Another policy shift signals the end of an era for customer perks

Goodbye to Forever Flight Credits

Starting May 28, Southwest Airlines will attach expiry dates to all newly issued travel credits. Credits will now expire 12 months from the original ticket purchase date. For basic economy fares, credits will expire in just six months.

Previously, Southwest’s flight credits had no expiration—an industry-leading policy that customers valued.

What This Means for Travelers

Travel credits are typically issued during disruptions, delays, or as compensation. Under the new policy, travelers must use credits within a year—or within six months if flying on basic economy. This change adds urgency for customers adjusting travel plans.

Part of a Bigger Overhaul

The change is one of many at Southwest over the past year. The airline is also phasing out two long-standing customer favorites:

• The “bags fly free” policy for many passengers
• Open, unassigned seating

These shifts mark a move away from what once made Southwest stand out.

Why Now?

According to the airline, the no-expiration policy wasn’t delivering returns. “Customers’ behavior didn’t show us getting much credit for the policy,” a spokesperson said. Keeping unused credits indefinitely became too costly.

Some see this as Southwest aligning more with investor-first business models. Others view it as a necessary evolution in a fiercely competitive industry. Regardless, it signals a clear departure from the airline’s passenger-first legacy.

A Farewell to Flexibility?

Southwest once held a massive advantage with flexible policies and no change fees. That flexibility earned customer loyalty—especially among frequent and budget-conscious flyers. Now, with each change, that advantage fades.

Nothing lasts forever—not even flight credits at Southwest. Travelers should plan accordingly and use credits before they expire. And as Southwest continues to evolve, loyal flyers may need to reevaluate what makes the airline worth choosing.