Southwest does not offer payment plans directly through the airline
Southwest Airlines does not let you split a ticket purchase into installments through their own financing program. When you buy a ticket on Southwest's website or through their phone line, you pay the full price upfront with a credit card, debit card, or gift card. There is no option to choose a payment plan at checkout or to defer payment across multiple months.
However, you have other ways to spread the cost. If you have a credit card that offers a buy now, pay later service—either built into the card itself or through a third-party partner—you can use that at the moment of purchase. Some cards also let you convert a purchase into installments after you've bought the ticket. The terms, interest rates, and number of payments depend entirely on your card issuer, not Southwest.
Key Takeaways
- Southwest does not offer its own payment plan or financing option for ticket purchases.
- You can use a credit card's built-in buy now, pay later feature or a third-party service like Affirm or Klarna at checkout if your card supports it.
- Some credit cards allow you to convert a completed purchase into installments after the transaction, though this varies by issuer.
- Southwest gift cards purchased on a payment plan can then be used to buy tickets, which is an indirect way to spread costs.
- Refundable tickets and Southwest's points program are alternatives if you need flexibility without taking on debt.
Using a credit card's payment plan feature at checkout
Many credit cards partner with buy now, pay later services or offer their own installment options. When you're on Southwest's payment page, you may see a choice to "pay in installments" or a third-party service name like Affirm, Klarna, or Afterpay. This option appears only if your card issuer has set it up and you meet their requirements—usually a minimum purchase amount and a credit check.
The process is straightforward: select the installment option, choose how many payments you want (typically 3, 6, or 12), and complete the purchase. Southwest receives the full payment when ready, and you owe the installment company. Interest rates and fees vary widely. Some services charge no interest if you pay on time; others charge a percentage of the ticket price. Read the terms before you confirm, because you're entering an agreement with the card issuer or the third-party service, not with Southwest.
Converting a purchase into installments after you've bought the ticket
If you didn't see a payment plan option at checkout, your credit card issuer may still let you convert the Southwest purchase into installments after the fact. This is called a "pay over time" or "installment conversion" feature, and it's available through some major card issuers like American Express, Chase, and Capital One. You log into your card's app or website, find the Southwest charge, and request to split it into monthly payments.
Not every card offers this, and not every purchase qualifies—there's usually a minimum amount required. Interest rates explore, and the terms depend on your card agreement. This route gives you flexibility if you didn't plan ahead, but you'll pay interest on the full ticket price for the length of the installment period, so the total cost rises.
Buying Southwest gift cards on a payment plan
An indirect way to spread the cost is to purchase a Southwest gift card through a payment plan, then use that card to buy your ticket. Some retailers that sell Southwest gift cards—including Amazon and grocery store gift card kiosks—may offer installment options through their own systems or through a credit card you're using. You'd set up the payment plan with the retailer, receive the gift card code, and then use it on Southwest's website to buy your ticket.
This approach works only if the retailer offers installments and if you're comfortable buying the gift card before you know your exact travel dates. You also lose the ability to cancel and get a refund if your plans change, because gift cards are typically non-refundable. Check the retailer's terms and the gift card's expiration date before you commit.
What to do if you can't afford the ticket right now
If no payment plan option is available to you and the ticket is out of reach, consider waiting. Southwest frequently runs sales, especially on routes you're interested in. Signing up for their email alerts or checking their website weekly can help you catch a lower fare. You can also book a refundable ticket now at a higher price and rebook it later if a cheaper option appears—Southwest allows free changes to your reservation, though you may owe the fare difference if the new ticket costs more.
Another option is to earn Southwest points through their Rapid Rewards program and use those points to cover part or all of the ticket cost. You earn points by flying, using a Southwest credit card, or shopping through their partners. This takes time but removes the need to finance the purchase at all.
How Southwest's refund and change policies affect payment plans
Southwest's ticket change policy is generous—you can change your flight to a different date or route for free, and you'll only owe money if the new ticket costs more. However, if you've financed the ticket through a credit card installment plan, changing or canceling the flight doesn't automatically cancel your payment plan. You'll still owe the installment company the full amount you agreed to pay, even if you no longer need the ticket.
If you cancel a ticket outright, Southwest issues a credit to your account that you can use for future travel within one year. Again, this credit doesn't stop your payment plan obligations. Before you commit to a payment plan, make sure you're confident in your travel plans, because backing out of the trip doesn't release you from the financing agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay for a Southwest ticket in installments directly through Southwest?
No. Southwest does not offer its own payment plan or financing program. You can only use a third-party payment plan through your credit card issuer or a buy now, pay later service at the moment of purchase.
What if my credit card doesn't show a payment plan option at checkout?
Contact your card issuer to ask whether they offer installment conversion after purchase. You may be able to convert the Southwest charge into payments through your card's app or website, even if the option didn't appear at checkout. Not all cards offer this feature.
Will canceling my Southwest ticket cancel my payment plan?
No. If you financed the ticket through a credit card installment plan or a third-party service, canceling the flight does not stop your payment obligations. You'll still owe the installment company. Southwest will issue a credit for the ticket value, but that credit is separate from your financing agreement.
Is there interest on Southwest payment plans?
Interest depends on the service you use. Some buy now, pay later services charge no interest if you pay on time. Others charge a percentage of the purchase price. Credit card installment plans typically charge interest. Always review the terms before you confirm the payment plan.
Can I use a Southwest gift card to avoid a payment plan?
Yes, if you can buy the gift card on a payment plan through a retailer. However, gift cards are usually non-refundable and may expire, so this works only if you're certain about your travel plans and the card's terms.