Southwest Airlines® gift cards are a fantastic way to give the gift of travel or manage your own travel expenses. Understanding the terms and conditions associated with these gift cards is crucial for a smooth experience. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about your Southwest gift card, from purchase to redemption, and crucially, how to keep track of your balance.
General Terms and Conditions
Before you purchase or redeem a Southwest gift card, it’s important to be aware of the general terms that apply:
- Non-refundable: Southwest gift cards are non-refundable, so ensure careful consideration before purchasing.
- No Expiration Date: Enjoy peace of mind knowing your Southwest gift card never expires.
- Transferable: Southwest gift cards are fully transferable, making them perfect gifts.
- Non-Replaceable if Lost or Stolen: Treat your gift card like cash. Southwest Airlines is not responsible for lost, stolen, or destroyed cards.
- Void if Altered or Fraudulent: Any alteration or fraudulent acquisition will render the gift card void.
- No Value Until Activated: The gift card has no value until it is activated after payment clears.
- Not a Credit or Debit Card: It’s important to remember that a Southwest gift card is not a credit or debit card and carries no implied warranties.
- Terms Subject to Change: Southwest Airlines reserves the right to modify the gift card program terms at any time.
- Resale Restrictions: Reselling Southwest gift cards by unlicensed vendors is against the law and may result in seizure or cancellation without compensation.
Purchasing Your Southwest Gift Card
Purchasing a Southwest gift card is straightforward and can be done through several channels:
- Online at Southwest.com: The easiest way to purchase a gift card is online using a credit card. Simply complete the online order form.
- Phone: Call 1-800-435-9792 (1-800-I-FLY-SWA®) to purchase over the phone.
- Approved Retail Locations: Southwest gift cards are also available at various approved retail stores.
- Corporate/Bulk Purchases: For corporate clients needing to purchase over $1,000 in gift cards, a bulk purchase order form is available.
- Purchase Limits: There is a $1,000 daily purchase limit per credit card on Southwest.com for individual purchases. Corporate/business purchases have no threshold limits.
- Payment Restrictions: Only payment methods with billing addresses within the United States are accepted for gift card purchases.
Southwest Gift Card Delivery Options
Southwest offers various delivery options to suit your needs:
- Standard USPS Shipping: For a $2.95 fee, gift cards can be shipped via USPS, typically arriving within 4-7 business days.
- FedEx Standard Overnight: For faster delivery, choose FedEx Standard Overnight for $9.95. Orders placed after 12:00 pm CT will be processed the next business day, with no Saturday delivery. Note that FedEx does not deliver to P.O. boxes.
- Free FedEx for Large Orders: Orders of $500 or more qualify for free FedEx Standard Overnight delivery.
- Shipping Restrictions: Southwest gift cards cannot be shipped internationally or to P.O. boxes or APO/FPO addresses.
- Delivery Responsibility: Southwest Airlines is not liable for undeliverable gift cards due to incorrect delivery information provided by the purchaser, including both physical and email addresses. It’s the purchaser’s responsibility to ensure accurate delivery details.
Redeeming Your Southwest Gift Card and Checking Your Balance
Redeeming your Southwest gift card is simple when booking your travel:
- Eligible Travel: Southwest gift cards can be used for Passenger travel on Southwest Airlines flights, excluding group tickets.
- Redemption Channels: You can redeem your gift card:
- Online at Southwest.com
- Through the Southwest Airlines mobile apps and mobile website (for initial flight bookings only)
- By calling Southwest Airlines at 1-800-435-9792 (1-800 I FLY SWA)
- At Southwest Airlines ticket counter locations
- Ineligible Purchases: Southwest gift cards cannot be used for: Southwest Vacations Packages, cargo, hotel, rental car, Southwest Airlines 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 Southwest gift card.
- Balance Deduction: Each purchase amount is deducted from your gift card balance. The balance remains until it reaches zero, at which point the card is deactivated.
- Multiple Payment Methods: You can combine up to three Southwest gift cards per Passenger per reservation. If your total exceeds the value of three gift cards, you can use two gift cards and another payment form for the remaining amount. Similar rules apply when combining with flight credits and LUV Vouchers. Only one credit card (including PayPal) can be used per reservation, but Apple Pay can be combined with gift cards, LUV Vouchers, and flight credits.
- No Cash Redemption: Southwest gift cards cannot be redeemed or exchanged for cash, check, or credit, except where required by law.
- Not Redeemable Through Travel Agencies: Gift cards must be redeemed directly through Southwest Airlines, not via travel agencies.
- Refund Policy: Generally, travel purchased with a Southwest gift card is non-refundable back to the card. If you cancel your reservation at least 10 minutes before departure, any remaining 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 will be issued as Transferable Flight Credit regardless of fare. For multi-passenger bookings, credit will be issued to each passenger accordingly. For reservations canceled within 24 hours of booking, even if purchased with a gift card, contact Southwest customer service for assistance.
How to Check Your Southwest Gift Card Balance
Keeping track of your Southwest gift card balance is essential for managing your travel budget. Here’s how you can easily check your balance:
- Online Balance Check: The most convenient method is to visit the official Southwest Airlines website. Look for the “Gift Card” section, often found in the footer under “Customer Service” or “About Southwest”. There, you should find a link to “Check Gift Card Balance”. You will typically need to enter your gift card number and security code (if applicable) to view your current balance.
- Phone Inquiry: You can also check your balance by calling Southwest Airlines customer service at 1-800-435-9792. A customer service representative will be able to assist you in checking your gift card balance.
- During Online Booking: While booking a flight on Southwest.com, you will have the option to apply gift cards at the payment stage. The system will often display your remaining balance after applying the gift card to your purchase, allowing you to see how much is left.
By understanding these terms and utilizing the balance check methods, you can confidently use your Southwest gift card to enjoy convenient and affordable travel. Always refer to the official Southwest Airlines website for the most up-to-date terms and conditions.
