{"id":215946,"date":"2025-08-31T18:00:53","date_gmt":"2025-08-31T18:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=215946\/"},"modified":"2026-04-08T14:21:56","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T14:21:56","slug":"travel-credit-expiration-policy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/airlines\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/travel-credit-expiration-policy\/","title":{"rendered":"Southwest Flight Credit Expiration Rules: What Travelers Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

For years, Southwest stood out by offering flight credits that never expired \u2014 a perk that gave travelers unmatched flexibility when canceling flights. But as of May 28, 2025, that policy has changed. Going forward, the expiration rules for flight credits now depend on the fare type and how the original ticket was purchased.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a breakdown of how the new rules work, which credits are affected, and what it means for your future bookings.<\/p>\n

What are Southwest Flight Credits?<\/span><\/h2>\n

When you cancel a Southwest flight, you will receive a flight credit for the entire fare (flight cost, fees, and taxes) of the cancelled flight. You can use this credit for a future flight with Southwest. The flight credit will keep the original confirmation number as a reference.<\/p>\n

The list of flight credits can be found by logging into the Southwest website with your Rapid Rewards<\/a> account and selecting “My Account” at the top of the page. Alternatively, you can go into the Southwest app and scroll down to “My Travel Funds” to find the list.<\/p>\n

\"You
You can find your Southwest flight credits in your profile. Credit: Southwest<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n

This flight credit can be combined with other forms of payment (e.g., LUV voucher, gift card, or credit card) for the new flight. When applying the credit to the new flight purchase, you will enter the confirmation number from the canceled flight. Remember, you can use up to three forms of payment per flight reservation.<\/p>\n

Additionally, if you had initially bought a Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business fare, the flight credit from that cancelled trip can be transferred to another person with a Southwest Rapid Rewards<\/a> account. However, if the credit was generated from a Basic fare, the flight credit can only be used by the person on the original ticket.<\/p>\n

\"Redeeming
Redeeming flight credits is one way to pay for your Southwest flight. Credit: Southwest<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n

Changes to Southwest Flight Credits<\/span><\/h2>\n

It is important to know that Southwest flight credits do not expire if purchased before May 28, 2025, regardless of the fare type. However, all other Southwest travel credits now expire according to the fare type originally purchased.<\/p>\n

Basic fares<\/span><\/h3>\n