Southwest Airlines gift cards are a fantastic way to give the gift of travel or manage your own travel expenses. Whether you’ve received one as a present or purchased it yourself, knowing how to check your gift card balance is essential before booking your next flight. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to check your Southwest gift card balance and also provide you with important terms and conditions related to using your card.
Methods to Check Your Southwest Gift Card Balance
Checking your Southwest gift card balance is a straightforward process. Here are the primary methods you can use:
1. Online at Southwest.com
The easiest and most convenient way to check your Southwest gift card balance is through the official Southwest Airlines website. Here’s how:
- Go to the Southwest Airlines Gift Card page on Southwest.com.
- Look for the “Check Gift Card Balance” section.
- Enter your Gift Card Number in the designated field. This is typically a 16-digit number found on the back of your physical gift card or within the email if you received an e-gift card.
- Enter your Security Code. This is usually a 4-digit code located on the back of your physical gift card, often under a scratch-off area, or included in the e-gift card email.
- Click the “Check Balance” button.
After submitting your information, the website will display your current gift card balance. This online method provides instant access to your balance information anytime, anywhere.
Alt text: Southwest Airlines Gift Card displayed with logo and design, emphasizing travel and gifting.
2. By Phone
If you prefer to check your balance over the phone, you can contact Southwest Airlines customer service.
- Call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-435-9792 (1-800-I-FLY-SWA).
- Follow the prompts to speak with a customer service representative.
- Inform the representative that you would like to check your Southwest gift card balance.
- Provide the representative with your Gift Card Number and Security Code when requested.
The customer service representative will then be able to provide you with your current gift card balance. This option is helpful if you have any difficulties checking online or prefer speaking to a person directly.
Key Terms and Conditions of Southwest Gift Cards
Understanding the terms and conditions associated with your Southwest gift card is crucial for a smooth experience. Here are some important points to be aware of:
General Information
- Non-refundable: Southwest gift cards are non-refundable. Once purchased, the amount on the card cannot be refunded.
- No Expiration Date: One of the great benefits is that Southwest gift cards have no expiration date, so you can use them anytime.
- Transferable: Southwest gift cards are fully transferable, making them excellent gifts.
- Not Replaceable if Lost or Stolen: Treat your gift card like cash. Southwest Airlines is not responsible for replacing lost, stolen, or destroyed gift cards.
- Void if Altered or Fraudulent: Gift cards that are altered or obtained fraudulently are void and cannot be used.
- Activation Required: Gift cards have no value until activated, which happens after payment is processed.
- Not a Credit or Debit Card: Southwest gift cards are not credit or debit cards and do not come with implied warranties.
- Terms Subject to Change: Southwest Airlines reserves the right to change the gift card program terms and conditions at any time.
- Resale Restrictions: Reselling Southwest gift cards by unlicensed vendors is against the law and can lead to seizure and cancellation of the card without compensation.
Purchasing Southwest Gift Cards
- Purchase Locations: You can purchase Southwest gift cards online at Southwest.com, by phone at 1-800-435-9792, or at authorized retail locations.
- Online Purchase Limits: There is a $1,000 maximum purchase per credit card per day at Southwest.com for individual customers. However, corporate/business purchases have unlimited thresholds by using a specific order form.
- Payment Methods: Only payment methods with billing addresses in the United States are accepted for gift card purchases.
Alt text: Close-up of a woman’s hands holding a Southwest gift card, emphasizing personal gifting and travel possibilities.
Redeeming Your Southwest Gift Card
- Eligible Travel: Southwest gift cards can be used for passenger travel on Southwest Airlines flights, excluding group tickets.
- Redemption Channels: Redeem your gift card at Southwest.com, via the Southwest Airlines mobile apps and mobile website (for initial flight bookings only), by phone at 1-800-435-9792, or at Southwest Airlines ticket counter locations.
- Ineligible Purchases: Gift cards cannot be used for Southwest Vacations Packages, cargo, hotels, rental cars, merchandise, group tickets, EarlyBird Check-In®, baggage fees, Upgraded Boarding, pet fares, unaccompanied minor service charges, additional gift cards, or inflight purchases. However, sales tax, security fees, and passenger facilities charges can be paid with a gift card.
- Balance Deduction: Each purchase amount is deducted from the gift card balance. The card deactivates once the balance reaches zero.
- Multiple Payment Methods: You can combine up to three Southwest gift cards per passenger per reservation. If the total cost exceeds the gift card value, you can use up to two gift cards and another form of payment like a credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, flight credits, or Southwest LUV Vouchers to cover the remaining balance. Note that there are limitations on combining payment methods (e.g., only one credit card per reservation).
- No Cash Redemption: Gift cards cannot be redeemed or exchanged for cash, check, or credit, except where required by law.
- Not Redeemable Through Travel Agencies: Gift cards cannot be used for bookings through travel agencies.
- Refunds and Flight Credits: Generally, travel purchased with a gift card is non-refundable back to the card. If a flight is canceled more than 10 minutes before departure, the funds will be issued as a flight credit or Transferable Flight Credit under the confirmation number, depending on the fare purchased. For tickets canceled on or after August 9, 2024, funds from gift card purchases will be issued as Transferable Flight Credit regardless of fare. For multi-passenger reservations, credits are issued individually. For cancellations within 24 hours of booking, contact Southwest customer service.
Conclusion
Checking your Southwest gift card balance is a simple process that can be done quickly online or by phone. Understanding the terms and conditions of your gift card ensures you can use it effectively for your travel needs. Whether you are planning a vacation or a business trip, Southwest gift cards offer a flexible payment option for your flights. Always remember to keep your gift card number and security code secure and readily accessible when you plan to check your balance or make a booking.
