Anyone ever buy Southwest giftcards for own trip?

[HHSTigerFan]

Going in December, thought about buying a $500 GC now to pay for about half of our fare when the Dec window is opened...

 

[Tara]

Sure, I've done that.

 

[SilverMickey]

I have purchased Southwest GC's at Walmart (I think) When I was surprising my hubby with a trip and didn't want it to be spoiled by showing up on the credit card bill.

Another year we paid for everything in advance except the rental car. It was a very budget trip and we only used the card for the rental. So when I had the cash I bought gift cards. Only thing to watch for is you can only use a certain amount of payment types when checking out in one transaction. (credit card, credits, Gift card.) I had 4 credits and the gift cards. I had to split my family up into 2 reservations to use all 4 credits as well as the gift cards.

Great thing to come home without a bill!

Have a great trip!

 

[pershing]

Here's the pertinent quote from the Southwest Gift Card FAQ's:

Up to four southwestgiftcards can be applied toward one reservation. Our payment system limits the total form of payments, so, if the balance of the itinerary is more than the amount of all four gift cards, you will only be able to use three of your gift cards so that the balance can be paid with another form of payment that will cover the balance of the reservation (i.e. credit card). The following is our policy in regards to forms of payment: Southwest Airlines accepts up to two unused Ticketless Travel tickets per passenger (are always applied first) and up to four of the following in any combination: southwestgiftcards, Southwest LUV Vouchers, Ticketless Travel Funds (left over funds not previously used), and one credit card.

The problem with breaking up the booking of your travel group to use multiple gift cards is that when you go to check them in 24 hours prior, you can get very different boarding letters. Unless you're a real whiz on the computer or have someone helping you on another computer!

 

[SilverMickey]

Here's the pertinent quote from the Southwest Gift Card FAQ's:



The problem with breaking up the booking of your travel group to use multiple gift cards is that when you go to check them in 24 hours prior, you can get very different boarding letters. Unless you're a real whiz on the computer or have someone helping you on another computer!

Very true! However my family of 4 has been 18 numbers apart when checking in with just one reservation. I think the entire plane pushed the button at the same exact time that day. Everyone in line was split up.

 

[ksloane]

Yep. For our last flights, I bought $100 gift cards each month leading up to our trip and used them to buy our tickets. Worked like a charm.

 

[Carina]

I have a SWA gift card that I got as a reward on swagbucks. I would worry about buying one if there was even a SLIM chance that I coul get a better deal on another airline.

I am not concerned with my card because it didn't cost me anything. I hope to fly SWA but I am not 100% certian I will