How to Use Southwest Flight Credit?

How to Use Southwest Flight Credit? Image
Published Apr 24, 2025 5:40 AM EST

A flight credit is your golden ticket from a canceled flight or cheaper fare—redeem it later to book your next adventure.

Got a Southwest Flight Credit and am not sure how to use it. You're in the right place! Whether it's from a canceled trip or a fare drop, we'll show you exactly how to turn that credit into your next getaway. It's easy, quick, and totally worth it—let's dive in!

What is Southwest flight credit?

A Southwest Flight Credit policy is a credit you receive from a canceled reservation or fare downgrade with eligible fares like Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, or Business Select®. It can be used for future travel and, if transferable, can be shared once between Rapid Rewards® Members.

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Read More: How To Get a Southwest Companion Pass?

How does Southwest Airlines flight credit work?

Southwest Airlines flight credits are given when you cancel a flight or rebook at a lower fare. You can use these credits to book future flights. Some credits are even transferable, depending on the type of fare you originally purchased.

Here's how these Southwest canceled flight credit works:

Step 1: Cancel Your Flight 
If you've booked a Business Select, Anytime, or Wanna Get Away Plus fare, you'll receive a Transferable Flight Credit when you cancel. This credit can be used for future travel or transferred to someone else.

Step 2: Transfer Your Flight Credit 
Just log in to your Rapid Rewards account, go to My Account, View travel funds, and select Transfer to someone else. To complete the transfer, you'll need the recipient's full name, email address, and Rapid Rewards account number.

According to Southwest Airlines, credits created on or before May 27, 2025, do not expire, while those created on or after May 28, 2025, come with an expiration date.

FlyO Tip: Cancel your Southwest flight at least 10 minutes before it leaves to get a flight credit you can transfer later.

How to earn Southwest flight credits?

Southwest Airlines flight credits are funds you can use toward future travel with the airline. They are generally earned when you cancel a flight or change a booking under certain conditions. Here's how you can earn Southwest flight credits:

  • Cancel a Flight: If you book with cash and cancel at least 10 minutes before departure, you'll get a Southwest transferable flight credit. This works for most fares, expiring after 12 months (or 6 months for Basic fares starting May 28, 2025).
  • Rebook at a Lower Price: If your flight's price drops, rebook it. The difference becomes a credit you can use later.
  • Cancel a Cash + Points Booking: For flights booked with both cash and Rapid Rewards points, cancel to get a credit for the cash portion. Points go back to your account.
  • Use Award Flight Fees: Cancel an Anytime or Business Select flight booked with points, and the taxes/fees can become a transferable flight credit.

Details shared above are subject to change. Please refer to the official Southwest website for the most updated information

Learn More: What is Southwest Missed Flight Policy 2025?

How to use Southwest flight credit to book flights?

To use your Southwest Flight Credit, enter your confirmation number at the payment screen when booking online. You can apply up to three forms of payment per booking, and each credit counts as one. Just make sure the name on the credit matches the passenger flying.

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FlyO Tip: Transferable Flight Credit can be gifted once between Rapid Rewards Members—so choose wisely, as only one transfer is allowed.

How to apply credit to the next Southwest flight?

To apply for a Southwest flight credit, book online at southwest.com, go to the payment page, select "Apply Travel Funds," and enter your confirmation number and name. Credits expire 12 months from the booking process.

Here are the easy steps to apply for Southwest flight credits:

  • Start Booking: Go to southwest.com, input flight details (destination, dates), and search.
  • Proceed to Payment: Select your flight, then head to the "Purchase" or "Payment" page.
  • Apply for Credit: Click "Apply Travel Funds" and enter the confirmation number and the passenger's full name.
  • Submit: Hit "Apply Funds" to deduct the credit; add up to two more payment methods if needed.
  • Complete Booking: Review and confirm your purchase.

Read More: Southwest Airlines WiFi Cost, Connectivity, and How to Access It?

How to redeem Southwest flight credit?

To redeem your Southwest flight credit, visit Southwest.com and book a new flight. On the payment page, select "Apply Travel Funds," then enter your confirmation number and the passenger's exact name. If the credit doesn't cover the full fare, pay the difference using up to two additional payment methods.

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FlyO Tip: Boost your Rapid Rewards—earn 14X points on qualifying Southwest flights paid with dollars, vouchers, or credits, not points.

Do Southwest flight credits expire?

Yes, Southwest flight credits expire 12 months from the original booking date for all fares, per Southwest's official policy. Starting May 28, 2025, credits from Basic fares may expire after 6 months, while other fares retain the 1-year expiration if this proposed change takes effect.

Final Thoughts

Southwest Flight Credits are your ticket to stress-free travel! Whether it's a Southwest canceled or transferable flight credit, you've got multiple options. Check your Southwest flight credit lookup, know the Southwest flight credit expiration, and book with ease. With a friendly policy like this, your next adventure's waiting—don't let that Southwest credit sit! Ready to fly? Call FlyOfinder at +1-571-378-7016 for hassle-free flight bookings today.

FAQ’s

Can Southwest flight credits be transferred?

Yes, Southwest offers Transferable Flight Credits™ for certain fares, allowing you to transfer your flight credit to another Rapid Rewards® Member. Each credit can only be transferred once and must be transferred in full.

How long are Southwest flight credits valid?

Currently, Southwest flight credits do not expire. However, starting May 28, 2025, credits will have expiration dates: Basic fares expire six months from the ticketing date, while other fares expire one year from the ticketing date.

How many flight credits can I use on Southwest?

You can apply up to three flight credits per passenger on each reservation. If the total exceeds the fare, the remaining balance remains as a flight credit. Contact us at +1‑571‑378‑7016 to snag our best airline deals.

How can I find my Southwest flight credit?

To locate your flight credits, log into your Southwest account and navigate to the “My Account” section. You'll find any available flight credits listed under “My Flight Credits.”

When do Southwest flight credits expire?

Currently, Southwest flight credits do not expire. However, starting May 28, 2025, credits will have expiration dates: Basic fares expire six months from the ticketing date, while other fares expire one year from the ticketing date.

Can I use my Southwest flight credit for someone else?

If you have a Transferable Flight Credit™, you can transfer it to another Rapid Rewards® Member. The recipient can then use the credit to book a new flight. For personalized flight bookings, call us at +1‑571‑378‑7016 for expert assistance.

About the author

Elena Porter, a passionate travel author at FlyOfinder since 2019, shares her wealth of experience to inspire and guide travelers worldwide. Known for her insightful advice, Elena offers practical tips on planning memorable trips. Her work helps readers choose the best destinations, find great airline deals, and enjoy experiences that make each journey unique.

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