Have you ever found yourself with Southwest Airlines credit after a cancelled trip or a change in plans, and then wondered, _ "How on earth do I actually use this?"_ You're not alone! Southwest's credit system, while generally customer-friendly, can sometimes feel a bit like deciphering an ancient scroll. But fear not, intrepid traveler! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of understanding and utilizing your Southwest credit, ensuring you get back in the air with ease.
Southwest Airlines uses a few different terms for what you might generally call "credit," and understanding these distinctions is the first crucial step. The most common types you'll encounter are:
Flight Credits (formerly known as Travel Funds): These are typically issued when you cancel a non-refundable flight or change to a cheaper itinerary. They are usually tied to the original passenger and the confirmation number of the cancelled flight.
Southwest LUV Vouchers: These are often issued as compensation for things like denied boarding, significant delays, or baggage issues. They are essentially gift certificates with a specific value and a security code.
Rapid Rewards Points: While not "credit" in the same way as the first two, these are loyalty points you earn and can redeem for flights. They operate on a different system.
This guide will primarily focus on Flight Credits and Southwest LUV Vouchers, as these are the most common forms of "credit" that people need to apply to new bookings.
Step 1: Identify Your Credit Type and Find the Details
Before you can use your credit, you need to know exactly what kind you have and where to find its essential information.
Sub-heading: What Kind of Credit Do You Have?
Flight Credits: If you cancelled a flight or changed a flight to a cheaper one, you likely have a Flight Credit. These are tied to the original confirmation number and the passenger's name. They are not physical vouchers.
Southwest LUV Vouchers: If you received compensation for an operational issue (like a delay or bumping), you probably have a LUV Voucher. These typically come with a specific voucher number and a security code. They might be emailed to you or given as a physical card.
Sub-heading: Where to Find Your Credit Information
For Flight Credits:
Log into your Rapid Rewards account: This is the easiest way to view your Flight Credits.
Go to Southwest.com.
Click on "Log In" at the top right.
Once logged in, click on "My Account" (desktop) or scroll down to "My Travel Funds" (mobile/app).
Select "Payment" from the menu options. Any available Flight Credits associated with your name and account number should be listed, along with their expiration dates.
Use the "Check Travel Funds" page: If the Flight Credit isn't associated with your Rapid Rewards account (e.g., if you weren't logged in when you cancelled the original flight), you can look it up using the original confirmation number and the passenger's first and last name.
Go to Southwest.com.
Search for "Check Travel Funds" in the help center or navigate to the relevant section.
You'll need the original confirmation number and the first and last name of the passenger the credit belongs to.
For Southwest LUV Vouchers:
Check your email: LUV Vouchers are often sent electronically. Search your inbox for emails from Southwest Airlines.
Locate your physical voucher: If you received a physical voucher, make sure you have it handy. You'll need the voucher number and the security code.
Pro Tip: Regardless of the credit type, it's always a good idea to write down the confirmation number or voucher details as soon as you receive them. Take a screenshot or store it in a secure note on your phone.
Tip: Don’t skip — flow matters.
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| How Do I Use My Credit On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Understand Expiration Dates and Transferability
This is a critical step, as Southwest's credit policies have seen some recent changes.
Sub-heading: Expiration Dates
Southwest's flight credit expiration policies depend on when the credit was created and the type of fare purchased.
Flight Credits created on or before May 27, 2025, generally DO NOT EXPIRE. This is a fantastic, customer-friendly policy.
Flight Credits created from reservations booked and/or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, WILL HAVE A SPECIFIED EXPIRATION DATE.
For Basic Fares, Flight Credits will expire six months from the original booking date of the reservation.
For Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, and Business Select® fares, Transferable Flight Credits™ will expire 12 months from the original booking date.
Significantly Disrupted Flights: If your flight was significantly disrupted by Southwest (e.g., major delay, cancellation) and you chose a flight credit instead of a refund, the credit will be valid for five years from the date you originally booked the reservation (for Basic fares) or five years from the date you cancelled the reservation (for other fares that provide Transferable Flight Credits).
Southwest LUV Vouchers: These generally have an expiration date of six months to one year from the issue date. The expiration date will be clearly stated on the voucher itself.
Important Note: All travel must be completed by the expiration date of your credit or voucher.
Sub-heading: Transferability
Flight Credits from Basic Fares: These are not transferable to another person. They are tied to the original passenger.
Transferable Flight Credits™ (from Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares): These can be transferred once to another Rapid Rewards Member. This is a significant perk! You'll typically find an option to transfer these within your "My Account" section under "Payment."
Southwest LUV Vouchers: These are generally transferable as they function more like a gift card. Anyone with the voucher number and security code can use them.
Step 3: Finding Your New Flight
Now for the fun part: finding a flight you want to use your credit on!
Go to Southwest.com: Start your search as you normally would.
Enter your desired travel details: Input your origin, destination, dates, and number of passengers.
Search for flights: Browse the available flights and fares. Remember to consider the value of your credit when choosing a new flight. If your new flight is cheaper, any remaining credit will be held under the new confirmation number (and adopt its original expiration rules). If it's more expensive, you'll pay the difference.
Step 4: Applying Your Credit at Checkout
Tip: Focus on one point at a time.
This is where you'll actually redeem your credit.
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Proceed to the payment screen: Once you've selected your flight(s), continue through the booking process until you reach the payment section.
Look for "Apply Travel Funds," "Southwest LUV Voucher," or "Southwest Gift Card": On the payment page, you'll see options to apply different forms of payment.
Enter your credit details:
For Flight Credits: Select the option to apply a "Flight Credit" (or "Travel Fund"). You'll typically be prompted to enter the original confirmation number associated with the credit. If you're logged into your Rapid Rewards account and the credit is linked, it might even auto-populate or be easily selectable.
For Southwest LUV Vouchers: Select the "Southwest LUV Voucher" option. You'll need to enter the voucher number and the security code found on your voucher.
Apply the credit: Click "Apply" or a similar button to see the credit deducted from your total.
Review the remaining balance: If your credit doesn't cover the entire cost of the new flight, you'll see the remaining balance. You'll need to pay this difference using another accepted form of payment (e.g., credit card).
Important Rule: Southwest generally allows a maximum of three forms of payment per passenger per booking. This means you can combine up to three Flight Credits, or two LUV Vouchers plus a credit card (LUV Vouchers don't cover taxes/fees, so you'll always need another form of payment for those). If you have many small credits, you might need to consolidate them (see FAQ below).
Complete the booking: Once the credit is applied and any remaining balance is paid, finalize your reservation. You'll receive a new confirmation number for your booking.
Step 5: Confirmation and What to Expect Afterward
Once your booking is complete, you'll receive a confirmation email with your new itinerary and confirmation number.
Save your new confirmation number: This is crucial, especially if you have any leftover credit, as the remaining balance will now be tied to this new confirmation number.
Monitor your credit: If you had leftover credit, confirm its details in your "My Account" or by checking travel funds using the new confirmation number.
Important Considerations and Tips
Name Match for Flight Credits: Flight Credits (those not transferable) must be used by the original passenger. The name on the credit must match the name of the passenger on the new booking.
Taxes and Fees with LUV Vouchers: Remember that Southwest LUV Vouchers cannot be applied toward government-imposed taxes and fees. You will always need another form of payment (like a credit card or a Flight Credit) to cover these charges.
Combining Credits: While you can use up to three forms of payment per passenger per booking, combining many small credits can be tricky. There are strategies, such as using multiple credits to book a cheap flight and then canceling it to consolidate the remaining value into a single, larger credit (under the new confirmation number). However, be mindful of expiration dates, as the earliest expiration date of all combined payments may apply to the new credit.
Booking for Multiple Passengers: If you're booking for multiple people and have individual Flight Credits for each, you can apply them individually on the payment screen.
Calling Customer Service: If you're having trouble applying your credit online, or if you have complex scenarios (e.g., multiple small credits, issues with expiration dates), don't hesitate to call Southwest Customer Service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). They can often assist with manual application or clarify policies.
Check Status Regularly: Keep an eye on your Rapid Rewards account for any updated information regarding your Flight Credits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check my Southwest credit balance?
You can check your Southwest credit balance by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, navigating to "My Account," then "Payment." Alternatively, you can use the "Check Travel Funds" page on Southwest.com with your original confirmation number and name.
How to use Southwest credit for someone else?
QuickTip: Pause when something clicks.
Only Transferable Flight Credits™ (from Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares) can be transferred to another Rapid Rewards Member. Other Flight Credits are generally non-transferable and must be used by the original passenger. Southwest LUV Vouchers are typically transferable.
How to combine multiple Southwest flight credits?
Southwest generally allows up to three forms of payment per passenger per booking. To effectively combine many small Flight Credits, some users book a cheap flight using multiple credits, then cancel that flight, consolidating the remaining value into a single new Flight Credit tied to the new reservation's confirmation number. Be aware that the earliest expiration date may apply.
How to extend the expiration date of Southwest credit?
For Flight Credits created on or after May 28, 2025, expiration dates are typically fixed based on the fare type. Flight Credits created on or before May 27, 2025, do not expire. LUV Vouchers have a set expiration date, usually 6-12 months. There is generally no way to extend the expiration date of these credits, unless the original flight was significantly disrupted by Southwest, which might extend the validity.
How to find my confirmation number for a lost Southwest flight credit?
If you don't have your confirmation number for a Flight Credit, try logging into your Rapid Rewards account and checking "My Account" under the "Payment" section. If it's not linked, you may need to call Southwest Customer Service with details about your original flight (date, route, passenger names) to see if they can locate it.
How to use Southwest LUV vouchers online?
To use a Southwest LUV Voucher online, select the "Southwest LUV Voucher" option on the payment screen during booking and enter the voucher number and security code. Remember that LUV Vouchers do not cover taxes and fees.
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
How to use Southwest credit for international flights?
Southwest Flight Credits and LUV Vouchers can be used for international flights offered by Southwest Airlines, just like domestic flights. The process for applying them at checkout is the same.
How to get a refund instead of Southwest credit?
Southwest generally issues Flight Credits for cancelled non-refundable fares. If your flight was significantly delayed or cancelled by Southwest, you are typically eligible for a refund to your original form of payment, even for non-refundable tickets. Refundable fares (Anytime, Business Select) can be refunded or converted to Transferable Flight Credits.
How to apply Southwest credit for taxes and fees?
Southwest Flight Credits (formerly Travel Funds) can be used to cover the full cost of the flight, including taxes and fees. However, Southwest LUV Vouchers cannot be used for taxes and fees; you'll need another form of payment for those.
How to contact Southwest Airlines customer service for credit issues?
You can contact Southwest Airlines customer service for credit-related issues by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). Have your original booking details and any credit information ready when you call.
By following this detailed guide, you should be well-equipped to navigate the world of Southwest Airlines credit and get yourself back in the air with confidence! Happy travels!
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