Southwest Airlines drops expiration dates on flight credits
The policy will apply to all flight credits unexpired on, or created on or after July 28
Southwest Airlines announced Thursday that it's dropping the expiration date for all flight credits to improve the customer experience amid a trying time for the industry.
Previously, customers only had a year to cash in on their credits. Now, all flight credits unexpired on, or created on or after Thursday will last forever, according to the Dallas-based airline.
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LUV | SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. | 33.00 | +0.64 | +1.98% |
This includes all flight credits that were issued throughout the pandemic and were set to expire.
FAA PROPOSES NEW FLIGHT DECK BARRIER AFTER UNRULY PASSENGERS GRAB HEADLINES
Flight credits are issued to passengers after their flight was canceled, or if they were downgraded, and they can be used for future flights.
A Southwest Airlines employee helps a passenger to check in at a counter at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on October 11, 2021 in Arlington, Virginia. (Alex Wong/Getty Images / Getty Images)
Southwest Airlines Chief Marketing Officer Ryan Green said the airline recently announced more than $2 billion in customer enhancements to improve the customer experience.
AIRLINE TRADE GROUP REQUESTS MEETING WITH FAA TO DISCUSS AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER STAFFING CHALLENGES
The airline already eliminated change fees, cancellation fees and is offering two free checked bags.
"Introducing this change in our policy is part of a massive effort to improve the things that are most important to our Customers," Tony Roach, Southwest Airlines' vice president of customer experience and engagement, said.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS
The announcement comes at a time when the airline industry – facing weather challenges and staffing woes – has been delaying and canceling flights during the busy summer season.
Over 6,700 flights were delayed on Tuesday alone followed by another 6,000 on Wednesday, according to data from flight tracking site FlightAware.