Southwest Airline executives said they are introducing “first-of-its-kind” policy that will allow flight credits to last forever.
The airline announced the change to policy in a news release, saying that all flight credits valid on or after July 28, 2022 will have no expiration date. Customers who have existing flight credits do not need to take any action, and the policy will automatically apply to any new credits issued.
“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,” Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan said in a statement.
Flight credits are often given to travelers in lieu of a refund when changes are made to an itinerary. Credits have been a large part of the Southwest Airlines business model, which promotes an easy-to-change ticket policy, USA Today reported.
Previously, flight credits expired after one year from the original date of purchase, though the carrier said that deadline was extended multiple times throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, The Washington Post reported.
Southwest Airlines introduced the new policy as part of a broader $2 billion effort to improve customer service, officials told CNN. Other initiatives include enhanced wireless, in-seat power adapters and larger overhead bins.
Southwest officials said that starting Thursday, customers who have flight credits will see a placeholder expiration date of Dec. 31, 2040, ahead of an additional software update that will allow the expiration date to be removed completely.
To be eligible for a flight credit, a reservation must be canceled at least 10 minutes before the departure time, The Washington Post reported.
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