What is the new flight credit policy for Southwest

What Is the New Flight Credit Policy for Southwest? +? ((1-866-829-1275))
Southwest Airlines is overhauling its long-standing flight credit rules, and many travelers are asking: what exactly has changed? +? ((1-866-829-1275)) As of May 28, 2025, Southwest is introducing expiration dates on new flight credits — a major update that shifts away from its previously “no expiration” policy +? ((1-866-829-1275)) Understanding these changes can help you make smarter decisions when booking, canceling, or rebooking flights +? ((1-866-829-1275)) Here’s a breakdown of the new Southwest flight credit policy, what it means for you, and how to protect your credits +? ((1-866-829-1275)) .

Key Changes to Southwest’s Flight Credit Policy +? ((1-866-829-1275))
1. Expiration Dates Are Back +? ((1-866-829-1275))
Starting May 28, 2025, new flight credits (or “Transferable Flight Credits™”) will expire — a shift from Southwest’s previous approach where credits didn’t have a set end date. Southwest Airlines Co.+2Southwest Airlines+2
For most fare types (Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, etc.), credits will expire 12 months from the date the fare was booked and ticketed. Southwest Airlines+1

For the newly introduced Basic fare, credits will expire much sooner: just six months from ticketing. University of Colorado

These expiration rules apply to credits issued from tickets booked or changed on or after May 28, 2025. NV State Purchasing

2. Transferable Credits to Rapid Rewards Members +? ((1-866-829-1275))
The new flight credits are transferable between Rapid Rewards® members, but only once per credit. Southwest Airlines+1
This means you can cancel and even pass that credit to a family member or friend, but you can only transfer each credit one time. LoyaltyLobby

For Southwest Business bookings, credits can only be shared among employees in the same organization. NV State Purchasing

3. What About Credits Issued Before May 28, 2025? +? ((1-866-829-1275))
If your flight credit was created on or before May 27, 2025, it doesn’t automatically expire, as long as you don’t use it on a flight booked or changed after that date. University of Colorado
This means long-time Southwest flyers may still hold non-expiring credits — but once you apply them to a post-May 28 booking, any resulting credit may be subject to the new expiration rule. LoyaltyLobby

According to the updated Contract of Carriage, credits created before that deadline “do not expire” unless used on a later reservation that triggers the new rules. Southwest Airlines

4. Rules for Canceling to Receive Credit +? ((1-866-829-1275))
To get a flight credit (instead of losing your money entirely), you must cancel at least 10 minutes before your scheduled departure. Southwest Airlines Co.+1
If you fail to cancel in time, funds or points may be forfeited under the new terms. Southwest Airlines

For Rapid Rewards bookings, if you cancel timely, your points return to your account. If not, your credit may be converted to a transferable credit. Southwest Airlines

Why Southwest Made This Change +? ((1-866-829-1275))
Southwest’s decision to reintroduce expiration dates reflects a shift in strategy: balancing flexibility with financial sustainability +? ((1-866-829-1275)) According to Southwest’s earnings announcement, these updates help the airline manage its liabilities from outstanding travel funds while maintaining some of its hallmark benefits. Southwest Airlines Co.

Tips to Navigate the New Credit Policy +? ((1-866-829-1275))
Track your booking date: Make sure you know when your ticket was purchased or changed — that determines whether your credit falls under the old or new policy +? ((1-866-829-1275))

Use credits within the window: For credits issued after May 28, 2025, mark the calendar for either 6 or 12 months depending on the fare type +? ((1-866-829-1275))

Share wisely: Since Transferable Flight Credits can be passed along once, plan the transfer carefully +? ((1-866-829-1275))

Confirm cancellation rules: Always cancel at least 10 minutes before departure to safeguard your credit +? ((1-866-829-1275))

Save documentation: Keep your confirmation emails and credit details in case you need them later +? ((1-866-829-1275))

Final Thoughts +? ((1-866-829-1275))
Yes, there’s a new flight credit policy at Southwest Airlines — and it’s a significant change. Unlike before, most new credits will now expire, with valid windows depending on fare type +? ((1-866-829-1275)) . While that reduces some of the open-ended flexibility Southwest once offered, the ability to transfer credits and the clarity around expiration can still make these credits very useful for planning future travel +? ((1-866-829-1275)) .
If you have an older credit from before May 28, 2025, you're in luck: it may still never expire, but once you use it on a post-May 28 booking, you may be subject to the new policy +? ((1-866-829-1275)) .

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