Ready to unlock the power of your Southwest Rapid Rewards points? Whether you're looking to help out a friend or family member, consolidate points, or simply understand your options, transferring points can be a valuable tool in your travel arsenal. Let's dive in and explore the ins and outs of transferring points on Southwest Airlines, step by step!
Understanding Southwest Rapid Rewards Points Transfers
First things first, it's important to understand what kind of point transfer you're looking for. Southwest Airlines primarily allows direct transfers of Rapid Rewards points between members. This is different from transferring points from other loyalty programs (like Chase Ultimate Rewards) to your Southwest account. This guide will focus on transferring points between Southwest Rapid Rewards members.
Before we begin, remember that directly transferring Southwest Rapid Rewards points often comes with a fee. In many cases, a more cost-effective alternative is to simply book a flight for someone else using your points without incurring transfer fees. Keep this in mind as we go through the process!
The Definitive Guide: How to Transfer Points on Southwest Airlines
Here’s your step-by-step roadmap to transferring those valuable Rapid Rewards points:
Step 1: Get Ready and Gather Your Information
Alright, let's get started! Before you even think about clicking any buttons, let's ensure you have everything you need. This will make the process smooth and hassle-free.
A. Confirming Eligibility
Active Rapid Rewards Accounts: Both you (the sender) and the recipient must have active Southwest Rapid Rewards accounts. If the recipient doesn't have one, they can easily sign up for free on the Southwest Airlines website.
Minimum Point Threshold: Southwest typically requires a minimum transfer of 2,000 points. During promotional periods, this minimum might be in 1,000-point blocks, but generally, it's 2,000 points.
Daily Maximum: There's a daily maximum of 60,000 points that can be transferred.
B. Essential Information for the Recipient
You'll need the following details for the person you're transferring points to:
Recipient's Full Name: Ensure it matches their Rapid Rewards account.
Recipient's Rapid Rewards Account Number: This is crucial for the transfer.
Recipient's Email Address: For confirmation and notifications.
Step 2: Navigating to the Transfer Portal
Now that you're prepared, let's head over to the Southwest Airlines website.
A. Logging In to Your Rapid Rewards Account
Go to the official Southwest Airlines website (Southwest.com).
Look for the "Log in" button, typically in the top right corner.
Enter your Rapid Rewards account number or username and your password. Click "Log in."
B. Finding the "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points" Section
Once logged in, hover over or click on "Rapid Rewards" in the main navigation menu.
Under the "Manage" section, you should see an option like "Buy or Transfer points" or "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points." Click on this link.
Step 3: Initiating the Point Transfer
You're almost there! This is where you'll specify the details of your transfer.
A. Selecting "Transfer Points"
On the "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points" page, you'll see a few options (Buy, Gift, Transfer, Donate). Select the "Transfer points" option.
B. Entering Transfer Details
Enter the amount of points you wish to transfer. Remember the minimums and maximums mentioned in Step 1. Points are usually transferred in increments of 500 or 1,000.
Carefully input the recipient's information:
Recipient's Rapid Rewards Account Number
Recipient's First Name
Recipient's Last Name
Recipient's Email Address
Double-check everything! Transfers are often irreversible, so accuracy is key.
Step 4: Reviewing and Completing the Transaction
The final stretch!
A. Reviewing the Transfer Summary
The system will display a summary of your transfer, including:
The number of points being transferred.
The fee associated with the transfer. This is a critical point to note, as Southwest charges a fee for transferring points. The fee is typically calculated per point transferred.
The total cost of the transfer.
B. Payment for the Transfer Fee
You will need a credit card to pay for the transfer fee. Enter your credit card details as prompted.
Review the terms and conditions.
C. Confirming the Transfer
Once you've reviewed all the details and are comfortable with the fee, click the "Confirm" or "Submit" button to complete the transfer.
You should receive a confirmation email for your records, and the recipient should also receive a notification that points have been deposited into their account.
Step 5: Verification and Post-Transfer Notes
A. Point Posting Time
Southwest states that it can take up to 72 hours for the transferred points to post to the recipient's Rapid Rewards account. However, in many cases, transfers (especially from Chase Ultimate Rewards) can be instant or process by the next business day.
B. Important Considerations
Fees are a Factor: As mentioned, transferring points directly on Southwest often incurs a fee. This fee can sometimes make the transfer less economical than simply booking a flight for the recipient using your own points. Always compare the cost of the transfer fee to the value of the points and the alternative of booking directly.
Points Do Not Count Towards Status: Purchased, gifted, and transferred points do not count toward A-List, A-List Preferred, or Companion Pass® status. Only points earned through qualifying flights, Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card spending (excluding certain bonuses), and specific partner activities count towards these elite statuses.
Irreversible Transaction: Once a transfer is complete, it generally cannot be reversed. This is why double-checking all details is so important in Step 3.
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common "How to" questions regarding Southwest Rapid Rewards points, with quick answers:
How to check my Southwest Rapid Rewards points balance?
Quick Answer: Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com. Your points balance will be prominently displayed on your account dashboard.
How to earn more Southwest Rapid Rewards points?
Quick Answer: You can earn points by flying with Southwest, using a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card for everyday purchases, shopping through the Rapid Rewards Shopping portal, dining with Rapid Rewards Dining partners, and utilizing Southwest's hotel and car rental partners.
How to use Southwest Rapid Rewards points to book a flight for someone else?
Quick Answer: Simply log in to your Rapid Rewards account, search for the desired flight, and during the booking process, enter the passenger's information. You can use your points to pay for their flight directly from your account without any transfer fees.
How to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest?
Quick Answer: Log in to your Chase Ultimate Rewards account, navigate to the "Transfer points to partners" section, select Southwest Rapid Rewards, enter your Rapid Rewards number, and specify the amount (usually in 1,000-point increments). Transfers are typically 1:1 and often instant.
How to avoid fees when using Southwest points for someone else?
Quick Answer: The best way is to book the flight for them directly from your Rapid Rewards account. This avoids any point transfer fees.
How to find promotional offers for buying or transferring Southwest points?
Quick Answer: Check the "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points" section on the Southwest.com Rapid Rewards page regularly, or sign up for Southwest's email newsletters, as they often announce such promotions.
How to reactivate expired Southwest Rapid Rewards points?
Quick Answer: Southwest Rapid Rewards points do not expire. This is a fantastic benefit of the program!
How to use Southwest points for things other than flights?
Quick Answer: Through the "More Rewards" program (accessible via your Rapid Rewards account), you can redeem points for gift cards, merchandise, hotel stays, and car rentals, though flight redemptions generally offer the best value.
How to get a Southwest Companion Pass?
Quick Answer: Earn 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year or fly 100 qualifying one-way flights. Points from Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card sign-up bonuses and everyday spending (excluding transferred points) count towards this.
How to contact Southwest Rapid Rewards customer service for point inquiries?
Quick Answer: You can find contact information (phone numbers and sometimes chat options) on the "Contact Us" or "Rapid Rewards" sections of the Southwest Airlines website.
