A lot of you want to know: Do Southwest Travel Funds expire?
And the answer is NO!
Southwest flight credits unexpired on, or created on or after July 28, 2022 will NOT expire.
It’s important to many travelers, who have had to change or cancel flights, thus getting refunds in the form of Southwest Unused Travel Funds (read our full guide about these funds) and worried about their travel funds expiring and going to waste.
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The Details of the Southwest Travel Funds NOT Expiring
Southwest initially extended expiration dates on travel funds during the pandemic.
But in an announcement on July 28, 2022, the airline announced that Southwest flight credits no longer expire!
Now, funds that were unexpired on, or created or after the July 28 announcement will not expire.
This is fantastic news for Southwest customers!
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When Will I See the Updated Expiration Information on My Unused Travel Funds?
When will we see these changes?
According to Southwest’s press release, “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.”
The new expiration date should already be listed on your Travel Funds page under your My Account section at Southwest.com.
What About Flight Cancellations?
According to the US Department of Transportation, if an airline cancels your flight, they are required to refund even nonrefundable fares back to you in the way you paid for it.
So if you paid with a credit card, you should get that money back on your card if you want it.
But they are hoping you’ll take the travel fund instead, so they can keep the cash. And I understand.
They need it right now!
So you will have to ASK for the refund if you want it.
Will Southwest Refund EarlyBird Fees?
Additionally, I confirmed with Southwest that they WILL refund EarlyBird fees for flights that THEY cancel, which is in accordance with DOT guidelines that say ancillary fees should be refunded as well.
I had great hope that Southwest would do right by their customers, because they are known for their outstanding customer service, which is one of the many reasons I love to fly Southwest.
Way to go, Southwest!
