Simple 8-Step Guide to Redeem Your Southwest Gift Card
The Southwest Gift Card is an ideal way to help travelers exploring new destinations and planning a gateway with ease. Whether booking flights, upgrading seats, or covering travel essentials, this card ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience with Southwest Airlines.
This card can be redeemed instantly by entering the unique code at checkout when booking flights, allowing seamless travel planning. The balance is applied within moments, covering fares, taxes, and fees with no expiration dates, so recipients can plan trips at their convenience.
The Southwest Gift Card is available in digital and physical formats, offering flexible gifting options. The physical version is ideal for surprise gifts, while the digital card ensures instant email delivery for immediate use.
With denominations ranging from $50 to $500, this card is a great travel companion, covering flights or related expenses, making it a valuable option for frequent travelers. Once redeemed, the balance stays secure for future bookings, simplifying travel arrangements. The Southwest Gift Card makes every trip effortless, providing a convenient and reliable way to book flights and discover exciting new destinations without financial stress.
How to Redeem Southwest Gift Cards Online in Easy 8 Steps
To redeem Southwest Gift Card Online, sign in to Southwest Airline account, select ‘Southwest gift card’, enter your code and PIN and click ‘Apply Gift Card’.
Step 1: Open the Official Southwest Airlines Website
Navigate to the official Southwest Airlines website to redeem your gift card:
- Website: www.southwest.com
- Mobile App: Open the Southwest app (iOS/Android).
- Ensure you are logged into your Southwest account before proceeding.

Step 2: Log in or Sign Up for an Account
- Existing User? Log in using your Southwest credentials.
- New User? Click “Create Account” and follow the registration steps.
- Southwest gift card balances are linked to your account for security and tracking.

Step 3: Locate the Gift Card Redemption Section
- Sign-in or sign-up to your Southwest Airline account.
- During checkout, select ‘Southwest gift card’ under ‘Payment method’.
- Enter your gift card code and PIN, click ‘Apply gift card.’
- Complete your checkout and choose the card you just added.
- Note: A maximum of 3 gift card codes can be applied per passenger on each reservation.
Step 4: Enter the Gift Card Code
- Type the correct Southwest Gift Card Code into the designated input box.
- Codes are typically 16-digit numbers with a PIN.
- Double-check for typos before clicking “Apply” to ensure a smooth process.
Step 5: Confirm Redemption and Balance Update
- A success message will appear once the code is successfully applied.
- Your Southwest Gift Card balance updates instantly.
- You may receive an email confirmation with redemption details.
Step 6: Check and Manage Gift Card Balance
- Enter your gift card code and PIN when prompted and click ‘Check your Balance’.
- Your current gift card balance will be displayed on your screen.
- Or, Call: +1 (800)-435-9792

Step 7: Understand Usage Restrictions
- Southwest gift cards cannot be used for hotel bookings or car rentals.
- Funds can be used for Southwest Airlines flight purchases.
- Non-refundable—once redeemed, the balance cannot be transferred or withdrawn.
Step 8: Start Using Your Balance
- Use your Southwest Gift Card for booking flights on Southwest Airlines.
- Southwest allows split payments if your balance is lower than the total purchase.
- Watch for promotions and discounts.
- Redeem the gift card in the country where it was purchased.
- Book your flight before the card expires.
How to Redeem Southwest Gift Card Offline in Easy 7 Steps
To redeem a Southwest Gift Card in-store, learn how to locate participating Southwest Airlines booking locations, check your balance, and follow the redemption steps for a seamless travel experience:

Step 1: Identify Participating Stores or Outlets
- Southwest Gift Cards can be used for passenger travel booked directly through Southwest Airlines.
- They cannot be used for Southwest Airlines group tickets or Southwest Vacations.
Step 2: Check Gift Card Balance (Optional but Recommended)
- Visit the Southwest Gift Card Balance Checker on their website.
- Enter your 16-digit card number and 4-digit security code to check available funds.
Step 3: Understand Terms and Conditions for Offline Use
- Southwest Gift Cards must be manually entered at checkout when booking a flight.
- They cannot be stored in a Rapid Rewards account for future use.
- Gift cards do not expire, making them a flexible travel option.
Step 4: Carry the Gift Card (Physical or Mobile Format)
- Bring your physical Southwest Gift Card or ensure you have the digital redemption code accessible.
- Some stores may allow barcode scanning, while others require manual entry.
Step 5: Inform the Cashier Before Billing
- If purchasing a Southwest Gift Card at a store, confirm the activation process with the cashier.
- When redeeming a gift card for a flight, ensure the gift card number and security code are entered correctly during checkout.
Step 6: Swipe or Scan the Card
- For physical purchases, the cashier will scan the card or manually enter the code.
- For flight bookings, enter the gift card code in the Southwest checkout under Payment Options.
Step 7: Confirm Payment & Collect Receipt
- Ensure the correct deduction is applied from your Southwest Gift Card balance.
- Request details on your remaining balance for future bookings.
- Keep your receipt as proof of redemption, which may be useful for refunds or balance checks.
Problems & Help – Southwest Gift Card
Common Problems & Troubleshooting Steps
Problem #1: Gift Card Not Working on Website
Problem: The card is not processing correctly when booking a flight online.
Possible Causes:
- Temporary website issues.
- Incorrect card details entered.
What to Do:
- Try again later or use a different payment method.
- Contact Southwest customer support if funds were deducted but the transaction failed.
Problem #2: Insufficient Funds
Problem: The card balance is too low for the transaction.
Possible Causes:
- Fees or charges reduced the available balance.
What to Do:
- Check your balance before making a purchase.
- Use a secondary payment method if needed.
Problem #3: Lost or Stolen Card
Problem: The card has been misplaced or used fraudulently.
Possible Causes:
- Unauthorized transactions or theft.
What to Do:
- Contact Southwest customer support immediately to report the loss.
- Request a replacement if applicable.
Problem #4: Technical Issues
Problem: The card is declined due to system errors.
Possible Causes:
- Temporary server problems.
What to Do:
- Wait a few hours and try again.
- Contact Southwest support if the issue continues.
Problem #5: Funds Deducted but Booking Failed
Problem: The gift card balance was charged, but the flight reservation did not go through.
Possible Causes:
- Temporary website or payment processing errors.
What to Do:
- Check your Southwest account to confirm the booking status.
- Contact Southwest customer support to resolve the issue.
Problem #6: Invalid Gift Card Number
Problem: The system says the card number is incorrect.
Possible Causes:
- Mistyped card number or expiration date.
- Card is expired or deactivated.
What to Do:
- Verify the card details carefully.
- If the issue is still there, contact Southwest customer support.
Problem #7: Card Not Accepted for Certain Charges
Problem: The gift card cannot be used for taxes or extra fees.
Possible Causes:
- Southwest may restrict gift card usage for certain non-flight charges.
What to Do:
- Check the Southwest Gift Card terms and conditions.
How to Contact Southwest Gift Card Support for Assistance?
1. Customer Support Channels
- Phone Support: Call customer support at 1-800-435-9792 for quick assistance.
- Email Support: Submit inquiries via the official Southwest Email Support Page.
- Online Help: Visit the Southwest Airlines Help Center for troubleshooting and assistance.
- Help Center: Sign in to your Southwest account to access personalized support options.
2. Social Media Support
- Twitter: @SouthwestAir for updates and customer interactions.
- Facebook: Southwest Airlines official page for promotions and support.
- Instagram: @SouthwestAir for brand updates and engagement.
3. Merchant-Specific Support
Visit the Southwest Gift Card Help page for direct merchant-related inquiries.
4. Escalation Process
If initial support does not resolve the problem, request a supervisor or higher-level assistance.
FAQ
How Can I Check If my Southwest Gift Card is Still Valid or has Already Expired?
To check if your Southwest Gift Card is still valid:
- Locate the card details:
- Find your gift card number on the back of a physical card or in your email for digital cards.
- Visit Southwest’s official balance check page:
- Go to Southwest Gift Card Balance Check.
- Enter the required details:
- Input your gift card number.
- View card status:
- Southwest will display:
- Remaining balance (if any).
- Expiry date (if applicable).
- Card status: active, used, or expired.
- Southwest will display:
⚠️ Note: Southwest gift cards do not expire and do not have dormancy fees.
What Should I Do If my Southwest Gift Card is Showing as “Already Redeemed”?
If your Southwest gift card says “already redeemed”, follow these steps:
- Verify the code entry:
- Ensure you’ve entered the gift card number correctly.
- Check your Southwest account (if applicable):
- Some Southwest gift cards require registration before use.
- Confirm with the sender (if applicable):
- If the card was a gift, check whether the sender may have already redeemed it.
- Contact Southwest Support:
- Visit Southwest Customer Support and provide:
- Gift card number
- Purchase receipt
- Description of the issue
- Visit Southwest Customer Support and provide:
⚠️ Security Tip: Never share your full gift card number publicly.
Can I Redeem my Southwest Gift Card Partially and use the Remaining Balance Later?
Yes, Southwest gift cards support partial redemption:
- Use a portion of the balance now:
- At checkout, only the amount needed for the purchase will be deducted.
- Check your remaining balance afterward:
- Visit Southwest Gift Card Balance Check to track your funds.
- Multiple partial uses allowed:
- As long as funds remain, you can use the card repeatedly.
✅ Tip: If a Southwest gift card is redeemed for travel and the reservation is canceled, the remaining funds will be held as a flight credit or Transferable Flight Credit, depending on the fare purchased.
How Can I Check the Remaining Balance on my Southwest Gift Card?
To verify your Southwest Gift Card balance, follow these steps:
- Visit the Southwest official gift card balance check page:
- Go to Southwest Gift Card Balance Check.
- Enter your gift card details:
- Input your gift card number.
- Check balance via Southwest account:
- If your card is linked to your Southwest account, you can check the balance there.
- Contact Southwest Support if needed:
- If unsure, reach out to Southwest Customer Support for confirmation.
🛑 Reminder: Always check your balance before making a purchase to avoid surprises.
What Should I Do If my Southwest Gift Card Code is Not Working or Showing as Invalid?
If your Southwest gift card code is not working:
- Double-check the code:
- Ensure there are no typos or extra spaces.
- Verify the platform:
- Confirm you’re redeeming it at a merchant that accepts Southwest gift cards.
- Check if the card has already been redeemed:
- Log into your Southwest account (if applicable) to check.
- Wait and try again:
- Temporary system errors may prevent validation—try again later.
- Contact Southwest Support:
- Visit Southwest Customer Support and provide:
- Gift card number
- Purchase receipt
- Error message screenshot
- Visit Southwest Customer Support and provide:
💡 Pro Tip: Some Southwest gift cards require activation before use—check the instructions provided with your card.
Can I Redeem a Southwest Gift Card in a Different Country or Currency than Where it was Purchased?
Southwest gift cards may have regional restrictions:
- Southwest gift cards can only be used for passenger travel on Southwest Airlines.
- They cannot be used for Southwest Vacations packages, Group Travel, EarlyBird Check-In, Pet Fares, or Unaccompanied Minor fees.
Here’s what you can do:
- Check your Southwest gift card terms on the issuer’s website.
- If traveling, consider using a Visa or Mastercard prepaid card instead.
- If sent the wrong regional card, ask the sender to refund or exchange it.
📝 Tip: Always verify a gift card’s region before redeeming to avoid errors.
Can I Reload or Add Funds to my Southwest Gift Card?
No, Southwest gift cards cannot be reloaded. They are one-time-use cards, and you must purchase a new one if you need additional funds.
What Should I Do If my Southwest Gift Card is Lost or Stolen?
If your Southwest gift card is lost or stolen:
- Check your Southwest account (if registered):
- Some Southwest gift cards allow online tracking.
- Contact Southwest Support:
- Visit Southwest Customer Support.
- Provide proof of purchase and your gift card number.
- Request a replacement:
- Some issuers may cancel the lost card and issue a replacement if you provide sufficient proof.
💡 Pro Tip: Always register your Southwest gift cards to track them securely.