Embarking on a journey with Southwest Airlines is often synonymous with flexibility, friendly service, and low fares. And when it comes to payment, Southwest gift cards offer another layer of convenience, making travel even more accessible. But if you've recently received one, or are considering gifting one, you might be asking: "How exactly do Southwest Airlines gift cards work?"
Well, you've come to the right place! Get ready for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide that will illuminate every aspect of Southwest Airlines gift cards, from purchase to redemption and beyond.
Understanding Southwest Airlines Gift Cards: Your Passport to Easy Travel
Southwest Airlines gift cards are essentially pre-paid stored value cards that can be used to purchase air travel and certain related fees directly with Southwest Airlines. They are a fantastic option for anyone looking to save on flights, whether for personal travel, as a thoughtful gift, or even for corporate incentives.
Step 1: Getting Your Hands on a Southwest Airlines Gift Card (The Exciting Part!)
So, you're ready to dive into the world of Southwest travel, eh? The first step is acquiring a gift card! This isn't just about handing over money; it's about unlocking future adventures.
Sub-heading: Where to Purchase Your Gift Card
You have a few convenient options when it comes to buying Southwest gift cards:
Online at Southwest.com: This is often the easiest and most direct method. You can choose between physical gift cards that are mailed to you or your recipient, or eGift cards that are delivered instantly via email. E-gift cards are perfect for those last-minute gifting emergencies!
Approved Retail Locations: Many major retailers, both online and brick-and-mortar, carry Southwest gift cards. Think grocery stores, big-box stores, and even some pharmacies. Keep an eye out for them, especially around holiday seasons!
By Phone: You can also call Southwest Airlines directly at 1-800-435-9792 (1-800-I-FLY-SWA®) to purchase gift cards.
Sub-heading: Types of Gift Cards: Physical vs. Digital
Southwest offers both physical and digital gift cards, catering to different preferences:
Physical Gift Cards: These are traditional plastic cards, often presented in a nice carrier. They ship via standard USPS (usually 4-7 business days) or FedEx Standard Overnight delivery for an additional fee.
eGift Cards: These are delivered electronically via email, making them perfect for instant gifting. You receive a digital code and PIN that can be used immediately.
Sub-heading: Important Purchase Details to Remember
Activation: A Southwest gift card has no value until activated. Activation usually occurs automatically once payment for the card clears.
Purchase Limits: For individual purchases, there's generally a limit of $2,000 for Southwest gift cards. Corporate or business orders may have an unlimited threshold.
Payment Methods: Only forms of payment with billing addresses in the United States are eligible for Southwest gift card purchases on Southwest.com.
Step 2: Checking Your Southwest Gift Card Balance (Know Your Spending Power!)
Before you start dreaming of your next getaway, it's always a good idea to know exactly how much "Southwest money" you have.
Sub-heading: Quick Ways to Check Your Balance
Knowing your balance is simple and can be done in a couple of ways:
Online: Visit Southwest.com, navigate to the "Gift Cards" section (usually in the footer), and look for "Check Gift Card Balance." You'll need to enter your 16-digit gift card number and the 4-digit PIN.
By Phone: Call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-435-9792 (1-800-I-FLY-SWA®) and follow the automated prompts to check your gift card balance.
Sub-heading: Why Check Your Balance?
Planning Your Trip: Knowing your balance helps you determine how much of your flight cost the gift card will cover, allowing you to budget for any remaining amount.
Avoiding Surprises: There's nothing worse than getting to the payment screen and realizing you don't have enough funds! A quick balance check prevents this.
Step 3: Redeeming Your Southwest Airlines Gift Card (The Fun Part: Booking Your Flight!)
This is where your gift card truly comes alive! Using your Southwest gift card to book a flight is a straightforward process, but there are a few important details to keep in mind.
Sub-heading: Where Can You Redeem Your Gift Card?
Southwest gift cards can be redeemed in several convenient locations:
Southwest.com: This is the most common and easiest way to redeem your gift card.
Southwest Airlines Mobile Apps and Mobile Website: For initial flight bookings, you can use your gift card through these platforms.
By Calling Southwest Airlines: You can speak to a representative at 1-800-435-9792 (1-800-I-FLY-SWA®).
At Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter Locations: If you prefer an in-person transaction.
Sub-heading: The Step-by-Step Redemption Process Online
Search for Your Flight: Go to Southwest.com or open the Southwest Airlines mobile app. Enter your departure and arrival cities, dates, and number of passengers, and search for flights.
Select Your Itinerary: Choose the flight that best suits your needs and proceed to the checkout page.
Navigate to the Payment Section: On the payment screen, you'll see various payment options.
Select "Southwest Gift Card": Choose this option from the available payment methods.
Enter Gift Card Details: Carefully input the 16-digit gift card number and the 4-digit security code (PIN). This PIN is usually found on the back of physical cards under a scratch-off strip, or provided with your eGift card.
Apply the Gift Card: Click the "Apply" or "Redeem" button. The gift card's balance will be deducted from your total.
Complete Booking: If your purchase exceeds the gift card amount, you'll need to provide an additional form of payment (credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, etc.) for the remaining balance. If the gift card covers the full amount, simply confirm your booking.
Sub-heading: Using Multiple Gift Cards
Southwest allows you to use up to three Southwest gift cards per Passenger on each reservation when booking online. If your purchase exceeds the amount available on the three gift cards, you'll only be allowed to use two and will need to provide another form of payment for the difference.
If you need to use more than three gift cards for a single reservation, you'll need to call Southwest Airlines directly at 1-800-435-9792.
Sub-heading: What Can and Cannot Be Purchased with a Southwest Gift Card?
Southwest gift cards are primarily for Passenger air travel on Southwest Airlines. They can also cover:
Sales tax
Security fees
Passenger facilities charges
Baggage fees (checked bags, oversized/overweight baggage) - though some sources indicate these might not be covered, the most recent terms suggest they are for domestic travel.
However, Southwest gift cards are generally NOT valid for:
Southwest Vacations Packages
Cargo
Hotel bookings
Rental car bookings
Southwest Airlines merchandise
Southwest Airlines group tickets
EarlyBird Check-In® (this is a common point of confusion; generally, not covered)
Upgraded Boarding at the airport
Pet Fares
Unaccompanied Minor service charges
Additional Southwest gift card purchases
In-flight purchases (food, drinks, Wi-Fi)
Always double-check the latest terms and conditions on Southwest.com for the most up-to-date information on what your gift card covers.
Step 4: Understanding What Happens After Redemption (Cancellations and Refunds)
Life happens, and sometimes travel plans change. It's important to understand what happens to your gift card funds if you need to cancel a flight.
Sub-heading: Flight Cancellations and Held Funds
If you used a Southwest gift card to purchase a flight and then cancel your reservation (at least 10 minutes prior to departure), the funds will generally not be refunded back to the gift card. Instead, they will be held as a flight credit or Transferable Flight Credit™ under the confirmation number.
Flight Credit: This credit is typically tied to the passenger's name and may have an expiration date depending on the fare type and when the original reservation was booked/changed.
Transferable Flight Credit™: For certain fare types (like Wanna Get Away Plus® or refundable fares), funds may convert to a Transferable Flight Credit, which can be used by anyone and often has a longer validity.
Sub-heading: Multiple Passengers and Shared Gift Cards
If a gift card was used to pay for a reservation with more than one passenger, any funds remaining after cancellation will be held for each passenger as a flight credit or Transferable Flight Credit, depending on how the gift card was applied to each individual's ticket.
Step 5: Key Terms and Conditions to Keep in Mind (The Fine Print)
While Southwest gift cards are designed for simplicity, being aware of their terms and conditions ensures a smooth experience.
No Expiration Date: One of the biggest perks! Southwest gift cards generally do not expire and do not have dormancy fees or devalue over time. This offers incredible flexibility.
Non-Refundable: Southwest gift cards are typically non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash, check, or credit, except where required by federal or applicable state law.
Not Replaceable: Treat your Southwest gift card like cash. It is not replaceable if lost, stolen, or destroyed.
Non-Reloadable: You cannot add more funds to an existing Southwest gift card. You would need to purchase a new one.
Not for Resale: Southwest gift cards may not be resold by unlicensed vendors. Unlawful resale can lead to seizure and cancellation without compensation.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about Southwest Airlines gift cards:
How to check the balance on my Southwest gift card?
You can check your balance online at Southwest.com by entering your 16-digit card number and 4-digit PIN, or by calling 1-800-435-9792.
How to use multiple Southwest gift cards for one flight?
You can use up to three Southwest gift cards per passenger per reservation when booking online. If you need to use more than three, you'll need to call Southwest Airlines reservations.
How to purchase a Southwest Airlines eGift card?
You can purchase eGift cards directly from Southwest.com. They are delivered instantly to your email or the recipient's email.
How to know if my Southwest gift card has an expiration date?
Southwest Airlines gift cards generally do not expire and do not have dormancy fees.
How to use a Southwest gift card for baggage fees?
Yes, Southwest gift cards can be used to pay for baggage fees (checked bags, oversized/overweight baggage) during the booking process on Southwest.com or at the airport. Note: Some older information may suggest otherwise, but current terms typically allow it for domestic travel.
How to use a Southwest gift card for in-flight purchases?
Southwest gift cards cannot be used for in-flight purchases such as food, drinks, or Wi-Fi. These must be paid for with a credit card.
How to get a refund if I cancel a flight booked with a gift card?
If you cancel a flight booked with a gift card, the funds will typically be held as a flight credit or Transferable Flight Credit™ under the confirmation number, not refunded back to the gift card.
How to use a Southwest gift card for EarlyBird Check-In?
Southwest gift cards are generally not valid for the purchase of EarlyBird Check-In.
How to replace a lost or stolen Southwest gift card?
Unfortunately, Southwest gift cards are like cash and cannot be replaced if lost, stolen, or destroyed.
How to combine a Southwest gift card with other forms of payment?
Yes, if your flight cost exceeds the gift card's balance, you can combine your Southwest gift card with other accepted forms of payment like credit cards, PayPal, or Apple Pay.
