Southwest Airlines continues to shift its long-standing customer perks in 2025. After recently introducing assigned seating and doing away with its decades-old two free checked bags policy, the airline is now rolling out another significant change. Beginning May 28, flight credits issued by Southwest will no longer last indefinitely. Instead, they’ll come with an expiration date—another move that’s drawing frustration from loyal travelers who say the airline’s appeal is quickly vanishing.
Flight credits, defined by Southwest as “a credit from either a canceled flight or a downgrade in fare that can be used to buy a future flight,” will now depend on when the flight is booked or changed. Any flight credit generated from a reservation made or changed on or after May 28, 2025, will be issued with an expiration date. For flights booked or altered prior to that date, the credits will remain non-expiring. Passengers looking for full details can review the fine print directly at support.southwest.com.
How Long Are the New Credits Good For?
The length of time a credit remains valid depends on the type of ticket purchased. According to View from the Wing, customers booking regular fares will have flight credits that last for 12 months. However, for travelers purchasing the airline’s lower-cost Wanna Get Away fares—the equivalent of a basic economy ticket—the credit will only last six months.
Another notable distinction in the updated policy is that not all flight credits can be transferred. The lowest fare tier, Wanna Get Away, does not allow transferable credits. In contrast, the higher-tier options—Business Select, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away Plus—will allow a one-time transfer of credits between two Rapid Rewards members. This means that travelers on more expensive fares still have the flexibility to share credits, while budget flyers will not.
Backlash From Southwest Flyers
Unsurprisingly, the response from Southwest’s customer base has been largely negative. On Reddit, where airline policy changes are often a hot topic, users voiced their disappointment. “If I wait until I know my travel plans with absolute certainty before I book, I now have no reason to stick with Southwest as much and will just book whatever airline is cheapest or most convenient,” one commenter wrote. Another frustrated passenger added bluntly, “Well, never flying with them again.”
Southwest Responds to the Blowback
Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan addressed the airline’s evolving policies in a public statement. While acknowledging that loyal customers may not welcome these updates, he stood by the company’s direction. “It’s not going to change who we are, or the values that we stand for,” Jordan said. “It changes the product that we offer our customers that they want significantly.”
The End of an Era for Frequent Flyers
Travelers planning to fly with Southwest in 2025 should circle May 28 on their calendar. That date marks a turning point for the airline, as it says goodbye to two of its most recognizable customer perks—no expiration on flight credits and two free checked bags. With more changes likely ahead, some passengers are already looking elsewhere.