Southwest Airlines Company announced a first-of-its-kind policy and value 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, with no action required by Customers with flight credit in the bank, and will apply to any new flight credit issued. The ability to retain invested flight credits without expiration is another enhancement in a series of transformative upgrades underway in the experience Customers have in their relationship with Southwest, including enhanced WiFi, new in-seat power, larger overhead bins, and new self-service capabilities overviewed at Southwest.com/experience.

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.

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 program².

Flight Credit Terms
Flight credits for non-refundable fares will be issued as long as the reservation is cancelled more than 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. Flight credits unexpired on, or created on or after July 28, 2022 do not expire and will show an expiration date (12/31/2040) until systems are updated. A flight credit with an expiration date on or before July 27, 2022, has expired in accordance with its existing expiration date. See My Account for flight credit expiration dates, if any.

Flexibility Terms
At Southwest Airlines, there are no change fees (fare difference may apply), no cancellation fees (failure to cancel a reservation at least 10 minutes prior to scheduled departure may result in forfeited travel funds), and Bags fly free (two free checked bags, weight and size limits apply).

Transferable Flight Credit
For Customers purchasing Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fares, Customers are allowed to transfer their flight credit to someone else. Both must be Rapid Rewards Members and only one transfer is permitted. The expiration date is up to 12 months from the date the ticket was booked. For bookings made through a Southwest Business channel, there is a limitation to transfer only between employees within the organization.

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.

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