You've found yourself with a Southwest Airlines flight credit – perhaps from a canceled trip, a fare downgrade, or a change of plans. Excellent! These credits are valuable, and while Southwest has some unique policies, using them for your next adventure is generally straightforward. Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to ensure you maximize your flight credit and get where you need to go!
Navigating Your Southwest Flight Credit: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Discovering Your Flight Credit – Where Is It Hiding?
Alright, before we even think about booking, the first thing you need to do is locate your flight credit. Have you ever misplaced your keys only to find them in your hand? Sometimes, finding your flight credit can feel similar! Southwest offers a couple of easy ways to check.
Option A: Log in to Your Rapid Rewards Account (Recommended!)
Visit Southwest.com: Head over to the official Southwest Airlines website.
Log In: On the top right corner, you'll see a "Log In" option. Enter your Rapid Rewards account number (or email) and password.
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 app).
Select "Payment" or "My Flight Credits": Within your account, look for a section labeled "Payment" or "My Flight Credits." Voila! Any available flight credits associated with your name and Rapid Rewards account should be listed there. This is often the easiest way to track them, as they are typically linked to the original passenger's name.
Option B: Use the "Check Travel Funds" Tool
No Rapid Rewards Account? No Problem! If you don't have a Rapid Rewards account, or if the flight credit isn't showing up under "My Account," you can use the "Check Travel Funds" page.
Go to Southwest.com: Again, start at the Southwest Airlines website.
Find "Check Travel Funds": You can often find a direct link to "Check Travel Funds" in the footer of the website or by searching the help center.
Enter Details: You'll typically need the confirmation number from your original canceled flight and the first and last name of the passenger the credit belongs to. Make sure these match exactly what was on the original reservation.
Pro-Tip: Write down your original ticket confirmation number as soon as you receive a flight credit. It's your golden ticket to unlocking those funds!
Step 2: Understanding Your Flight Credit – What Are the Rules?
Now that you've located your credit, it's crucial to understand its specific characteristics. Southwest has different types of flight credits and policies, especially with recent changes.
Sub-heading 2.1: Expiration Dates – The New Landscape
Important Update (May 28, 2025 onwards): For flight credits created from reservations booked and ticketed, or voluntarily changed, on or after May 28, 2025, they will have a specified expiration date.
Basic Fares: Flight credits from Basic fares will expire six months from the date you originally booked the reservation. This is a significant change, as previously many credits had no expiration.
Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, and Business Select® Fares: These fares typically offer a 12-month expiration from the date you originally booked the reservation.
Prior to May 28, 2025: Flight credits created on or before May 27, 2025, do not expire. This is fantastic news if you have older credits!
Significantly Disrupted Flights: If your flight was significantly disrupted by Southwest and you opted for a flight credit, it may be valid for five years from the date you originally booked the reservation (or canceled, depending on the fare).
Always Check: The best way to confirm the expiration date of your specific credit is to check it within "My Account" or via the "Check Travel Funds" tool, as it will be clearly listed there.
Sub-heading 2.2: Transferability – Can Someone Else Use It?
This is a key differentiator for Southwest!
Basic Fares: Flight credits from Basic fares are not transferable. They can only be used by the original passenger named on the ticket.
Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, and Business Select® Fares: These fares are eligible for a Transferable Flight Credit™. This means you can give the flight credit to a friend, co-worker, or family member if you don't plan to use it yourself, as long as they have a Rapid Rewards account. This is a huge benefit and adds a lot of flexibility!
Sub-heading 2.3: Combining Flight Credits – The Three-Payment Rule
Southwest allows you to use up to three forms of payment per passenger per booking. This includes flight credits, LUV vouchers, and gift cards, in addition to a credit card.
Important Note: If your flight credits don't cover the entire cost of the flight (including taxes and fees), you might be limited to using only two flight credits so you can pay the remaining balance with a credit card (making it a total of three payment methods). If your credits fully cover the fare, you can use up to three.
Step 3: Preparing for Your New Booking – Search Smart!
With your flight credit details in hand, it's time for the fun part: finding your next trip!
Sub-heading 3.1: Searching for Flights
On Southwest.com or the Mobile App: This is the primary way to book. Enter your desired origin, destination, dates, and number of passengers just like you would for any new booking.
Consider the Fare Type: While searching, keep in mind the type of flight credit you have. If you have a Basic fare credit, remember it's tied to you. If you have a Transferable Flight Credit™, you have more options for who can travel.
Low Fare Calendar: Southwest's Low Fare Calendar can be incredibly useful to find the best deals and see if your credit will cover the desired dates.
Sub-heading 3.2: Matching Passenger Names (Crucial for Non-Transferable Credits)
If you're using a non-transferable flight credit (from a Basic fare), ensure the passenger's name on the new booking exactly matches the name on the original ticket that generated the credit. Even a small spelling difference can cause issues. If there's a legal name change, you'll need to contact Southwest Customer Service (more on that later!).
Step 4: Applying Your Flight Credit During Checkout – The Moment of Truth!
You've found the perfect flight! Now let's apply those funds.
Proceed to Checkout: After selecting your flights, you'll go through the passenger information page and then arrive at the payment screen.
Locate the "Apply Travel Funds" Section: On the payment page, look for a section specifically designated for "Travel Funds," "Flight Credits," or "LUV Vouchers." It's usually a prominent button or link.
Enter Confirmation Number(s): You'll be prompted to enter the confirmation number associated with your flight credit. If you have multiple credits you want to use, you'll enter them one by one.
Remember the Three-Payment Rule: As mentioned earlier, you can apply up to three flight credits/travel funds per passenger, provided they cover the full cost. If not, you might be limited to two plus a credit card.
Review and Apply: After entering the confirmation number(s), the system will display the value of the credit and allow you to apply it to your booking. Ensure the amount is correctly deducted from your total.
Pay Any Remaining Balance: If your flight credit doesn't cover the entire cost of your new flight (including taxes and fees), you'll need to pay the remaining balance with another accepted form of payment, such as a credit card or a Southwest gift card.
Step 5: Confirmation and What to Do Next!
Receive Confirmation: Once your payment is complete and your flight credit has been successfully applied, you'll receive a new confirmation email for your booked flight. Save this!
Check Your Itinerary: Review your new itinerary carefully to ensure all details are correct.
Enjoy Your Trip! You've successfully used your Southwest flight credit. Time to look forward to your journey!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions about using Southwest flight credits, answered quickly!
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, navigating to "My Account" and then "Payment" or "My Flight Credits." Alternatively, use the "Check Travel Funds" tool on Southwest.com by entering your original confirmation number and name.
How to transfer a Southwest flight credit to another person? Only flight credits from Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, and Business Select® fares are transferable (called Transferable Flight Credit™). To transfer, the recipient must have a Rapid Rewards account. You'll typically manage this within your "My Account" section, often by sending the credit to their Rapid Rewards number. Basic fare credits are not transferable.
How to extend the expiration date of a Southwest flight credit? Generally, Southwest flight credits created on or after May 28, 2025, have set expiration dates (6 months for Basic, 12 months for others). Credits created before May 28, 2025, do not expire. There isn't a direct way to "extend" an expiring credit; the travel must be completed by the expiration date.
How to use multiple Southwest flight credits on one booking? Southwest allows you to use up to three forms of payment per passenger per booking. This means you can apply up to three separate flight credits to a single reservation, provided they cover the entire cost. If they don't cover the full cost, you might be limited to two flight credits plus a credit card for the remaining balance.
How to use a Southwest flight credit for taxes and fees on an award flight? Yes, you can use Southwest flight credits to cover the taxes and fees associated with award flights (flights booked with Rapid Rewards points). When you reach the payment screen for your award booking, you'll see the option to apply travel funds.
How to change the name on a Southwest flight credit? Southwest flight credits are generally tied to the original passenger's name. For non-transferable credits (Basic fares), you cannot change the name to someone else. For legal name changes (e.g., marriage), you will need to contact Southwest Customer Service with legal documentation to update your name on your Rapid Rewards account and any linked credits.
How to use a Southwest flight credit if the new flight is cheaper? If your new flight is cheaper than your flight credit, the remaining balance of the credit will typically remain as a flight credit under the original confirmation number (or a new one generated by the change) and retain its original expiration date. You can use this remaining balance for future travel.
How to use a Southwest flight credit if the new flight is more expensive? If your new flight is more expensive than your flight credit, you will simply pay the difference using an accepted form of payment, such as a credit card, LUV voucher, or gift card, during the checkout process.
How to use a Southwest flight credit for a flight with a different origin or destination? Yes, your Southwest flight credit is tied to its monetary value, not a specific route. You can use your flight credit to book any available flight on Southwest Airlines, regardless of the original route it was issued for, as long as it's used by the original passenger (for non-transferable credits) or a valid recipient (for transferable credits).
How to contact Southwest Airlines customer service about flight credits? You can contact Southwest Airlines Customer Service by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). They can assist with questions about your flight credit balance, expiration, or any issues you encounter while trying to redeem them.
