buying travel vouchers

25 Best Gift Cards for Every Type of Traveler

By Meaghan Kenny

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list is no easy feat. Maybe you're shopping for the friend who has everything already or someone you don't know that well—you're stumped on what to buy, but still want their gift to be thoughtful and practical. Or, maybe you've accidentally waited too long to finish up your holiday shopping and need a gift with zero shipping time required. In any case, a gift card is a great idea for travelers. We put together a list of the very best gift cards for travelers, with options for book worms, outdoor enthusiasts, and beauty gurus included. From suitcases to skincare to entire vacation rentals , you can put your gift to good use and rest easy knowing your giftee got exactly what they wanted: something they picked out themselves. Plus, some have physical card options, if sending an email isn't the glamorous gift-giving experience you imagined.

All products featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Meredith Carey.

Find the best gift cards by category:

For the frequent flier, for the sporty traveler, for the outdoor enthusiast, for the fashion-forward friend, for the beauty guru, for the book worm, for anyone on your list, airline gift cards.

Tons of airlines offer gift cards so you can offset someone's flight to their dream destination. You can buy a digital or physical Southwest Airlines gift card from the airline directly or a physical card from Amazon , from $50 to $200. American Airlines offers virtual and physical gift cards from $50 to $1,500. Delta's gift cards range from $50 to $1,000 and can be sent via e-mail or through UPS. Low-cost airline Norwegian offers digital gift cards up to a whopping $11,000, while Ireland's Aer Lingus offers gifted flight vouchers up to $500.

For the person who has everything, there's only one thing to buy: experiences. Think tours, cooking classes, and even entire vacation rentals—all of which you can do with an Airbnb gift card. Of course, the traveler in your life can spend their gift card on some stellar home stays, like this luxe space in Florence with a private terrace, a Colorado cabin with mountain views, or a cozy Copenhagen apartment with an impressive vinyl collection. Giftees can also use Airbnb gift cards to book IRL experiences like azulejo-painting workshops in Portugal, city tours through Paris on a motorbike , or many more of our favorites .

Whether you're shopping for the budding traveler or the frequent flier, the chance to upgrade your luggage will always be appreciated. When it comes to luggage, we often turn to a favorite among our readers , Away. It's known for its lightweight, durable designs, especially styles like The Bigger Carry-On , The Carry-On Flex , and The Medium Flex . Gift a customizable digital card with up to $1,000.

Is sleek, neutral-toned luggage more your giftee's style? They can easily upgrade their collection with new travel essentials from Béis . Choose from the brand's bestsellers like The Weekender , The Carry-On Roller , and The Check-In Roller . In addition to its classic travel bags, Béis also makes thoughtfully designed baby travel bags , kids luggage, and work bags ideal for commuters. Choose an e-gift card amount from $25 to $500.

We're big fans of all things Calpak here at Condé Nast Traveler, so it's no surprise that the brand is on our list of the best gift cards. Whether someone you know could use some new luggage for upcoming travel plans, a duffel bag for weekend getaways, or packing cubes to help stay organized, there's something for every traveler who receives a Calpak gift card. Send a digital gift card for an amount ranging from $25 to $500.

Paravel makes some of our favorite packable duffels , beachy totes , and chic rolling suitcases . But it's more than just quality that draws us to the brand: Paravel's commitment to sustainability—from the recycled water bottles, fabrics, and aluminum used to make some of its best-selling bags to the brand's carbon-neutral outlook on its factories and shipping models—keeps us coming back for more. Pick up a digital gift card stocked with anywhere from $25 to $1,000 to let your giftee upgrade their luggage with the exact pieces they need.

From compression leggings and sports bras to cute matching sets , there's plenty of sporty must-haves to score at Alo Yoga. Whether your giftee is a yogi, hiker, or runner, they'll be more than excited to start shopping for their favorite new workout set. The brand also makes great-quality yoga mats, equipment, and gym bags. Alo Yoga offers e-gift cards for $50 to $1,000.

Girlfriend Collective

Our editors love the supportive leggings , exercise dresses , bike shorts , and sports bras from size-inclusive and sustainable brand Girlfriend Collective. The brand also designs packable jackets that are great for travelers and ultra-warm puffers for winter adventures. Send your giftee a virual gift card from the brand for $25 to $200.

If someone you know is a fan of Lululemon's mega-popular leggings , they'll appreciate a gift card to shop for even more cult-favorite items the athleisure brand. Active travelers can snag any of its bags like the Fast and Free running belt,   the City Adventurer duffel bag for the gym, and of course the Everywhere Belt Bag (when it's not sold out, that is). Choose a digital gift card or have one sent by mail.

The fitness junkie you know will definitely make good use of a Nike gift card. Buying activewear or knowing exactly what running shoes someone likes can be tricky, so a gift card to this iconic brand is a safe bet. It's always a good time to invest in a new pair of sneakers , sweatpants for long-haul flights, or accessories for the gym . Shoppers can choose a custom amount up to $500.

Parks Project

Know someone who absolutely loves the National Park Service? A gift card to Parks Project opens doors to not only rep some of their favorite parks on impeccably designed T-shirts , woodsy candles , and essential camping gear —but to protect the parks, too. The Parks Project supports wildlife restoration, visitor programs, youth initiatives, and clean-ups to keep the parks accessible and maintained for years to come. Load anywhere from $25 to $300 on the gift card.

For insulated, packable jackets , fleece sweaters and zip-ups , fanny packs , and more outdoor gear , we turn to Patagonia. Your giftee will have plenty of options to shop with a Patagonia gift cards, whether they're looking for everyday winter essentials or more specific hiking or camping gear. Our editors love the brand's Black Hole duffels for the adventures that require lots of gear and packing must-haves (these travel bags hold a ton). Choose a custom amount up to $1,000.

Give the outdoorsy traveler in your life the freedom to upgrade their gear however they please, whether they need a new crossover tent, sleeping bag, or hiking boots. Choose between a digital or physical gift card, which comes in dozens of creative designs. Unlike most other options on this list, you can denote a custom amount to put on the card between $10 and $1,000—plus, you can designate exactly when you want the digital card to arrive in the recipient's email inbox.

Anthropologie

There's endless goodies to shop from Anthropologie, from party dresses and cozy loungewear to personalized mugs and unique home decor . The brand makes some of the cutest outfits for special occasions, with options for weddings, vacation, and cocktail parties. Choose from a variety of festive gift cards for amounts up to $2,000.

If your giftee is all about building his or her capsule wardrobe , a gift card to Everlane will be greatly appreciated. The sustainable clothing brand makes some of our editors' favorite travel essentials, from everyday tees and trousers to comfortable loafers and flats. Send a physical or a digital gift card for up to $500.

It's nearly impossible to buy someone other than yourself a pair of jeans. Instead of guessing what you think will fit, treat them to a gift card to Madewell so they can find their new perfect pair. In addition to great denim, Madewell is also known for its soft sweaters, well-made jackets, and versatile bags, like The Sydney crossbody and The Medium Transport tote . Shoppers can purchase e-gift cards or classic gift cards for amounts up to $500.

Choose an amount up to $250 and let your recipient splurge on new makeup must-haves, skincare, and hair care products. This way, the giftee can pick out the exact products they already love or have been wanting to test out, like the Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream , the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm , Rare Beauty Soft Pinch liquid blushes , and the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless setting powder . They can also put this gift card toward the beloved Dyson Airwrap ; this hair care tool is popular for a reason— trust me .

Everyone deserves some time to pamper themselves and practice good self-care . Spa Finder offers spa gift cards for up to $500 in the form of a digital card, via mail, or as a print-from-home gift. Consider this a nudge for any busy traveler to take time out of their hectic schedule for a massage or facial—it'll leave them feeling refreshed and relaxed.

The friend who's always perfecting their skincare routine will love a gift card to Ulta. They can shop travel-size minis of their favorites or try out new products from top beauty brands like Clinique, Tarte, Urban Decay, Dior, and Fenty Beauty. Ulta offers digital and physical gifts in a variety of fun designs for up to $250.

For your friend who keeps saying they want to get back into reading but can't find the time, a gift card to Audible is the perfect way to help them make a dent in their reading list . Audible allows subscribers to listen to audiobooks, podcasts, and other original content on the go. Choose from one month, three months, six months, or one year of credits. Each month is equivalent to one credit, which is good for any book title in Audible's entire premium catalog. You can also gift a specific book title if you already know what vacation read they've been meaning to get to.

Bookshop.org

Some of the best gifts inspire future trips, or let us travel back in time to destinations we visited years ago. New books, cookbooks, and coffee table books often make great gifts—but knowing what book to buy, and what your giftee already has in their personal library can be a challenge. Let them choose for themselves with a Bookshop gift card. Bookshop allows readers to support local bookstores online and gives 100 percent of the profits to local shops if you shop directly ( check out this map to find your nearest indie) or donates 10 percent to a pool split between thousands of stores if you shop the general site. The gift cards come in denominations from $10 to a very generous $1,000. Plus, you can designate a specific send date so the recipient gets their digital gift right on time.

When in doubt, everyone on your shopping list can make use of an Amazon gift card. Travelers will have their choice of just about anything they want—from tech must-haves like Apple AirPods Pro and Kindle Paperwhite to outdoor gear like this portable hammock or the LifeStraw personal water filter. Amazon offers gift cards in various gift boxes and can include a customized message, making them feel a bit more personalized. Select an amount ranging from $25 to $2,000.

Whether someone you know just moved or is refreshing their current apartment, a Brooklinen gift card will certainly be appreciated. Brooklinen's sheet sets and comforters are just as luxurious as the ones at your favorite hotel . The brand's towels and plush robes are also bestsellers, and for good reason: There's nothing quite like putting on a cozy robe and crawling into bed with a fresh set of crisp sheets.

If you're really stuck on what to get someone, a Nordstrom gift card is a great option. There's something for every traveler to buy at Nordstrom—whether it be a new pair of outdoor boots for winter, a home decor gift, or a Hatch Restore 2 alarm clock . Choose a digital gift card for an amount up to $500 for anyone on your shopping list.

Uncommon Goods

If you want to give someone a gift card that still feels unique or just a touch more personalized, a gift card to Uncommon Goods is the way to go. The brand is an expert at curating gifts, ranging from personalized presents in a variety of categories like kitchen and bar, home goods, jewelry, clothing, wellness, and travel gear. Gifts from Uncommon Goods are little bit quirky and show some personality—like these rocks glasses inspired by your favorite city , this pickelball paddle tote bag , and these beer sleeping bags .

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The 49 Best Gift Cards for Travel Lovers

We’ve rounded up the best gift cards for any travel lover on your shopping list.

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The benefits of travel are impossible to wrap up neatly with a bow. You just can’t put a price tag on an impossibly beautiful view , the experience touching down on a new continent , or that life-changing conversation with a local who lives oceans away . That said, a travel-related gift card is probably the closest you’ll get to giving the actual gift of travel to your loved ones (without booking their flights or hotels for them, anyway!).

You’ll want to make sure to select a gift card you know they will be able to put to use. If your loved ones always fly Delta, for example, you won’t want to select a gift card from a different airline. If they’re planning a backpacking trip through South America in the near future, they’ll benefit much more from a Columbia gift card, where they can stock up on camping and hiking gear, versus one from a luxe hotel chain.

Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best gift cards for jetsetters, from cruise lines and airlines to the top luggage and accessory brands.

Southwest Airlines Gift Card

Southwest Airlines

Southwest is known for offering booking flexibility with no hidden costs, and the airline consistently ranks on our World's Best domestic airlines list. If you've got a friend or family member who's looking to plan their dream trip, you'll be their new favorite person with this pick.

Delta eGift Card

Delta’s SkyMiles offers one of the best rewards programs in the business — which is why there are so many frequent flyers who swear by the airline. The Delta eGift Card is particularly practical as you can purchase one to instantly email to your favorite traveler, making it an exceptional ultra-last-minute gift.

Hotels.com Gift Card

Expedia's hotel arm, Hotels.com, is one of the best places to score hotel bookings and packages for less. The site is always offering savings at some of the top spots around the world, whether you book for now or later. You'll effectively be gifting a discount and taking care of the bill, too.

Airbnb Gift Card

 Amazon

There’s something about checking into an Airbnb that can feel a lot cozier for certain travelers, especially if they’re planning a long-term trip to a new city. The gift of an Airbnb gift card will give them the leeway to select their own unique apartment or home anywhere in the world while still cutting down the overall cost of their trip.

Princess Cruise Lines Gift Card

Princess Cruise Lines

Princess Cruise Lines sails to 380 cruise destinations across more than 100 countries — and all seven continents — which makes this an excellent option for the traveler on your list who has been planning a bucket list cruise for ages. Gift cards are available for as little as $50 and as much as $500 (but you can always purchase a custom amount).

Holland America Gift Card

Holland America

Holland America Line was founded nearly 150 years ago in 1873, and has continued to be one of the most trusted cruise lines on the sea. The premium ships are smaller than most cruise lines which will give them a much more intimate experience; the average guest also tends to be a bit older which makes this option great for travel fiends who prefer a more laid-back experience at sea.

Amtrak Gift Card

Shopping for a travel lover who prefers riding the rails to boarding flights? Amtrak gift cards are available from $25 to $250 and will allow them to book a train journey anywhere in the United States, and select destinations in Canada. We also love that this option can be emailed directly to the recipient at a scheduled date and time.

Starbucks Gift Card

We know, we know. Part of the thrill of travel is experiencing the local customs and culinary offerings — and that includes coffee culture. But sometimes we just need that venti iced caramel macchiato to shake off the jet lag. The only thing you’ll want to keep in mind is that Starbucks cards don’t work in every country, so giftees won’t be able to use an U.S card in most places in Europe or Asia, for example, but Ireland, Australia, and the U.K. should be fine.

Nordstrom Gift Card

Not exactly sure when or where your favorite traveler is planning their next escape? No worries since a Nordstrom gift card offers infinite possibilities. Whether they need a new suitcase or carry-on duffel bag, or they’re looking to invest in a few new swimsuits for a winter getaway, there are thousands of practical (and pretty) items available both in-store and online.

Foot Locker Gift Card

Foot Locker

It doesn’t matter if they’re planning a backpacking trip around Southeast Asia or they’ve booked a weeklong vineyard-hopping experience in France, it always pays to have a comfortable pair of walking shoes. A gift card to Foot Locker will allow travelers to choose the stylish and practical sneakers, sandals, or boots that best suit their specific needs and preferences. (This option also offers email delivery for those ultra-last-minute shoppers.)

Uber Gift Card

Navigating a new city can be stressful, especially when you first touch down at the airport after a long-haul flight. Thankfully, Uber is now available in many parts of the world and even has designated airport pick-up zones, making a gift certificate not only a smart idea but one that will help you rest easy, knowing your loved one can make it from point A to point B safely.

Amazon Gift Card

When you think of traveling, your first instinct might not be to shop online, but it’s easy to get all sorts of before-they-go essentials here from packing cubes to portable chargers and suitcases under $100 . If your pal is already subscribed to Amazon Prime, a gift card to this marketplace will help them keep their bags stocked even quicker.

Apple Gift Card

Have a digitally nomadic friend who you constantly have to locate via Instagram? They've mastered the skill of booking a flight at the drop of a hat and finding the cheapest last-minute hotel deal, but they could always use a little insurance for their most valuable asset: their technology. With an Apple gift card, they'll be able to buy accessories they need or enjoy a little discount if their laptop or iPhone bites the dust on the road.

Air Canada Gift Card

Looking to find the right gift for your travel-loving pal up north? Air Canada gift cards are a great option for anyone who regularly travels between the U.S. and Canada, as well as Canadians who travel internationally as the airline currently serves more than 220 destinations worldwide on six continents.

Zappos Gift Card

For trips where much of the sightseeing will take place on foot, a gift card to Zappos will help your friend find the most comfortable shoes for these upcoming plans. Whether they’re in the market for winter boots for a mountain escape or sandals for an upcoming beach vacation, there’s something to suit every kind of traveler.

CheapOair Gift Card

Whether they’re planning a trip in the next few months or they’re still saving for a dream European vacation, you can still give the gift of adventure with a CheapoAir gift card, since they never expire. CheapOair will allow your loved one to search for the least expensive routes and flight paths and start planning their dream trip, whenever that might be.

Columbia Gift Card

After months of training, your sister is finally setting out to hike the Appalachian Trail all by her bad self. Express your support and encouragement with a gift card to Columbia, one of the leading trusted brands in outdoor wear. Depending on how generous you're feeling, you can outfit her with a tent, an insulated jacket, a backpack, and much more.

Fluent City Gift Card

Fluent City

If being able to speak another language comfortably has always been a goal for your mom as she plans her dream trip to Rome, consider giving the gift of the spoken word. Right now, Fluent City offers both private and group language lessons online. Even if it's a while before she puts her Italian skills to the test, she'll be more than prepared for when she finally arrives.

Away Gift Card

We’ve been big fans of Away luggage for their functional designs, gorgeous colors, and affordable price points ever since the brand’s inception back in 2015. Digital gift cards can be used in-store or online, and you can load the card up to $1,000 (to outfit your loved one with a full set of suitcases and travel accessories).

REI Gift Card

If your travel-loving buddy is more of a backpacker and camper and less of the luxury hotel type, a gift card to REI will be right up their alley. The multi-purpose store stocks everything they could possibly need for their next adventure in the great outdoors, from camping gear and weatherproof apparel to snacks appropriate for trekking in the bush.

Sephora Gift Card

Stocking up on travel-sized skin care and cosmetics is easy at Sephora, with hundreds of well-loved beauty brands offering miniature products to fit in a carry-on without going over the liquid limit. We especially love that Sephora allows you to customize a gift card with your own images or sayings. Let those creative juices flow!

Audible Gift Card

Book-loving travelers know the struggle of wanting to pack enough paperbacks to last the entire trip but also not wanting to run the risk of overweight baggage fees. A gift card for Audible will allow them to download as many books as they want to listen to right on a smartphone instead.

MaidPro Gift Certificate

Nobody likes coming back to a messy house after a long trip, but sometimes there’s just not enough time to tidy up, pack, and make it to the airport in time. A gift certificate to MaidPro will allow travelers to pre-schedule a professional cleaner to come, so all they’ll have to do is unpack and relax in an already tidy home.

Spafinder Gift Card

You might not know the details of your loved ones’ next five-star vacation, but a gift card to SpaFinder lets you give them a little dose of luxury whenever that may be. These gift cards are universal and can be redeemed at thousands of spas across the United States, and all over the world, so you can pretty much guarantee they’ll be able to find an eligible establishment in their future travels.

Marriott International Gift Card

If they’re all about racking in those Bonvoy points, you’ll want to consider a gift certificate to Marriott International. The digital gift cards are universal, which means gift recipients can put them toward their next stay anywhere in the world as long as it falls under the Marriott umbrella (think Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Westin, and more).

Fairmont Gift Card

A Fairmont gift card pretty much guarantees a luxurious experience. Whether your jetsetting friend uses it to check into one of the hundreds of historic properties around the world (like the Grand Railway Hotels across Canada, for example), or to enjoy a three-course meal, you know it’ll be put to very good use.

Hilton Gift Card

Whether your pal is a road-trip warrior, luxury enthusiast, or budget-conscious adventurer, a gift card to Hilton will suit them just fine. There is a vast network of brands at all price points — from the budget-friendly Hilton Garden Inn to the five-star Waldorf Astoria. The best part? Hilton gift cards don’t expire so they won’t have to rush to plan their next trip.

If there’s a cruise lover on your shopping list, Holland America gift cards can be used to book sailings worldwide and also for onboard purchases to make the journey even better. Whether your friend is looking to cruise Caribbean, European, or Australian waters, this gift card is the best way to start the trip.

Tortuga Gift Card

With Tortuga’s home try-on program, the adventurer in your life can select the perfect travel backpack for their trip and body needs. Tortuga products also offer a worldwide warranty, so this gift card may just be the most reliable gift you give this holiday season.

Most of us have enjoyed the convenience of summoning a Lyft to get us where we need to go. A Lyft gift card can not only be used for a comfortable ride, but for Lyft scooters and bikes as well. The gift amount will be credited to your friend’s Lyft account so they can use it however, and whenever, they want.

Best Western Travel Card

Best Western

Best Western Hotels and Resorts can be found in more than 100 countries and territories. Gifting the Best Western Travel Card means Rewards points can still be earned on all booked stays, and there’s no expiration date either.

White Duck Outdoors Gift Card

White Duck Outdoors

White Duck Outdoors is known for their easy-to-use and long-lasting camping gear. From durable glamping tents to duffel bags, your adventurous friend can choose just what they need to make their next trip a comfortable outdoor adventure with this gift.

CruiseDirect Gift Card

CruiseDirect

If you know a cruise aficionado looking for their next adventure, a CruiseDirect gift card lets them choose from over a dozen cruise lines to book their next dream getaway. This is perfect for those with flexible travel plans, or anyone new to the cruising world.

Briggs & Riley Gift Card

Briggs & Riley

What traveler doesn’t need a reliable bag? With a Briggs & Riley gift card, your jetsetter can choose between dozens of styles to suit their needs. Whether they’re in the market for a new carry-on duffel, hardside luggage, or even laptop backpack, gift card holders get a great selection of gear, all coming with an unconditional lifetime guarantee.

Chaco Gift Card

Chaco 

You probably don’t know your friend's shoe size off the top of your head. Instead of guessing, give them a Chaco gift card so they can shop for the best size, shape, and style for their outdoor needs. Physical Chaco gift cards can be shipped or sent electronically for ease and immediate use.

Hawaiian Airlines Gift Card

With over 35 destinations to choose from and no expiration date, Hawaiian Airlines’ gift cards will help your traveler start planning a dream vacation. Whether they’re interested in island hopping through Hawaii or exploring the South Pacific, giving this card means they will still earn miles on flights purchased as a present from you.

Calpak Digital Gift Card

Calpak Digital 

Calpak luggage and bags are the durable, high-end gift any traveler would love to receive this holiday season. Even better? Sending a Calpak gift card, so they can choose the design that’s best for them. From the sturdy Kaya Laptop Backpack we love to helpful packing cubes, there’s plenty to shop.

Four Seasons Gift Card

Four Seasons

If you’re unsure when shopping for your favorite luxury lover, look no further than the Four Seasons gift card. It’s redeemable for overnight stays, plus dining, spa treatments, and other experiences at Four Seasons locations worldwide. Cards can also be purchased in one of four currencies to avoid exchange rate fees.

Carnival eGift Card

Does your best friend have a Carnival cruise booked this year? Make their trip even better by giving them a Carnival gift card. Not only can it be used once onboard for gifts, drinks, and excursions to make an experience even better, it can be used to book their next cruise as well.

Monos Gift Card

Give your adventurer exactly what they want by letting them pick out what they need for an upcoming trip from lightweight luggage to comfortable clothes. The Monos gift card never expires and can be used on top of sales and discount codes, too.

Barnes & Noble eGift Card

Who doesn’t love the planning stages of an upcoming trip? Give the gift of in-flight entertainment with a gift card to Barnes & Noble. Whether your pal is looking for travel guides, magazines, or novels, they’ll find thousands of options in stores and online to get them excited to take off.

Alaska Airlines Gift Certificate

Alaska Airlines

With dozens of destinations to choose from, an Alaska Airlines gift certificate suits loved ones traveling throughout the United States and beyond. These gift certificates can be used not only on Alaska Airlines flights, but also Horizon Air or SkyWest flights operated by Alaska Airlines. They never expire and can be delivered directly to your friend’s email or printed and mailed.

Nomatic Gift Card

From accessories for everyday travel around town to bags for extended trips, Nomatic has something to offer everyone. The Nomatic gift card is not only a nice pick for your on-the-go friend this season, all products are also covered by a lifetime warranty, too.

OneTravel Gift Card

With the OneTravel gift card, your friend can book a flight to their dream destination across the globe. The best part is, you choose when the treat is sent to your loved-one’s email, which means you can buy now and still keep the surprise for later!

Virgin Experience Gifts Gift Card

Virgin Experience Gifts

With a Virgin Experience Gifts gift card, travelers can select an experience — from helicopter tours to murder mystery dinners — based on their location. With hundreds of excursions to choose from in dozens of cities, any adventurer can find something fun and unique to enjoy.

Athleta Gift Card

The Athleta gift card is perfect for any active woman on your list as the brand’s sizes range from XXS to 3X. Athleta gear runs on the sportier, more casual side which means styles like their comfy travel pants work both in the air and on a hike, too.

Cabela's Gift Cards

For the outdoor-loving travelers on your list, Cabela’s has everything for your favorite camper and boater. Their gift cards can be redeemed online and instore for both Cabela’s and BassPro Shops giving your friend even more options.

Celebrity Cruises E-gift Card

With over 300 cruise ports to choose from, your friend has plenty of trip options when receiving a Celebrity Cruises gift card. Treat them to an upscale cruise experience with $50, $100, $250, and $500 denominations to suit your gifting needs.

Arlo Skye Online Gift Cards

Arlo Skye is known for their beautiful and durable luggage — and we all know someone who’s obsessed with traveling in style. This season, give your trendy traveler a gift card to Arlo Skye to help them live out their dreamiest fantasies with a new bag in tow.

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For this article, Kaitlyn McInnis and Taylor Fox used their experience as travel writers and former lifestyle editors to curate the best options to suit most needs.

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• The Gift Card Number and PIN / Redemption Code located in the digital Delta eGift Card ("eGift") or on the back of the physical Delta Gift Card ("Card"), as applicable, are required for redemption.
• Cards purchased from retail stores or picked up from Delta Sky Clubs may require up to twenty-four (24) hours after the time of purchase before redemption.
•  At delta.com/redeem.
• Call Delta Air Lines Reservations and advise the agent that you are redeeming an eGift or a Card. In the U.S. and Canada, call 800-225-1366 or 800-225-2525; in Japan, call 0570-077733 or 0476-31-8000; and in all other countries, call the local Delta Air Lines Reservations office. This method of redemption may result in direct ticketing charges.
• At delta.com/vacations or by calling 800-800-1504 for Delta Vacations® packages that include air transportation. (Travel Advisors, call 800-727-1111.)
• In person at a Delta Air Lines City Ticket Office (CTO) or with Delta Air Lines Airport Customer Service (ACS).
• Through a Delta Air Lines General Sales Agent (GSA).

Other Terms and Conditions

• To redeem or check balance, visit delta.com/redeem and enter your gift card information. 
• eGifts and Cards may be redeemed toward the total purchase price of air transportation, including taxes, fees, and surcharges imposed on the air transportation, or on Delta Vacations packages that include air transportation (excluding any cash portion of an Award or Miles + Cash Ticket). They may not be used for any additional fees (including baggage fees) or for any other products or services (including in-flight purchases, class upgrades or premium seating, after the initial plane ticket purchase has already been completed, mileage booster, Delta Cruises, cargo, hotel stays, or car rentals).
• Gift Cards cannot be used to pay for any cash portion of an Award or Miles + Cash Ticket.
• eGifts and Cards may only be used for travel on Delta Air Lines marketed flights, including those operated as Delta Connection® and by Delta Air Lines codeshare partners with a Delta Air Lines flight number.
• eGifts and Cards may be used toward Delta Vacations® packages that include air transportation. 
• eGifts and Cards are issued only in U.S. dollars ("USD"). If an eGift or a Card is used for the purchase of a ticket issued in a currency other than USD, the full value of the eGift or Card will be converted to that currency using the Bankers Rate of Exchange in effect on the date of ticket issuance, and the rate of exchange will be indicated on the ticket.
• Tickets purchased using eGifts and Cards are subject to the applicable Delta Air Lines Contract of Carriage and fare rules (including change penalties).
• If redeemed at www.delta.com, a maximum of five forms of payment (including eGifts or Cards) can be applied towards a single transaction, regardless of the number of tickets purchased as part of that transaction; if redeemed through any other method, a maximum of five forms of payment (including eGifts or Cards) can be applied toward a single ticket. eGifts and Cards can be used with other eGifts and/or Cards, but cannot be used in conjunction with any other certificate, voucher or credit towards a single ticket. If you wish to redeem more Gift Cards for a single purchase, please call Delta Air Lines at 1-800-225-1366 and a Reservations Specialist will be able to assist you.
• If redeemed for a Delta Vacations package at delta.com/vacations, up to four forms of payment (including eGifts or Cards) can be applied towards a single transaction, regardless of the number of tickets purchased as part of that transaction; eGifts and Cards can be used with other eGifts and/or Cards, but cannot be used in conjunction with any other certificate, voucher or credit towards a single ticket. If you wish to redeem more Gift Cards for a single purchase, please call Delta Vacations at 1-800-800-1504 and a Reservations Specialist will be able to assist you.
• eGifts and Cards are not reloadable and do not expire. No service or inactivity fees apply.
• eGifts and Cards, including those that are lost, stolen, or destroyed, will not be replaced by Delta for any reason.
• eGifts and Cards are not credit, debit or charge cards, and have no implied warranties.
• eGifts and Cards are not refundable and cannot be redeemed or exchanged for cash, check or credit except where refund or redemption is required by law. You may not use a Gift Card to purchase other Gift Cards. Gift Cards purchased from delta.com/giftcards cannot be reloaded, resold, or transferred for value. Void if reloaded, resold, transferred for value, or redeemed for cash. Unused Gift Cards may not be transferred other than as a gift. Total purchases on delta.com/giftcards for any one individual may not exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) in one calendar day.
• Where eGifts or Cards are redeemed for a ticket, but travel is not taken, the value of the redeemed ticket (after any applicable penalties) will be provided in accordance with Delta Air Lines' standard policy regarding ticket refunds.
• eGifts and Cards may only be sold by Delta and Delta-licensed vendors. eGifts and Cards that are for sale or sold by an unlicensed vendor are subject to confiscation or voiding by Delta.
• eGifts and Cards that are altered or obtained fraudulently are subject to confiscation or voiding by Delta.
• Delta is not responsible for eGifts or Cards that are undeliverable or not received due to inaccurate delivery information provided by the purchaser.
• Delta reserves the right to refuse, cancel or hold for review transactions initiated using eGifts or Cards for suspected fraud, incorrect certificate or card denomination, or violations of these terms and conditions.
• Delta may at any time and without notice change these terms and conditions or contract with a third party to administer the eGift program or the Card program.
• Use of eGifts and Cards is subject to applicable law. In the event of a conflict between these terms and conditions and applicable law, applicable law will govern.
• The laws of the state of Virginia, without regard to its conflicts of law provisions, apply to these Terms and Conditions and use of any eGift or Card.
• Delta and its affiliates make no warranties, express or implied, with respect to eGifts and Cards, including any express or implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
• eGifts and Cards are issued by and are solely the obligation of Delta Gift Cards, Inc. ("DGC"), an affiliate of Delta Air Lines, Inc., that is authorized to issue eGifts and Cards for sale by Delta and Delta-licensed vendors to be redeemed toward the total purchase price of air transportation on Delta Air Lines marketed flights.
• Our Policies Information that you provide when purchasing Gift Cards is subject to Delta’s Privacy Policy .
• Payment Methods To purchase Delta Gift Cards from Delta, you may use a valid American Express Delta SkyMiles Credit Card, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB credit card, or PayPal or ApplePay on mobile.
• Delivery Information and Requirements for Gift Card Purchasers All orders of Gift Cards are subject to a process that compares purchaser information provided on the web site with information about the purchaser provided by the purchaser's financial institution. If there is a discrepancy, your Gift Card order may be delayed until it can be corrected. If you have concerns about your order, please contact Customer Support at [email protected]
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• Upload Your Own Image  Upload Your Own Image is available for Delta eGift cards only. We reserve the right to reject orders with images that infringe upon trademark or copyright law. As part of your gift card purchase, you (or, if you are under 18 years old, your parent or legal guardian) hereby grant to Delta Gift Cards, Inc. and CashStar and their affiliates and agents a nonexclusive, royalty free, worldwide license to use the uploaded image, including all intellectual property rights associated with the uploaded image, to create a gift card of the uploaded image (the "License"). You, (or, if you are under 18 years old, your parent or legal guardian) represent and warrant that (1) your grant of the License does not violate the privacy rights, publicity rights, copyrights, trademarks, contract rights or any other rights of any person or entity, (2) if you are uploading a company logo or other copyrighted materials, that you are authorized to grant the License to use the uploaded company logo or copyrighted materials to create a gift card, and (3) you have full authority and rights to grant the License and to make the representations and warranties contained herein. CashStar reserves the right to cancel any order for an image that it, in its sole discretion, deems potentially unlawful or inappropriate without notice or explanation. We reserve the right to cancel orders that contain inappropriate, offensive, or otherwise objectionable images.
• Personalized Messaging  If you wish to add a personal message to a physical or eGift card, simply type your message in the Message field during the purchase process. Personal messages are limited in length to the space provided on the eGift Card, or to the space provided on the presentation carrier of a physical Gift Card. We do not read every gift message, but if we do find inappropriate, offensive or otherwise objectionable messages, we reserve the right to reject them.
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🌍 Help Me, LP! What US airline vouchers are the best to gift for the holidays?

Nov 23, 2022 • 3 min read

Giving an airline voucher in a gift box adds a more personal touch © iStock / Getty Images Plus

Lonely Planet's team of writers and experts answer your travel problems and provides tips and hacks to help you plan a hassle-free trip. 

Deciding what to gift someone who is passionate about travel can be a challenge. They tend to travel light, and spare cash is usually put towards exploring the world. So gifting vouchers that will help them travel is a great option  —  but which vouchers are the best? We reached out to some of the experts at The Points Guy for their advice.

TPG's managing editor of news Clint Henderson explains airline gift cards are a great gift with added benefits: "I love giving Delta Air Lines gift cards, especially when there is an offer via my American Express Platinum card to get cash back when buying gift cards." Henderson said he got an offer from Amex for $60 when he bought a Delta gift card for $300 or more. Not only did he get a $300 voucher to use on Delta, but he also got a $60 statement credit on top of it.  

Henderson advises gauging friends' preferences to see which airline they like to fly with and then sending them an e-card from that airline. Be sure to follow up to ensure they received it, as sometimes these emails can go into promotional or even spam folders.  

Senior aviation reporter David Slotnick advises being mindful that airline gift cards are often sold in drug stores and supermarkets. "You can find gift cards in various denominations at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and Target, among others," he explains. "Costco sometimes has offers for a $500 Southwest gift card for $449 (including right now), so that's a solid way," Slotnick says. "Or just to bank for yourself!" 

Credit cards writer Ryan Smith also likes getting a discount on Alaska gift cards: "Costco has Alaska Airlines gift cards at 10% off pretty often, but I won't call that the best since that doesn't help people everywhere." Still, that's another trick that Clint Henderson used when buying an Alaska voucher online from Costco for 10% off. He got proactive and used the $500 in flight credits to take his nieces and nephew to Hawaii .  

Use credit cards that give points when buying gifts

The TPG team also advises that you can also purchase airline gift cards electronically at stores like Staples. "Be sure to use a credit card that gives you points for your purchases so you can earn points while you are giving gifts. Some credit cards could give you as much as 5 points per dollar spent. In that case, you'd be getting a gift too!" they say.

 Help Me, LP! Is Tahiti for me if I am not a honeymooner?

There is another option if you want to give the gift of travel but don't feel like giving cash or buying an online certificate from an airline. Clint Henderson explains that gifting a 'pretend airplane ticket' printed out and wrapped up in a gift box can be a huge hit, and the person can decide where they would like you to either book or contribute towards the cost of a flight. "There are even downloadable gift plane tickets you can get from places like Etsy. "

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Two Easy Ways To Give The Gift Of Travel

Give the gift of travel.

An American Airlines gift card is the perfect gift for any occasion. You can have your card delivered by mail or email that can be used toward the purchase of a ticket to hundreds of exciting destinations. Terms and Conditions apply.

Choose the right gift card for you:

Virtual Gift Cards

• Available to use in 72 hours
• Sent directly to your recipient through email
• Option to send directly to yourself and forward to your recipient
• Ability to buy multiple cards to be emailed to multiple addresses
• Customizable options for different occasions and personalized messages to your recipient
• No expiration date

Plastic Gift Cards

• Delivery in 4 - 5 business days ($4.95 shipping and handling charges apply)
• Space to add a personalized message to your recipient
• Ability to buy multiple cards and personally deliver them to your recipients (if buying multiple cards in the same order, gift card denominations must be the same)
• Signature required for delivery!

• International edition
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• Europe edition

10 of the best holiday gift voucher ideas

Socks… or a spa break? Novelty book, or Barcelona for the weekend? From learning holidays to glamping and pampering, these travel vouchers are a real gift

Boutique hotels, worldwide

Why panic-buy a pair of socks when you could give a cosy weekend away or contribute to a summer holiday? I-escape.com’s collection of 1,500 chic places to stay includes more than 100 in the UK. Its gift vouchers, launched this month, can be bought for any amount from £25 upwards. i-escape.com

Cottages, villas and unusual retreats

CoolStays is another portfolio of hand-picked places to stay around the world, with vouchers available from £20-£500. As well as unusual conversions – lighthouses, buses and boats – it also offers villas, cottages and city hotels. The site is navigated by theme with rural, snow, family-friendly and dog-friendly collections among the choices. Budget choices include an eco-house in Catalonia (pictured) from £450 a week. coolstays.com

Learning holidays

Know someone who’s itching to do something new? Skyros specialises in learning holidays and covers a wide range of skills, from art to singing, writing to windsurfing. Its main centre is on the Greek island of Skyros but it also runs courses on the Isle of Wight. Vouchers can be bought for any value. skyros.com

Worldwide travel

STA vouchers cover all bases, whether the person you’re giving to is planning an epic trip or a weekend away. Its gift card can be topped up to any value and can be used on flights, accommodation and experiences – £20 buys three nights in a hostel, for example; £120 would cover a weekend in Paris or Barcelona. statravel.co.uk

Adventure trips

Selling tours with local guides in the UK and Europe, plus Nepal, Indonesia and Australia, Much Better Adventures is perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors. Most UK trips are focused on a skill – how about free diving or mountain climbing? Alternatively, try a challenge such as the Welsh 15 Peak and do the run over a weekend. Further afield, adventures cover a huge range of activities and are designed to be added on to an existing itinerary. Vouchers are available from £25-£1,000, with no expiry date, and a gift certificate will be emailed immediately.Vouchers are available from £25-£1,000, with no expiry date, and a gift certificate will be emailed immediately. muchbetteradventures.com

Walking and cycling holidays

Got a New Year resolution to get fit? Then plan an activity holiday with a friend or family member. Headwater is a hiking and cycling specialist covering the UK, Europe and the Caribbean. It offers both self-guided and guided trips that vary in difficulty from two-to-three hours’ to eight hours’ walking a day. Bike trips are also graded – it even has electric bikes to make light work of hill climbs. Vouchers are sold in multiples of £20 (order by 18 December for guaranteed Christmas delivery). headwater.com

Sustainable holidays

With 5,000 trips across 190 destinations, Responsible Travel covers the full gamut of trips for all sorts of interests, from archaeology to yoga, but also family and city breaks. Vouchers can be purchased for any value and are valid for two years. responsibletravel.com

Short breaks

Selling everything from London theatre and event trips to holidays to the north of Iceland, Super Break’s vouchers are available from £10-£100; it also sells separate spa vouchers. superbreak.com

Glamping, UK and Europe

Surprise the other half with a stay in a UFO-inspired treehouse or lakeside cabin. Canopy and Stars features unusual stays in the great outdoors with a choice of 466 places in the UK, such as the Sleepout in Powys (pictured), 83 in France and others in Europe, as far north as Finnish Lapland where Esko’s cabin is pulled out onto a frozen lake on skis. Vouchers can be of any value, and by spending £150 this festive season, you will receive a £50 voucher (available until Christmas Eve). canopyandstars.co.uk

Craft courses, Scotland

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Southwest Gift Cards, Flight Credits & LUV Vouchers [Everything You Need To Know]

Katie Seemann

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Where To Buy Southwest Gift Cards

How to purchase a southwest gift card on southwest.com, purchasing a large volume of gift cards online, how to earn tons of points buying gift cards, how to use a southwest gift card online, what can you buy with a southwest gift card, how to check your gift card balance, how to use a southwest flight credit on southwest.com, how to check the balance of your southwest flight credits, how to use a southwest luv voucher on southwest.com, how to check the balance of your luv voucher, final thoughts.

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Southwest Airlines offers lots of customer-friendly policies, including free checked baggage and the ability to change your flight with no fee. Plus, Southwest’s frequent flyer program, Rapid Rewards, is straightforward and simple to use.

However, one thing that can get a little confusing with Southwest is all the different forms of payment — there are gift cards, Flight Credits (formerly called Travel Funds), and LUV Vouchers.

While these might all seem similar, they have very different rules. Specifically, Flight Credits and LUV Vouchers can get a little tricky to use if you aren’t sure how.

In this post, we’ll go over each of these so you know exactly how to use Southwest gift cards, Flight Credits, and LUV Vouchers successfully!

Southwest Gift Cards

Southwest gift cards can be purchased online and at many retailers including:

• Giant Eagle

• On the next page, click Buy a gift card .
• Fill in the amount and quantity you would like to purchase. Gift cards can be purchased in any amount from $25 to $1,000. If you’re purchasing multiple cards, they will all have the same value, however, the total value of the purchase can’t exceed $1,000.

• Fill in either the recipient’s email or physical address, depending on your shipping method. You can add a gift message or leave this area blank.
• Click the yellow Payment button at the bottom right-hand side of the screen to continue to payment options.
• Verify your details, enter your payment information, and click the yellow Purchase button to complete the transaction.

Hot Tip: Buying a gift card through Southwest.com counts as a travel purchase , so be sure to use a credit card that offers bonus points on travel. The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card earns 2x points on travel, while the Ink Business Preferred ® Credit Card earns 3x points! Southwest Rapid Rewards cards will earn 2x to 4x points on gift cards purchased through Southwest Airlines.

Purchases of gift cards on Southwest.com are limited to $1,000 per transaction . If you would like to purchase multiple gift cards and will exceed the $1,000 limit, you can use the Corporate & Volume Sales order form .

• Go to Southwest.com and scroll to the very bottom of the page. Under Southwest Products , click on Southwest gift card .

Whether buying a gift card for yourself or as a gift for someone else, they can be a great way to rack up tons of Southwest Rapid Rewards points ! The key is using the right credit card at the right retailer.

Here are a couple of strategies that will help you maximize your points-earning when purchasing Southwest gift cards:

• Use the Ink Business Cash ® Credit Card  at office supply stores to earn 5x points.
• Use the Chase Freedom Flex℠ at Sam’s Club during a warehouse store bonus period — you’ll earn 5x points , and will be purchasing the gift cards at a slight discount. Watch for other Freedom Flex card bonus categories that include stores that sell gift cards.
• Use your  Chase Sapphire Reserve ® to purchase gift cards through Southwest.com for 3x points.
• Keep an eye on Amex Offers and Chase Offers . You can often find discounts or offers for bonus points on stores that sell gift cards.

Using Southwest Gift Cards

Southwest gift cards can only be used for flights (including taxes and fees) purchased directly through Southwest Airlines — either online, by phone at 800-435-9792 (800-I-FLY-SWA), or at a Southwest ticket counter.

Hot Tip: There are no fees to purchase Southwest gift cards. They never expire and are fully transferable.

Flights purchased with Southwest gift cards are non-refundable . If your travel is not taken or the flight is canceled, the funds will be held as a Flight Credit to be used on a future flight. Thankfully, Flight Credits don’t have an expiration date.

Using a gift card to purchase a flight online doesn’t really differ much from purchasing a flight with a credit card.

• Go to Southwest.com and search for a flight as you normally would.
• Once you get to the Passenger and Payment Info page, scroll to the middle of the page where you’ll see Payment Method .

Hot Tip: You can use 3 forms of payment, including Southwest gift cards, LUV Vouchers, and Flight Credits, per person on each reservation.

Southwest gift cards are good for the purchase of flights booked directly with Southwest . You can use gift cards online, over the phone, or in person at a Southwest ticket counter. Gift cards can also be applied to taxes and fees associated with your ticket.

The list of things you can’t use gift cards on is a little longer! The following are items you can not pay for with a Southwest gift card :

• Additional Southwest gift cards
• EarlyBird Check-In
• Inflight purchases
• Oversized and excess baggage fees
• Partner hotel and rental cars
• Purchases through a travel agent
• Southwest Airlines group desk purchases
• Southwest Airlines group tickets
• Southwest Airlines merchandise
• Southwest Airlines vacation packages
• Unaccompanied minor service charge
• Upgraded boarding at the airport

Bottom Line: Southwest gift cards can be applied to your flight cost plus any taxes and fees associated with your flight.

Southwest Flight Credits

Southwest Flight Credits, formerly called Travel Funds, are what you get if you cancel a flight or change a flight to a lower-priced itinerary . Flight Credits only exist digitally — you won’t get a card, certificate, or voucher for these funds.

They can be redeemed through Southwest.com , over the phone, and at Southwest Airlines ticket counter locations.

Flight Credits are tied to your original itinerary. For example, let’s say you cancel flight #1212 and receive a Flight Credit for the price you paid. When you go to book a new flight, you will need to pull up your Flight Credit using the confirmation number from flight #1212.

Hot Tip: As of July 28, 2022, Southwest Flight Credits no longer expire . Any Flight Credits issued on or after this date and any Flight Credits that were set to expire on or after this date now do not expire at all.

• Once you get to the Passenger and Payment Info page, scroll to the middle of the page, where you will see Payment Method .
• Look for the section that says Apply Flight Credits, LUV Vouchers, and Southwest gift cards .

Hot Tip: Southwest Flight Credits that are created from a Wanna Get Away fare are not transferable. Southwest Flight Credits that are created from a Wanna Get Away Plus fare are transferable.

You can easily see what Flight Credits you have in your Rapid Rewards account. After logging into your Southwest account, click on My Account in the upper right-hand corner. Then you’ll see an at-a-glance look at the total Flight Credits you have (they are labeled as Travel Funds here).

To see the details of your available Flight Credits, click on View Details . You’ll see a list of your available Flight Credits along with the confirmation number that you’ll need to redeem them.

Bottom Line: Flight Credits are what you’ll get if you cancel a flight or change a flight to a lower-priced itinerary. These credits don’t expire.

Southwest LUV Vouchers

So now that you’re up to speed on Southwest gift cards and Flight Credits, let’s talk about LUV Vouchers!

What’s a LUV Voucher, you ask? It’s a voucher you’ll get as compensation for a delayed flight, missing baggage, or volunteering to get bumped from a flight.

If you receive your LUV Voucher at the airport you may still get a paper copy.

However, you’re more likely to receive an email with your LUV Voucher information.

Southwest LUV Vouchers are valid at Southwest.com , by calling 800-I-FLY-SWA, or at any Southwest Airlines ticket counter. You’ll need the voucher number and security code (confirmation) to complete a purchase.

Your travel must be completed by the voucher’s expiration date (usually 6 months to 1 year from the date of issue). The LUV Voucher can be applied toward your flight cost, but NOT any taxes or fees associated with your ticket.

Hot Tip: If you have a physical Southwest LUV Voucher, take a photo of it! This ensures you’ll still be able to use it even if you lose the paper voucher.

• Look for the section that says Apply Flight Credits, LUV Vouchers, and Southwest gift cards . Then all you need to do is enter your LUV Voucher number and security code.

Hot Tip: You can use up to 3 forms of payment per person per reservation. This can include any combination of gift cards, Flight Credits, and LUV Vouchers plus 1 credit card or PayPal account per transaction. 

Checking your LUV Voucher balance on Southwest.com is easy, but it’s a bit tricky to find. You can click here or follow the instructions below.

Hot Tip: If you cancel a flight that you paid for with a LUV Voucher, that balance will be refunded in the form of a Flight Credit.

Southwest Airlines offers 3 distinct forms of payment that require a little know-how to use: gift cards, Flight Credits, and LUV Vouchers. All 3 can be used to purchase Southwest flights online, over the phone, or at a ticket counter . However, they all have different rules as far as expiration dates, what they can be applied to, and who can use them.

Luckily, these rules stem from Southwest’s customer-friendly policies — including holding Flight Credits from a canceled flight for future use, and even occasionally rewarding you with LUV Vouchers if something goes wrong. Thankfully, once you know the basics, you will be the master of your Rapid Rewards account in no time!

The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can i buy a southwest gift card.

Southwest gift cards can be purchased on Southwest.com and at many other retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, grocery stores, Sam’s Club, Staples, Target, Walgreens, and Walmart.

How many Southwest gift cards can be used at once?

Southwest accepts up to 3 forms of payment per person on a reservation, including gift cards. For a 2-person reservation, you could use up to 6 gift cards.

Do Southwest gift cards expire?

No, Southwest gift cards do not have expiration dates nor will they devalue over time. However, LUV Vouchers do carry expiration dates.

LUV Vouchers generally expire 6 to 12 months from the date of issue. The expiration date will be printed on the voucher or included in the email.

Can I buy a Southwest gift card with points?

Yes, you can purchase a Southwest gift card using Rapid Rewards points on the Southwest Rapid Rewards website , however, it’s not a great way to get the most value from your points. A $50 gift card costs 9,400 Rapid Rewards points.

Can my Southwest gift card be replaced?

No, a Southwest gift card cannot be replaced if lost, stolen, or damaged.

What are Southwest Flight Credits?

Flight Credits (formerly Travel Funds) are credits that are issued to you if you cancel a flight or change your flight to a less expensive itinerary. They are held digitally, so you won’t receive a physical voucher. You need to know the confirmation number from your original flight to access Flight Credits.

What is a Southwest LUV Voucher?

A LUV Voucher is what you might receive if Southwest is offering compensation for a disrupted flight, lost baggage, or volunteering to take a later flight. You’ll receive a paper voucher or an email with the voucher number and security code.

Are LUV Vouchers transferable?

Yes, LUV Vouchers can be used to purchase a flight for anyone, not just the person who owns the voucher.

Are Soutwhest Flight Credits transferable?

If your Flight Credits were generated from a Wanna Get Away Plus fare, they are transferable. If they were generated from a Wanna Get Away fare, they are not transferable.

What's the difference between Flight Credits and Travel Funds?

There’s no difference between Southwest Flight Credits and Travel Funds. Flight Credits is the new name for Travel Funds.

When do Southwest Flight Credits expire?

As of July 28, 2022, Southwest Flight Credits don’t expire. Any Flight Credits created on or after this day and any Flight Credits that had an original expiration date on or after this day will not expire.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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Money latest: True impact of interest rate hikes on monthly mortgage costs revealed in eyewatering Zoopla figures

Santander and NatWest have announced mortgage rate hikes - as Zoopla figures reveal how much monthly repayments have risen since 2021. Read this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news below, plus leave a comment or submit a consumer dispute or money problem in the box.

Monday 29 April 2024 13:48, UK

• Two of UK's biggest lenders up mortgage rates
• Annual mortgage repayments have increased by up to 70% since 2021
• Higher food prices and shortages warning - as new Brexit checks begin this week
• People on disability benefits could receive vouchers rather than cash

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• Calculate how much your take-home pay will change this month with national insurance reduction

Ask a question or make a comment

Annual mortgage repayments have increased by up to 70% since 2021, according to new data from Zoopla .

The biggest impact of rising interest rates has been in southern England where house prices are higher.

Across the South West, South East and East of England, the annual mortgage cost for an average home is £5,000 higher than previously. This rises to £7,500 in London.

But the universal uptick in mortgage costs has been less pronounced in other parts of the UK, with the North East seeing a £2,350 increase.

In a bid to tackle inflation, the Bank of England has raised the base rate from 0.1% in December 2021 to a 16-year high of 5.25% now.

The Zoopla research looked at the average home buyer taking out a 70% loan-to-value mortgage.

This week seems to be starting where last week left off - with two major lenders announcing further hikes in mortgage rates.

Amid uncertainty of the timing of interest rate cuts from the Bank of England  this year, swap rates (which dictate how much it costs lenders to lend) have been rising in recent weeks.

Financial markets currently see two rate cuts by the Bank of England this year.

We've reported on a string of rate bumps from the high street over the last 10 days, and this morning NatWest and Santander moved.

In its second hikes announcement in less than a week, NatWest laid out increases across its full range of residential and buy-to-let fixed deals of up to 0.22%.

Santander, meanwhile, announced increases for both fixed and tracker deals across their residential and buy-to-let products - up to 0.25%.

Both will kick in tomorrow.

Amit Patel, adviser at Trinity Finance, told Newspage: "Two of the biggest mortgage lenders announcing rate hikes is not a great start to the week. This is not good news for borrowers."

Where will the base rate go this year?

The majority of the bets, according to LSEG data, are on the first cut coming in August (previously this was June) and the second in December.

This would take Bank rate from the current level of 5.25% to 4.75%.

We're looking to answer this question - and would like your thoughts.

Are you a parent - and if so, how much do you give your kids (it'd be helpful to mention their age too)?

We also want to know how you give them the money (cash, bank transfer, app) - and if they have to do anything in return.

Leave your comments in the box above or:

• Email [email protected] with the subject line "Money blog"
• WhatsApp us  here .

Disabled people could receive vouchers instead of monthly payments under proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The changes could see people being provided with either one-off grants for specific costs such as home adaptation, or being directed to "alternative means of support" rather than financial support.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride is set to announce plans today to overhaul the way disability benefits work.

In a Green Paper due to be published alongside Mr Stride's statement to the Commons, ministers will set out plans to reform Personal Independence Payments (PIP), the main disability benefit, through changes to eligibility criteria and assessments.

The plans also include proposals to "move away from a fixed cash benefit system", meaning people with some conditions, such as depression and anxiety, will no longer receive regular payments but rather get improved access to treatment if their condition does not involve extra costs.

Speaking to Sky News earlier, Mr Stride said: "I want us to have a grown-up, sensible conversation about a benefit called PIP that has not been reviewed in over a decade.

"And I want to ask the question, is it fit for purpose given the world that we're in today, in which mental health issues sadly present more of an issue than they did a decade ago."

By James Sillars , business reporter

A fresh high for the FTSE 100 to start the week.

The index of leading shares in London was 0.5% up at 8,179 in early dealing.

The gains were led by miners and financial stocks.

Dragging on the performance were some consumer-facing brands including JD Sports and Flutter Entertainment.

One other development of note to mention is that stubbornly high oil price.

A barrel of Brent crude is currently trading almost 1% down on the day.

But it remains at $88 a barrel.

The market has been pulled by various forces this month, with hopes of a rebound in demand in China among them.

The latest decline is said to reflect peace talks being held between Israel and Hamas.

A demand for smaller homes has driven growth in UK property prices early in 2024, according to research by Halifax.

Data from the bank's house price index suggests annual property price growth hit 1.9% in February this year - a significant rise from -4.1% just three months prior.

That equates to a rise in prices of £5,318 over the past year.

It follows interest rates stabilising, Halifax says, after a sharp rise over the past two years which squeezed mortgage affordability.

A key driver behind rising prices, Halifax says, has been first-time buyers, who made up 53% of all homes bought with a mortgage in 2023 - the highest proportion since 1995.

And it's smaller homes that have recorded the biggest increases in price growth in the early part of this year - with buyers adjusting their expectations to compensate for higher borrowing costs.

Flats and terraced houses made up 57% of all homes purchased by first-time buyers last year.

This varies by region - for example, in London, flats and terraced homes accounted for 90% of all first-time buyer purchases.

Challenges remain

However, Amanda Bryden, head of Halifax mortgages, said "it's important not to gloss over the challenges" facing the UK housing market, given the "impact of higher interest rates on mortgage affordability" and "continued lack of supply of new homes".

"But scratch beneath the surface and there is a more nuanced story, one which shows that demand for different property types in different parts of the country can vary hugely," she added.

"As interest rates have stabilised and buyers adjust to the new economic reality of owning a home, one way to compensate for higher borrowing costs is to target smaller properties.

"This is especially true among first-time buyers, who have proven to be resilient over recent years, and now account for the largest proportion of homes purchased with a mortgage in almost 30 years."

Every Monday we get an expert to answer your money problems or consumer disputes. Find out how to submit yours at the bottom of this post. Today's question is...

I had a company coat the exterior of my house with a rubberised paint product in November 2022. The original cost was £3,280 - though there was a discount. This came with a written 10-year warranty. The product started to fail after five months (peeling off). I first contacted them one year ago, on 3 April 2023, and the company keeps fobbing me off, blaming bad weather for not resolving issues. They don't come round when they say they will. What can I do? Robert Anderson, 77, Scotland

We asked consumer disputes expert Scott Dixon, from complaintsresolver.co.uk , to pick up this one...

This falls under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 which states that any faults found within the first six months are considered to have been there at the point of purchase (or in this case, application).

You are entitled to one free repair under S49 Consumer Rights Act 2015 which states that every contract to supply a service is to be treated as including a term that the trader must perform the service with reasonable care and skill.

Traders can only have one crack at the same fault - if that fails, you are entitled to a refund/replacement.

You have two options: make a warranty claim/pursue a remedy under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

How did you pay for it? If you paid (even just the deposit) by credit card, you can make a S75 claim against the credit card provider who is jointly liable under S75 Consumer Credit Act 1974.

If the trader is unwilling to remedy it, seek at least three quotes from other traders to price putting the job right. You can get another trader to remedy the job and invoice the original trader for the work. 

I know what you're thinking: what happens if they refuse to pay?

Options and next steps

If all else fails... You could take your case to the small claims court if it was England, or follow Simple Procedure in Scotland .

Before you file a claim, send screenshots to the company of the court papers setting your case out and demanding a refund within seven days. Tell the company that if they fail to do so, you will lodge a claim via Simple Procedure.

It is a relatively easy, inexpensive route and is designed for disputes such as this. Court fees are based on the amount of money you want to claim.

This may resolve the dispute. If it does not, you can proceed and file the small claim papers online.

Another option is to file for their bankruptcy as a creditor, which is free. It effectively freezes their bank accounts and credit lines and locks their business down until it is resolved. You can find an SD1 form to do this here . 

I have done this before and it works like a charm. You need to send any documents by recorded delivery. This is a last resort if you cannot resolve your dispute.

I would also report this firm to Trading Standards. Ensure that you point out that they are deliberately selling products and carrying out defective work without due care and skill, which is fraudulent and illegal. You have proof of this so make sure you provide it.

Finally, leave reviews online too.

Money team note : We got in touch with the company involved, who said they had agreed to recoat the building at no cost but that dry days were needed before and after to fit the product in line with the manufacturer's guidelines. They said they had contacted Mr Anderson last week. We decided not to name the company as it is a small business - but we'll follow up this case in summer.

This feature is not intended as financial advice - the aim is to give an overview of the things you should think about.  Submit your dilemma or consumer dispute via - and please leave your contact details as we cannot follow up consumer disputes without them.

• The form above - make sure you leave a phone number or email address

Britons could face higher food prices, and even empty supermarket shelves, as new post-Brexit border fees are introduced this week, industry figures have warned.

A maximum charge of £145 will apply on imports of plant and animal products, such as cheese and fish, entering the UK through the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel from Tuesday.

"The fundamental change is huge to the nation's food supply," Nigel Jenney, chief executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC), told the Money blog when we first covered this story in January.

"I would certainly expect to see price rises because these costs simply couldn't be absorbed by the industry."

James Barnes, chairman of the Horticultural Trades Association, said this month that the policy "feels like it is constructed on the back of an envelope at best" and that the charges would "undoubtedly increase costs" and increase the likelihood of empty shelves in supermarkets.

He said as well as higher prices and a more limited variety of products available in UK shops and restaurants, "we now might begin to observe a decline of EU businesses trading into the UK, simply because they have been priced out".

The new rules explained

The new rules, known as the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), are intended to protect biosecurity by imposing controls on plant and animal products considered a "medium" risk. These include five categories of cut flowers, cheese and other dairy produce, chilled and frozen meat, and fish.

From 31 January, each shipment had to be accompanied by a health certificate, provided by a local vet in the case of animal produce, and, from Tuesday, shipments will be subject to physical checks at the British border.

There is also the prospect of delays caused by inspections of faulty paperwork, which could derail supply chains that rely entirely on fast turnaround of goods.

The policy has been delayed multiple times and earlier this month the Financial Times reported that the government would not "turn on" the checks this week because border systems were not fully ready. The government said this was not true - but indicated they would initially focus on higher-risk products.

The fee will be charged per type of product imported, and will vary from £10 to £29 depending on the risk products present. It will be capped at £145 for mixed consignments.

A government spokesperson said this was "within and at the bottom end of the range which we consulted with industry on".

They added: "The charge is designed to recover the costs of operating our world-class border facilities where essential biosecurity checks will protect our food supply, farmers and environment against costly disease outbreaks entering the UK through the short straits."

The fees will not apply to goods brought into the UK for personal use, the government said.

EU business 'could stop trading with UK'

Marc Forgione, director general of the Institute of Export and International Trade (IEIT), said there was another risk beyond price rises and potential shrinkflation.

He told the Money blog earlier this year: "There is also a concern that has been raised with me by some UK-based businesses that their suppliers in the EU will frankly take a view that it's too complicated to deal with these changes and withdraw from the market."

Mr Forgione said that over time the UK will have "the most efficient border in the world", due to digitisation and the BTOM's assessment of goods based on risk, but it will create friction for EU businesses where there was none.

What has the government said?

A spokesperson told us when we first covered this story in January: "We remain committed to delivering the most advanced border in the world.

"The changes we're bringing in will help keep the UK safe, while protecting our food supply chains and our agricultural sector from disease outbreaks that would cause significant economic harm."

A Waitrose billboard that appeared to be sitting askew was fenced off by a London council over safety fears. 

But it turned out there was no need - as the supermarket had intentionally made the billboard wonky in a nod to its falling prices.

"Thanks for the swift action but while our prices are falling rapidly, our billboard certainly isn't! #noneedforbollards," the retailer wrote in a tongue-in-cheek post on X. 

The billboard had been put up on Lindore Road, in Wandsworth, southwest London.

Wandsworth Council later confirmed to The Guardian that the barriers had been removed.

It said it was "alerted to this unusual advert by a concerned member of the public" and decided it "better not take any chances with public safety so put up some barriers to be on the safe side". 

Leading potato grower Albert Bartlett has warned of rising potato prices and a lack of supply.

Many potato varieties will likely face shortages in the coming months and the nation will see "spudflation" take hold, it said. 

Potato growers have been warning of a major shortage in the autumn due to persistent wet weather this spring. 

They have been dealing with the wettest 18 months since 1836 - and there is no end in sight at present. 

Last year also saw a poor harvest due to the wet autumn, which made it difficult for machinery to access potato drills. 

Planting of this year's crop has been delayed across much of northern Europe due to the bad weather. 

In March, it was reported that Asda, Morrisons, Tesco and Sainsbury's could suffer from potato shortages caused by the poor harvests. 

You can read more here on how potato prices have soared.

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