Southwest Airlines’ Travel Funds are one of the most valuable—and sometimes misunderstood—benefits in U.S. air travel. If you’ve ever canceled or changed a Southwest flight, chances are you’re sitting on one or more travel fund credits. A common question travelers ask is:
“Can I use two travel funds on one Southwest booking?”
The answer is yes—but with important conditions, rules, and strategic nuances that many travelers overlook. This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly how to use two (or more) Southwest travel funds on a single booking, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to maximize the value of every dollar.
Whether you’re an occasional leisure traveler or a frequent flyer managing multiple credits, this article provides clear, actionable, and trustworthy guidance based on publicly available Southwest Airlines policies and industry best practices.
Understanding Southwest Travel Funds
Before using multiple travel funds on one booking, it’s essential to understand what Southwest Travel Funds are and how they work.
What Are Southwest Travel Funds?
Southwest Travel Funds are credits issued when you cancel or change a Southwest flight and receive a non-refundable fare value back for future use.
They are tied to:
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The original passenger’s name
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A unique confirmation number
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An expiration date
Unlike vouchers or gift cards, travel funds cannot be transferred to another person.
Common Ways Travel Funds Are Created
You may receive Southwest Travel Funds if you:
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Cancel a Wanna Get Away® or Wanna Get Away Plus® fare
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Change a flight to a lower fare
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Rebook a flight at a cheaper price
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Cancel a partially flown itinerary (remaining segments only)
Important: Fully refundable fares and Anytime fares may return to the original form of payment instead of creating travel funds.
Can You Use Two Travel Funds on One Booking?
The Short Answer
Yes, Southwest allows you to use multiple travel funds on a single booking, as long as all funds:
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Belong to the same passenger
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Are not expired
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Are applied correctly during checkout
There is no publicly stated limit on the number of travel funds you can apply to one booking.
Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on a maximum number of travel funds per reservation.
Step-by-Step: How to Use Two Travel Funds on One Southwest Booking
Here’s the exact process to apply multiple travel funds when booking on Southwest.com.
Step 1: Start a New Flight Search
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Go to Southwest.com
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Enter:
- Departure and destination
- Travel dates
- Passenger details
- Click Search
Step 2: Select Your Flight
Choose your preferred flight and fare type. Travel funds can be used on:
- Wanna Get Away
- Wanna Get Away Plus
- Anytime
- Business Select
Step 3: Enter Passenger Details
Make sure:
- The passenger name exactly matches the name associated with the travel funds
- Even small differences (middle initials, spelling) can cause errors
Step 4: Apply the First Travel Fund
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On the payment page, select “Apply Travel Funds”
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Enter:
- Confirmation number
- Passenger’s first and last name
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Click Apply
Step 5: Apply the Second Travel Fund
Repeat the same process:
- Click Add another travel fund
- Enter the second confirmation number
- Apply
Southwest will automatically deduct both balances from the total fare.
Step 6: Pay Any Remaining Balance
If the travel funds don’t fully cover the fare:
- Pay the remaining amount with a credit card, debit card, or gift card
- Taxes and fees can be paid with travel funds
Using More Than Two Travel Funds
Southwest allows:
- Multiple travel funds
- One passenger per booking
- Unlimited stacking (subject to system acceptance)
Travelers have successfully used three, four, or more credits in one transaction.
Travel Funds vs LUV Vouchers vs Gift Cards
Understanding the difference helps avoid booking issues.
| Feature | Travel Funds | LUV Voucher | Gift Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tied to passenger name | Yes | No | No |
| Expiration | Yes | Yes | No |
| Transferable | No | Yes | Yes |
| Can combine multiple | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Created from cancellations | Yes | No | No |
Real-World Example: Using Two Travel Funds Successfully
Scenario:
- You canceled two flights last year.
- Travel Fund A: $120 (expires June 2026)
- Travel Fund B: $85 (expires August 2026)
- New flight cost: $230
What happens:
- Apply both funds ($205 total)
- Pay remaining $25 with credit card
- New confirmation number issued
- If canceled again, a new travel fund is created with a new expiration date
What Happens If One Travel Fund Expires Soon?
Southwest travel funds are use-by dates, not fly-by dates.
Smart Strategy:
- Book before expiration
- Travel can happen later
- If plans change, cancel again to reset the clock (if fare rules allow)
This approach is widely used and permitted under current Southwest policies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Name Mismatch Errors
Even a missing middle name can prevent travel funds from applying.
2. Mixing Passengers
You cannot use someone else’s travel fund, even for a family booking.
3. Letting Funds Expire
Expired travel funds are not reinstated, even by customer service.
4. Confusing Vouchers with Travel Funds
They behave differently and have different rules.
Can You Use Travel Funds on Companion Pass Bookings?
Yes—with limitations.
- Travel funds apply to the paid ticket
- Companion tickets only require taxes and fees
- Companion must be added after booking
Using Travel Funds for International Flights
Southwest allows travel funds on:
- Mexico
- Caribbean
- Central America
Travel funds can cover base fare and taxes, but:
- Some international fees may require a credit card
What If You Need Help Applying Multiple Travel Funds?
If the website fails:
- Contact Southwest Customer Service
- Provide all confirmation numbers
- Agents can manually apply credits
Based on publicly available information, Southwest agents are authorized to assist with travel fund application issues.
Expert Tips to Maximize Southwest Travel Funds
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Track expiration dates in a spreadsheet
- Combine smaller balances into one booking
- Rebook flights if prices drop
- Use Wanna Get Away Plus fares for added flexibility
- Avoid booking multiple passengers together if funds are separate
Industry consumer-protection guidance (such as principles outlined by Consumer Reports) emphasizes tracking credits and understanding fare rules to avoid lost value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use two Southwest travel funds on one booking?
Yes. Southwest allows multiple travel funds to be applied to one reservation for the same passenger.
2. Is there a limit to how many travel funds I can use?
Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed limit.
3. Can I use travel funds for someone else?
No. Travel funds are non-transferable.
4. Can travel funds cover taxes and fees?
Yes, including government taxes.
5. Do travel funds expire?
Yes. Each fund has its own expiration date.
6. Can I combine travel funds with a gift card?
Yes. Gift cards can cover any remaining balance.
7. What happens if I cancel a booking made with travel funds?
A new travel fund is issued with a new confirmation number.
8. Can I use travel funds on international flights?
Yes, for eligible Southwest international routes.
9. Can I apply travel funds over the phone?
Yes. Customer service agents can assist.
10. Can Companion Pass holders use travel funds?
Yes, for the primary ticket only.
Final Thoughts
Southwest Airlines’ flexible policies make it one of the most consumer-friendly airlines in the U.S., but only if you understand the rules. Knowing how to use two travel funds on one booking can save you hundreds of dollars and prevent valuable credits from expiring unused.
By following the strategies in this guide—tracking expiration dates, stacking funds correctly, and rebooking smartly—you can maximize every Southwest dollar with confidence.
