Ever canceled a flight and wondered where that money went? Or maybe you changed your plans, and now you have a "credit" floating out there somewhere with Southwest Airlines? Don't let your hard-earned travel funds disappear into the ether! Southwest has a generally flexible policy when it comes to these credits, often referred to as "travel funds" or "flight credits," but knowing how to find and use them is key.
Ready to reclaim your travel funds and book that next adventure? Let's dive in!
The Definitive Guide: How to Find Your Southwest Airlines Flight Credit
Finding your Southwest Airlines flight credit is usually a straightforward process, but it depends on how your original booking was made and whether you have a Rapid Rewards account. We'll cover all the scenarios step-by-step.
Step 1: Engage with Your Rapid Rewards Account (The Easiest Path!)
This is by far the simplest and most recommended way to track your flight credits. If you're not already a Rapid Rewards member, consider enrolling. It simplifies managing your travel funds significantly.
Sub-step 1.1: Log In to Your Rapid Rewards Account
On Desktop:
Head over to the official Southwest Airlines website: Southwest.com.
Locate the "Log In" button at the top right corner of the page.
Enter your Rapid Rewards account number or username and password.
Click "Log In."
On the Southwest Mobile App:
Open the Southwest Airlines app on your smartphone.
Tap on the "Log In" option.
Enter your Rapid Rewards credentials.
Sub-step 1.2: Navigate to "My Account" or "My Travel Funds"
Once logged in:
On Desktop:
After logging in, you'll typically be taken to your "My Account" dashboard.
Look for a menu option, often on the left-hand side or under a drop-down, labeled "My Account" or "Payment".
Within this section, you should see a heading like "My Travel Funds" or "Flight Credits." Click on this.
On the Southwest Mobile App:
From your account screen, scroll down. You'll usually find "My Travel Funds" listed towards the bottom. Tap on it.
Sub-step 1.3: View Your Available Flight Credits
Here, you should see a list of any available flight credits associated with your Rapid Rewards account.
Each credit will typically show:
The value of the credit.
The original confirmation number it's tied to.
The passenger name it belongs to.
Crucially, the expiration date. Pay close attention to this as expiration policies have recently changed for credits issued on or after May 28, 2025.
Step 2: Checking Travel Funds Without a Rapid Rewards Account (For Guest Bookings)
Perhaps you booked as a guest, or the credit isn't showing up in your Rapid Rewards account for some reason. Southwest provides a dedicated tool for this.
Sub-step 2.1: Access the "Check Travel Funds" Page
Go to Southwest.com.
Scroll down to the very bottom of the page.
Under "Plan A Trip" or "Customer Service," look for a link that says "Check Travel Funds" or similar. Click on it.
Alternatively, you can often find a direct link by searching "Southwest Check Travel Funds" on Google.
Sub-step 2.2: Enter Required Information
On the "Check Travel Funds" page, you'll need to provide specific details to look up your credit. This usually includes:
The original confirmation number of the flight that generated the credit.
The first name of the passenger associated with the credit.
The last name of the passenger associated with the credit.
Make sure this information matches exactly what was on the original booking. Even a slight typo can prevent the system from finding it.
Sub-step 2.3: Retrieve and Note Your Credit Details
After entering the information, the system will display any matching flight credits. Be sure to carefully note down the confirmation number and expiration date of each credit. This information is vital for future use.
Step 3: Understanding Different Types of Southwest Flight Credits
Southwest has a few different terms for their travel funds, and understanding them helps you manage expectations regarding their use and expiration.
Sub-step 3.1: Standard Flight Credits (Travel Funds)
These are the most common type, typically issued when you cancel a non-refundable fare (like a "Wanna Get Away" fare) or if there's a difference in fare when you change to a less expensive flight.
Important Policy Update (as of May 28, 2025):
Flight credits issued on or before May 27, 2025, generally do not expire. This was a significant passenger-friendly policy.
Flight credits issued on or after May 28, 2025, will have a specified expiration date.
Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, and Business Select® fares: These credits typically expire 12 months from the original booking date.
Basic Fares: These credits typically expire 6 months from the original booking date.
Significantly Disrupted Flights: If Southwest cancels or significantly delays your flight and you opt for a flight credit, it may be valid for five years from the date you originally booked the reservation. Always double-check the specific expiration date shown.
These credits are generally non-transferable and can only be used by the original passenger whose name was on the ticket.
Sub-step 3.2: Transferable Flight Credit™ (Specific to Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select Fares)
This is a relatively newer feature. If you cancel a Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, or Business Select® fare that was booked or changed on or after May 28, 2025, the resulting flight credit might be a Transferable Flight Credit™.
The key benefit here is right in the name: you can transfer it to another Rapid Rewards member. This adds a lot of flexibility!
Expiration: These typically expire 12 months from the date you originally booked the reservation.
Sub-step 3.3: Southwest LUV Vouchers
These are different from flight credits. LUV Vouchers are typically issued as compensation for things like involuntary denied boarding (being "bumped" from a flight), significant delays, or other customer service gestures.
LUV Vouchers have their own specific expiration dates (often 6 months to 1 year from issuance) and can generally be used by anyone, not just the original recipient.
They cannot be applied towards government-imposed taxes and fees.
Step 4: Using Your Southwest Airlines Flight Credit
Once you've located your credit, using it is just as easy!
Sub-step 4.1: Begin Your Flight Search
Go to Southwest.com or use the mobile app.
Search for your desired flight as you normally would, entering your origin, destination, dates, and number of passengers.
Sub-step 4.2: Proceed to the Payment Screen
Select your flights and proceed through the booking process until you reach the "Payment" screen.
Sub-step 4.3: Apply Your Flight Credit
On the payment screen, you'll see a section titled "Apply Travel Funds" or "Apply Flight Credits."
Click on this option.
You'll be prompted to enter:
The confirmation number of the original flight that generated the credit.
The first name of the passenger who owns the credit.
The last name of the passenger who owns the credit.
Click "Apply Funds." The value of your credit will then be deducted from your new flight's total.
Important Notes on Application:
You can typically use up to three forms of payment per person per booking, and each flight credit counts as one form of payment. This is helpful if you have multiple small credits.
If your new flight costs less than your credit, the remaining balance will often be held as a new flight credit, usually with the same original expiration date.
If your new flight costs more, you'll simply pay the difference using another accepted payment method (credit card, LUV Voucher, gift card, etc.).
Step 5: Troubleshooting and Important Considerations
Sometimes things don't go as smoothly as planned. Here are some tips and important things to remember.
Sub-step 5.1: Confirming the Expiration Date
Always double-check the expiration date of your flight credit. With the recent changes for credits issued on or after May 28, 2025, this is more important than ever.
For older credits (issued before May 28, 2025), if they were non-expiring, ensure that information is accurately displayed.
Sub-step 5.2: What if the Credit Isn't Showing Up?
Double-check your entries: Confirm the confirmation number, first name, and last name are exactly as they appeared on the original booking.
Rapid Rewards vs. Guest: Did you book the original flight as a guest, but you're checking your Rapid Rewards account now? Or vice versa? The credit might be tied to the guest booking, requiring the "Check Travel Funds" method.
Recent Cancellation: If you just canceled a flight, it might take up to 48 hours for the credit to fully process and appear in the system, especially for credits from significantly disrupted flights or Basic fares.
Original Passenger: Remember, most standard flight credits are tied to the original passenger. If someone else is trying to use it, it won't work unless it's a Transferable Flight Credit™ or a LUV Voucher.
Contact Southwest Customer Service: If all else fails, the best course of action is to call Southwest Airlines customer service. They can look up your travel funds using various pieces of information (original booking details, email address, Rapid Rewards number) and help clarify the situation. Have your original confirmation number handy.
Sub-step 5.3: Maximizing Your Credits
Don't let them expire! Set reminders if needed.
Combine credits: As mentioned, you can use up to three forms of payment. If you have several small credits, this can be incredibly useful.
Monitor fare sales: Flight credits are essentially cash for future travel. Keep an eye out for Southwest's frequent fare sales to get the most value out of your credit.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions about Southwest Airlines flight credits, with quick answers:
How to check Southwest Airlines flight credit balance?
You can check your Southwest Airlines flight credit balance by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com or the Southwest app and navigating to "My Account" > "Payment" > "My Travel Funds." Alternatively, use the "Check Travel Funds" tool on Southwest.com by entering your original confirmation number and passenger name.
How to use Southwest Airlines flight credit for someone else?
Standard Southwest flight credits are generally non-transferable and can only be used by the original passenger. However, if your credit is a Transferable Flight Credit™ (issued from Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fares booked/changed on or after May 28, 2025), you can transfer it to another Rapid Rewards member. Southwest LUV Vouchers are also generally transferable.
How to extend Southwest Airlines flight credit expiration?
For flight credits issued on or after May 28, 2025, which now have expiration dates, extensions are generally not offered unless the original flight was significantly disrupted by Southwest. For older, non-expiring credits, this isn't an issue. Always check the specific terms of your credit.
How to find Southwest Airlines flight credit from a cancelled flight?
If you canceled a flight, the credit should automatically be processed as a flight credit. You can find it by logging into your Rapid Rewards account or using the "Check Travel Funds" tool on Southwest.com, providing the original confirmation number and passenger name. It may take up to 48 hours to appear.
How to convert Rapid Rewards points to Southwest flight credit?
You generally cannot directly convert Rapid Rewards points into flight credit. Rapid Rewards points are used to book reward flights or for other redemption options like hotels or gift cards. If you cancel a flight booked with points, the points are typically redeposited into your Rapid Rewards account.
How to apply multiple Southwest flight credits to one booking?
Yes, you can apply multiple Southwest flight credits to one booking. Southwest allows up to three forms of payment per passenger per booking, and each flight credit counts as one form of payment. You'll enter each credit's confirmation number and associated details on the payment screen.
How to know if my Southwest flight credit expires?
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account and check "My Travel Funds" or use the "Check Travel Funds" tool on Southwest.com. The expiration date will be clearly listed next to each credit. Remember that credits issued on or after May 28, 2025, now have expiration dates, while many older credits do not.
How to retrieve a lost Southwest flight credit confirmation number?
If you can't find your confirmation number, log into your Rapid Rewards account as credits associated with your account are usually listed there. If you booked as a guest, you might need to contact Southwest Customer Service, providing your name and original flight details (dates, origin, destination) so they can assist in locating the credit.
How to use a Southwest LUV Voucher online?
When booking a flight on Southwest.com, proceed to the payment screen. There will be an option to "Apply LUV Vouchers." Enter your voucher number and security code as prompted.
How to get a refund instead of Southwest flight credit?
Refund eligibility depends on the fare type you purchased. "Anytime" and "Business Select" fares are generally refundable to your original form of payment if canceled at least 10 minutes prior to departure. "Wanna Get Away" and "Basic" fares are non-refundable and will typically result in a flight credit. If Southwest cancels or significantly disrupts your flight, you are generally eligible for a full refund to your original payment method or a flight credit.
