Southwest gift card warning

[medic5399]

I bought $850 worth of gift cards(17X$50) last night at Target. Only after nearly booking our flights did I come to find out that SW will only accept 4 payments per reservation, ie 3 gift cards and a credit card. So what I had to do is make a reservation separately for each person each way. It was a real PITA. You would think that Target and Southwest would sell some higher denominations to prevent this from happening. Hope no one else runs into trouble!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I don't understand why you bought the cards in the first place. Why didn't you just use the gift card money to buy the tickets? Was there some type of discount?

You have far more protection buying airline tickets with a credit card.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

I don't understand why you bought the cards in the first place. Why didn't you just use the gift card money to buy the tickets? Was there some type of discount? You have far more protection buying airline tickets with a credit card.

OP probably has a Redcard which gets them 5% off, or pharmacy rewards which also gets them 5% off, or stacked them for 10% off.

 

[medic5399]

5% discount with the Target RedCard

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

That makes sense then!

It looks like Southwest limits the denominations of gift cards sold through retailers; I imagine to limit fraud:

http://www.southwest.com/html/generated/help/faqs/southwestgiftcard_faq.html

When purchasing directly from Southwest Airlines, we offer any denomination of your choice between $10 and $1,000. Orders exceeding $1,000 can be made by printing the southwestgiftcard order form and following the directions provided. For gift cards sold at approved retailers, the southwestgiftcard can only be purchased in pre-specified amounts ($50, $100, or in certain locations, $200).

 

[ccgirl]

I bought $850 worth of gift cards(17X$50) last night at Target. Only after nearly booking our flights did I come to find out that SW will only accept 4 payments per reservation, ie 3 gift cards and a credit card. So what I had to do is make a reservation separately for each person each way. It was a real PITA. You would think that Target and Southwest would sell some higher denominations to prevent this from happening. Hope no one else runs into trouble!

Did you try calling? The similar scenario happened to me and they were able to assist me on the phone.

 

[medic5399]

Did you try calling? The similar scenario happened to me and they were able to assist me on the phone.

I did and they said that the computer will only accept 4 payments

 

[hollypoast]

If you are not able to use them I know you can return unused gift cards to Target for a refund.

 

[medic5399]

If you are not able to use them I know you can return unused gift cards to Target for a refund.

I had to get creative and put everyone on their own reservation number so it did work out, but thanks for the info on returning gift cards

 

[andrews_dad]

And to add to that refunds count as a payment. I paid for a flight, it dropped by $20 so I rebooked. The was then one for of pay... so then I had 2 gift card slots and one credit card for the balance due.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

if you called customer service at SWA they would have been able to apply them for you. I had to do that last year.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

if you called customer service at SWA they would have been able to apply them for you. I had to do that last year.

See post #7.

 

[andrews_dad]

So you mean to tell me the 5% plus 5% trick for Disney GC at Target also works for Southwest???

 

[ibob52]

If you are not able to use them I know you can return unused gift cards to Target for a refund.

Is this a special return policy (Target only)
Other stores state ... Gift Cards cannot be Returned ... after purchase.
I have been told no return of Gift Cards ... during purchase ... while still at the cash register.

 

[disneyeveryyear]

Additionally, please know that SW does not allow you to pay for EBCI with gift cards.

I found out the hard way

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

If you are not able to use them I know you can return unused gift cards to Target for a refund.

http://m.target.com/HelpContent?hel.../returns_and_refunds/returns_and_refunds.html

• Target GiftCards, Target Mobile Gift Cards, and Target eGiftCards cannot be returned or redeemed for cash or credit except where required by law.

This appears only to apply to their branded cards. Looks like you can return Southwest cards:

http://www.target.com/p/southwest-airlines-50-gift-card/-/A-14541859

 

[bookwormde]

OK never done it but you could make a placeholder reservation(s) for under $200 to and then cancel it and get the travel funds account.