Southwest Airlines is known for its “transfarency” philosophy, which includes low fares and no change fees, hidden fees, or unexpected bag fees. The airline’s Rapid Rewards program is highly regarded for its flexibility and value, making it a great choice for travelers.
The Rapid Rewards program does not have a standard award chart or belong to an airline alliance, but it offers several benefits that make it attractive to frequent flyers. One of the program’s highlights is the ability to earn Southwest’s famous Companion Pass, which allows a designated companion to fly for free with the pass holder. This perk is especially valuable for couples, families, and those with inflexible travel schedules.
All Southwest award tickets are priced based on the ticket’s cash value, meaning that the more expensive the ticket, the more points you’ll need. The current value of Rapid Rewards points is estimated at 1.4 cents per point, so 10,000 points would give you approximately $140 in value. However, the actual value may vary depending on the ticket’s price.
Southwest also offers two elite status tiers: A-List and A-List Preferred. To qualify for A-List status, you must fly 20 one-way Southwest flights or earn 35,000 tier-qualifying points in a calendar year. A-List status provides benefits such as priority boarding, a 25% bonus on points earned from paid flights, free same-day standby/changes, priority check-in and security lane access, and a dedicated A-List member phone line.
A-List Preferred status requires flying 40 qualifying one-way Southwest flights or earning 70,000 tier-qualifying points in a calendar year. In addition to the benefits of A-List status, A-List Preferred members enjoy a 100% bonus on points earned from paid flights, free inflight Wi-Fi, and two free premium drinks on flights of 176 miles or more.
There are several ways to earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points, even without flying. One way is to earn points by flying on paid Southwest Airlines flights. The number of points earned depends on factors such as the cost of the flight, your elite status, the ticket type, and your payment method. Southwest has four fare classes, and each class earns a different number of points per dollar spent.
Another way to earn points is through Southwest’s co-branded credit cards issued by Chase. These cards offer various benefits, welcome bonuses, and annual fees. The Southwest Priority card, for example, provides an annual $75 travel credit and 7,500 bonus points, which can help offset the card’s annual fee and earn additional points throughout the year. Additionally, you can transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards to Southwest Rapid Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.
Southwest also offers a dining rewards program called Rapid Rewards Dining, where you can earn points by dining at participating restaurants. By signing up for email notifications, you can earn 3 points per dollar spent at these restaurants. Rapid Rewards Shopping is another option to earn bonus points while shopping online. The number of points earned per dollar spent varies by merchant.
Finally, Southwest has partnerships with major hotel companies, allowing you to earn Rapid Rewards points instead of hotel points when booking hotel rooms. However, it’s worth comparing rates with other platforms and considering your needs before making a decision.
In conclusion, Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards program offers travelers a flexible and valuable loyalty program. With no blackout dates, the ability to earn the Companion Pass, and various ways to earn points, Southwest is a top choice for many frequent flyers. Whether you’re flying, using credit cards, dining out, or booking hotels, there are plenty of opportunities to earn and redeem Southwest Rapid Rewards points.