How Southwest Airlines' Payment Plan Works
Southwest Airlines lets you split your ticket cost into monthly payments through their partnership with Affirm
Southwest offers a buy now, pay later option at checkout when you book a flight. The plan is provided by Affirm, a third-party lender, and lets you spread your ticket price across multiple monthly payments instead of paying the full amount upfront. You do not need to apply separately — the option appears during booking if you are may be able to access.
The payment plan covers your base ticket price only. Taxes, fees, and add-ons like seat selections or baggage fees are typically charged in full at booking. The number of months available depends on your ticket cost and Affirm's assessment of your account, but options usually range from three to twelve months.
You will need a valid payment method on file to set up the plan, and Affirm will perform a soft credit check — this does not affect your credit score. If approved, your first payment is due at booking, and the remaining payments are charged automatically each month on the same date.
Key Takeaways
- Southwest's payment plan is provided by Affirm and splits only your ticket price into monthly installments, not taxes or fees.
- The plan appears as an option during checkout if you are may be able to access; no separate application is required.
- Your first payment is due immediately at booking, and remaining payments are charged automatically each month.
- Affirm performs a soft credit check that does not affect your credit score, but you must have an may be able to access payment method on file.
- If you miss a payment, Affirm may charge late fees and report the missed payment to credit bureaus, which can lower your credit score.
How to set up the payment plan at checkout
When you reach the payment screen during Southwest booking, look for the Affirm option alongside your other payment methods. Click or tap on it to see the available payment terms — typically three, six, nine, or twelve months, depending on your ticket price. Each option shows your monthly payment amount and any interest or fees.
Select the term that works for your budget. Affirm will then ask for your name, email, phone number, and date of birth to perform the soft credit check. This check takes seconds and does not appear on your credit report. Once approved, you will see your payment schedule and the date your first payment will be charged.
Review the terms carefully: the total amount you pay may be higher than the ticket price if interest is included. Some plans are interest-free, but this depends on Affirm's terms at the time of booking. Confirm your payment method and complete the booking — your ticket is issued immediately, even though you have not paid the full amount yet.
What happens if you miss a payment
If a monthly payment fails to process, Affirm will attempt to charge your payment method again. If the second attempt fails, Affirm typically sends you an email or text notification with instructions to update your payment method or make the payment manually through the Affirm app or website.
If you do not make the payment within a certain window — usually around fifteen days — Affirm may charge a late fee and report the missed payment to credit bureaus. A missed payment can lower your credit score and may affect your ability to borrow money in the future. Affirm may also suspend your account or pursue collection action if payments remain unpaid.
The best approach is to contact Affirm immediately if you know a payment will not go through. They sometimes offer payment deferrals or rescheduling options, though this is not may provide. You can reach Affirm through the app, their website, or by phone — the contact information is in your loan agreement.
When the payment plan covers your ticket and when it does not
The payment plan covers the base fare of your Southwest ticket — the price of the flight itself. It does not cover taxes, government fees, or facility charges, which are charged in full at booking. These fees are typically shown separately on your receipt and are non-negotiable.
Add-ons purchased at the same time, such as Early Bird Check-In, seat selections, or baggage fees, are usually charged in full as well. If you purchase these after your ticket is booked, you will need to pay for them separately. Some travelers choose to book the base ticket on the payment plan and pay for add-ons out of pocket to keep their monthly payment lower.
If you change or cancel your flight after setting up the payment plan, the terms of your loan remain in effect — you still owe the full amount to Affirm, even if Southwest refunds or credits your ticket. This is an important distinction: canceling your Southwest ticket does not cancel your Affirm loan.
How your credit is affected
Affirm performs a soft credit check when you set up the payment plan, which does not lower your credit score. However, once the loan is opened, Affirm reports your account to credit bureaus. This means the loan appears on your credit report as an open account, which can affect your credit score in two ways.
First, opening a new credit account temporarily lowers your score slightly because it increases the number of recent inquiries and new accounts on your report. Second, your payment history on the Affirm loan is reported to bureaus each month. Making on-time payments helps your credit score over time, but missed or late payments hurt it.
If you pay off the loan early, Affirm will close the account, which also appears on your credit report. Closing an account does not hurt your score, but it does remove the positive payment history you built. Some people choose to make all scheduled payments rather than pay early to maximize the credit-building benefit.
Comparing Southwest's payment plan to other payment options
Southwest's Affirm plan is one option, but you have others. You can pay the full ticket price upfront with a credit card, debit card, or gift card. You can also use a rewards credit card to earn points on the purchase, though you will owe the full balance to your card issuer at the end of the billing cycle.
Some credit cards offer their own buy now, pay later features or promotional financing periods with zero interest. If you have access to these, compare the terms to Affirm's offer — the total cost and monthly payment amount may be lower. You can also check whether your bank offers a line of credit or personal loan with a lower interest rate than Affirm's plan.
The trade-off is convenience: Affirm's plan is built into Southwest's checkout, so it requires no separate application. Other options may require you to apply elsewhere or manage multiple payments. Choose based on your total cost, monthly budget, and credit goals.
What to do if you are not approved or the plan is not available
If Affirm declines you at checkout, it means their assessment determined you do not meet their lending criteria at that moment. This is not permanent — you can try again on a future booking. Affirm's criteria change based on your credit profile, income, and payment history, so your situation may improve over time.
If the payment plan option does not appear during checkout, it may be because your ticket price is too low or too high for Affirm's current terms, or because you are booking from a location where the plan is not offered. Southwest's payment plan is available for most domestic and international bookings, but there are exceptions.
If you need to split your payment but Affirm is not an option, consider using a personal loan from your bank, a credit card with a promotional financing period, or saving up to pay in full. You can also contact Southwest directly to ask whether other payment arrangements are available, though they typically do not offer their own installment plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the payment plan if I have bad credit?
Affirm does not require a minimum credit score, but they assess your full financial profile, including income and payment history. If you have been declined before, your situation may improve if you have made recent on-time payments or increased your income. You can try again on a future booking.
What happens to my payment plan if I cancel my Southwest flight?
Your Affirm loan remains active and you still owe the full amount, even if Southwest refunds or credits your ticket. The refund goes to Southwest, not to Affirm. You must continue making monthly payments to Affirm or contact them to discuss your options.
Can I pay off the plan early without a penalty?
Yes, Affirm does not charge prepayment penalties. You can pay off the remaining balance at any time through the Affirm app or website. Paying early closes the account, which removes future positive payment history from your credit report, so weigh this against your credit-building goals.
Is the interest rate the same for everyone?
No, Affirm's interest rates and available terms vary based on your credit profile and the ticket price. Two people booking the same flight may see different rates and payment options. Always review the specific terms shown to you before confirming.
What if my payment method expires before the plan is paid off?
Update your payment method in the Affirm app or website before your card expires. If Affirm cannot charge your card on the due date, they will send you a notification and give you time to update it. If you do not, the payment will be marked late and may result in fees and credit damage.