Big News: Southwest Flight Credits No Longer Expire!

Southwest Airlines just announced that flight credits will no longer have an expiration date. This is huge news!

In the past, flight credits from Wanna Get Away fares expired 12 months after the initial booking date. So, for example, if you booked a flight on cash (not points) for $200 and a month later the price went down to $150, you could change your flight to the new price and get a $50 flight credit. But, that credit expired 12 months from the date you booked your flight at the $200 price. (Note that if you booked with points, the difference in points was always refundable without an expiration date).

Now, in that same scenario, you have “forever” to use that $50 credit. Technically, the website will say you have until December 31, 2040, but that number is just a placeholder.

This change applies to existing flight credits and all flight credits go forward. If you already have a flight credit that is set to expire, it will no longer expire.

What This Means for Me

I book with points whenever I can. But, sometimes I do book flights with cash price. I used to be hesitant to book Southwest flights early on cash rates because I had to be certain I could use potential price drop flight credits before they expired. But now, I don’t have to worry about that. I am more likely to book flights farther in advance.

What do you think of this change? Will you feel more comfortable booking flights with Southwest Airlines now?