Hey there, savvy traveler! Ready to turn those hard-earned Southwest Rapid Rewards points into your next adventure? You've come to the right place. Redeeming points with Southwest Airlines is one of the most straightforward loyalty programs out there, and with a few simple steps, you'll be on your way to a free or heavily discounted flight. Let's dive in!
How Do You Redeem Points on Southwest Airlines? Your Ultimate Guide!
Southwest's Rapid Rewards program is renowned for its simplicity: no blackout dates, and your points value is tied directly to the cash price of the ticket. This means when fares go on sale, so do the points needed for redemption – a fantastic perk! While flights offer the best value, there are other ways to use your points too.
Step 1: Are You Logged In and Ready to Go? (The Essential First Move!)
Before you can even dream of that beach getaway or mountain escape, you need to make sure you're properly logged into your Rapid Rewards account. This is the absolute first and most crucial step! Without it, you won't be able to see your points balance or access the redemption options.
Head to the Southwest Website: Open your web browser and navigate to Southwest.com.
Locate the Login Button: In the top right corner of the homepage, you'll see a prominent "Login" button. Click it!
Enter Your Credentials: Input your Rapid Rewards account number or username and your password. Remember, passwords are case-sensitive!
Verify Your Balance: Once logged in, you'll be directed to your Rapid Rewards dashboard. Here, you can easily see your current Rapid Rewards point balance. This is your personal treasure chest of travel!
If you don't have a Rapid Rewards account yet, stop right now and create one! It's free and quick, and you need it to start earning and redeeming points.
Step 2: Finding Your Dream Destination: Booking a Flight with Points
This is where the magic truly happens! Using your Rapid Rewards points for flights generally offers the best value for your points. Southwest operates on a dynamic pricing model for points, meaning the number of points needed for a flight fluctuates with the cash price.
Sub-heading 2.1: Searching for Flights with Points
Initiate Your Flight Search: From the Southwest.com homepage (while logged in), enter your desired departure and arrival cities, travel dates, and the number of passengers.
Toggle to "Points": This is a key difference! Before clicking "Search," make sure you select the "Points" radio button instead of "Dollars." This tells the system you want to see fares in points.
Click "Search": Hit that search button and let Southwest find the available flights for you.
Sub-heading 2.2: Understanding Fare Types and Point Values
Southwest offers different fare types, and the number of points required will vary accordingly:
Wanna Get Away: This is typically your best bet for maximizing point value! These are the lowest fares and require the fewest points. They are generally non-refundable (though you get a flight credit if you cancel) and non-transferable.
Wanna Get Away Plus: A newer fare offering more flexibility, including transferable flight credit and same-day changes without airline charges. It requires more points than Wanna Get Away.
Anytime: More flexible fares that are refundable and offer a higher earning rate of points when purchased with cash. They require more points than Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus.
Business Select: The most expensive and flexible fare, offering priority boarding, a complimentary premium drink, and the highest earning rate. This will cost you the most points.
Always compare the point cost across these fare types to ensure you're getting the value you desire. Sometimes, paying a little more cash for a Wanna Get Away fare and saving your points for another trip might be a better strategy if the Anytime or Business Select point cost is disproportionately high.
Sub-heading 2.3: Selecting Your Flight and Completing the Booking
Browse Flight Options: The search results page will display various flight times and their corresponding point costs for each fare type. Take your time to find the perfect flight that fits your schedule and point budget.
Select Your Preferred Flight: Click on the flight you wish to book.
Review Details and Confirm: You'll be taken to a review page showing the flight details, the total points required, and any applicable taxes and fees. Even when redeeming points, you'll typically be responsible for a small government-imposed security fee (around $5.60 per one-way flight for domestic travel). This can be paid with a credit card, PayPal, or a Southwest travel voucher.
Input Passenger Information: Enter the names and other required details for all passengers. If you have a Known Traveler Number (TSA PreCheck/Global Entry), make sure to add it for faster security.
Complete the Purchase: Once you've reviewed everything, click "Purchase" or "Complete Booking" to finalize your redemption. You'll receive a confirmation email shortly after.
Step 3: Exploring Other Ways to Redeem Your Rapid Rewards Points
While flights offer the highest value, Southwest offers other redemption options through its "More Rewards" program. These options are generally available to Rapid Rewards members, with some exclusive benefits for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers.
Sub-heading 3.1: Gift Cards
You can redeem your points for a variety of gift cards from popular brands. While convenient, the value per point for gift cards is typically lower than for flights. This can be a good option if you have a small remaining balance of points you don't anticipate using for a flight, or if you simply prefer a gift card.
Access More Rewards: Log in to your Rapid Rewards account and navigate to the "How to Redeem Points" section, then look for "More Rewards" or "Gift Cards and More."
Browse Available Gift Cards: You'll see a selection of retailers and the point cost for various gift card denominations.
Select and Redeem: Choose the gift card you want and follow the prompts to complete the redemption.
Sub-heading 3.2: Merchandise
Similar to gift cards, you can use your points to shop for merchandise through the More Rewards portal. This can range from electronics to home goods. Again, exercise caution here, as the point value tends to be significantly lower than for flight redemptions.
Navigate to Merchandise: Within the More Rewards section, look for the "Merchandise" category.
Explore Products: Browse the available products and their point prices.
Redeem Your Points: Select the item you want and proceed with the redemption process.
Sub-heading 3.3: Hotels and Rental Cars (via More Rewards)
Yes, you can use your Rapid Rewards points for hotel stays and car rentals through partners accessible via the More Rewards portal. However, be warned: the redemption value for hotels and rental cars is often quite poor compared to booking flights. It's generally advised to save your points for airfare and pay cash for hotels and cars.
Find Travel Options: Look for "Hotels" or "Car Rentals" within the More Rewards portal.
Search and Book: Enter your desired dates and locations to search for available options and their point costs.
Complete Reservation: Follow the steps to finalize your booking.
Sub-heading 3.4: Experiences and Rapid Rewards Access Events (for Cardmembers)
For Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers, there are sometimes exclusive "Access Events" or unique experiences available for point redemption. These can include curated events like wine tastings or destination getaways. The value here can vary greatly, so assess each opportunity individually.
Check for Special Offers: If you're a Cardmember, regularly check your Rapid Rewards dashboard or email for announcements about these exclusive opportunities.
Follow Redemption Instructions: Each event or experience will have its own specific redemption process.
Step 4: Understanding "Cash + Points" (A Flexible New Option!)
Southwest recently introduced a "Cash + Points" option, offering a flexible way to use your points when you don't have enough for a full award flight. This allows you to cover a portion of your fare with points and the rest with cash.
Start a Cash Fare Search: To use Cash + Points, you typically begin by searching for a flight as if you were paying with cash (select "Dollars" in your search).
Look for the Option at Checkout: At the payment screen during the booking process, Southwest may present you with the option to use a combination of cash and points to cover a portion of the fare.
Select Your Preferred Ratio: Southwest will provide several pre-set options for how much cash and how many points you can use. You'll need a minimum of 1,000 points in your account to utilize this feature.
Complete Payment: Pay the remaining cash balance with your credit card.
Keep in mind that points are only earned on the cash portion of a Cash + Points booking.
Important Considerations for Redeeming Southwest Points:
Points Don't Expire! This is a fantastic benefit of the Rapid Rewards program. Your points won't disappear as long as your account remains open and in good standing.
No Blackout Dates: If there's an open seat on a Southwest flight, you can book it with points. The number of points just varies with the cash price.
Taxes and Fees: Even with a "free" flight, you'll still be responsible for government-imposed taxes and fees, which for domestic flights in the U.S. are currently $5.60 per one-way segment. International flights will have higher taxes and fees.
Companion Pass: If you're a Southwest Companion Pass holder, you can book your flight with points and then add your designated companion for free (they'll only pay the taxes and fees). This is arguably the most valuable perk of the Rapid Rewards program!
Point Value: While the exact value fluctuates, Rapid Rewards points generally hover around 1.3 to 1.4 cents per point when redeemed for flights. Always do the math (
) to ensure you're getting a good deal, especially when comparing different fare types or other redemption options.
Flexibility of Cancellation: One of Southwest's legendary policies is their flexibility. If you cancel a flight booked with points, the points are redeposited immediately into your Rapid Rewards account, and any taxes/fees paid are refunded to the original form of payment. This offers incredible peace of mind!
By following these steps and keeping these considerations in mind, you'll be a pro at redeeming your Southwest Rapid Rewards points in no time. Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions About Redeeming Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Here are 10 common questions about redeeming Southwest points, answered quickly:
How to check my Southwest Rapid Rewards points balance?
You can check your points balance by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com. Your balance will be prominently displayed on your dashboard.
How to use Southwest Rapid Rewards points for international flights?
You can use your Rapid Rewards points for international flights operated by Southwest Airlines directly on Southwest.com by selecting "Points" during your flight search. For flights on other airlines to international destinations, Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers can explore the "More Rewards" portal, though this typically offers a lower redemption value.
How to get the best value when redeeming Southwest points?
The best value for Southwest Rapid Rewards points is almost always obtained by redeeming them for "Wanna Get Away" or "Wanna Get Away Plus" flights, as their point cost is directly tied to the lowest cash fares.
How to redeem Southwest points for Upgraded Boarding?
Southwest doesn't typically allow direct point redemption for Upgraded Boarding at the gate. However, if you have an eligible Southwest credit card, you might receive credits for Upgraded Boarding which you can then use. Purchase Upgraded Boarding with your card, and the credit will be applied.
How to use Southwest points for gift cards?
Log into your Rapid Rewards account, navigate to the "More Rewards" section (usually found under "How to Redeem Points"), and select "Gift Cards" to browse and redeem.
How to use Southwest points for merchandise?
Similar to gift cards, access the "More Rewards" portal after logging into your Rapid Rewards account, and then select "Merchandise" to see available items for redemption.
How to combine Southwest Rapid Rewards points with another person?
Southwest Rapid Rewards points cannot be directly combined or pooled with another person's account. However, you can book a flight for someone else using points from your account.
How to use the "Cash + Points" option on Southwest?
Start by searching for a flight on Southwest.com as if you were paying with cash. At the payment screen during checkout, you may be presented with the "Cash + Points" option to cover a portion of your fare with points.
How to find out how many points a specific Southwest flight will cost?
Simply log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, enter your desired flight details, and ensure the "Points" radio button is selected before searching. The results will display the point cost for each available fare type.
How to ensure my Southwest Rapid Rewards points don't expire?
Southwest Rapid Rewards points do not expire. This is a major benefit of the program! As long as your account remains open, your points will remain valid.
