Do You Get Southwest Points After Flight? Yes, Here's How

Earning Southwest Points After Your Flight: The Basics

Yes, you absolutely get Southwest Rapid Rewards points after completing an eligible flight with Southwest Airlines. This is the fundamental way members accumulate points within the Rapid Rewards program to redeem for future flights, upgrades, or other rewards. The process is designed to be automatic, but several factors can influence whether points are credited to your account. Understanding these mechanics helps prevent common frustrations and ensures you don't miss out on the rewards you've earned for your travel.

• Points are awarded for eligible Southwest flights.
• Accrual depends on fare type and ticket cost.
• Ensure your Rapid Rewards number is linked to the booking.
• Points typically post within a few days after travel.
• Manual credit requests are available if points don't appear.

The core principle behind Southwest's loyalty program is rewarding frequent flyers. Every paid flight taken with Southwest Airlines is an opportunity to earn. These points are not just for the flight ticket itself; they are a reflection of your loyalty and spending with the airline. However, it's crucial to note that certain fare types or promotional bookings might have limitations on point accrual, making it vital to review the specifics of your ticket before and after travel.

When points are awarded, they are based on the fare you paid, not necessarily the distance of the flight. This is a key differentiator from some other airline loyalty programs. Southwest's system is transparent about how points accumulate, and this article will guide you through precisely what to expect and how to ensure a smooth earning experience. The goal is to make sure that after you’ve enjoyed your journey, the reward of points is seamlessly added to your account, ready for your next adventure.

How Southwest Points Accrue

The number of Rapid Rewards points you earn per flight is directly tied to the amount you spend on your ticket. For most fare types, you earn 6 points per U.S. dollar spent on the flight's base fare and certain taxes and fees. However, this can vary. For example, Business Select® fares earn 8 points per U.S. dollar, and Anytime fares also earn 8 points per U.S. dollar. Wanna Get Away® fares, which are typically the most economical, earn 6 points per U.S. dollar. Importantly, points are earned on the fare paid, excluding government-imposed taxes and fees that are non-refundable.

Another significant factor is how you book. If you book through Southwest's website or mobile app and provide your Rapid Rewards account number, the points are generally applied automatically after the flight is completed. If you booked through a third-party site or made a booking over the phone, it's even more critical to verify that your Rapid Rewards number was correctly added to the reservation. Failure to link your account properly is one of the most common reasons members don't receive their points automatically.

The timing of point crediting is also a point of interest for many travelers. Typically, points appear in your Rapid Rewards account within 72 hours after your travel is complete. If you have multiple flights in a single itinerary, points are usually credited after the final flight segment has been flown. While this automated process works for the vast majority of travelers, issues can arise, and knowing what to do in those instances is part of preventing errors.

Key Factors Influencing Point Earning

Several elements determine if and how many points you receive after a flight. The most straightforward is ensuring your booking is linked to your active Rapid Rewards account. When you book directly on Southwest.com, you can enter your Rapid Rewards number during the booking process. If you're an existing member, your number is often pre-filled. For new members, signing up is quick and free, allowing you to start earning immediately.

The type of ticket purchased also plays a role. As mentioned, Business Select and Anytime fares earn at a higher rate (8 points per dollar) than Wanna Get Away fares (6 points per dollar). While Wanna Get Away fares are budget-friendly, they yield fewer points per dollar spent. Additionally, certain promotional fares or tickets purchased with points (award tickets) do not earn additional points, as you are already redeeming them for the travel. Always check the fare rules associated with your ticket type to understand the exact earning potential.

Another point to consider is how you are flying. While Southwest's program focuses on dollars spent, it's worth noting that partner airlines do not typically earn Southwest points unless specifically noted for a unique promotion. The primary benefit of earning points is through direct Southwest Airlines flights. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate expectation setting regarding point accumulation post-flight.

The Importance of Linking Your Rapid Rewards Number

Perhaps the single most important step to ensure you get Southwest points after your flight is correctly linking your Rapid Rewards account to your reservation. When booking directly on Southwest.com, your Rapid Rewards number can be added during the checkout process. It's often found in your profile, making it easy to select. If you forget to add it during booking, you can typically add it to an existing reservation online through the 'My Trips' section or by calling Southwest customer service. This step is non-negotiable for automatic point crediting.

If you booked through a third-party travel agency or website, it's imperative to confirm that your Rapid Rewards number was passed along to Southwest. Sometimes, third-party systems might not correctly transfer this information, or they may have their own loyalty programs that take precedence. Always double-check the confirmation email from both the third-party site and Southwest (if you receive one directly) to ensure your loyalty number is present. If it's missing, contact Southwest customer service immediately to have it added before your flight.

Forgetting to add your Rapid Rewards number can lead to a delay or complete loss of earned points. While there is a process to claim missing points after travel, it requires extra effort and documentation. Proactively ensuring your number is linked during booking or shortly thereafter is the most efficient way to prevent this common oversight and enjoy the benefits of your loyalty without administrative hassle.

Why Earning Points Matters for Future Travel

The accumulation of Rapid Rewards points directly translates into tangible benefits for future travel, making the process of earning them after each flight a cornerstone of the program's value. These points act as a currency, allowing you to offset the cost of subsequent flights, thereby making travel more accessible and affordable. For frequent travelers, this can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses over time.

Maximizing Your Travel Budget

By diligently collecting points from every eligible Southwest flight, you build a valuable travel fund. Redeeming these points means you can book flights without using cash, which is particularly beneficial during peak travel seasons or for last-minute trips when fares are often higher. This flexibility allows you to travel more often or upgrade your travel experience, perhaps by choosing a more convenient flight time or even a higher fare class for additional perks like same-day standby or a larger baggage allowance.

Consider the scenario where you've booked a flight with a base fare of $300. If you are a standard member earning 6 points per dollar, that single flight could net you 1800 Rapid Rewards points. Over several trips, these points add up rapidly. For instance, a few round trips throughout the year could easily accumulate enough points for another domestic flight, effectively giving you a free trip. This compounding effect is the primary motivation for travelers to pay close attention to earning their post-flight points.

Beyond Flights: Other Redemption Options

While flights are the most common redemption, Southwest Rapid Rewards points offer a broader spectrum of uses, further amplifying the importance of earning them. Points can be redeemed for hotel stays, rental cars, and even gift cards. This diversification means your earned points are versatile and can cater to various travel and lifestyle needs. The value you derive from your points is not limited to just the skies; it extends to your entire travel ecosystem.

For example, if you're planning a vacation, you might use your accumulated points to cover your flights and then redeem additional points for hotel accommodations or a rental car at your destination. This holistic approach to reward redemption can dramatically reduce the overall cost of a trip, making dream vacations more attainable. The more points you earn, the more options you unlock for creating your ideal travel experience.

The Value of Points in a Flexible Program

Southwest's Rapid Rewards program is known for its flexibility, with no blackout dates on reward flights and points that don't expire as long as you have qualifying activity in your account. This inherent flexibility means that the points you earn after each flight retain their value, offering a reliable path to future travel. The certainty of redemption, regardless of when you choose to fly or when you earned the points, underscores the significance of consistently earning them.

The program's structure ensures that your earned points remain a valuable asset. This predictability is a key reason why travelers actively engage with the program, ensuring their Rapid Rewards number is always associated with bookings. The continuous earning cycle, directly linked to your flights, fuels this engagement and provides a clear pathway to achieving significant travel savings and experiences.

Understanding how and why you earn Southwest points after a flight is the first step toward maximizing your travel budget and unlocking more rewarding journeys.

Preventing Missed Opportunities

The primary reason to focus on ensuring you get Southwest points after each flight is to prevent missed opportunities. Each flight is a chance to get closer to your next reward. If points aren't credited due to a forgotten account number or an ineligible fare, that's a direct loss of potential value. This prevention mindset is crucial for savvy travelers who want to get the most out of their loyalty program.

By being proactive and aware of the earning mechanisms, you guard against the common pitfalls that can lead to lost points. This includes verifying bookings, understanding fare rules, and knowing the timeline for point crediting. The effort invested in ensuring proper earning translates directly into greater rewards and more frequent travel opportunities, solidifying the benefits of being a loyal Southwest customer.

Troubleshooting: What If You Don't Get Your Points?

It's a common concern: you've completed your flight, you're back home, and you're eagerly checking your Rapid Rewards account, only to find that the expected points haven't appeared. While Southwest's system is generally efficient, occasional issues can prevent points from crediting automatically. Fortunately, the airline provides a straightforward process for addressing these discrepancies and ensuring you receive the points you're owed.

→ How Many Southwest Points for a Flight?

Common Reasons for Missing Points

Several factors can lead to points not appearing in your account after a flight. The most frequent culprit is a forgotten or incorrectly entered Rapid Rewards number during the booking process. If your number wasn't associated with the reservation, Southwest has no way to automatically link the flight to your account. Another reason could be that the ticket purchased was not eligible for point accrual, such as certain heavily discounted promotional fares, award tickets, or flights booked through third parties that failed to transfer the loyalty information.

Sometimes, there can be a delay beyond the standard 72-hour window. While rare, technical glitches or system processing backlogs can occasionally extend the crediting period. Inaccurate passenger information on the reservation that doesn't match your Rapid Rewards profile can also cause issues, though this is less common if you booked directly. Understanding these potential reasons helps in diagnosing the problem accurately.

The Manual Credit Request Process

If your points haven't posted within a week of completing your travel, it's time to initiate a manual credit request. Southwest has an online form dedicated to this purpose, accessible through the Rapid Rewards section of their website. You will need specific details from your flight reservation and ticket to complete the request.

To file a missing points request, you'll typically need:

• Your Rapid Rewards account number.
• The confirmation number or ticket number for the flight(s) in question.
• The date(s) of travel.
• The origin and destination cities for each flight segment.
• The fare paid (if you have access to this information).

Fill out the form as accurately as possible, providing all requested information. Southwest's customer service team will review your submission and, if the flight is eligible, credit the missing points to your account. This process usually takes a few weeks to complete.

Always keep a copy of your flight confirmation, ticket, and boarding pass until you see the points reflected in your account, as these documents serve as proof of travel and can be invaluable if any issues arise during the missing points claim.

What to Expect After Requesting Credit

Once you submit a missing points request, Southwest's customer service will investigate. They will verify your flight details against their records and check the eligibility of your ticket for earning points. If everything checks out, the points will be added to your Rapid Rewards balance. You should receive a confirmation or notification when the points have been credited.

The timeframe for this can vary, but it typically ranges from two to four weeks. If your request is denied, Southwest should provide a reason. It's also important to note that the missing points request is generally for flights taken within the past 12 months. If you believe there's an error in the credited amount or if the request is denied erroneously, contacting Southwest customer service directly by phone might be the next best step.

Preventing Future Point Shortfalls

The best way to avoid the hassle of missing points is to be diligent upfront. Always double-check that your Rapid Rewards number is correctly entered when booking, whether directly on Southwest.com or by confirming with a third party if you booked elsewhere. Keep your Rapid Rewards profile updated with your current information. Understanding the fare rules of your ticket before purchase can also help set accurate expectations about point accrual.

If you're unsure about a specific fare's eligibility, it's better to ask Southwest customer service before booking. Taking these proactive steps ensures a smoother experience and guarantees that you receive all the points you've earned, saving you time and potential frustration down the line.

Understanding Southwest Fare Types and Their Point Value

Southwest Airlines offers various fare types, each with distinct benefits and, crucially, different earning rates for Rapid Rewards points. Understanding these differences is vital for travelers who want to maximize their point accumulation after each flight. While all eligible paid fares earn points, the quantity varies based on the fare class you select.

The Four Main Fare Types on Southwest

Southwest primarily categorizes its fares into four main types: Business Select®, Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Wanna Get Away®. Each is designed to cater to different traveler needs and budgets, influencing not only the price and flexibility but also the point earnings.

How Fare Type Impacts Point Earnings

As the table illustrates, Business Select® and Anytime fares offer the highest earning rate at 8 points per U.S. dollar spent on the base fare and select taxes. This means a $300 flight booked at this rate would earn 2,400 points. In contrast, Wanna Get Away® and Wanna Get Away Plus® fares earn 6 points per U.S. dollar. The same $300 flight would earn 1,800 points at this rate.

While the difference in earning rate might seem small on a per-flight basis, it adds up significantly over many trips. For travelers who prioritize earning points, choosing a higher fare type might be beneficial if the price difference is justifiable by the increased point accrual and added flexibility. However, for budget-conscious travelers, the 6-point rate still provides excellent value, especially when considering that points are earned on the base fare cost, making even the most economical tickets a path to rewards.

Earning on Upgrades and Changes

When you make changes to an existing reservation, points are typically earned based on the *new* fare paid. If you upgrade from a Wanna Get Away® fare to an Anytime fare, you will earn points on the difference in fare paid at the higher rate. Conversely, if you downgrade, you will earn points based on the lower fare you end up paying. This is important to track, as fare changes can affect your total point accrual for that trip.

For Wanna Get Away Plus® and Wanna Get Away® fares that are canceled and converted into flight credits, the flight credits themselves do not earn points. However, when you use those flight credits to book a new flight, you will earn points based on the fare of the new booking, including any fare difference you pay.

What About Non-Eligible Bookings?

It's important to know which bookings generally do not earn points. Award tickets, those booked using only Rapid Rewards points, do not earn additional points. Similarly, if you book a flight through a third-party travel agency that is not a Southwest partner (where specific earning agreements exist) and your Rapid Rewards number is not properly transmitted, you may not earn points. Always clarify with the booking platform or Southwest directly if you are unsure about point eligibility for a specific reservation type.

Before booking, visit the fare details page on Southwest.com. Often, it will clearly state the points earned per dollar for that specific fare type, allowing you to make an informed decision that aligns with your point-earning goals.

How Southwest Flight Credits Work with Points

Southwest Airlines uses a system of flight credits, formerly known as travel funds, for canceled or modified flights. Understanding how these credits interact with earning Rapid Rewards points is crucial for travelers who frequently book or change their plans. While flight credits themselves are not points, they are a vital tool for future bookings where points can then be earned.

Flight Credits: A Form of Future Travel Value

When you cancel a flight booked with cash and it's not a Business Select® or Anytime fare (which are fully refundable), Southwest typically issues flight credits. These credits are essentially vouchers for the value of your ticket, minus any applicable fees if the fare rules stipulated them. They are held in your Southwest account and can be used to book future flights.

The key point regarding flight credits is that they represent the monetary value of the ticket. You don't earn points *directly* from the credit itself. The points you earn are generated when you use that credit to purchase a *new* flight. This distinction is important for accounting for your total point accumulation.

Earning Points When Using Flight Credits

When you use flight credits to book a new Southwest flight, the process is straightforward. You apply the available credits during the checkout process on Southwest.com. The fare of your new flight will be charged against your credit balance. Any remaining balance on the credit will be preserved for future use, and its expiration date will be noted.

→ Southwest Free Flight Changes: Your Policy Guide

For the portion of the new fare that exceeds your flight credit balance, you will be charged using a credit card or other accepted payment method. It is on this *new* fare amount (including any difference you pay beyond the credit) that you will earn Rapid Rewards points. For example, if you have a $200 flight credit and book a new flight costing $350, you’ll pay $150 via credit card. You will earn points based on the full $350 fare, at the rate determined by the fare type you select for the new booking.

Wanna Get Away Plus® and Earning Potential

Southwest introduced the Wanna Get Away Plus® fare, which offers enhanced flexibility over the standard Wanna Get Away® fare. A notable feature of Wanna Get Away Plus® is that if you don't use the flight credit derived from its cancellation, the value can be converted into transferable flight credits that do not expire. These transferable credits can be applied to future bookings, and importantly, when you use them for a new flight, you earn Rapid Rewards points based on the full fare of that new flight, including any fare difference paid.

This provides a continuous path to earning points even when your original plans change, as long as you are using eligible fare types and applying credits to new bookings. It’s an incentive to keep engaging with the Southwest ecosystem, even if your initial travel plans are disrupted.

Flight Credits vs. Points: Key Differences

It’s vital to differentiate between flight credits and Rapid Rewards points. Flight credits are a form of currency tied to a monetary value and are typically valid for a specific period (though some types may not expire). They can only be used for Southwest flights and can be subject to fare differences. Rapid Rewards points, on the other hand, are loyalty currency that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals, and gift cards, often without blackout dates. Points are earned based on dollars spent on eligible fares, not directly from flight credits themselves.

When using flight credits to book a new flight, always ensure your Rapid Rewards number is correctly linked to the reservation. This will guarantee that points are earned on the portion of the fare paid with a credit card or beyond the flight credit value.

Expiration and Usage of Flight Credits

Southwest flight credits generally expire 12 months from the original booking date, although this can vary depending on fare type and specific promotions. It's crucial to check the expiration date of your credits. The Wanna Get Away Plus® fare allows for transferable flight credits that do not expire, offering more long-term flexibility. Always refer to the terms and conditions associated with your specific flight credit for details on usage and expiration.

How Many Southwest Points for a Free Flight?

The question of "how many Southwest points for a free flight" is a common one among Rapid Rewards members, but it doesn't have a single, fixed answer. Southwest's redemption structure is dynamic, meaning the number of points required for a flight fluctuates based on several factors, much like how cash prices change.

Understanding Southwest's Dynamic Pricing

Unlike some airline programs that assign a set number of miles per route or zone, Southwest uses a revenue-based system. This means the number of Rapid Rewards points needed for a flight is directly tied to the fare you would pay in cash for that same flight. If a flight costs $200 in cash, it will require a certain number of points. If that same flight's cash price increases to $300, the point redemption cost will also increase proportionally.

This dynamic pricing offers flexibility. Flights during off-peak times or on less popular routes might require fewer points, while peak travel dates or high-demand routes will demand more. The upside is that there are no blackout dates; if a seat is available for purchase with cash, it's also available for purchase with points, at the prevailing point rate.

Factors Influencing Point Redemption Cost

Several variables influence how many points a "free" flight will cost:

• Cash Price of the Ticket: This is the most significant driver. Higher cash fares require more points.
• Fare Type: Business Select® and Anytime fares cost more points than Wanna Get Away® or Wanna Get Away Plus® fares for the same flight, mirroring their higher cash prices and increased flexibility.
• Demand and Seasonality: Flights during holidays, school breaks, or popular travel periods will generally require more points due to higher demand and cash prices.
• Route: Shorter, less popular routes might be cheaper in points than longer, more in-demand cross-country or international routes.

Because of this variability, it’s impossible to state a universal number for how many points are needed for a free flight. A short hop might cost as little as 2,000-3,000 points each way, while a transcontinental flight during peak season could require 15,000-25,000 points or more each way.

Calculating Approximate Point Needs

To get a rough idea, you can often divide the cash price of a flight by a conversion factor. While Southwest doesn't officially publish a fixed conversion rate, a common estimate is that 1.2 to 1.5 cents per point is a good value when redeeming for flights. Therefore, if a flight costs $200, it might cost between 13,333 ($200 / 0.015) and 16,667 ($200 / 0.012) points.

However, the most reliable method is to use the Rapid Rewards flight search tool on Southwest.com. Enter your desired departure and arrival cities, dates, and then look at the point prices presented. This will give you the exact redemption cost for that specific flight.

To maximize the value of your points, look for flights where the cash price is significantly higher than usual, or conversely, look for flights with very low cash prices when using points. This often occurs during sales or off-peak travel times, yielding a better redemption rate.

What Constitutes a "Free" Flight?

A "free" flight booked with points typically means you are not paying the base fare in cash. However, you will still be responsible for paying the government-imposed taxes and fees associated with the ticket. These taxes and fees are generally nominal compared to the base fare and are a standard part of airfare, regardless of whether you pay with cash or points. So, while the flight itself is covered by points, there's usually a small out-of-pocket cost for these mandatory charges.

For example, a flight that costs $100 in points might also require $5.60 in federal taxes and fees. The term "free" refers to the elimination of the ticket's base fare cost through point redemption.

How to Add Rapid Rewards Number to Southwest Flight

Ensuring your Southwest Rapid Rewards number is attached to your flight reservation is paramount for automatic point crediting. If you forgot to add it during booking, or if you booked through a third party, Southwest provides several ways to link your account to an existing flight. Prompt action is key to preventing the loss of earned points.

Adding Your Number During Booking (Southwest.com)

When booking directly on Southwest.com, the easiest method is to add your Rapid Rewards number at the time of reservation. During the traveler information stage, you will be prompted to enter your Rapid Rewards number and last name. If you are logged into your Rapid Rewards account, this information is usually auto-filled for convenience.

Always verify that the number displayed is indeed yours. A common error is selecting a family member’s account or mistyping a digit. Once the booking is confirmed, check your email confirmation. Your Rapid Rewards number should be listed on it. If it is missing, do not proceed to fly without correcting it.

Adding Your Number to an Existing Reservation (Online)

If you've already booked a flight and realized your Rapid Rewards number is missing, you can usually add it online through the "My Trips" section of Southwest.com. Log in to your account, find your upcoming reservation, and look for an option to "Edit" or "Add Rapid Rewards Number." Follow the prompts to enter your number and save the changes.

This is often the quickest and most convenient method. However, ensure you complete this well before your flight's departure, ideally at least 24-48 hours in advance, to allow systems time to update. The updated confirmation details should reflect your Rapid Rewards number.

Adding Your Number via Phone or Customer Service

If you cannot add your Rapid Rewards number online or prefer speaking with a representative, you can call Southwest Airlines customer service. Have your reservation confirmation number ready. The agent can access your booking and manually add your Rapid Rewards number to the reservation. This is a reliable method, especially if you encounter any technical difficulties online.

→ What is a Southwest Reward Flight? Your Guide

For those who booked through a corporate travel portal or a third-party agency, you may need to contact that specific service provider first to have them update your reservation with your Rapid Rewards number. Once they confirm the update, it should flow through to Southwest's system.

After any change to your reservation regarding your Rapid Rewards number, always re-check your confirmation email or your 'My Trips' details online to ensure the number is correctly displayed before your travel date.

What Happens if You Forget to Add Your Number at All?

If you fly without your Rapid Rewards number ever being attached to the reservation, you will need to submit a missing points request after your flight. As detailed in the troubleshooting section, you can do this via the Rapid Rewards missing points form on Southwest.com. You will need your ticket number or confirmation number, flight details, and proof of fare paid if possible. While Southwest is generally accommodating, it's always preferable to have the number linked beforehand to avoid this extra step and potential delays.

The purpose of linking your number is to ensure a seamless experience. When it's correctly associated, you avoid the worry of missing points and can trust that your loyalty is being rewarded automatically after each eligible flight.

Adding a Companion to Your Southwest Flight

While earning points is about rewarding your personal travel, many Southwest travelers are interested in bringing a companion along, often for free. The Southwest Companion Pass® is one of the most sought-after benefits in the airline industry, allowing a designated person to fly with you for just the cost of taxes and fees on any flight you book, whether paid with cash or points.

How to Earn the Companion Pass®

The Companion Pass® is earned by accumulating a specific number of points or making a certain number of flights within a calendar year. As of the latest program rules, you need to earn 135,000 qualifying points or take 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year. Once earned, the Companion Pass® is valid for the remainder of the year it was earned in, plus the entire following calendar year.

Qualifying points for the Companion Pass® include points earned from flying on Southwest, points earned from Southwest co-branded credit cards (excluding welcome bonus points that do not count towards the Companion Pass), and points earned from Rapid Rewards program offers. Points earned through shopping or dining programs, or transferred from other loyalty programs, do not count toward earning the Companion Pass® itself.

How to Designate Your Companion

Once you have earned the Companion Pass®, you can designate up to two people as your companion throughout the calendar year. You can change your companion twice per calendar year, so choose wisely! To designate a companion, log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, navigate to the Companion Pass® section, and follow the prompts to enter your companion's name and Rapid Rewards number.

How to Book a Flight with Your Companion

After you have earned the Companion Pass® and designated your companion, booking flights together is simple:

1. Book Your Flight First: You must first book your own flight (as the Companion Pass® holder) using either cash or Rapid Rewards points.
2. Add Your Companion: Once your flight is booked and confirmed, go to the "My Trips" section of Southwest.com. Find your reservation, and you will see an option to "Add Companion" to that specific flight.
3. Enter Companion Details: Enter your companion's name and Rapid Rewards number.
4. Confirm: Southwest will then add your companion to the flight for free, requiring them only to pay the applicable taxes and fees (which vary by route and fare type, but are typically a low fixed amount for domestic flights).

The companion must be designated on the specific flight you are traveling on. You cannot book a flight for your companion separately and expect them to fly free; they must be added to *your* existing reservation. This process must be done after you have purchased your ticket and before the flight departs.

If you have the Companion Pass®, it's generally best to book your own ticket first, then add your companion. This secures your seat and ensures availability for your companion at the companion fare.

Important Considerations for Companions

Your designated companion does not need to have their own Rapid Rewards account, but it is highly recommended to have one so they can accrue points on their flights and manage their boarding passes. If they don't have an account, you will still need their full legal name and date of birth to designate them. If your companion has their own flight credit, they cannot use it to pay the taxes and fees for a flight booked with your Companion Pass®.

The Companion Pass® is one of the most powerful tools for saving money on travel if you fly Southwest frequently with a specific person. It effectively halves the cost of travel for you and your companion on all your eligible flights for up to two years.

Southwest Flight Credits Expiration and How to Check Them

Southwest Airlines flight credits, formerly known as travel funds, represent the value of unused or canceled flights and are a critical component for many travelers' future bookings. Understanding their expiration dates and how to check them is essential to avoid losing valuable travel currency.

General Expiration Policy

For most flight credits issued by Southwest, the standard policy is that they expire 12 months from the *original* date of purchase. This means if you bought a ticket on January 1st and canceled it in June, the credit would still expire 12 months from that original January 1st purchase date, not from the date of cancellation or issuance of the credit.

This 12-month expiration is a crucial detail. It requires careful tracking, as the date of issuance for a credit can be easily confused with the original purchase date of the ticket. Always note down both dates when you receive a flight credit.

Exceptions: Non-Expiring Flight Credits

Southwest has introduced fare types and specific situations that can result in non-expiring flight credits. The primary example is the Wanna Get Away Plus® fare. If a Wanna Get Away Plus® ticket is canceled, it converts into transferable flight credits. These specific credits are not subject to the standard 12-month expiration policy and can be used indefinitely as long as the Rapid Rewards account holder is active.

Additionally, under specific circumstances, such as widespread flight cancellations due to weather or operational issues, Southwest might issue credits with extended validity periods or even waive expiration dates. However, these are usually specific promotional or service recovery measures and should be verified directly with Southwest for your particular credit.

How to Check Your Southwest Flight Credit Balance and Expiration Date

Checking your Southwest flight credit balance and expiration dates is a straightforward process, typically done online:

1. Visit Southwest.com: Go to the Southwest Airlines official website.
2. Navigate to 'Check-in' or 'My Trips': Look for a section related to checking in for a flight or managing your trips.
3. Find 'Apply Flight Credits': Within the flight booking or checkout process, there will be an option to "Apply Flight Credits" or "Use Travel Funds."
4. Enter Your Information: You will be prompted to enter your Rapid Rewards number or the email address associated with your account, and often the confirmation number of the original ticket if you have it.
5. View Details: The system will then display your available flight credits, their values, and, most importantly, their corresponding expiration dates.

This process allows you to see all available credits tied to your account and their specific use-by dates, making it easier to plan your next booking before they lapse.

Set calendar reminders for your flight credit expiration dates. A notification a month or two before expiration can prompt you to book a flight, ensuring you don't miss out on using the value.

What Happens When a Flight Credit Expires?

If a flight credit expires, it becomes worthless. You can no longer use it to book flights, and the value is forfeited to Southwest Airlines. This is why actively monitoring expiration dates and planning your travel accordingly is so important. For travelers who book speculatively or whose travel plans frequently change, the introduction of non-expiring credits with certain fare types has been a significant benefit.

To avoid losing value, always aim to book travel that falls within the validity period of your credits. If you find yourself with credits nearing expiration and are unsure about your travel plans, consider booking a speculative flight for a date far in the future (within the airline's booking window) that you can later change or cancel (potentially converting it into a new, non-expiring credit if booking Wanna Get Away Plus®).