Apply southwest credit to flight

What Are Southwest Flight Credits?

Southwest flight credits are essentially vouchers issued to passengers when they cancel a non-refundable flight, modify a booking, or qualify for a refund. These credits can be applied toward future bookings, making them a flexible option for travelers whose plans change unexpectedly.

Here are a few scenarios in which you might receive Southwest flight credits:

• Cancellation of a Non-Refundable Ticket: Southwest offers credits instead of cash refunds for non-refundable tickets if canceled at least 10 minutes before departure.
• Price Drop on Fare: If the price of your booked flight decreases, Southwest allows you to rebook at the lower fare, with the difference credited back to your account.
• Flight Modifications or Cancellations by Southwest: If Southwest cancels or significantly changes your flight schedule, you may receive flight credits as compensation.

How to Check Your Southwest Flight Credit Balance

Before applying your flight credits to a new booking, it’s essential to verify your credit balance and expiration date. Here’s how:

1. Log In to Your Southwest Account: Visit Southwest’s official website and sign in using your credentials.
2. Navigate to “My Account”: Once logged in, go to the “My Account” section and select “Travel Funds.”
3. Enter Confirmation Number (if applicable): If your credits are not automatically displayed, you can retrieve them by entering the confirmation number associated with the original booking.

Remember, flight credits typically have an expiration date, often 12 months from the original booking date. However, Southwest has occasionally extended expiration periods in response to special circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Southwest Flight Credits

Once you’ve confirmed your credit balance, applying it to a new flight is simple. Follow these steps to redeem your Southwest flight credits:

1. Search for Flights

Visit Southwest’s official website or mobile app. Enter your departure and destination cities, travel dates, and the number of passengers to browse available flights.

2. Select Your Desired Flight

Choose the flight that best suits your travel plans. Pay attention to the fare type (e.g., Wanna Get Away, Anytime, or Business Select) to ensure it aligns with your budget and preferences.

3. Proceed to Checkout

Click “Continue” to move to the checkout page. Here, you’ll have the option to apply your flight credits.

4. Apply Flight Credits

• Look for the “Apply Travel Funds” or “Apply Flight Credits” option on the payment page.
• Enter the confirmation number and the passenger’s first and last name associated with the original booking.
• The system will automatically deduct the applicable credit amount from your total fare.

5. Complete the Payment

If your flight credits cover the full fare, you won’t need to pay anything out of pocket. However, if the ticket price exceeds your credit balance, you’ll need to pay the remaining amount using a debit or credit card.

6. Review and Confirm Your Booking

Double-check all details, including the applied credits, before confirming your booking. Once everything is accurate, finalize your reservation and receive your updated confirmation email.

Important Southwest Flight Credit Policies

To make the most of your flight credits, it’s crucial to understand Southwest’s key policies regarding their use:

1. Non-Transferable

Southwest flight credits are tied to the original passenger’s name and cannot be transferred to someone else. Ensure that the name on the new booking matches the name associated with the credits.

2. Expiration Dates

Most flight credits expire within 12 months from the original booking date. Be mindful of these dates to avoid losing your credits.

3. No Restrictions on Fare Types

Southwest flight credits can be used for any fare type, including Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select fares.

4. Multiple Credits Allowed

If you have multiple flight credits, you can combine them to cover the cost of a single booking. However, the system may limit the number of credits applied in one transaction.

5. Credits Cannot Be Converted to Cash

Flight credits are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash.

Tips for Managing Southwest Flight Credits

To ensure a smooth experience when using Southwest flight credits, consider these practical tips:

1. Keep Track of Confirmation Numbers

The confirmation number associated with the original booking is essential for retrieving and applying your credits. Save your confirmation emails or jot down the numbers for easy reference.

2. Use Credits Before Expiration

Plan your travel early to avoid losing your credits due to expiration. Setting reminders can help you stay on top of deadlines.

3. Monitor Southwest’s Policies

Occasionally, Southwest updates its credit policies or extends expiration dates. Stay informed by regularly checking the airline’s website or following their social media channels.

4. Leverage Third-Party Resources

For detailed guidance on Southwest’s flight credit policy, visit the AirTkt Southwest Flight Credit Policy page. This resource offers additional insights and step-by-step instructions for handling your flight credits.

Common Questions About Southwest Flight Credits

Q1: Can I use my Southwest flight credits for someone else’s booking?

No, Southwest flight credits are non-transferable and must be used by the passenger whose name is on the original booking.

Q2: What happens if my credits don’t cover the full fare?

You can pay the remaining balance using a debit or credit card.

Q3: Can I extend the expiration date of my credits?

Southwest generally does not allow extensions. However, in exceptional circumstances, such as during the pandemic, the airline has occasionally offered extensions.

Q4: What if I lose my confirmation number?

Contact Southwest customer service for assistance. They can help you retrieve your confirmation number using your booking details.

Conclusion

Southwest flight credits are a fantastic way to save on future travel, offering flexibility for passengers whose plans change. By understanding how to check, manage, and apply your credits, you can make the most of this benefit and enjoy stress-free travel.

For further assistance with Southwest Airlines policies or to handle specific booking challenges, visit the AirTkt homepage for additional resources.

With the right knowledge and preparation, using Southwest flight credits is a straightforward process that can help you get back in the air without breaking the bank.