southwest airlines travel credit expiration

Investor Relations

southwest airlines travel credit expiration

2023 Annual Report

2023 One Report

Company Overview
Purpose, Vision, and The Southwest Way
Proven Business Strategy
News Releases
Events & Presentations
Company Reports
Quarterly Results
SEC Filings
Stock Quote & Chart
Investment Calculator
Historical Lookup
Dividend & Stock Split History
AirTran Acquisition
Analyst Coverage
Board of Directors
Senior Executive Leaders
Corporate Governance Guidelines
Corporate Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation & Corporate Policies
Board Committees
Direct Stock Purchase Plan & Dividend Reinvestment
Transfer Agent
Investor FAQs
Email Alerts
Investor relations
Corporate responsibility
Our Company
News & Events
Stock Information
Corporate Governance

Shareholder Services

Investor Resources

Southwest Airlines Eliminates Expiration Dates on Flight Credits

July 28, 2022

More Heart, Fewer Strings. Beginning today, Flight credits don't expire, securing Customers' investments in Southwest flight credits valid today, and going forward.

DALLAS , July 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today announced a first-of-its-kind policy and value among major U.S. airlines, eliminating expiration dates on all Southwest ® flight credits unexpired on, or created on or after July 28, 2022 * . This additional flexibility applies to all currently valid, existing flight credits, with no action required by Customers with flight credit in the bank, and will apply to any new flight credit issued. The ability to retain invested flight credits without expiration is another enhancement in a series of transformative upgrades underway in the experience Customers have in their relationship with Southwest , including enhanced WiFi, new in-seat power, larger overhead bins, and new self-service capabilities overviewed at Southwest.com/experience .

"The more than 62,000 People at Southwest share a renewed pride in our unmatched access to flexibility that once again reshapes the landscape of Hospitality and value in the industry," said Bob Jordan , Chief Executive Officer, Southwest Airlines. " Flight credits don't expire * aligns with the boldness of a philosophy to give our Customers definitive simplicity and ease in travel, just like Bags fly free , just like No change fe es, just like Points don't expire 1— they're a first-in-our-industry combination of differentiators that only Southwest offers."

Beginning today, July 28, 2022, Southwest Customers will begin seeing a placeholder expiration date of December 31, 2040, on valid flight credits ahead of additional work later this year that will update technology systems to altogether remove expiration dates on flight credits.

More Heart, Fewer Strings. Beginning today, Flight credits don’t expire, securing Customers’ investments in Southwest flight credits valid today, and going forward.

"We recently announced more than two billion dollars in Customer experience improvements designed to enhance and simplify traveling with Southwest–and said then, we weren't done," said Ryan Green , Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Southwest Airlines. "While other airlines eliminate benefits and value, today we're enhancing our experience again. When Customers travel with Southwest, they receive ultimate flexibility that is unmatched in the industry. Bags fly free 1 , there is never a fee to change or cancel your flight–and now, you don't have to worry about your flight credits expiring before you can use them. We'll be ready to serve you when you're ready to fly."

"We repeatedly leaned in during the pandemic to give our Customers more time to use their flight credits beyond a full year, which was our previous policy," said Tony Roach , Vice President of Customer Experience & Engagement, Southwest Airlines. "Introducing this change in our policy is part of a massive effort to improve the things that are most important to our Customers."

In May, the carrier began offering a new fare with more benefits, Wanna Get Away Plus ™, and enhanced Anytime and Business Select ® fares to offer a new ability to transfer flight credits to another Member of the Rapid Rewards ® Loyalty program 2 .

* FLIGHT CREDIT TERMS Flight credits for non-refundable fares will be issued as long as the reservation is cancelled more than 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. Flight credits unexpired on, or created on or after July 28, 2022 do not expire and will show an expiration date (12/31/2040) until systems are updated. A flight credit with an expiration date on or before July 27, 2022, has expired in accordance with its existing expiration date. See My Account for flight credit expiration dates, if any.

1 FLEXIBILITY TERMS At Southwest Airlines ® , there are no change fees (fare difference may apply), no cancellation fees (failure to cancel a reservation at least 10 minutes prior to scheduled departure may result in forfeited travel funds), and Bags fly free ® (two free checked bags, weight and size limits apply).

2 Transferable Flight Credit For Customers purchasing Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fares, Customers are allowed to transfer their flight credit to someone else. Both must be Rapid Rewards Members and only one transfer is permitted. The expiration date is up to 12 months from the date the ticket was booked. For bookings made through a Southwest™ Business channel, there is a limitation to transfer only between employees within the organization.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 121 airports across 11 countries. Having celebrated its 50 th Anniversary in 2021, Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline 1 . Based in Dallas and famous for an Employee-first corporate Culture, Southwest maintains an unprecedented record of no involuntary furloughs or layoffs in its history. By empowering its more than 62,000 2  People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among as many as 130 million Customers carried a year. That formula for success brought industry-leading prosperity and 47 consecutive years 3  of profitability for Southwest Shareholders (NYSE: LUV). Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship . Southwest is also continuing to develop tangible steps toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, including offering Customers an opportunity to help the airline offset its carbon emissions. To be part of the solution, visit Southwest.com/wannaoffsetcarbon .

1) U.S. Dept. of Transportation most recent reporting of domestic originating passengers boarded   2) Fulltime-equivalent active Employees    3) 1973-2019 annual profitability  

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.

Investor Alerts

Southwest Airlines offers automated options to receive Investor Alerts.

For details regarding Direct Stock Purchase & Dividend Reinvestment and other Transfer Agent information.

Get Investor Information

Request Information |

Connect with us

Discussion Forum and Stories

The timing of these postings are made at the discretion of Southwest Airlines. Readers should not assume that the information contained on this site has been updated or otherwise contains current information. Southwest Airlines does not review past postings to determine whether they remain accurate, and information contained in such postings may have been superseded.

This website contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are based on, and include statements about, the Company’s beliefs, intentions, expectations, and strategies for the future. Specific forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and include, without limitation, words such as "plans," "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "may," "could," "intends," "goal," "will," "should," and similar expressions and variations thereof. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results may differ materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the Company’s forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause these differences include, but are not limited to, the factors described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other filings, and as described in the press releases and other materials contained on this website. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events, or developments, except as required by federal securities laws.

Credit cards
View all credit cards
Banking guide
Loans guide
Insurance guide
Personal finance
View all personal finance
Small business
Small business guide
View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

How to Use Southwest Travel Funds

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Southwest is one of the most popular airlines to fly in the U.S., partially because it offers a generous cancellation and flight change policy. However, depending upon the ticket you buy, you may receive travel funds instead of a cash refund in the event your flight plans change.

Here's how to use Southwest travel funds.

How do you get Southwest travel funds?

Thanks to its no-fee change/cancellation policy, Southwest provides a full refund or issues travel funds to your account. To benefit from this generous policy, you must cancel your flight at least 10 minutes before departure.

Here’s how to determine what kind of refund you’ll get:

You get a full refund to your original payment method when you book Anytime or Business Select tickets.

You get travel funds when you book Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus tickets. If you use Rapid Rewards points, they will be returned to your Southwest account. Any refunded taxes will go to your travel funds.

Business Select and Anytime fares offer the most flexibility, but they also cost more than Wanna Get Away fares. Wanna Get Away fares, on the other hand, offer the lowest prices. But if you need to cancel or choose to rebook to a lower-priced flight , your only choice is to receive travel funds — cash refunds aren't on the table.

» Learn more: Southwest Rapid Rewards program: the complete guide

Where can you see your travel funds balance?

When you log in to your Rapid Rewards loyalty account, your travel funds appear at the top of the "My Account" screen.

This shows the total available travel funds that you have, but it does not provide the details. You need to click on "View Details" to see the balance of the individual travel fund reservations. Here, you find the expiration date and balance for each reservation. As of July 28, 2022, any unexpired funds and any funds created from there on out will no longer expire. Southwest is updating their system, so for the time being, an expiration date of Dec. 31, 2040, will be displayed in the expiration field. Eventually, that field will go away altogether.

If you don't have a Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards account, booked a flight that didn't have your loyalty number attached to it or have travel funds from a special purchase ticket, then you'll need to track them manually. Signing up for a Rapid Rewards account is free to do.

Unfortunately, you cannot manually add travel funds to your profile. To track your travel funds manually, visit the " Check Travel Funds " page on Southwest's website. You'll need to provide the passenger's first and last name plus the confirmation number from the reservation. On this page, you can also check the balance of Southwest LUV vouchers and gift cards.

» Learn more: Don't just redeem miles — redeem them wisely. Here's how

What can I do if my travel funds have expired?

While unexpired funds and newly created funds no longer have an expiration date as of July 28, 2022, what if you have travel funds that expired just before this change in policy? According to the Southwest Community message boards, your one hope is to call customer service within six months of the expiration and ask them to reinstate your travel funds as a LUV voucher. The LUV voucher will be good for another six months from the date of your call. Southwest charges $100 for this one-time extension and it comes out of your travel funds.

» Learn more: Southwest Airlines sweet spots

What can Southwest travel funds be used for?

Travel funds from Southwest can be used to book any available cash flight or to pay for the taxes and fees on award flights. They are treated like cash and can be used to pay for some or all of the amount owed. If you don't use all of the travel funds for the reservation, any remaining balance remains for future use.

» Learn more: Your guide to booking award flights on Southwest

Can I use Southwest travel fund for someone else?

Your travel funds can be transferred to someone else with a Rapid Rewards account if you bought a a Business Select , Anytime or Wanna Get Away Plus fare. That person would have to book their own flight using the travel fund, though. You won't be able to use your travel fund to book for someone else. Wanna Get Away fares are not eligible to transferred, so they can only be used by the ticketed passenger.

4 steps to book a flight with Southwest travel funds

Your travel funds can be used to book flights online, over the phone or at a Southwest Airlines ticket counter. For this illustration, we'll focus on booking a reservation online.

1. Have your original ticket confirmation number handy

Before booking a reservation, print out or write down the travel funds reservation number(s) that you'd like to use. Southwest's website does not allow you to choose from a list during booking.

2. Browse and select your flights

During the booking process, you'll select your travel dates, cities and times as normal.

3. Apply your travel funds

When you arrive at the "Passenger & Payment Info" page, click to expand the "Apply Travel Funds, LUV Vouchers and gift cards" section. Here is where you'll enter your travel funds' confirmation number and your first and last name before clicking "Apply funds." Then, continue the booking process as normal and pay any remaining balance owed with your preferred form of payment, such as the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card .

Again, you may use your travel funds for cash fares or to pay the taxes and fees on award tickets.

Remember, travel funds from other passengers may not be applied to your ticket.

4. Get confirmation

Now that you've filled out all of the necessary information and remitted payment with your travel fund, you should see a confirmation email pop up in your inbox.

» Learn more: Is a Southwest credit card worth it?

Using Southwest travel funds

Southwest travel funds are typically created when you cancel or change a Wanna Get Away reservation. They are automatically added to your account when you attach your Rapid Rewards number to the reservation before it is canceled. These funds can be used to book cash or award travel, and any unused amount from your new reservation can be used on a future flight.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Southwest Airlines Flight Credits Will Now Have No Expiration Date

It's yet another industry first for the U.S. low-cost carrier

Southwest Airlines announced that beginning July 28, 2022, the airline's flight credits will never expire. During the pandemic, major airlines have extended expiration periods for flight credits. Southwest is the first airline to announce a total policy change that removes flight credit expiration dates permanently.

"The more than 62,000 people at Southwest share a renewed pride in our unmatched access to flexibility that once again reshapes the landscape of hospitality and value in the industry,” Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said in a statement.

Customers who log into their Southwest travel bank to view eligible flight credits with expiration dates will automatically see a temporary expiration date of December 31, 2040. Don’t worry; the date is irrelevant, a temporary placeholder until they can properly update their system to reflect the new no-expiry policy.

All flight credits issued on and after July 28, 2022—and any existing and valid future flight credits that have not already expired by July 28, 2022—will never expire.

Removing expiration dates on flight credits is part of Southwest’s plan for customer experience upgrades. Other experience improvements include plans to install faster Wi-Fi, in-seat power, and larger overhead luggage bins on their planes and to roll out more self-service features.

Southwest has long been a leader in value perks for U.S. airlines. Introducing flight credits that don’t expire is an industry-first, along with the airline’s long history of not charging for checked luggage, not charging fees for flight changes or cancellations, and having no expiration date on loyalty points.

"While other airlines eliminate benefits and value, today we're enhancing our experience again,” Ryan Green, Southwest’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer, said in a statement. “When customers fly Southwest, they receive ultimate flexibility that is unmatched in the industry.”

Southwest Airlines. "Southwest Airlines Eliminates Expiration Dates on Flight Credits." July 28, 2022.

The 8 Best Luggage Sets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 7 Best Travel Car Seats of 2024

The 14 Best Backpack Brands of 2024

American Airlines Just Revamped Its Loyalty Program—Here's What to Know

The 11 Best Hardside Luggage Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

How to Get Your Miles Back After Canceling an Award Flight

The 11 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Hotel Booking Sites

8 Air Travel Rights You Didn’t Know You Have

What Are North American Airlines' Policies on Bereavement Fares?

The 10 Best Places to Buy Luggage of 2024

The 10 Best Travel Headphones of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

The 4 Best Luggage Trackers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Online Travel Agencies

Best Car Rental Companies of 2024

Air Travel Is Back—Here's What You Need to Know About Flying This Summer

If my flight is canceled, will I get a flight credit?

If you decide not to travel as a result of a Southwest-initiated cancellation, you can choose to either a) receive a method-of-payment refund or b) hold the value of the ticket as a flight credit that you can use to buy a future flight.

If you decide not to travel and cancel your reservation:

Business Select® and Anytime tickets are refundable.  You can choose to either a) receive a method-of-payment refund or b) hold the value of the ticket as a flight credit that you can use to buy a future flight.
Wanna Get Away® and Wanna Get Away Plus® tickets are non-refundable.  The value of the ticket will be converted to a flight credit or Transferable Flight Credit ™ (depending on the fare) that you can use to buy a future flight.

If you don't cancel your reservation at least 10 minutes before the flight's original scheduled departure time:

Business Select® or Anytime fare

The funds will be refunded in the form of a Transferable Flight Credit™

Wanna Get Away® or Wanna Get Away Plus® fare

The funds will be forfeited

For reward travel reservations (booked with Rapid Rewards® points):

The points used for booking will be redeposited to the purchaser's Rapid Rewards® account
Any taxes and fees associated with the reward travel reservation will be converted into a Transferable Flight Credit™ for future use
Any points used for booking will be forfeited, along with any taxes and fees associated with your reward travel reservation

Search our help options and faqs.

Southwest Airlines Eliminates Expiration Dates On Flight Credits

Media release.

DALLAS – Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today announced a first-of-its-kind policy and value among major U.S. airlines, eliminating expiration dates on all Southwest® flight credits unexpired on, or created on or after July 28, 2022*. This additional flexibility applies to all currently valid, existing flight credits, with no action required by Customers with flight credit in the bank, and will apply to any new flight credit issued. The ability to retain invested flight credits without expiration is another enhancement in a series of transformative upgrades underway in the experience Customers have in their relationship with Southwest , including enhanced WiFi, new in-seat power, larger overhead bins, and new self-service capabilities overviewed at Southwest.com/experience .

“The more than 62,000 People at Southwest share a renewed pride in our unmatched access to flexibility that once again reshapes the landscape of Hospitality and value in the industry,” said Bob Jordan , Chief Executive Officer, Southwest Airlines. “ Flight credits don’t expire* aligns with the boldness of a philosophy to give our Customers definitive simplicity and ease in travel, just like Bags fly free , just like No change fe es, just like Points don’t expire 1 — they’re a first-in-our-industry combination of differentiators that only Southwest offers.”

“We recently announced more than two billion dollars in Customer experience improvements designed to enhance and simplify traveling with Southwest–and said then, we weren’t done,” said Ryan Green , Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Southwest Airlines. “While other airlines eliminate benefits and value, today we’re enhancing our experience again. When Customers travel with Southwest, they receive ultimate flexibility that is unmatched in the industry. Bags fly free 1 , there is never a fee to change or cancel your flight–and now, you don’t have to worry about your flight credits expiring before you can use them. We’ll be ready to serve you when you’re ready to fly.”

“We repeatedly leaned in during the pandemic to give our Customers more time to use their flight credits beyond a full year, which was our previous policy,” said Tony Roach , Vice President of Customer Experience & Engagement, Southwest Airlines. “Introducing this change in our policy is part of a massive effort to improve the things that are most important to our Customers.”

In May, the carrier began offering a new fare with more benefits, Wanna Get Away Plus ™, and enhanced Anytime and Business Select® fares to offer a new ability to transfer flight credits to another Member of the Rapid Rewards® Loyalty program 2 .

1 FLEXIBILITY TERMS At Southwest Airlines®, there are no change fees (fare difference may apply), no cancellation fees (failure to cancel a reservation at least 10 minutes prior to scheduled departure may result in forfeited travel funds), and Bags fly free® (two free checked bags, weight and size limits apply).

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 121 airports across 11 countries. Having celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2021, Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline 1 . Based in Dallas and famous for an Employee-first corporate Culture, Southwest maintains an unprecedented record of no involuntary furloughs or layoffs in its history. By empowering its more than 61,000 2  People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among as many as 130 million Customers carried a year. That formula for success brought industry-leading prosperity and 47 consecutive years 3  of profitability for Southwest Shareholders (NYSE: LUV). Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship . Southwest is also continuing to develop tangible steps toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, including offering Customers an opportunity to help the airline offset its carbon emissions. To be part of the solution, visit Southwest.com/wannaoffsetcarbon .

1) U.S. Dept. of Transportation most recent reporting of domestic originating passengers boarded   2) Fulltime-equivalent active Employees    3) 1973-2019 annual profitability  

Media Contacts: Visit the Southwest Newsroom at swamedia.com for multimedia assets and other Company news.   

Media Relations Team: 214-792-4847, option 1

Low-Resolution

Stay Connected

Southwest Communications is sharing news with the world. Follow us on social media, follow us on our blog, and signup to receive important email news alerts.

For Reporters Seeking Answers to Questions

Phone 214-792-4847 , Opt. 1

Email [email protected]

News Releases
Our Low-Fare Story
Meet the Max
Meet the MAX
Southwest 50th Anniversary
B-Roll Video
Investor Relations
Labor Relations
Fact Sheets & Maps
Southwest Cargo
Our History
Awards & Recognition

Responsibility

Corporate Citizenship
Community Outreach
Southwest One Report

Search Please fill out this field.
Manage Your Subscription
Give a Gift Subscription
Newsletters
Sweepstakes

Southwest Airlines Eliminates Expiration Dates on Flight Credits — What to Know

The new policy applies to all existing flight credits.

Southwest Airlines has officially eliminated expiration dates on flight credits, marking an industry first.

On Thursday, the airline announced the policy change , noting the change is part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing customer experiences. In a statement, the company explained that customers will now see a placeholder expiration date of Dec. 31, 2040, on valid flight credits, and will remove the date altogether later this year.

"The more than 62,000 people at Southwest share a renewed pride in our unmatched access to flexibility that once again reshapes the landscape of Hospitality and value in the industry," Bob Jordan, chief executive officer of Southwest Airlines, shared in the statement. "Flight credits don't expire aligns with the boldness of a philosophy to give our customers definitive simplicity and ease in travel, just like bags fly free, just like no change fees, just like points don't expire — they're a first-in-our-industry combination of differentiators that only Southwest offers."

The new policy applies to all currently valid, existing flight credits. No action is required by customers, all travelers will need to do is rebook when possible.

This change, the airline added, is just a single part of a larger series of upgrades.

"We repeatedly leaned in during the pandemic to give our customers more time to use their flight credits beyond a full year, which was our previous policy," Tony Roach, vice president of customer experience and engagement at Southwest Airlines, added. "Introducing this change in our policy is part of a massive effort to improve the things that are most important to our customers."

Of course, there is still some fine print, though as far as fine print goes — it's pretty simple.

According to the airline's statement, flight credits for non-refundable fares will be issued as long as the reservation is canceled more than 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure, and a flight credit with an expiration date on or before July 27, 2022, has expired in accordance with its existing expiration date, which means those with pandemic-era cancellations or flight changes are out of luck.

It's not the only major flight credit change the company has made this year either. In March, Southwest announced the addition of a new fare class, the Wanna Get Away Plus fare , which allows passengers to gift unused flight credits.

"The airline industry, in our perspective, is a repeat purchase business. Andrew Watterson, Southwest's executive vice president and chief commercial officer, said in an address in March. "And a positive experience with a quality product brings customers back for the next flight."

Your Southwest flight credits won't expire: Airline's new policy applies to all tickets

Southwest Airlines passengers now have extra flexibility when their plans go awry. The airline announced Thursday that the credits it provides when travelers need to cancel their tickets will no longer expire, no matter what kind of ticket they purchased.

" 'Flight credits don’t expire' aligns with the boldness of a philosophy to give our customers definitive simplicity and ease in travel, just like 'bags fly free,' just like 'no change fees,' just like 'points don’t expire – they're a first-in-our-industry combination of differentiators that only Southwest offers," Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said in a statement.

Customers don't have to do anything to take advantage of the new policy, Ryan Green, Southwest's chief marketing officer told USA TODAY.

"The only thing that they need to know is they don’t need to take any action. They don’t need to do anything. We are taking care of this for them in the background," he said.

The airline has long promoted itself as a customer-first carrier. Its longstanding policies of no cancellation or bag fees set it apart from most of its domestic competitors, which tend to charge extra for changes, luggage and other services.

Credits on every airlines: What to know about using your airline vouchers

What are flight credits?

During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, more travelers than ever got acquainted with flight credits. Airlines issued vouchers for future travel in many cases, instead of cash refunds, when travelers had to change their plans.

Credits have been a big part of Southwest's business model for years due to their easier-to-change ticket policies. Vouchers were also previously available on other carriers, though the terms under which they were issued were more restrictive prior to the pandemic. Southwest, for now, is the only major U.S. airline with credits that don't expire.

Passengers could use credits toward the value of a ticket for future travel.

What was Southwest's previous policy?

Prior to the announcement on Thursday, existing Southwest credits had to be spent on travel scheduled to be completed within a year of the original date of purchase for nonrefundable tickets.

Refundable fares were eligible for cash back, and credits from "Wanna Get Away Plus" fares were able to be transferred to other Rapid Rewards members.

Been a while since you traveled?: Here's a refresher on those basic economy plane tickets

Green said that Southwest heard customer feedback that the old policy wasn't flexible enough.

"(The pandemic) has lengthened the horizon where customers think ‘what if my plans change?' " he said. "If life happens and your plans do change, that money is going to be there for you to use whenever you’re ready to fly."

What changes under the new credit policy?

Starting July 28, all existing credits will be extended.

"Customers will begin seeing a placeholder expiration date of December 31, 2040, on valid flight credits ahead of additional work later this year that will update technology systems to altogether remove expiration dates on flight credits," the airline said in a statement.

New credits that are issued on or after July 28 will not expire, either. Green noted that customers can also earn credits if the airfare for their trip goes down. Eagle-eyed travelers who notice cheaper tickets can cancel their original itinerary, rebook at the lower price and retain credit for the difference.

"If flexibility is more important to consumers than it’s ever been and it’s a hallmark of the Southwest brand, we thought ‘we have to be the best on this,' " he said.

Skip to primary navigation
Skip to main content
Skip to primary sidebar
Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

Starting Today Southwest Flight Credits Don’t Expire, What It Means For Your Next Flight

News and Tips
Travel News

It’s an airline industry first — airline funds that never expire!

No More Expiration Dates

Southwest Airlines will be the first major U.S. airline to offer travel credits with no expiration date. This new policy applies to credits that originally expired on July 28, 2022, or later — or any credit accrued after that date. The policy does not apply to funds that have already expired.

Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan says the move is in line with the airlines’ customer service-based approach. “[It] aligns with the boldness of a philosophy to give our customers definitive simplicity and ease in travel, just like bags fly free, just like no change fees,” Jordan explains. “The more than 62,000 People at Southwest share a renewed pride in our unmatched access to flexibility that once again reshapes the landscape of Hospitality and value in the industry.”

Earning Airline Credit

In order to receive airline credit, you must cancel your flight at least 10 minutes before departure. For Southwest’s lowest fare — Wanna Get Away — you must use the travel credit. If you book one of the airline’s other three fare classes — including the new Wanna Get Away Plus — then you’ll be able to transfer the credit to someone else. It’s important to note that as the airline makes this switch, your flight credits will initially have an expiration date of December 31, 2040. But, don’t fret! The airline says the credits are valid indefinitely and hope to have software to display that by the end of this year.

Controversial Issue

Airlines have long had expiration dates on their flight credits, but the issue became heated at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Passengers forced to cancel their flights in 2022 complained of not being able to use their credits before their expiration date due to the ongoing worldwide pandemic. Some major U.S. airlines offered extensions to ease the complaints, but Southwest Airlines will be the first airline to offer an indefinite timeline.

“Introducing this change in our policy is part of a massive effort to improve the things that are most important to our customers,” explains Tony Roach, vice president of customer experience and engagement.

Other customer enhancement measures include the possibility of assigned seating on all Southwest flights.

Stay up to date on all of our travel news , including:

Golf Hall Of Fame Returns To One Of The Most Celebrated Golf Courses In The World
Great Wolf Lodge Annual Flash Sale Is Coming With Rates Starting At $84/Night
Historic Changes At One Of The Most-Popular National Parks

Amy’s passion for traveling and writing started at a young age. She grew up traveling with her family -- visiting three continents by the time she was 16. She’s always looking for her next trip and isn't happy until she has at least one (or two) on the horizon. She is most fulfilled when she’s exploring new areas like a local and finding good deals on travel and activities.

Amy studied broadcast journalism at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She started her career as a TV news producer in Tulsa and Denver, winning 4 Emmy Awards for her work. She’s also worked in production for HGTV and as a spokeswoman for a small Colorado mountain town.

Amy is married with two young kids. Both kids got their passports before age one, as it’s her goal to instill the travel bug in them from a young age. If you can’t find Amy at an airport, you can find her trying out new restaurants, reading, or running.

What to do if you can't use your airline credit by its expiration date

As the novel coronavirus continues to spread around the world, people are making major adjustments to their everyday life — namely, by social distancing and staying home except for essential errands or mandatory work assignments.

While we're a community of avid travelers, we're not encouraging any travel right now unless it's absolutely essential. There will come a time for your next trip — we promise! But the best way for things to return to normal as quickly as possible is for you to stay put.

Visit TPG's guide to all coronavirus news and updates

As airlines are slashing their schedules and reducing their capacity to unparalleled lows, we know many of you may be wondering what to do with your travel credits. Even if you'd planned to put them to good use on a flight in the next few weeks or months, it's too soon to say when we might be able to pack our bags and travel again. So, here's everything you need to know about your airline credits, including what airlines are providing increased flexibility — and how to get an extension if they're not.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Alaska Airlines

"Credit certificates may be issued when you exchange or cancel a nonrefundable Alaska Airlines ticket," says Alaska's official policy . "Your credit certificate will remain valid for 12 months from the issuance date of your original ticket, or 30 days from the date of exchange or cancellation, whichever is greater."

We reached out to Alaska Airlines to see if they have any specific policies in place to help travelers during the coronavirus outbreak, but did not hear back by the time of publication.

American Airlines

As for American Airlines , the airline's eVouchers are valid from one year of the date they were issued. They can be used on American Airlines or any Oneworld partner or American Airlines codeshare flight. You can redeem them online or by calling American Airlines reservations.

A spokesperson for American Airlines told TPG that travelers with questions about their eVouchers should contact a customer relations specialist.

TPG reader Dominique B. had a voucher from American Airlines that was set to expire on March 25. Dominique replied to the email the voucher was sent in, and the airline agreed to extend it for one year. The process, Dominique said, was "very simple and easy," and only took about two days from start to finish.

Delta Air Lines

Delta's eCredits , such as Delta Travel Vouchers, Delta Dollars (typically compensation from an oversold flight) and Transportation Credit Voucher (such as compensation from a service issue), can be applied toward a Delta ticket.

Currently, any Delta ticket expiring in March or April will be extended to enable rebooking and travel until Dec. 31, 2020. If you don't take your flight, your ticket number automatically becomes an unused eCredit within 24 hours. A Delta spokesperson confirmed to TPG that "eCredits, like tickets, expiring in March and April will be automatically extended to Dec. 31, 2020."

Hawaiian Airlines

Credits on Hawaiian Airlines are also valid one year from the date they're issued. Reservations must be booked within one year of the date the credit was issued, as well. A spokesperson said, at this time, the airline will suspend mileage expirations through Dec. 31. TPG asked for clarification about travel credits, but did not hear back in time for publication.

On JetBlue , your credits are valid one year from the date they were issued until 11:59 p.m. on the date of expiration. You can refer to your Travel Bank statement to view your current balance, as well as transactions and each credit's expiration date.

We reached out to JetBlue to see if they have any temporary policies regarding Travel Bank Credits in place to help travelers during the coronavirus outbreak, but did not hear back by the time of publication.

TPG reader Jeremy C., however, told the TPG Lounge he was able to get a JetBlue credit extended by two weeks by using the airline's online chat service.

If you cancel your Southwest reservation at least 10 minutes prior to departure, the fare paid for by the unused ticket will be applied as travel funds toward your future flights. All travel booked with unused funds or a Southwest LUV Voucher must be completed by the expiration date listed on your ticket.

Travel Funds expire 12 months from the date the original flight was booked — not from when the flight was canceled and the Travel Funds issued. This expiration date is also a "must-fly-by date," not a "book-by date."

In light of recent events, Southwest has modified this policy. Funds that have expired or will expire between March 1 and May 31, 2020, will now expire on June 30, 2021. In addition, any newly created travel fund generated because of a flight cancellation between March 1 and May 31, 2020, will have an expiration date of June 30, 2021, a spokesperson told TPG.

United Airlines

You can use your United electronic certificate only on United and United Express-operated flights, as well as United Express-marketed flights operated by other airlines. Your credits aren't valid on other Star Alliance airlines, unfortunately.

Your credit will expire expire one year from original date of issue, unless otherwise noted.

In the TPG Lounge, Jon W. said he called the [United] 1K desk and asked about his credit. "They extended it 60 days," he said. So, if you have elite status , be sure to leverage it during this unprecedented time.

If your credit isn't automatically extended

Message the airline.

Your best bet for finding the most current information about your personal airline credit — and asking for an extension if you need one — is going to be to get in touch with the airline. But, as you can imagine, call lines are swamped (yes, even on the elite status lines). Many airlines are asking travelers to only call if it's an urgent travel matter and, if not, to call back at a later time and date.

That said, we have some strategies up our sleeve for getting in touch with them. Messaging them on Twitter or Facebook can't hurt, and they may be able to extend the expiration date of your credits for you. As many TPG readers pointed out, they were able to get travel credit extensions by messaging the airline on social media and sending emails.

Related: How to quickly reach an airline customer service agent

Rebook your flight

In some situations, it might make sense to cancel your flight and rebook at another time.

For example, if you're a United flyer with a voucher, you can book a ticket with the voucher by March 31 (or earlier if it expires before then). If you want to change or cancel, the flexible booking policy will apply , a spokesperson for the airline confirmed.

Plus, if you're already scheduled to travel before April 30, there is currently no fee to change your flight. This is in addition to the airline's previous waiver, which scrapped all change fees for domestic and international tickets purchased between March 3 and March 31. This policy is in place for any of United's published nonrefundable fares, and if you end up canceling your flights, you can retain the value of your ticket to be applied to a new ticket without a fee for up to 12 months after the original issue date. This applies to Electronic Travel Credits, the spokesperson confirmed.

Related: Can I cancel or change my award ticket due to coronavirus travel waivers?

Book a ticket

This may seem counterintuitive, but hear us out.

It's something of a gamble, but you can book a ticket using your airline credit and then cancel it to reset the expiration date. Keep in mind travelers have had mixed results with this method, but it's worth a shot if none of the aforementioned avenues work.

Bottom line

It's a weird time, to be sure, but it will pass. Again, you should only be traveling right now if it is absolutely essential and urgent.

We know you had some amazing plans lined up, and while they might need to be put on hold for the time being, your trip will happen sooner or later. In the meantime, keep these strategies in mind so that your credits don't expire — and that you can keep them around when the time does come to plan that trip.

clock This article was published more than 1 year ago

Southwest flight credits will no longer expire

The budget airline describes the move as a ‘first-of-its-kind policy’ among U.S. carriers

Southwest Airlines announced Thursday that flight credits would no longer expire, a move it called a “first-of-its-kind policy and value among major U.S. airlines.”

The low-cost carrier said all credits that are unexpired as of Thursday — and any created on or after that day — would not have expiration dates. Previously, flight credits expired a year after the booking was made, though the carrier said it repeatedly extended that deadline during the pandemic.

In a statement, Southwest chief executive Bob Jordan said the decision to do away with expiration dates altogether is in line with other passenger-friendly policies that the airline has pioneered.

“Flight credits don’t expire aligns with the boldness of a philosophy to give our customers definitive simplicity and ease in travel, just like Bags fly free, just like No change fees, just like Points don’t expire — they’re a first-in-our-industry combination of differentiators that only Southwest offers,” the statement says.

According to the announcement, Southwest customers will see a “placeholder” expiration date on flight credits for Dec. 31, 2040, until the company updates its technology to eliminate expiration dates. To be eligible for a flight credit, a reservation has to be canceled more than 10 minutes before the departure time.

Major airlines have given travelers extra time to use credits during the pandemic. Delta, for example, said earlier this year that flight credit holders would get an extra year of flexibility, with rebooking available through the end of 2023 and travel allowed through 2024.

United says on its website that travel credits expire a year after they’re issued in most cases. But credits that are expiring at the end of this year, or were issued on or before Dec. 31, had been extended so passengers can book or travel by the end of 2023.

American Airlines also says travel must start a year from the date a flight credit is issued. Loyalty program members with original tickets issued between Jan. 1, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2021, can use their credits to book by Sept. 30 for travel through the end of this year.

Tony Roach, Southwest’s vice president of customer experience and engagement, said in a statement that the carrier added flexibility to flight credits over the past couple of years.

“Introducing this change in our policy is part of a massive effort to improve the things that are most important to our customers,” he said.

More travel news

How we travel now: More people are taking booze-free trips — and airlines and hotels are taking note. Some couples are ditching the traditional honeymoon for a “buddymoon” with their pals. Interested? Here are the best tools for making a group trip work.

Bad behavior: Entitled tourists are running amok, defacing the Colosseum , getting rowdy in Bali and messing with wild animals in national parks. Some destinations are fighting back with public awareness campaigns — or just by telling out-of-control visitors to stay away .

Safety concerns: A door blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet, leaving passengers traumatized — but without serious injuries. The ordeal led to widespread flight cancellations after the jet was grounded, and some travelers have taken steps to avoid the plane in the future. The incident has also sparked a fresh discussion about whether it’s safe to fly with a baby on your lap .

What To Do When You Have Expired Southwest Travel Funds

When you cancel the flight, you don’t receive a refund. Instead, you’re provided a credit, which is called a Travel Fund by Southwest. These travel fund credits are different from a Southwest LUV voucher given to passengers for customer service reasons.

You receive travel fund credits if you paid money for your ticket. If you used Southwest Rapid Rewards points, those points are reinstated and any booking taxes refunded to your credit card.

There are several things you need to know about travel funds. Listen carefully, as these rules even tripped me up:

The credit is issued through the Confirmation number on the original reservation. It’s up to you to remember that you have the credit and while it may be listed in your account, there are reasons why it might not.
The credit can only be used for the same passenger as the original ticket. You can’t cancel your ticket and then use the credit for anyone else.
The credit will expire one year after the PURCHASE DATE of the original ticket. Not the date of the flight, but the day you bought the ticket.
You need to complete your flight by the expiration date of the credit.

In March 2017, we bought tickets to Chicago. We needed to change our flights and I ended up canceling one of the Southwest flights and changing to United because the United tickets were much cheaper. I knew that I’d get a credit for Southwest that we would use for future flights. (If it were today, I never would have done it .)

I’d already made most of our flight reservations for the rest of the year, and Southwest wouldn’t work very well for the few things not booked. We did have a trip the following year, but it was two days after the vouchers were due to expire. I wasn’t going to plan an additional trip just to use the vouchers. So my big plan to save money might have caused me to lose out on $400.

As it turned out, we didn’t lose all the money. I ended up needing to book a solo trip from New York to Seattle. While Southwest wasn’t the first carrier I thought about on the route, it allowed me to leave from the same airport as Sharon, and spend some time in the LaGuardia AMEX Centurion lounge to get some work done.

That flight used up most of my $190 credit but we had nothing to do with Sharon’s funds and they eventually EXPIRED . I Googled and found messages about how you may turn these credits into a voucher , but I couldn’t find a strict policy saying they had to do this.

What did we have to lose, except $190? I hate asking Sharon to make these calls ( Note from Sharon: I really detest talking on the phone ) but it was her ticket. I looked up a number for Southwest Corporate Sales Support. I’m not sure if this is the correct number but it did work to get the job done. If you want to see the numbers, the list is on Southwest’s Website HERE .

An agent quickly helped Sharon to investigate the problem. The credit was expired but they could issue us a LUV Voucher. $100 would be removed from the value of the expired travel fund and anyone could use this voucher within a six-month period from issue. Unlike the travel fund, It could be used by any traveler, not just the original ticketed passenger. They would issue the voucher to us by email at the address on file and we should receive it in three to four days.

OK, so don’t call for the expired credit and hope to book a flight that day with the voucher as that ain’t gonna happen. As it turned out, we had to call a second time ( Note from Sharon: “WE” had to call again? How about *I* had to call a second time? Joy of joys… ) and found out the first representative didn’t enter the request properly. After that call, I received an email a few days later with the voucher information on it.

Southwest put some exceptions for existing travel funds and funds created for flights during the peak of the COVID crisis in 2020.

Previously, Customers’ travel funds that have expired or would have expired between March 1 – June 30, 2020 , or travel funds that were created because of a cancellation between March 1 – June 30, 2020 , had an expiration date of June 30, 2021 . We are now expanding the window of funds eligible for extended expiration dates and extending the expiration date of these funds. Funds that are set to expire or funds that are created between March 1, 2020 and September 7, 2020 , will have an expiration date of September 7, 2022.

If you have funds covered by this policy, you have until next September to complete your travel. However, passengers who booked tickets after September 7, 2020, and received travel funds are set to see those funds expire. Remember you need to complete travel by the expiration date.

Final Thoughts

I guess the first thing I want to stress is to keep close track of when your Southwest credits expire. We were lucky to use one just under the wire and had to let the other one expire. If the travel fund amount is worth over $100, you can call and try to have Southwest transfer the value to a voucher. Even if it’s just a few dollars, it’s still your money. Just remember that money has to be spent in six months.

Want to comment on this post? Great! Read this first to help ensure it gets approved .

Like this post? Please share it! We have plenty more just like it and would love it if you decided to hang around and get emailed notifications of when we post. Or maybe you’d like to join our Facebook group – we have 23,000+ members and we talk and ask questions about travel (including Disney parks), creative ways to earn frequent flyer miles and hotel points, how to save money on or for your trips, get access to travel articles you may not see otherwise, etc. Whether you’ve read our posts before or this is the first time you’re stopping by, we’re really glad you’re here and hope you come back to visit again!

This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

10 comments.

Hi. If credits are about to expire (say September 1), and you want to travel after (say September 10), can you book travel for a date like August 20th before the expiration date, and then CHANGE the flight to your desired travel date?

I’ve never tried this but the expiration date of the credit is built into SW’s booking system. When you change a flight on Southwest, you’re cancelling the first reservation and then booking the new one, but at the same time. My guess is that the system wouldn’t let you do the change because the new flight date is past the expiration date of the credit. Depending on the value of the credit, you’re only option may be to take the $100 fee and transfer it into a voucher. That will give you another six months and more flexibility on who can use the money.

One additional comment: The LUV voucher will apparently be issued only for individual flight credits > $100, but not if you have multiple sub-$100 flight credits that sum to > $100. So in my case, I had 3 credits that were each $100 — the 3 sub-$100 credits were not redeemable at all, so I only was able to get a credit for the amount of the over-$100 credit (less $100 for the voucher issuance). Still better than nothing, though…

I think that’s the way it works. Amount of credit – $100 = voucher. So if the credit is less than $100, oh well. Makes it even more important to make sure you don’t forget to use vouchers before they expire.

Is it the $100 fee per travel fund? Or if you have multiple travel funds would it be only $100 total?

The $100 gets deducted from each travel fund when it gets converted into a voucher.

This policy is so customer unfriendly. I bet a very large percentage of these time limited credits get lost in the shuffle of booking and later changing multiple flights. Southwest could set up a place to hold these credits and their expiration dates transparently like Alaska air does with My Wallet. It would cost SW some money to do this as many customers just lose track and forfeit their credits. Paying with money instead of points gets messy when you change reservations. I love Southwest overall but this policy is a problem.

I find it hard to call Southwest’s policy customer unfriendly when it is the most generous refund policy of any airline. I guess it’s much easier to keep track on Delta, United or American where if you need to cancel your flight, you’re probably not going to get anything back because of the hundreds of dollars in fees they’ll charge.

last yr, decided to send an email to the Exec Off, where it kindly issued a 6-month voucher for my sub $100 credit as a 1-time courtesy

You can check your Travel Funds here https://www.southwest.com/flight/travel-funds-search.html

$75 Southwest Priority Credit Guide [2021]

Travel credits are an easy and efficient way to cut down the annual fee of a credit card. The Southwest Priority Card offers a special $75 travel credit that can help accomplish the task of offsetting your fee to basically nothing.

But there are some rules and limitations that you need to know about with this credit, and in this article I will tell you everything you need to know.

Table of Contents

What is the $75 Southwest Priority credit?

The $75 Southwest Priority credit is a special perk offered by the Southwest Priority Credit Card that you can use to cover the cost of Southwest tickets and fees but there are some exceptions.

Keep reading below to find out more!

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

Southwest Priority Credit Card

First, here’s the entire rundown of highlights for the Southwest Priority Credit Card.

2X Rapid Rewards on Southwest purchases
2X Rapid Rewards on hotel and car rental partner purchases.
1X Rapid Rewards on all other purchases
$75 Southwest annual travel credit
7,500 anniversary points each year
Four Upgraded Boardings per year when available.
20% back on in-flight drinks, WiFi, messaging, and movies
No foreign transaction fees
Earn tier qualifying points towards A-list Status
$149 annual fee applied to your first billing statement

The great thing about the $75 credit is that it is such an easy way to come out on top in value with his card.

The $149 annual fee can be offset a few different ways. Based on a Rapid Rewards valuation of 1.46 cents per point , the 7,500 anniversary points are worth ~$110.

When you add on the $75 travel credit, all of a sudden you’ve got $185 worth of value coming your way each year which is over $30 more than the annual fee!

And that is without factoring in other benefits like the upgraded boarding , savings on in-flight drinks, etc.

So for somebody who is truly interested in flying with Southwest Airlines, this card has an amazing long-term value proposition.

How to use the credit

The $75 travel credit will be automatically applied to your account after you use it. There is no need to register or to enroll.

The credit should appear on your statement as soon as you purchase posts according to the terms and conditions:

“Statement credit(s) will post to your account the same day your Southwest Airlines purchase posts to your account and will appear on your monthly credit card billing statement within 1-2 billing cycles.”

Be careful about cutting it close when it comes to using your credit at the end of the anniversary year.

That is because the credit will be issued for the year in which the transaction posts to your account.

So if you make a purchase on the last day of the anniversary year and that purchase does not post until a couple of days later, the purchase would be allocated towards the following year’s $75 credit.

Anniversary year

According to Chase, “Anniversary year means the year beginning with your account open date through the first statement date after your account open date anniversary, and the 12 monthly billing cycles after that each year.”

This means that if you opened up the card on June 1, 2021 and your 12th statement closed on June 20, 2022, your next credit should reset June 20, 2023.

If you have switched to the card then the account open date is going to be the date that the switch is official within the Chase system.

So let’s say you had the Southwest Plus card originally opened on June 1, 2019. But let’s say that you switched from the Southwest Plus card to the Priority Card on July 15, 2021.

That would mean that the renewal date for the credit is going to be July 15, 2022

If you are unclear on what your anniversary date is, my recommendation would be to call Chase.

Uses for the credits?

Below are different ways that you might think about using your credit. Some of these are permitted while others are not.

Upgraded boardings to Business Select are excluded in the terms and conditions. If you’re not familiar, Southwest does not have a true business class cabin. Instead, they have a type of “business” ticket that offers following perks:

Guaranteed A1-A15 boarding
Fly By lane access
Free premium drink
12 Rapid Rewards per dollar spent
Fully refundable fare

While you cannot use your credit for upgraded boarding, the card does come with four upgraded boardings per year.

In-flight purchases

In-flight purchases are purchases like alcoholic beverages and Wi-Fi.

Keep in mind that Southwest will give you free snacks and drinks on many flights so there would be no need to use your credit in some cases.

Related: How to get a free drink coupon on Southwest

When you use Rapid Rewards to book a Southwest flight, you will always be subject to fees. These fees can range from $5.60 all the way up to $100 or more if you are flying to certain international destinations .

There are multiple reports of people using their credit to cover these fees so it seems like a commonly accepted way to cash out on your credit.

Many people have had success using the credit on gift card purchases. Personally, I would recommend going with an e-gift card.

Using travel credits on gift cards is not always a guaranteed successful outcome so always be prepared for the possibility that your credit may not trigger after a gift card purchase.

Southwest EarlyBird

Southwest EarlyBird automatically checks you in 36 hours prior to your departure.

It is a great way to ensure that you will get a good seat, such as a window or aisle seat. However, it will not guarantee you a boarding position in the group a boarding.

According to multiple reports online, the credit can successfully be used for Southwest EarlyBird.

The $75 credit is issued on an anniversary year basis.

According to the terms and conditions, purchases made for upgraded boardings are excluded.

Yes, many people have reported success when using the credit to cover a Southwest EarlyBird purchase.

Yes, many people have had success using the credit for gift cards.

The Southwest Priority $75 travel credit is a great perk because it is easy to use and can be used on a wide variety of expenses that go even beyond airfare. Together with the other perks like the anniversary points and upgraded boarding passes, you can quickly offset the annual fee for this credit card.

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

Hi Daniel. Unless Chase screwed up, I believe the $75.00 annual travel credit is per calendar year based on my recent experience. The reason being is my annual membership renewed on Oct 1, 2022, and I received a $75 travel credit on Oct 20 for a flight booked on Oct 12. And today (Feb 16, 2023) I received a second $75 travel credit for a flight booked on Feb 9.

If have a Premier card and want to update to priority, can we keep the same account number?

Can the annual $75 credit be carried forward to the next year? Let’s say by booking a flight worth $100 and cancelling it to get a Southwest voucher?

Privacy Overview

southwest airlines

Southwest Airlines flight vouchers will no longer expire, company announces

Its insistence on not charging for baggage has long made it a passenger favorite, but Southwest Airlines have now worked out how to keep passengers loyal -- by announcing that vouchers with the airline will no longer have an expiration date.

The video featured is from a previous report.

As part of what Southwest calls a $2 billion attempt to improve customer service, Ryan Green, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, has announced that as of July 28, any vouchers created by Southwest will be valid until whenever the customer wants to use them. Green called it "ultimate flexibility that is unmatched in the industry" in a statement.

Any vouchers created before this date, but which have yet to expire, will also have their expiration date removed -- although passengers who couldn't take flights at the start of the pandemic, and had not rebooked, will not be helped by the announcement, CNN reported.

RELATED: What airlines owe customers if flights get canceled or delayed

Have a valid voucher? There's no need to do anything -- the new rules will apply automatically. You might initially see your voucher has been allocated an expiration date of December 31, 2040 -- but this is just a placeholder, says the airline. Once the technology can, it will obliterate all expiration dates.

Southwest is already generous with its allocation of credits. Travelers canceling a nonrefundable flight more than 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time are given a credit with the airline. There are also no change fees.

RELATED: From flight changes to cancelations, what rights to travelers have

"Introducing this change in our policy is part of a massive effort to improve the things that are most important to our customers."

Other initiatives in the Southwest passenger experience revamp include enhanced Wi-Fi, new in-seat power and larger overhead bins. There are also enhanced online capabilities, including frequent fliers being able to add family members, and an easier way to check your travel funds.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest starts issuing vouchers for delayed, canceled flights

Southwest reducing flights out of O'Hare this summer

More than 100 Chicago veterans board Honor Flight to D.C.

Houston-bound flight lands back in Denver after engine cover flies off

2nd chance to see Northern Lights in Chicago area tonight

43 minutes ago

TX murder suspect runs victim over before kissing, stabbing him: VIDEO

3 hours ago

LIVE: Buckingham Fountain switched on, unofficially kicking off summer

Judge temporarily halts Biden plan to lower credit card late fees

Man shot to death after argument on South Side: police

Thousands participate in clean-up for 32rd Chicago River Day

Cicero man missing since April

2 hours ago

Video captures gunshot that killed Chicago dad of 2 in broad daylight

How To Check For Travel Credits With Southwest Airlines

Last updated May 11, 2024
Difficulty Beginner

Category Travel

how do I check for travel credits southwest

Are you a frequent flyer with Southwest Airlines? If so, you might have accumulated some travel credits during your travels. Whether it's from canceled flights, unused funds, or a rebooking, Southwest Airlines makes it easy for you to keep track of your travel credits. In this guide, we will show you how to check for travel credits with Southwest Airlines, ensuring that you never miss out on using them for your future adventures. So, buckle up and get ready to discover the world of travel credits with Southwest Airlines!

What You'll Learn

Introduction to southwest travel credits, ways to check for travel credits on southwest airlines, understanding the southwest rapid rewards program, tips for maximizing and redeeming southwest travel credits.

If you're a frequent traveler with Southwest Airlines, you may be familiar with their travel credits system. Southwest offers travel credits as compensation for canceled or changed flights, and they can be a valuable asset for future travel. However, it's important to know how to check for travel credits on Southwest Airlines so you can take advantage of them. In this article, we'll provide a step-by-step guide on how to check for travel credits with Southwest Airlines.

Step 1: Visit the Southwest Airlines website

To begin, open your preferred web browser and navigate to the Southwest Airlines website at www.southwest.com. Make sure you are on the official Southwest Airlines website to ensure the security of your information.

Step 2: Sign in to your Southwest Airlines account

Once you are on the Southwest Airlines website, locate the "Log In" button on the top right corner of the page. Click on it and enter your Southwest Airlines account credentials, including your username and password. If you don't have an account, you will need to create one before you can check for travel credits.

Step 3: Access your account information

After logging in, you will be redirected to your Southwest Airlines account dashboard. From here, navigate to the "My Account" section. This section typically contains all your account details, booking history, and any travel credits you may have.

Step 4: Go to the "Travel Funds" page

Within the "My Account" section, you should find a tab labeled "Travel Funds." Click on this tab to access the page where your travel credits are stored.

Step 5: Check your travel credits

On the "Travel Funds" page, you will find a summary of your travel credits. This will include any unused travel credits you have, as well as the expiration dates for each credit. Make sure to take note of the expiration dates to ensure you use your credits before they expire.

Step 6: View more details (optional)

If you want more detailed information about a specific travel credit, you can click on its corresponding link or button. This will display additional information, such as the flight it is associated with and any restrictions or conditions that apply.

Step 7: Use your travel credits

After checking your travel credits, you can start planning your next trip with Southwest Airlines. When booking a flight, you will have the option to apply your travel credits during the payment process. Simply select the travel credit you want to use, and the value will be deducted from your total.

It's important to note that travel credits with Southwest Airlines are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. They must be used by the expiration date specified on each credit. Additionally, travel credits are typically associated with the passenger who was originally booked on the flight, so they may not be transferable to another person.

By following these steps, you'll be able to easily check for travel credits on Southwest Airlines and make the most of your compensation. Always check your travel credits periodically, as Southwest Airlines may issue new credits for any changes or cancellations to your flights.

Exploring the Possibility: Traveling to Puerto Rico on an H1B Visa

You may want to see also

Southwest Airlines is known for its customer-friendly policies, and one of the perks it offers is the option to receive travel credits. These credits can be used towards future flights or other purchases with the airline. If you're wondering how to check for travel credits on Southwest Airlines, you've come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss various methods you can use to check for travel credits and ensure you don't miss out on any valuable rewards.

Visit the Southwest Airlines website:

The easiest and most convenient way to check for travel credits on Southwest Airlines is by visiting their official website. Start by going to www.southwest.com and look for the "My Account" or "Rewards" section. Sign in to your account using your username and password, and navigate to the rewards or credits section. Here, you should be able to view any available travel credits associated with your account.

Contact Southwest Airlines customer service:

If you're unable to find your travel credits on the website or have any specific questions regarding your credits, it's a good idea to contact Southwest Airlines customer service. They can provide you with the most up-to-date information about your account and assist you in checking for any available travel credits. You can reach the customer service team by phone or through the contact options provided on their website.

Check your email:

Southwest Airlines often sends email notifications to customers when they have travel credits available. These emails usually contain information about the amount of credit and instructions on how to redeem it. Check your email inbox, including your spam or promotions folder, for any communications from Southwest Airlines regarding travel credits. If you find any relevant emails, follow the instructions provided to access and use your credits.

Use the Southwest Airlines mobile app:

If you prefer to check for travel credits on your mobile device, you can download and use the official Southwest Airlines mobile app. Log in to your account using the app and navigate to the rewards or credits section. Here, you should be able to see any available travel credits associated with your account, similar to the website interface.

Check your physical Southwest Airlines gift cards:

If you have received physical Southwest Airlines gift cards as part of a promotion or purchased them yourself, they might have travel credits associated with them. Look on the back of the gift cards for any instructions or information about checking for travel credits. You may need to scratch off a protective covering or enter a specific code on the Southwest Airlines website or mobile app to access and use the credits.

Remember to check for travel credits periodically, as they may expire after a certain period. Additionally, keep track of any promotional offers or rewards programs that may provide you with travel credits. By staying proactive and utilizing the various methods mentioned above, you can ensure that you never miss out on any valuable travel credits on Southwest Airlines.

Is it Safe to Travel to London Now? A Comprehensive Guide for Travelers

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Program is one of the most popular frequent flyer loyalty programs in the United States. Designed to reward Southwest Airlines' loyal customers, this program offers various benefits, including travel credits, free flights, and the ability to earn points for future travel. In this article, we will delve into the essential details of the Southwest Rapid Rewards program and explain how you can make the most of your membership.

Enrollment and Membership Tiers:

To participate in the Southwest Rapid Rewards Program, you'll need to create a Rapid Rewards account. Visit the Southwest Airlines website and click on "Sign Up" to begin the enrollment process. Upon signing up, you will automatically become a Rapid Rewards member and gain access to the benefits associated with this program. Southwest Airlines offers three tiers of membership: A-List, A-List Preferred, and Companion Pass. Each tier comes with its own set of perks, including priority boarding, bonus points, and upgraded seating options.

Earning Points:

One of the primary benefits of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Program is the ability to earn points for every qualifying flight you take with the airline. The number of points you earn is based on the ticket price, with higher fares earning more points. Additionally, you can also earn points by making purchases with Southwest's partners, such as hotels, rental cars, and credit card companies. Be sure to check the Rapid Rewards website for the latest information on how to earn points and take advantage of any promotions or bonus offers.

Redeeming Points:

Once you've accumulated enough points, you can start redeeming them for flights, hotel stays, rental cars, and various other rewards. The number of points required for redemption depends on the destination, class of service, and availability. Southwest Airlines offers an Easy Rewards system, which means there are no blackout dates or seat restrictions when redeeming your points. Simply log into your Rapid Rewards account, browse the available options, and follow the prompts to secure your desired redemption.

Companion Pass:

The Companion Pass is a game-changer for Southwest Rapid Rewards members. This benefit allows you to choose one person to fly with you for free (excluding taxes and fees) on all your Southwest Airlines flights for the duration of the Companion Pass's validity. To earn the Companion Pass, you must accumulate 125,000 qualifying points or complete 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year. Once achieved, you'll enjoy the benefits of the Companion Pass for the rest of the calendar year in which you earned it, as well as the entire following year.

Travel Credits:

Southwest Airlines also offers travel credits that can be applied towards future flights. These travel funds can be obtained by canceling or modifying an existing reservation. When using travel credits, it's important to note that they are valid for one year from the original date of purchase. To check your travel credits, login to your Rapid Rewards account, navigate to the "Travel" section, and select "Manage Reservations." From there, you can view your existing travel funds and proceed with booking flights using these credits.

Understanding the ins and outs of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Program can help you maximize the benefits of your membership. By enrolling, earning points, redeeming rewards, and taking advantage of features like the Companion Pass and travel credits, you can make the most of your travel experiences with Southwest Airlines. Explore the Rapid Rewards website regularly to stay updated on the latest promotions and offers, ensuring you never miss an opportunity to earn more points and enjoy the perks of the program.

Understanding the Transmission of Kinetic Energy Through Solid Objects

If you have travel credits with Southwest Airlines, it's important to know how to check and maximize them. Whether you received credits due to a canceled flight, a travel voucher, or a gift card, here are some tips for maximizing and redeeming your Southwest travel credits:

Check the balance: The first step is to check the balance of your travel credits. To do this, visit the Southwest Airlines website and log in to your account. Once you're logged in, go to the "travel funds" section, where you can view the balance and expiration date of your travel credits.
Understand the expiration date: Southwest travel credits typically have an expiration date, so it's important to be aware of when they will expire. The expiration date can vary depending on the type of credit you have received, so make sure to take note of this information.
Use it wisely: When redeeming your Southwest travel credits, it's essential to use them wisely. Southwest Airlines allows you to use travel funds for any flight, including both the base fare and taxes/fees. It's a good idea to search for flights ahead of time and compare prices to get the most value out of your credits. Remember that you can also use travel credits for Southwest Vacations packages and other add-ons like EarlyBird Check-In.
Combine credits: If you have multiple travel credits, you can combine them to maximize their value. Keep in mind that once you merge them, the new expiration date will be based on the oldest credit. To combine your credits, contact Southwest customer service and provide them with the necessary information.
Redeem for others: Southwest travel credits are not limited to the person they were issued to. You can use your credits to book flights for friends or family members, which can be a great way to make the most of your travel credits if you're unable to use them personally.
Keep track of your credits: To avoid letting your travel credits go to waste, it's crucial to keep track of them. Make a note of the expiration dates and set reminders to use them before they expire. Additionally, it's a good idea to periodically check your Southwest Airlines account to ensure you are aware of any new travel credits that have been issued.
Be aware of refund options: In some cases, you may be eligible for a refund instead of travel credits. If you prefer a refund, contact Southwest customer service to inquire about your options. Keep in mind that refund policies may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your flight or reservation.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your Southwest travel credits and ensure that you don't let them go unused. Remember to check your balance, understand the expiration dates, and use them wisely when booking flights or other travel arrangements. Happy travels!

The Mystery of Travel Size Cologne: Unveiling Its True Proportions

Frequently asked questions.

Sofia Jennings Author Editor Traveller

Merve Nussman Author Reviewer Traveller

It is awesome. Thank you for your feedback!

We are sorry. Plesae let us know what went wrong?

We will update our content. Thank you for your feedback!

Travel photos, related posts.

Maximizing Your Travel Opportunities on a B2 Visa: How Often Can You Visit the US?

Apr 28, 2024

The Appropriate Number of Players College Football Teams Travel With

May 10, 2024

Protecting Your Data While Traveling to China: Tips and Advice

May 09, 2024

Can U Visa Holders Travel Abroad? Important Information You Should Know

Mar 25, 2024

Traveling on an Expired STEM OPT Visa: What You Need to Know

Mar 18, 2024

Can I Still Travel with an Expired F-1 Visa?

Mar 23, 2024

Rapid Rewards

Earning on every flight? That's the point!

Join Rapid Rewards ® to earn points you can use for any seat, any time. There are no blackout dates and points don't expire.

Benefits of Rapid Rewards

As a Rapid Rewards Member, you earn points by flying or spending with our partners. Use them how and when you want. Plus, if you’re short on points, you can always purchase more to get that reward you’ve been eyeing.

Redeem for flights and more.

Rapid Rewards Members can redeem their points for flights through Southwest ® , and for gift cards, merchandise, hotel stays, rental cars, and exclusive Cardmember experiences through the Southwest More Rewards program . The sky really is the limit! With Cash + Points, Rapid Rewards Members can combine Points and other eligible forms of payment to purchase flights. Cash + Points bookings will not earn Rapid Rewards points, tier qualifying points for A-List or A-List Preferred status or Companion Pass qualifying points. For more information click here .

Unlimited reward seats

Say yes to reward seats on days ending in “y”. That's Trans fare ncy. ®

No blackout dates

No blackout dates means your choices and possibilities for travel are wide open.

Your points don't expire

Earning points for travel and shopping is easy..

Rapid Rewards makes it easy to earn points you can use for reward flights to go anywhere that we fly. Not only will you earn points on flights, you can also earn points on everyday purchases with a Rapid Rewards Credit Card 1 and with our partners.

Earn Rapid Rewards points on everyday purchases with our partners.

Every point you earn also points you toward companion pass®..

Shop with the Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card 1 and bounce.

Wanna book a trip with points, but you’re running short?

Buy them now and get there faster.

Turn purchases into points.

Earn points when shopping at over 1,100+ online stores with Rapid Rewards Shopping®.

Check out Rapid Rewards promotions.

Enjoy our latest flight deals and partner promotions.

Recent Awards & Recognition

Freddie Awards

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards voted Best Customer Service and Best Loyalty Credit Card 1 at the 2023 Freddie Awards.

Don’t have a Rapid Rewards account yet?

Important information

1 Southwest Rapid Rewards™ Credit Cards are issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply and can be found at Southwest.com/rrterms .

Ultimate guide to canceling a flight and getting a refund with major US airlines

MSN has partnered with The Points Guy for our coverage of credit card products. MSN and The Points Guy may receive a commission from card issuers.

Editor’s note: This post was updated with new information.

Most airlines now have favorable policies if you need to cancel your flight, especially if you booked using points or miles. If you book the right fare with an airline that has friendly cancellation policies, you may not be out hundreds of dollars — or be on the hook for astronomical fees — should your travel plans change.

However, with many different airlines and varying policies, it can be overwhelming to figure out each carrier’s rules. To make it easier, we put together this guide about the cancellation and refund policies for the major U.S. airlines.

Can I cancel a flight and get a refund?

These days, all airlines allow you to cancel a flight, and most make it extremely easy to do so. You can usually cancel a flight online, and many carriers let you get a refund in some capacity.

For the most part, if you book a nonrefundable fare — the most common fare type — you’ll receive a credit or voucher for a future flight. However, you’ll find that some airlines charge a fee to cancel, and they might base the fee on how far in advance you cancel.

For example, Southwest Airlines has one of the most generous cancellation policies, regardless of the fare type. As long as you cancel at least 10 minutes before your flight’s scheduled departure time, there is no fee to cancel your reservation, whether it is a paid fare or one booked on points. While you’ll end up with a travel credit for the amount paid if you cancel a paid fare, Southwest won’t deduct any fees from that voucher. Also, if you booked using Southwest points, the airline will immediately return them to your account with no fees.

Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and JetBlue Airways also have favorable cancellation policies — as long as you didn’t book their least expensive basic-economy fare .

On the other hand, Frontier Airlines will charge you a $75 fee when canceling a reservation booked on miles. However, as long as you cancel at least 60 days before your flight, there’s no fee for canceling paid reservations.

Perhaps the least favorable airline is Allegiant , which requires you to cancel seven or more days in advance and charges a cancellation fee per segment (not round-trip).

So, when you wonder if you can cancel a flight and get a refund, the answer depends on many factors, including the airline, the fare type and how far in advance you cancel.

How to cancel a flight with major airlines

Many airlines allow you to cancel a flight without hefty fees. Since every airline operates slightly differently, we’ve compiled the policies for each major airline and the associated fees so you can figure out how to cancel a flight. This information is for a regular passenger (not one with status) on a standard reservation.

If you booked under special circumstances, we’ve linked to our full guide for each respective airline which goes into more detail about each one’s policy. These guides also include the policies for changing a flight instead of fully canceling.

Alaska Airlines’ cancellation policy

Canceling a paid alaska airlines reservation.

Alaska allows you to cancel reservations — including its cheapest Saver fares — within 24 hours of booking. While Alaska’s other fare types are eligible for refunds within 24 hours of booking, Saver fares are not refundable.

The 24-hour cancellation policy only applies to flights that depart more than 24 hours from the time of purchase. If you change flights, you may have to pay the difference if your new itinerary has higher fares.

When you cancel a Saver fare, you’ll instead receive a credit deposit or credit certificate, and Alaska may also charge change fees at the time the credit is deposited.

Canceling an Alaska reservation booked with miles

Passengers can cancel an award reservation by calling Alaska’s reservation center. The airline will deposit the miles back into your account once you cancel your award flight, and you’ll receive a refund for any taxes paid.

Allegiant Airlines’ cancellation policy

Canceling a paid allegiant reservation.

Allegiant has one of the more strict policies when canceling a flight: You must cancel seven days before departure and will still have to pay a fee. Typically, the fee is $75 per segment (not for the entire reservation), but for now, Allegiant has reduced the fee to $25 per segment. When canceling, you’ll receive a voucher for the amount paid (minus the total cancellation fee), valid for up to one year from the original booking date.

When canceling a flight within seven days, the airline won’t issue a credit, and you’ll lose the entire ticket value.

Canceling an Allegiant reservation booked with miles

Allegiant offers a unique policy regarding canceling an award booked with miles. You’ll be charged the same fee per segment, and the flight must be canceled at least seven days in advance. The points redeemed will not be redeposited back into your account; you’ll instead receive a voucher for the value of the ticket.

Related: How to change or cancel an Allegiant Air flight

American Airlines’ cancellation policy

Canceling a paid american reservation.

You can cancel all American reservations, except American’s basic-economy fares, without a fee. However, some flights that originate outside North and South America have slightly different policies.

Basic economy is only eligible for a refund if canceled within 24 hours of booking. Otherwise, basic economy fares do not allow any cancellations — even for a fee — so you’ll lose the entire ticket value if you can’t make the flight.

When canceling a reservation (besides basic-economy fares), you’ll receive a travel credit that expires one year from the date of issue of the original ticket.

Canceling an American reservation booked with miles

American allows you to cancel award flights for free. There are no redeposit fees, and your miles will immediately go back into your account. Since you can’t book a basic-economy fare with miles, there’s no need to worry about this more restrictive fare type.

Related: How to change or cancel an American Airlines flight

Delta Air Lines’ cancellation policy

Canceling a paid delta reservation.

Most Delta fare types for flights originating in North America (except Delta basic-economy tickets) will allow you to cancel your flight without a fee.

When canceling a basic-economy fare for travel within the U.S. or to Mexico, the Caribbean or Central America, the fee is $99. For all other routes, the cancellation fee is twice the amount, at $199. Additionally, Delta will charge up to $500 in fees for flights that originate outside of North America.

Canceling a nonrefundable fare will result in an eCredit for the full amount paid (minus any cancellation fees, depending on fare type and route). However, if you cancel a refundable ticket, you’ll get the amount paid refunded back to your original form of payment. ECredits typically expire a year after receiving them, but as of right now, Delta has extended the expiration date of all eCredits to at least Dec. 31, 2023.

Canceling a Delta reservation booked with miles

Similar to a paid reservation, as long as you book a fare type other than basic economy, you can cancel your flight, and Delta will re-deposit the miles back into your account with no fee. Additionally, Delta will refund any taxes and fees to the original form of payment.

For reservations booked as basic economy, you can still cancel your flight. However, Delta will deduct between 9,900 and 19,900 miles from the amount it redeposits into your account when you cancel.

Related: How to change or cancel a Delta Air Lines flight

Frontier Airlines’ cancellation policy

Canceling a paid frontier reservation.

There’s no fee if you cancel a Frontier reservation 60 days or more before your flight. However, within the 60-day window, you’ll be charged a fee.

It costs $49 for flights canceled between 59 and seven days before departure and $79 for flights canceled six days or less before departure. You’ll receive a credit for the price paid minus the cancellation fee, and you’ll need to use this credit within 90 days of receiving it.

Canceling a Frontier reservation booked with miles

Unlike many other airlines, Frontier charges a cancellation fee even if you booked with miles. Regardless of how far in advance you cancel, you’ll need to pay a $75 redeposit fee if you cancel.

Related: How to change or cancel a Frontier Airlines flight

Hawaiian Airlines’ cancellation policy

Canceling a paid hawaiian reservation.

You can cancel main cabin, first-class and business-class fares on Hawaiian without a fee — but there’s a catch. While you’ll receive a flight credit for the amount paid, you’ll lose any remaining value associated with your credit when you book a new flight if the new flight is less expensive than the previous flight.

Canceling a Hawaiian reservation booked with miles

For tickets purchased with HawaiianMiles, there’s no fee to cancel and redeposit your miles.

Related: How to change or cancel a Hawaiian Airlines flight

JetBlue Airways’ cancellation policy

Canceling a paid jetblue reservation.

For all fare types, except for Blue Basic fares, there’s no fee to cancel your reservation before departure.

For all nonrefundable fares, you’ll receive the entire amount paid back as a JetBlue Travel Bank credit, which expires 12 months after receiving the credit. These credits are nontransferable, but you can use a credit to book for another passenger from within your JetBlue account.

For Blue Basic fares, the cancellation fee is either $100 or $200, depending on the route. For routes in the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Central America, the fee is $100 per person. For all other routes, the fee is $200 per person. You’ll still receive a travel credit (minus the fee) for these reservations.

Canceling a JetBlue reservation booked with miles

You can cancel any JetBlue flight booked with points without a fee. When canceling, the points redeemed will go back into your account. However, the taxes and fees paid will go into your JetBlue Travel Bank credit — not back to your original form of payment (which is the policy for most other airlines).

Related: How to change or cancel a JetBlue flight

Southwest Airlines’ cancellation policy

Canceling a paid southwest reservation.

Southwest is one of the best airlines if you need to cancel your flight. You can cancel a Southwest flight for free if you do so at least 10 minutes before departure.

For Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares — the two least expensive fare types — you’ll receive a credit for the amount paid. For Wanna Get Away fares, the credit isn’t transferable, and only the original passenger can use the credit. If you booked a Wanna Get Away Plus fare, any individual can use the credit.

Anytime and Business Select fares, however, are fully refundable. If you need to cancel one of these fares, you’ll receive a full refund for the amount paid back to your original form of payment.

Canceling a Southwest reservation booked with miles

Similar to a paid reservation, when you cancel a flight booked with miles at least 10 minutes before departure, Southwest will return the points to the account used to book the award without charging any fees. The taxes and fees paid for the award will return to the original payment form.

Related: How to change or cancel a Southwest Airlines flight

Spirit Airlines’ cancellation policy

Canceling a paid spirit reservation.

Spirit allows you to cancel a flight but charges a fee based on when you cancel the flight. If you cancel, you’ll receive a credit for the amount paid minus the fee. However, the credit isn’t transferable and expires 60 days from when you receive it.

Here’s what you can expect to pay in fees when you cancel a paid Spirit reservation:

Canceling a Spirit reservation booked with miles

When canceling a Spirit flight you reserved with miles, the same cancellation policy applies as if it were a paid reservation. Spirit will charge you a $49-$99 fee to redeposit your miles if you cancel within 59 days of your flight. It won’t charge a fee if you cancel 60 days or more before your flight.

Related: How to change or cancel a Spirit Airlines flight

United Airlines’ cancellation policy

Canceling a paid united reservation.

For almost all United flights, except those booked in basic economy, you can cancel for free if you are traveling within the U.S. (including Alaska and Hawaii), Canada, Mexico or on an international flight that originates in the U.S. For United basic-economy tickets, if your plans change, you’ll ultimately lose the value of the ticket entirely.

Unless you book a refundable fare (or a basic economy fare), you’ll receive a travel certificate for the value of the price paid when you cancel. These certificates expire one year from the original ticketing date.

Canceling a United reservation booked with miles

United no longer charges fees for canceling award flights; your miles will be re-deposited after you cancel your flights. However, United charges a $125 fee, regardless of status, for re-depositing miles if you’re a no-show to your award flight.

Related: How to change or cancel a United Airlines flight

Can you cancel plane tickets?

Many people book flights a year in advance and hope their vacation plans stay intact. However, plans can change. Fortunately, many airlines now offer more friendly cancellation policies, so you don’t have to wonder whether you can cancel a plane ticket.

Whether you book with miles or as a paid reservation, you can always cancel a plane ticket, but the refund policy varies from one airline to the next. You must be comfortable with how you’ll receive your money or miles back. For the most part, you’ll receive the money back as a credit and the miles back into your account. For lower-cost airlines, though, there’s typically an associated fee.

Related: Complete guide to changing and canceling award tickets

Can you refund plane tickets?

Whether you can refund plane tickets depends on the fare type purchased and what you are looking for in terms of a refund. No airline offers full refunds back to the form of payment for every ticket purchased. Instead, you must purchase a more flexible fare type or a refundable ticket if you want this privilege.

While not all airlines offer refundable fare options, some airlines allow you to purchase an add-on to your ticket. This add-on may make your reservation fully refundable if you need to cancel.

For example, Frontier offers “The Works” package , where one of the benefits is that your fare is fully refundable.

Some airlines do not allow refunds on their most basic fare types. For instance, if you purchase a basic-economy fare on Delta , you can’t get a refund on a plane ticket. If your plans change and you must cancel, you’ll lose your entire ticket value.

Related: Why you should wait to change or cancel your flight if you want your money back

Bottom line

Before purchasing your next plane ticket, it’s smart to be well-versed in the airline’s policy. You always hope that your intended travel plans go off without a hitch. However, life happens, and there are times when you might need to cancel a flight.

If you’re not confident of your plans when booking your flight, booking with a more favorable airline or purchasing a fare class with more flexibility may be your best bet.

Additional reporting by Meghna Maharishi.

SPONSORED: With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free.

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Ultimate guide to canceling a flight and getting a refund with major US airlines

Southwest Airlines Community

Discussion Forum
Reservations
Expiring Credit
Subscribe to RSS Feed
Mark Post as New
Mark Post as Read
Float this Post for Current User
Printer Friendly Page

‎04-05-2021 05:17 PM

Mark as New
Get Direct Link
Report Inappropriate Content

Solved! Go to Solution.

Back to Board
Previous Post

‎04-05-2021 06:14 PM

A true apology should NOT have a expiration!

Re: requesting credit instead of flight credit, travel credits turned into luv vouchers that expired, luv voucher expiring options, re: will a-list status get extended into 2023, quick links, community champions.

Customer Service | FAQ

Save big on travel each week. Sign up

Connect with us

Discussion Forum and Stories

About Southwest

Investor Relations
Southwest Citizenship
Southwest ® The Magazine
Advertise with Southwest
Supplier Information

Flying Southwest

Why Fly Southwest?
International Travel
Airport Information
Popular Routes
Tarmac Delay Plan
Contract of Carriage
Flight Schedules

Southwest Products

EarlyBird Check-in ®
Business Select ®
Southwest ® gift card
Southwest Vacations
WiFi & Inflight Entertainment
Corporate Travel & Groups
Charter Services
Southwest ® The Store

Customer Service

Customer Commitments
Baggage Policies
Special Assistance
Customers of Size
Traveling with Infants
Traveling with Pets
Purchasing & Refunds
Lost and Found

Indicates external site which may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.

All prices displayed on this web page are in dollars of the United States of America.

Southwest Airlines Business Travel logo and link Southwest Corporate Travel
Southwest Airlines Cargo logo logo and link Southwest Cargo

IMAGES

Southwest Travel Funds (Expiration, How to use, Etc.) [2021]
Travel Funds expiration
Travel Funds expiration
Southwest Airlines eliminates expiration dates on flight credits
How to Find Out When Southwest Airlines Travel Funds Expires Before
How to Find Out When Southwest Airlines Travel Funds Expires Before

VIDEO

southwest airlines las vegas taxi to takeoff
Southwest Airlines 737 takeoff from Burbank

COMMENTS

Flight Credits
A flight credit is a credit from either a canceled flight or a downgrade in fare that can be used to buy a future flight. Flight credits don't expire. Business Select®, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away Plus® fares are eligible for a Transferable Flight Credit™. Transferable Flight Credit allows you to transfer your flight credit to someone else.
Check Travel Funds
When booking a flight, you'll see an option to apply travel funds on the payment screen. You can use a total of three forms of payment per booking, and each travel fund counts as a form of payment. Southwest makes it easy to check available travel funds from unused or canceled flight reservations. View funds and use them toward your next getaway.
Introducing Flight Credits that Don't Expire
Flight credits for non-refundable fares will be issued as long as the reservation is cancelled more than 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. Flight credits unexpired on, or created on or after July 28, 2022, do not expire and will show an expiration date (12/31/2040) until systems are updated. A flight credit with an expiration date on ...
Southwest Airlines Eliminates Expiration Dates on Flight Credits
Flight credits unexpired on, or created on or after July 28, 2022 do not expire and will show an expiration date (12/31/2040) until systems are updated. A flight credit with an expiration date on or before July 27, 2022, has expired in accordance with its existing expiration date. See My Account for flight credit expiration dates, if any.
Southwest Airlines flight credits will no longer expire
As a first step, the airline will change the expiration date on some flight credits to a placeholder date of Dec. 31, 2040, pending IT work to allow the airline to issue credits without expiration dates. That work is expected to be completed later this year, the airline said. Q&A: Outgoing Southwest CEO Gary Kelly chats about his legacy, new ...
How to Use Travel Funds on Southwest Airlines
4 steps to book a flight with Southwest travel funds. Your travel funds can be used to book flights online, over the phone or at a Southwest Airlines ticket counter. For this illustration, we'll ...
Southwest Airlines Flight Credits Will Now Have No Expiration Date
Alex Wong / Getty Images. Southwest Airlines announced that beginning July 28, 2022, the airline's flight credits will never expire. During the pandemic, major airlines have extended expiration periods for flight credits. Southwest is the first airline to announce a total policy change that removes flight credit expiration dates permanently.
Transferable Flight Credits
Flight credits unexpired on or created on or after July 28, 2022 do not expire and will show an expiration date until our systems are updated. A flight credit with an expiration date on or before July 27, 2022, is expired in accordance with its existing expiration date. See My Account for flight credit expiration dates, if any.
Credit for a Canceled Flight
Changes and Cancellations. If you decide not to travel as a result of a Southwest-initiated cancellation, you can choose to either a) receive a method-of-payment refund or b) hold the value of the ticket as a flight credit that you can use to buy a future flight. If you decide not to travel and cancel your reservation:
Southwest Airlines Eliminates Expiration Dates on Flight Credits
DALLAS, July 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today announced a first-of-its-kind policy and value among major U.S. airlines, eliminating expiration dates on all ...
Southwest Airlines Eliminates Expiration Dates On Flight Credits
DALLAS - Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today announced a first-of-its-kind policy and value among major U.S. airlines, eliminating expiration dates on all Southwest® flight credits unexpired on, or created on or after July 28, 2022*. This additional flexibility applies to all currently valid, existing flight credits, with no action required by Customers with flight credit in the bank ...
Southwest Airlines Eliminates Expiration Dates on Flight Credits
Southwest Airlines has officially eliminated expiration dates on flight credits, marking an industry first. On Thursday, the airline announced the policy change, noting the change is part of its ...
Southwest Airlines eliminates credit expiration dates
What changes under the new credit policy? Starting July 28, all existing credits will be extended. "Customers will begin seeing a placeholder expiration date of December 31, 2040, on valid flight ...
Starting Today Southwest Flight Credits Don't Expire ...
It's an airline industry first — airline funds that never expire! No More Expiration Dates. Southwest Airlines will be the first major U.S. airline to offer travel credits with no expiration date. This new policy applies to credits that originally expired on July 28, 2022, or later — or any credit accrued after that date.
These airline credits will now last forever
Southwest Airlines has removed the expiration date on its credits. ... You might initially see your credit has been allocated an expiration date of December 31, 2040 - but this is just a ...
What to do if your airline credits are expiring soon
Hawaiian Airlines. Credits on Hawaiian Airlines are also valid one year from the date they're issued. Reservations must be booked within one year of the date the credit was issued, as well. A spokesperson said, at this time, the airline will suspend mileage expirations through Dec. 31.
Rebooking Flight Paid with Expiring Credit
Re: Rebooking Flight Paid with Expiring Credit. 06-21-2021 10:24 PM. First, you're allowed 3 forms of payment but you can only use 2 of your travel funds (or a combination of points and travel funds as your 2). The 3rd payment (if needed) will need to some other form of payment such as a credit card.
Wow: Southwest Flight Credits No Longer Expire
Bottom line. Southwest Airlines has eliminated the expiration date on flight credits. That means if you cancel a Southwest flight, you can use the full value of that ticket toward any ticket in the future, even a few decades down the line (assuming the airline exists in its current form). This is an incredibly customer-friendly move.
Southwest Airlines flight credits will no longer expire
2 min. Southwest Airlines announced Thursday that flight credits would no longer expire, a move it called a "first-of-its-kind policy and value among major U.S. airlines.". The low-cost ...
What To Do When You Have Expired Southwest Travel Funds
Funds that are set to expire or funds that are created between March 1, 2020 and September 7, 2020, will have an expiration date of September 7, 2022. If you have funds covered by this policy, you have until next September to complete your travel. However, passengers who booked tickets after September 7, 2020, and received travel funds are set ...
Southwest Airlines Eliminates Flight Credit Expiration Dates for All
Flight credits no longer expire. On July 28, 2022, the airline announced that Southwest flight credits will no longer expire. This applies to all ticket types, existing non-expired flight credits ...
Southwest Airlines Community
Step 3: Cancel the reservation, and hold the funds for future use. And just like that, the travel funds resulting from the cancellation in step 3, will have a new expiration date of the original expiration + 60 days. You can probably repeat this process to bring all of your funds at least out to early August expiration.
Southwest Airlines eliminates flight credit expiration dates
Beginning Thursday, Southwest customers will see a placeholder expiration date of Dec. 31, 2040 on currently valid, existing flight credits and newly issued credits ahead of the airlines ...
$75 Southwest Priority Credit Guide [2021]
Based on a Rapid Rewards valuation of 1.46 cents per point, the 7,500 anniversary points are worth ~$110. When you add on the $75 travel credit, all of a sudden you've got $185 worth of value coming your way each year which is over $30 more than the annual fee! And that is without factoring in other benefits like the upgraded boarding ...
Southwest Airlines flights vouchers will no longer have an expiration
Southwest Airlines announces new policy for flight credits never to expire. ... expiration dates. Southwest is already generous with its allocation of credits. Travelers canceling a nonrefundable ...
How To Check For Travel Credits With Southwest Airlines
Learn how to check for travel credits with Southwest Airlines and make the most of your refunds and future bookings. 525 Main St, Worcester, MA 01608. Mon - Sat: 9:00am-18:00pm. Sunday CLOSED. 508-653-3352. ... They must be used by the expiration date specified on each credit. Additionally, travel credits are typically associated with the ...
Rapid Rewards
Redeem for flights and more. Rapid Rewards Members can redeem their points for flights through Southwest ®, and for gift cards, merchandise, hotel stays, rental cars, and exclusive Cardmember experiences through the Southwest More Rewards program.The sky really is the limit! With Cash + Points, Rapid Rewards Members can combine Points and other eligible forms of payment to purchase flights ...
Ultimate guide to canceling a flight and getting a refund with ...
The 24-hour cancellation policy only applies to flights that depart more than 24 hours from the time of purchase. If you change flights, you may have to pay the difference if your new itinerary ...
Here's How You Can Take Advantage of Southwest Airlines' Newest Perk
If you like to travel, consider using an airline card like this or a general travel credit card. Alert: our top-rated cash back card now has 0% intro APR until 2025
Solved: Expiring Credit
This voucher will be good for 6 months however there is a fee of $100 per travel fund this is on a case by case basis and the fee is subject to change at anytime. -Blake. Solved: Good Afternoon - My daughter has a travel credit that expires on 4/14/21. She is looking to take my granddaughter to TPA on 5/17/21. The voucher states that.

Shareholder Services

Southwest Airlines Eliminates Expiration Dates on Flight Credits

Investor Alerts

You’re our first priority. Every time.

How to Use Southwest Travel Funds

How do you get Southwest travel funds?

Where can you see your travel funds balance?

What can I do if my travel funds have expired?

What can Southwest travel funds be used for?

Can I use Southwest travel fund for someone else?

4 steps to book a flight with Southwest travel funds

1. Have your original ticket confirmation number handy

2. Browse and select your flights

3. Apply your travel funds

4. Get confirmation

Using Southwest travel funds

How to maximize your rewards

Southwest Airlines Flight Credits Will Now Have No Expiration Date

If my flight is canceled, will I get a flight credit?

Related Articles

Southwest Airlines Eliminates Expiration Dates On Flight Credits

Stay Connected

For Reporters Seeking Answers to Questions

Responsibility

Southwest Airlines Eliminates Expiration Dates on Flight Credits — What to Know

Related Articles

Your Southwest flight credits won't expire: Airline's new policy applies to all tickets

What are flight credits?

What was Southwest's previous policy?

What changes under the new credit policy?

Starting Today Southwest Flight Credits Don’t Expire, What It Means For Your Next Flight

No More Expiration Dates

Earning Airline Credit

Controversial Issue

What to do if you can't use your airline credit by its expiration date

Alaska Airlines

American Airlines

Delta Air Lines

Hawaiian Airlines

United Airlines

If your credit isn't automatically extended

Rebook your flight

Book a ticket

Bottom line

Southwest flight credits will no longer expire

More travel news

What To Do When You Have Expired Southwest Travel Funds

Final Thoughts

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

$75 Southwest Priority Credit Guide [2021]

What is the $75 Southwest Priority credit?

Southwest Priority Credit Card

How to use the credit

Anniversary year

Uses for the credits?

In-flight purchases

Southwest EarlyBird

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Privacy Overview

Southwest Airlines flight vouchers will no longer expire, company announces

Related Topics

Southwest Airlines

Southwest starts issuing vouchers for delayed, canceled flights

Southwest reducing flights out of O'Hare this summer

More than 100 Chicago veterans board Honor Flight to D.C.

Houston-bound flight lands back in Denver after engine cover flies off

2nd chance to see Northern Lights in Chicago area tonight

TX murder suspect runs victim over before kissing, stabbing him: VIDEO

LIVE: Buckingham Fountain switched on, unofficially kicking off summer

Judge temporarily halts Biden plan to lower credit card late fees

Man shot to death after argument on South Side: police

How To Check For Travel Credits With Southwest Airlines

What You'll Learn

Exploring the Possibility: Traveling to Puerto Rico on an H1B Visa

Is it Safe to Travel to London Now? A Comprehensive Guide for Travelers

Understanding the Transmission of Kinetic Energy Through Solid Objects

The Mystery of Travel Size Cologne: Unveiling Its True Proportions

Leave a comment

Rapid Rewards