Booking with LUV Vouchers
Search for a New Flight: As with flight credits, start by searching for your desired flight on
southwest.com Proceed to Payment Screen: Go to the "Passenger & Payment Info" page.
Apply LUV Voucher: Under the "Apply Travel Funds, LUV Vouchers and gift cards" section, select "LUV Voucher." Enter your LUV Voucher number and security code.
Apply Funds: Click "Apply Funds." The value of the voucher will be applied.
Pay Remaining Balance: Pay any outstanding balance.
Confirm Booking: Finalize your booking.
Key Points for LUV Vouchers:
Voucher Number and Security Code: You'll always need both.
Expiration: LUV Vouchers have expiration dates and must be used, and travel completed, by that date.
Cannot Cover Fees: LUV Vouchers typically cannot be applied towards government-imposed taxes and fees, only the base fare.
Sub-heading: Booking with Rapid Rewards Points
QuickTip: Read step by step, not all at once.
Log In First: Always log in to your Rapid Rewards account before searching for flights if you intend to use points.
Search for a Flight (Points Option): When searching for flights on southwest.com, you'll see an option to view prices in "Dollars" or "Points." Select "Points."
Select Your Flight: Choose your desired flight based on the point cost.
Proceed to Payment: The system will automatically apply your available points.
Pay Taxes/Fees: You will still need to pay for any government-imposed taxes and fees, which can be done with a credit card, Flight Credit, or LUV Voucher.
Confirm Booking: Complete your points booking.
Rapid Rewards Points Benefits:
No Blackout Dates: Southwest has no blackout dates when redeeming points, which is a significant advantage.
Points Don't Expire: Your Rapid Rewards points do not expire as long as your account remains open.
Flexible Redemption: You can use points for flights, gift cards, merchandise, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about Southwest Airlines credits, with quick answers:
How to Check My Southwest Flight Credit Balance?
You can check your Southwest Flight Credit balance by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on southwest.com and navigating to "My Account" > "Payment" or by using the "Check Travel Funds" page at
How to Find My Southwest Travel Funds Confirmation Number?
Your Southwest Travel Funds (Flight Credit) confirmation number is the original confirmation number of the flight you canceled or changed. It's usually found in your original booking confirmation email from Southwest.
How to Use Multiple Southwest Flight Credits for One Booking?
Yes, you can use multiple Southwest Flight Credits for one booking. On the payment screen, apply each credit individually by entering its unique original confirmation number and the associated passenger's name. Southwest allows up to three forms of payment per booking, and each credit counts as one.
How to Transfer Southwest Flight Credit to Another Person?
Only Flight Credits created from Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fares booked on or after May 28, 2025, are transferable to another Rapid Rewards member. You can do this through your Rapid Rewards account under "My Account" > "View Travel Funds" > "Transfer to someone else." Basic fare credits are generally not transferable.
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
How to Extend the Expiration Date of a Southwest Flight Credit?
For Flight Credits issued on or after July 28, 2022, they do not expire. For older credits, if they are nearing expiration, you might be able to call customer service before the expiration date and inquire about converting them to a LUV Voucher, which could give you an additional six months. This is not guaranteed and depends on individual circumstances.
How to Apply a Southwest LUV Voucher to a Flight?
To apply a Southwest LUV Voucher, proceed to the payment screen when booking a flight on southwest.com. Look for the "Apply Travel Funds, LUV Vouchers and gift cards" section, select "LUV Voucher," and enter your voucher number and security code.
How to Check the Balance of a Southwest LUV Voucher?
Southwest does not have a dedicated "check LUV voucher balance" page. The most effective way is to go through the process of booking a flight online and enter the LUV Voucher details on the payment screen; the system will then show you its remaining value before you complete the purchase.
How to Find My Rapid Rewards Points Balance?
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on southwest.com. Your current points balance will be prominently displayed on your "My Account" dashboard, usually at the top of the page.
How to Get a Refund Instead of a Southwest Flight Credit?
For Anytime and Business Select fares, you are eligible for a full refund to your original payment method if you cancel at least 10 minutes prior to departure. For Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares, cancellations typically result in a Flight Credit, not a cash refund.
How to Book a Flight with Southwest Credits for Someone Else?
You can only book a flight for someone else with a Southwest Flight Credit if the credit is transferable (from a Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fare) and you have officially transferred it to their Rapid Rewards account. Otherwise, the credit must be used by the original passenger, though that passenger can book a flight for themselves that they will fly on.
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