Southwest Airlines Gift Certificates are a fantastic way to give the gift of travel, offering recipients the flexibility to explore destinations across Southwest’s extensive network. Understanding the terms and conditions associated with these gift certificates ensures a smooth experience for both the giver and the receiver. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about Southwest Airlines gift certificates.
Key Information About Your Southwest Gift Certificate
Before purchasing or redeeming a Southwest gift certificate, it’s important to be aware of the fundamental conditions that govern its use:
- Non-refundable: Once purchased, a Southwest gift card cannot be refunded. Plan your purchase accordingly.
- No Expiration Date: Enjoy peace of mind knowing your Southwest gift certificate never expires, giving you or the recipient ample time to plan and book travel.
- Fully Transferable: Southwest gift certificates are easily transferable, making them an ideal gift. You can give it to anyone you choose.
- Non-Replaceable if Lost or Stolen: Treat your Southwest gift certificate like cash. Southwest Airlines is not responsible for replacing lost, stolen, or destroyed cards.
- Void if Altered or Fraudulent: Any tampering or fraudulent acquisition will render the gift certificate void. Purchase only from authorized sources.
- No Value Until Activated: A Southwest gift certificate is activated upon successful payment. It holds no value until this activation process is complete.
- Not a Credit or Debit Card: These are gift certificates, not credit or debit cards, and come with no implied warranties beyond their stated terms.
- Terms and Conditions Subject to Change: Southwest Airlines reserves the right to modify the gift certificate program terms at any time. Cardholders agree to these potential changes upon purchase or use.
- Resale Restrictions: Reselling Southwest gift certificates by unlicensed vendors is illegal and may lead to seizure and cancellation without compensation. Purchase from reputable sources only.
Purchasing Your Southwest Gift Certificate
Purchasing a Southwest Airlines gift certificate is straightforward, with several convenient options available:
- Online at Southwest.com: The easiest way to purchase is through the official Southwest Airlines website using a credit card. Simply complete the online order form.
- Phone: Call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-435-9792 (1-800-I-FLY-SWA) to purchase over the phone.
- Approved Retail Locations: Southwest gift cards are also available at select retail stores. Check the Southwest website for authorized retailers.
- Corporate/Bulk Purchases: For corporate clients needing to purchase over $1,000 in gift cards, a dedicated Southwest gift card order form is available for bulk orders.
- Purchase Limits: There’s a $1,000 daily purchase limit per credit card on Southwest.com for individuals. Corporate/business purchases have no such limit. Individual orders exceeding $2,000 are not permitted.
- Payment Restrictions: Only payment methods with billing addresses within the United States are accepted for Southwest gift card purchases.
Delivery Options for Your Southwest Gift Certificate
Southwest Airlines provides various delivery methods to suit your needs:
- Standard USPS Shipping: For a $2.95 fee, gift certificates can be shipped via USPS, typically arriving within 4-7 business days.
- FedEx Standard Overnight Delivery: For urgent delivery, choose FedEx Standard Overnight for $9.95. Orders placed after 12:00 pm CT will be processed the next business day. Note: FedEx does not deliver to P.O. boxes. No Saturday delivery is available.
- Free FedEx Overnight for Large Orders: Orders of $500 or more qualify for complimentary FedEx Standard Overnight delivery.
- Delivery Restrictions: Southwest gift cards cannot be shipped internationally or to P.O. boxes or APO/FPO addresses.
- Purchaser Responsibility for Delivery Information: Southwest Airlines is not liable for undeliverable gift cards due to incorrect delivery information provided by the purchaser, including both physical and email addresses.
- Incorrect Address Responsibility: Delivery to an incorrect but deliverable address due to purchaser error is the purchaser’s responsibility. Double-check all delivery details before finalizing your purchase.
Redeeming Your Southwest Gift Certificate for Travel
Redeeming your Southwest gift certificate is simple and can be done through multiple channels:
- Southwest Airlines Channels: Gift certificates are valid for passenger travel on Southwest Airlines only (excluding group tickets) and can be redeemed at:
- Southwest.com
- Southwest Airlines mobile apps and mobile website (initial flight bookings only)
- Calling Southwest Airlines at 1-800-435-9792 (1-800 I FLY SWA)
- Southwest Airlines ticket counter locations
- Exclusions: Southwest gift certificates cannot be used for:
- Southwest Vacation Packages
- Cargo services
- Hotel or rental car bookings
- Southwest Airlines merchandise
- Southwest Airlines group tickets
- EarlyBird Check-In®
- Oversized, overweight, and excess baggage fees
- Upgraded Boarding at the airport
- Pet Fares
- Unaccompanied Minor service charges
- Purchase of additional Southwest gift cards
- Inflight purchases
- However, sales tax, security fees, and Passenger Facility Charges can be paid with a Southwest gift certificate.
- Balance Deduction: Each purchase amount is deducted from the gift certificate balance. The balance remains until it reaches zero, at which point the card is deactivated.
- Multiple Payment Methods: You can combine your Southwest gift certificate with other forms of payment:
- Gift Cards Limit: Up to three Southwest gift cards can be used per passenger, per reservation. If the total exceeds the gift card value, you can use two gift cards and another payment method for the remaining balance.
- Flight Credits Limit: Similar to gift cards, a maximum of three flight credits can be combined.
- Southwest LUV Vouchers Limit: Up to two Southwest LUV Vouchers are allowed per passenger, per reservation. Taxes and fees must be paid with another form of payment.
- Credit Card/PayPal: Only one credit card (including PayPal) can be used per reservation.
- Apple Pay: Apple Pay can be combined with Southwest gift cards, LUV Vouchers, and flight credits, but not with another credit card.
- No Cash Redemption: Southwest gift certificates cannot be exchanged for cash, check, or credit, except where legally required.
- Not Redeemable Through Travel Agencies: Redemption must be done directly through Southwest Airlines channels, not via travel agencies.
- Refund Policy: Generally, travel purchased with a Southwest gift certificate is non-refundable back to the gift certificate.
- Flight Credit or Transferable Flight Credit: If travel is not taken and canceled at least 10 minutes before departure, the funds will be held as a flight credit or Transferable Flight Credit (depending on the fare purchased) under the confirmation number for future travel.
- Transferable Flight Credit for Tickets After Aug 9, 2024: For tickets purchased with a gift card and canceled on or after August 9, 2024, any remaining funds will be issued as a Transferable Flight Credit regardless of the fare purchased.
- Cancellations within 24 hours: For reservations purchased with a Southwest gift card and canceled within 24 hours of booking (and unchanged), contact Southwest customer service for assistance via their website.
By understanding these terms and conditions, you can confidently purchase and utilize Southwest Airlines gift certificates, making them a valuable tool for gifting travel or managing your own travel expenses. Always refer to the official Southwest Airlines website for the most up-to-date information.
