Have you been diligently collecting those Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards points, perhaps through flights, credit card spending, or partner activities? If so, congratulations! You're sitting on a valuable asset that can unlock some fantastic travel experiences. Southwest's Rapid Rewards program is renowned for its simplicity and no-blackout-date policy for award flights, making it a favorite among frequent flyers. But how exactly do you turn those hard-earned points into your next adventure? Let's dive in!
Your Ultimate Guide to Using Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Points
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about maximizing your Southwest Airlines points, from booking flights to exploring other exciting redemption options.
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| How Do I Use My Southwest Airlines Points |
Step 1: Accessing Your Rapid Rewards Account - Let's Get Started!
First things first, you need to know how many points you have and understand your account.
A. Logging In to Your Account
To begin, head over to the official Southwest Airlines website (Southwest.com). In the top right corner, you'll see a "Sign In" or "Log In" option. Click on it and enter your Rapid Rewards account number or email address, along with your password.
Pro Tip: If you've forgotten your login details, don't fret! There are usually "Forgot Password" or "Forgot Member Number" links to help you retrieve them.
B. Checking Your Point Balance
Once logged in, you'll be directed to your Rapid Rewards "Snapshot" or "My Account" page. Here, you'll immediately see your current Rapid Rewards point balance displayed prominently. This is your personal currency for future travel!
Important Note: Southwest Rapid Rewards points do not expire. This is a huge perk compared to many other airline loyalty programs, giving you peace of mind and flexibility.
Step 2: Redeeming Points for Flights - Your Primary Power Play
Redeeming points for flights is the most common and often the most valuable way to use your Rapid Rewards. Southwest offers a "dynamic pricing" model, meaning the number of points required for a flight varies based on the cash price of the fare. Generally, the cheaper the cash fare, the fewer points you'll need.
A. Searching for Award Flights
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Navigate to the Flight Booking Page: From your logged-in account, or even directly from the Southwest.com homepage, you'll find the flight search tool.
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Select "Points" as Your Payment Method: This is a crucial step! Look for an option that allows you to toggle between "Dollars" and "Points." Make sure "Points" is selected.
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Enter Your Flight Details: Input your origin and destination airports, desired travel dates (flexible dates can often yield better point values!), and number of passengers.
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Click "Search": Southwest will then display available flights and the corresponding number of points required for each fare type (Wanna Get Away, Anytime, Business Select).
QuickTip: Check if a section answers your question.
B. Understanding Fare Types and Point Values
Southwest offers different fare types, each with varying benefits and point redemption rates:
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Wanna Get Away: These are typically the lowest-priced fares and require the fewest points. They are generally non-refundable (though you get a flight credit if you cancel) and have standard boarding. This is where you'll usually find the best "value per point."
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Anytime: These fares are more flexible, offering refundable options and often better boarding positions. They require a higher number of points than Wanna Get Away fares.
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Business Select: The most premium fare, offering benefits like A1-15 boarding, a free alcoholic beverage, and a fully refundable ticket. These fares require the highest number of points.
Consider this: While Wanna Get Away fares offer the best point value, if your travel plans are uncertain, the flexibility of Anytime or Business Select might be worth the extra points.
C. Completing Your Redemption
Once you've found a flight that suits your needs and point balance:
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Select Your Flight(s): Click on the desired flight and fare type.
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Review Trip Details: Double-check the itinerary, dates, and passenger information.
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Confirm Payment: The system will show the total points required. You'll still need to pay a small amount for taxes and fees (typically $5.60 per one-way flight for domestic travel). This cannot be paid with points.
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Purchase: Complete the transaction. You'll receive a confirmation email with your flight details.
Step 3: Exploring "Cash + Points" - A Flexible Hybrid Option
Southwest recently introduced the "Cash + Points" option, providing even greater flexibility. This allows you to combine Rapid Rewards points with a cash payment for your flight.
A. How "Cash + Points" Works
When searching for flights, select "Dollars" as your payment method initially. As you proceed to the payment page, you'll be presented with the "Cash + Points" option, offering various combinations of points and cash to pay for your ticket.
Key Benefit: This is particularly useful if you don't have enough points for a full award flight but still want to leverage your existing balance.
B. Earning Points with "Cash + Points"
As of January 1, 2025, the cash portion of a "Cash + Points" booking will earn Rapid Rewards points, tier qualifying points for A-List or A-List Preferred status, and Companion Pass qualifying points. This is a significant improvement, as previously, these bookings did not earn points or status qualification.
Step 4: Beyond Flights - Other Redemption Opportunities
While flights offer the best value for your Rapid Rewards points, Southwest also provides other ways to redeem them through their "More Rewards" program, primarily for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers.
Tip: The details are worth a second look.
A. Gift Cards
You can redeem your points for gift cards from a variety of popular brands, including retailers, restaurants, and entertainment options.
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Access More Rewards: Log in to your Rapid Rewards account and look for the "More Rewards" section or "How to Redeem Points" page.
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Select Gift Cards: Browse the available gift card options and their corresponding point values.
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Redeem: Choose the desired gift card and complete the redemption process.
Word of Caution: The value you get for your points when redeeming for gift cards is often significantly less than what you'd get for a flight. This is generally not the most efficient use of your points.
B. Merchandise
Through the More Rewards portal, you can also use your points to shop for various merchandise, from electronics to home goods. Similar to gift cards, the point value here is typically lower.
C. Hotels and Car Rentals
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Southwest allows you to redeem points for hotel stays and car rentals.
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Navigate to Hotel/Car Redemption: Within the "More Rewards" section or on the Southwest website, look for options to book hotels or car rentals using points.
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Search and Book: Enter your desired dates and locations to see available options and their point costs.
Consider this: While convenient, redeeming points for hotels and car rentals often yields a lower value per point compared to using them for Southwest flights. It's usually better to pay cash for these and save your points for airfare, unless you have a surplus of points and no immediate flight plans.
D. "Pay Yourself Back" (for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers)
If you're a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember, you might have access to "Pay Yourself Back." This feature allows you to redeem points for a statement credit to offset eligible purchases, such as your annual credit card fee or other select transactions.
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Log in to Your Chase Account: This feature is managed through your Chase credit card account, not directly on Southwest.com.
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Access Rewards Dashboard: Find the "Rewards dashboard" under the "More" tab.
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Select "Pay Yourself Back": Choose this option and select qualifying transactions to redeem your points for a statement credit.
Flexibility: This offers a good way to get some cash value out of your points if you have specific expenses you'd like to offset.
Step 5: Understanding Companion Pass - The Ultimate Southwest Perk
The Southwest Companion Pass is widely considered one of the most valuable perks in the travel industry. It allows you to choose one person to fly with you for free (you only pay taxes and fees, starting at $5.60 one-way) on any Southwest flight you take, whether you pay with cash or points.
A. How to Earn the Companion Pass
To qualify for the Companion Pass, you need to either:
QuickTip: Revisit this post tomorrow — it’ll feel new.
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Fly 100 qualifying one-way flight segments in a calendar year, OR
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Earn 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points in a calendar year.
Crucial Detail: Companion Pass qualifying points can be earned through Southwest flights, Rapid Rewards Credit Card spending, and base points from Rapid Rewards partners. However, purchased points, points transferred between members, and points converted from hotel/car loyalty programs generally do not count towards the Companion Pass.
B. Designating Your Companion
Once you've qualified, you'll be able to designate your Companion through your Rapid Rewards account online or by calling Southwest. You can change your Companion up to three times per calendar year.
C. Booking a Flight with Your Companion Pass
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Book Your Flight First: First, book your own flight, either with points or cash.
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Add Your Companion: After your flight is booked, go to "My upcoming trips" in your Rapid Rewards account.
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Click "Add Companion": Follow the prompts to add your designated Companion to your reservation. You'll only pay the applicable taxes and fees for their ticket.
Maximize Savings: The Companion Pass effectively doubles the value of all your Southwest points and paid flights! If you travel frequently with a partner, family member, or friend, this is the benefit to aim for.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Check My Southwest Points Balance?
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, and your point balance will be prominently displayed on your "My Account" or "Snapshot" page.
How to Book a Southwest Flight with Points?
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account, select "Points" as your payment option on the flight search tool, enter your flight details, and choose your desired flight.
How to Get the Best Value for Southwest Points?
Redeeming points for "Wanna Get Away" flights typically provides the best value. Look for flights during off-peak times or when there are fare sales.
How to Avoid Southwest Points Expiration?
QuickTip: Highlight useful points as you read.
Southwest Rapid Rewards points do not expire, so you don't need to worry about activity to keep them active.
How to Use Southwest Points for International Flights?
Southwest Airlines flies to a number of international destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. You can use your Rapid Rewards points to book flights to these destinations just like you would for domestic flights. For flights beyond Southwest's network, you may be able to redeem points through their "More Rewards" portal for international flights on other airlines, but this usually offers poor value.
How to Transfer Southwest Points to Another Person?
You can transfer Rapid Rewards points to another Rapid Rewards Member through the "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points" section of your account. Note that a fee may apply for transfers, and transferred points do not count towards A-List or Companion Pass qualification for the recipient.
How to Use Southwest Points for Hotels and Car Rentals?
You can redeem points for hotels and car rentals through the "More Rewards" portal on Southwest.com. However, the value per point is generally lower than for flight redemptions.
How to Earn More Southwest Points for Redemption?
You can earn more points by flying Southwest, using a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card for everyday purchases, and engaging with their various partners (shopping, dining, hotel, car rental partners).
How to Qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass?
To qualify, you need to either fly 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points in a calendar year. Points earned from credit card spending are a common way to achieve this.
How to Use the "Cash + Points" Option on Southwest?
When searching for a flight, select "Dollars" as your payment option. On the payment page, you'll see options to combine cash and points to pay for your fare.
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