Information verified on 22 July 2025. Always re-check the award page on hacu.net before applying or booking.
Student Cheat-Sheet
Eight one-way e-passes (four round trips) via the ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Award.
Key 2025 dates: Applications closed on 15 June 2025. Award notices were sent by 14 July, and e‑passes will be distributed by 31 July. These passes are valid for travel from 1 August 2025 to 1 August 2026.
Eligibility essentials: 18+, ≥ 2.5 GPA, campus ≥ 200 mi away, 300–500-word essay.
Baggage fees: bookings/changes after 28 May 2025 pay USD 35 (first bag) / USD 45 (second) on most fares.
Essay tip: stay within 300–500 words on overcoming an educational barrier outside that range = auto-reject.
After e-passes: use Rapid Rewards Cash + Points (since 1 Jan 2025) to mix as few as 1,000 points with cash.
What exactly is the Southwest Airlines student discount?
The Southwest Airlines student discount, formally the ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! The Higher Education Travel Award, remains one of the few truly free domestic flight programs available to U.S. college students. Below you’ll find everything you need to know for the 2025–2026 season: who qualifies, how to apply, what the e-passes cover, and how to stretch your budget once those free flights are gone.
Southwest partners with the Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU) to hand out eight one-way e-passes (good on any Southwest-operated U.S. route) to up to 185 undergraduate and graduate students each year. The goal is to reduce the distance between campus and home for students with genuine financial need.
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Eligibility checklist (2025 cycle)
- Age: 18+ at time of application
- Distance rule: campus ≥ 200 miles from home address
- Academic standing: minimum 2.5 GPA and “good standing” per registrar
- Essay: 300–500 words on a personal barrier to completing your degree
One application per student; incomplete or late submissions will be automatically rejected.
How to apply for the award
- Download the Enrollment Verification Form and have your registrar sign it.
- Write your 300–500‑word essay (save a plain‑text backup).
- Complete the online form on HACU’s site; upload your PDF docs (< 5 MB each).
- Submit once; no post‑submission edits.
- Watch for HACU’s acknowledgment email, which confirms receipt, not completion.
- Book your flights: Call Southwest’s e‑pass desk at 1‑877‑551‑1211 and provide your 16‑character e‑pass number to the agent.
What the award covers (and doesn’t)
- Covers eight one-way e-passes on Southwest-operated domestic flights.
- Does not cover taxes (~ USD 5.60 per segment), checked-bag fees, EarlyBird Check-In, ground transport, or lodging.
- Non-transferable: e-passes are tied to the recipient’s name and can’t be sold.
Travel planning tips to maximize your award (and budget)
- Campus visit season: Use Wego’s hotel meta-search to snag refundable, dorm-adjacent rooms.
- Comparative fare checks: If you live near a non-Southwest airport, run a Wego search to benchmark connecting itineraries before making a commitment.
- Use Rapid Rewards Cash + Points: This feature, launched in January 2025, allows you to combine as few as 1,000 points with cash, which is particularly handy once your e-passes are used up.
- Know your baggage fees: As of 28 May 2025, Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Anytime fares charge USD 35 for the first checked bag and USD 45 for the second. Only Business Select still includes two free checked bags.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Are Puerto Rico or international routes included?
No. The e‑pass is valid only on Southwest‑operated, published, scheduled service within the continental United States.
Can graduate students apply, or is it undergraduates only?
Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible as long as they meet the distance, GPA, and essay requirements.
How do I redeem my e‑passes once I receive them?
Call Southwest’s e‑pass desk at 1‑877‑551‑1211 and provide the agent with your 16‑character e‑pass number and security code. E‑passes cannot be redeemed online.
Are bag fees waived when I travel on an e‑pass?
No. Bag fees depend on the fare you pick, not the payment method. On Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Anytime tickets booked or changed after 28 May 2025, the first checked bag is USD 35 and the second is USD 45. Baggage policy
How many students receive the award each year?
Up to 185 students nationwide are selected annually, subject to available funding and the quality of applicants.
Do e‑passes expire if I don’t use them?
Yes. All passes issued in the 2025 cycle must be used for travel by 1 August 2026. Unused passes are forfeited.
Can I change or cancel a flight booked with an e‑pass?
Yes, but you must do it by calling Southwest’s e‑pass desk at 1‑877‑551‑1211. The agent can modify or cancel your reservation. If you cancel, the e‑pass is revalidated for future use, provided your new travel still falls within the original validity window. It does not convert into Travel Funds in your online profile; you will reuse the same 16‑character e‑pass number when rebooking.
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