Southwest Airlines gift cards offer a fantastic way to travel, providing flexibility and convenience for both givers and recipients. Whether you’ve received one or are planning to purchase one, understanding the terms and conditions associated with your Southwest gift card is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know, from general information to purchasing, delivery, and redeeming your Southwest gift card, with a special focus on managing your Southwest Gift Card Balance.
General Southwest Gift Card Information
Southwest gift cards come with several key features and regulations you should be aware of:
- Non-refundable: Once purchased, a Southwest gift card cannot be refunded.
- No Expiration Date: Enjoy peace of mind knowing your Southwest gift card never expires, giving you ample time to plan your travel.
- Fully Transferable: Southwest gift cards are easily transferable, making them perfect gifts.
- Non-Replaceable if Lost or Stolen: Treat your Southwest gift card like cash; Southwest Airlines is not responsible for lost, stolen, or destroyed cards.
- Void if Altered or Fraudulent: Any tampering or fraudulent acquisition will render the gift card void.
- Activation Required: A Southwest gift card has no value until activated, which occurs after payment processing.
- Not a Credit or Debit Card: Southwest gift cards are not credit or debit cards and do not carry implied warranties.
- Terms and Conditions 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 illegal and may lead to seizure or cancellation without compensation.
Purchasing Your Southwest Gift Card
Purchasing a Southwest gift card is straightforward and can be done through various channels:
- Online at Southwest.com: The most convenient way to purchase 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 select retail stores.
- Corporate Bulk Purchases: For corporate clients needing to purchase over $1,000 in gift cards online, a dedicated Southwest gift card order form is available.
Purchase Limits and Payment:
- $1,000 Daily Limit Online: There’s a $1,000 maximum purchase limit per credit card per day on Southwest.com.
- $2,000 Limit for Individuals: Individuals cannot place orders exceeding $2,000. However, corporate/business purchases have no limit.
- US Billing Addresses Only: Only payment methods with billing addresses within the United States are accepted for gift card purchases.
Southwest Gift Card Delivery Options
Southwest Airlines provides several delivery methods to get your gift card to you or your recipient:
- Standard USPS Shipping: For a $2.95 fee, standard USPS shipping typically delivers within 4-7 business days.
- FedEx Standard Overnight: For urgent delivery, FedEx Standard Overnight is available at $9.95. Orders placed after 12:00 pm CT will be processed the next business day, and Saturday delivery is not available. 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.
- No International or Restricted Addresses: 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 details provided by the purchaser, including both physical and email addresses. Delivery to a wrong but valid address provided by the purchaser is the purchaser’s responsibility.
Redeeming Your Southwest Gift Card and Checking Your Balance
Redeeming your Southwest gift card is simple when booking your travel:
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Eligible for Passenger Travel: Southwest gift cards are exclusively for passenger travel on Southwest Airlines, excluding group tickets.
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Redemption Channels: You can redeem your gift card:
- On Southwest.com
- Through Southwest Airlines mobile apps and the 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
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Ineligible Purchases: Southwest gift cards cannot be used for: Southwest Vacation Packages, cargo, hotel, rental cars, 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.
Managing Your Southwest Gift Card Balance During Redemption:
- Balance Deduction: Each purchase amount is deducted from your southwest gift card balance. The balance remains on the card until depleted.
- Multiple Gift Cards per Reservation: You can use up to three Southwest gift cards per passenger per reservation.
- Combining Payment Methods: If your purchase exceeds the total value of three gift cards, you can use two gift cards and supplement the remaining amount with another payment form. This also applies to flight credits and Southwest LUV Vouchers (max two LUV Vouchers). Only one credit card (or PayPal) can be used per reservation, but Apple Pay can be combined with gift cards, LUV Vouchers, and flight credits, but not with another credit card.
Refunds and Cash Value:
- No Cash Redemption: Southwest gift cards cannot be redeemed or exchanged for cash, check, or credit, except where legally required.
- Non-refundable to Gift Card: Generally, travel purchased with a gift card is not refundable back to the original gift card.
- Flight Credit for Cancellations: If travel is not taken and the reservation is canceled at least 10 minutes before departure, the 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 from gift card purchases will be issued as Transferable Flight Credit regardless of fare. For multi-passenger reservations, credit is issued to each passenger accordingly. 24-Hour Cancellation: For reservations canceled within 24 hours of booking, contact customer service for assistance.
Understanding these terms and conditions ensures a smooth experience when purchasing and using your Southwest gift card. Always keep track of your southwest gift card balance to manage your travel budget effectively and enjoy the benefits of flexible travel with Southwest Airlines.
