• 

  Southwest Airlines

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  WN/SWA

  Airline Type:

  Low-Cost Carrier

  Hub(s):

  Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Dallas Love Field, Denver International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Houston Hobby Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Midway International Airport, Oakland International Airport, Orlando International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

  Year Founded:

  1967

  CEO:

  Robert Jordan

  Country:

  United States

Southwest Airlines today said its flight credits would no longer have an expiration date. An unprecedented move among major US airlines will create more value for customers as they don’t have to worry about expiring flight credits before they can be used.

Southwest Airlines issues flight credits when passengers cancel a non-refundable ticket at least 10 minutes or more before the scheduled departure time. These credits will now no longer be accompanied by an expiration date, allowing passengers to reschedule their travel at their convenience.

Discover more aviation news with Simple Flying.

Let’s take a closer look at the new policy.

No expiry dates

Most airlines have a definite expiry date on all their credits or points, which may deprive some passengers of the benefits. People who don’t fly frequently often lose their valuable credits to such expiration dates, but Southwest Airlines’ new policy will prevent that from happening. The policy applies to all valid credits as of July 28th, 2022. In addition, all future credits created on or after this date will also come without an expiry date.

Bob Jordan, Chief Executive Officer, Southwest Airlines, said,

“The more than 62,000 People at Southwest share a renewed pride in our unmatched access to flexibility that once again reshapes the landscape of Hospitality and value in the industry. Flight credits don’t expire* aligns with the boldness of a philosophy to give our Customers definitive simplicity and ease in travel, just like Bags fly free, just like No change fees, just like Points don’t expire1—they’re a first-in-our-industry combination of differentiators that only Southwest offers.”

However, customers may see a placeholder expiry date of December 31st, 2040, on their flight credits from now on. This will stay until Southwest updates its systems in accordance with the policy changes.

Efforts to upgrade passenger experience

Southwest’s decision to abolish expiration dates on flight credits is part of a larger company-wide push to improve passenger experience. Earlier this year, the airline committed to investing a whopping $2 billion towards such efforts, which initially only included better WiFi connectivity, larger overhead bins, more entertainment options, a more comprehensive selection of in-flight movies & cabin refreshments, and the introduction of a new fare class that provides greater flexibility to passengers.

Ryan Green, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Southwest Airlines.

“We recently announced more than two billion dollars in Customer experience improvements designed to enhance and simplify traveling with Southwest–and said then, we weren’t done. While other airlines eliminate benefits and value, today we’re enhancing our experience again. When Customers travel with Southwest, they receive ultimate flexibility that is unmatched in the industry. Bags fly free, there is never a fee to change or cancel your flight–and now, you don’t have to worry about your flight credits expiring before you can use them. We’ll be ready to serve you when you’re ready to fly.”

What do you make of Southwest Airlines doing away with expiration dates on all its flight credits? Do you think more airlines should follow suit? Please, share your thoughts in the comments.