Have you ever found a gift card tucked away in a drawer, only to realize it expired months, or even years, ago? It's a common frustration! But what about Southwest Airlines gift cards? Are they subject to the same time limits? Let's dive deep into this question and uncover everything you need to know about the longevity and utility of Southwest Airlines gift cards.
Understanding Southwest Airlines Gift Cards: The Good News!
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's start with the best news right upfront:
Southwest Airlines gift cards do not expire.
That's right! Unlike many other gift cards that come with frustrating expiration dates or dormancy fees, Southwest has a very consumer-friendly policy. This means you can purchase a gift card today and use it next week, next year, or even a decade from now, without worrying about losing its value. This makes them an incredibly flexible and valuable gift for any travel enthusiast.
Why No Expiration is a Big Deal
In the world of gift cards, a "no expiration" policy is a significant perk. It offers:
Peace of mind: No more rushing to use a gift card before it becomes worthless.
Flexibility: You can save it for a special trip, an unexpected travel need, or simply when the right fare comes along.
True gifting value: The recipient truly gets the full value of the gift, whenever they choose to use it.
Step 1: Confirming the No-Expiration Policy
"Wait, really? Are you sure they don't expire?"
Yes, absolutely! Let's walk through how you can verify this for yourself and understand the official stance.
Sub-heading: Official Sources for Verification
Southwest Airlines Website: The most reliable source for information on Southwest gift cards is their official website. Navigate to their "Gift Cards" section or "Terms and Conditions" for gift cards. You'll find explicit statements confirming that Southwest gift cards have no expiration date and no dormancy fees.
Gift Card Terms and Conditions: When you purchase a gift card, either physical or digital, always review the fine print. Southwest's terms consistently state the "no expiration" policy. This is the legal backing for your gift card's longevity.
It's crucial to distinguish gift cards from other forms of Southwest travel funds or flight credits, which do have expiration dates (more on this in the FAQ section!). Gift cards are unique in their indefinite validity.
Step 2: Where to Purchase Southwest Airlines Gift Cards
Now that you know your gift will last forever (or at least until it's used!), where can you get one?
Sub-heading: Retailers and Online Options
Southwest.com: The easiest and most direct way to purchase Southwest gift cards is directly from their website. You can choose e-gift cards for instant delivery or physical cards to be mailed.
Participating Retailers: Many major retailers, both online and brick-and-mortar, carry Southwest gift cards. These often include:
Grocery stores: Many supermarket chains.
Drugstores: Pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens.
Department stores: Some larger retail outlets.
Online marketplaces: Websites like Amazon or GiftCardMall (be sure to purchase from reputable sellers).
Always exercise caution when buying from third-party sellers to ensure the card is legitimate and hasn't been tampered with.
Step 3: Understanding What You Can (and Cannot) Use Your Gift Card For
While Southwest gift cards offer incredible flexibility, it's important to know their specific uses.
Sub-heading: Permitted Uses
Flights: This is the primary use. You can apply the gift card balance towards the purchase of any Southwest Airlines flight, regardless of fare type (Wanna Get Away, Anytime, Business Select).
Other Qualifying Products and Services (purchased via Southwest.com or phone): In some cases, gift cards can be used for things like:
Certain optional travel charges when booking directly with Southwest (e.g., if you call customer service and they can apply it).
Potentially, hotel stays or car rentals booked through Southwest.com as part of a package, though it's always best to verify at the time of booking, as terms can vary.
Sub-heading: What Gift Cards Cannot Be Used For
Cash: Southwest gift cards are non-refundable and cannot be redeemed for cash, except where required by law.
Other Airlines: They are exclusively for Southwest Airlines flights and services.
Southwest Vacations® Packages (some limitations): While you can often use a gift card for the flight portion within a Southwest Vacations package, the entire package itself might not be fully covered by a gift card directly. It's best to confirm with Southwest Vacations.
Certain Optional Travel Charges (online/kiosk): While some optional charges might be covered if you call Southwest, generally, things like EarlyBird Check-In®, Pet Fares, or Unaccompanied Minor fees cannot be paid for directly with a gift card when booking online or at the airport kiosk.
Reloading: You cannot reload an existing Southwest gift card. Once the balance is used, the card is spent.
Step 4: How to Redeem Your Southwest Airlines Gift Card
Redeeming your gift card is a straightforward process, whether you're booking online or over the phone.
Sub-heading: Online Redemption (Recommended)
Select Your Flight: Go to Southwest.com and choose your desired flights, just as you normally would.
Proceed to Payment: Once you've selected your flights and entered passenger details, you'll reach the "Payment" section.
Apply Travel Funds/Gift Card: Look for a section that says "Do you want to apply travel funds?" or "Gift Card." Click on this.
Enter Details: You'll be prompted to enter your gift card number and the four-digit security code (PIN). This code is usually found on the back of a physical card under a scratch-off area, or in the email for an e-gift card.
Apply Funds: Click "Apply Funds." The gift card amount will be deducted from your total.
Remaining Balance: If there's a remaining balance after applying the gift card, you can pay the rest with a credit card, debit card, or another form of accepted payment.
Sub-heading: Phone Redemption
Call Southwest Reservations: Dial 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).
Provide Information: Inform the representative that you wish to book a flight and pay with a gift card.
Share Details: You'll be asked for your gift card number and security code. The representative will apply the funds to your booking.
Sub-heading: In-Person Redemption
Visit a Ticket Counter: Head to any Southwest Airlines ticket counter at an airport.
Present Gift Card: Provide your gift card number and security code to the agent, who will assist you with your booking.
Step 5: What Happens if You Cancel a Flight Booked with a Gift Card?
This is an important point to understand, as it relates to the concept of "travel funds" versus "gift card" balances.
Sub-heading: The Conversion to Travel Funds/Flight Credit
If you book a flight using a Southwest gift card and then cancel that reservation:
The funds will not be returned to your original gift card.
Instead, the value will be held as a flight credit or Transferable Flight Credit™ under the original confirmation number of the cancelled reservation.
Sub-heading: Expiration of Flight Credits
Here's where it gets a little tricky, and it's a common point of confusion. While the original gift card itself never expires, the flight credit generated from a cancelled reservation might have an expiration date.
For refundable fares: If you purchased a refundable fare with a gift card and cancel it, the funds will be held as a Transferable Flight Credit™ that does not expire.
For non-refundable fares: For reservations booked with a gift card and cancelled (especially those made on or after May 28, 2025), any remaining funds will be held as a flight credit or Transferable Flight Credit™. These credits will have a specified expiration date, and all travel must be completed by that date. The exact expiration period can vary (e.g., 6-12 months, depending on fare type and the date of cancellation).
Always check the specific terms and conditions for any flight credit you receive after a cancellation to understand its expiration.
Step 6: Checking Your Southwest Airlines Gift Card Balance
Before you plan a trip, it's always a good idea to know how much is on your gift card.
Sub-heading: Easy Ways to Check Your Balance
Southwest.com: The easiest method is to visit the Southwest Airlines website. They have a dedicated "Check Gift Card Balance" tool where you can enter your gift card number and security code.
By Phone: You can also call Southwest Airlines at 1-866-393-2081 to check your balance.
During Booking: When you go to redeem your gift card during the booking process on Southwest.com, the system will show you the available balance before you apply it.
Conclusion: Fly with Confidence!
The excellent news is that Southwest Airlines gift cards offer a rare and valuable benefit in the travel industry: they never expire. This policy provides immense flexibility and ensures that the value of your gift or personal purchase remains intact for as long as you need it. While flight credits from cancelled reservations may have expiration dates, the initial gift card itself is a timeless ticket to your next adventure. So go ahead, give the gift of travel or treat yourself, knowing that your Southwest Airlines gift card is a truly long-lasting investment in future journeys!
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to check Southwest gift card balance?
You can check your Southwest gift card balance easily on the Southwest Airlines website by navigating to their "Gift Card" section and using the "Check Balance" tool, or by calling 1-866-393-2081.
How to use Southwest gift card online?
To use a Southwest gift card online, select your flight on Southwest.com, proceed to the payment page, and select "Apply Travel Funds" or "Gift Card." Enter your gift card number and security code, then apply the funds.
How to redeem Southwest Airlines gift card for flights?
Redeem your Southwest Airlines gift card for flights by selecting it as a payment method during the online booking process on Southwest.com, through the Southwest mobile app, by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA, or at any Southwest Airlines ticket counter.
How to combine a Southwest gift card with another payment method?
When booking online, if your gift card doesn't cover the full cost of the flight, you can apply the gift card amount first, and then the system will prompt you to use another form of payment (like a credit card or debit card) for the remaining balance.
How to buy a Southwest Airlines gift card?
You can buy Southwest Airlines gift cards directly from Southwest.com (e-gift cards or physical cards) or from various participating retail stores such as grocery stores, drugstores, and online marketplaces.
How to replace a lost or stolen Southwest gift card?
Unfortunately, Southwest Airlines gift cards are generally not replaceable if lost, stolen, or destroyed, as they are treated like cash. It's crucial to protect your gift card and its details carefully.
How to use a Southwest gift card for EarlyBird Check-In or other fees?
Generally, Southwest gift cards cannot be used directly online or at a kiosk for optional travel charges like EarlyBird Check-In, Pet Fares, or Unaccompanied Minor fees. They are primarily for airfare. In some cases, a phone agent might be able to apply it.
How to tell if a Southwest gift card is valid?
To tell if a Southwest gift card is valid, ensure it was purchased from a reputable source (Southwest.com or authorized retailer) and check its balance online or by phone. Avoid purchasing from suspicious third-party sites.
How to use multiple Southwest gift cards for one flight?
Yes, you can use multiple Southwest gift cards for a single flight booking. When prompted to apply gift card funds during the payment process, you can usually enter the details for one card, apply it, and then add another if needed.
How to convert a Southwest gift card to cash?
Southwest Airlines gift cards are non-refundable and cannot be converted to cash or credit, except where required by law. Their value is exclusively for use with Southwest Airlines flights and services.
