Southwest Airlines Eliminates Expiration Dates on Flight Credits
Southwest Airlines today announced a first-of-its-kind policy 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. No action is required by customers with flight credit in the bank, and will apply to any new flight credit issued.
“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 fees, just like Points don’t expire—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.
That’s an unexpected move and a very customer friendly change. If you cancel a Southwest flight you will now have all the time you want to use the credit. No more keeping track of expiration dates.
“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 free1, 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.”
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. Last month the airline also started extending expiring funds for another six months. And as you know, Southwest Southwest never charges fees to change your flights.
