Have you ever been just a few points shy of booking that dream Southwest Airlines flight? Perhaps you're eyeing a specific destination, and the points cost is just a little out of reach. Or maybe you want to surprise a loved one with a flight, but you don't have enough points in your own account. Whatever the reason, knowing how to buy Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards points can be a real game-changer!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every single step of the process, ensuring you can seamlessly acquire the points you need to make your travel dreams a reality. Let's dive in!
Understanding Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Before we get into the "how-to," let's quickly understand what Southwest Rapid Rewards points are and why they're so valuable. Southwest's Rapid Rewards program is revenue-based, meaning the number of points required for a flight generally correlates with the cash price of the ticket. This is different from many other airlines that use fixed award charts.
The key benefits of Southwest Rapid Rewards points include:
No blackout dates: If a seat is available for purchase with cash, it's generally available for purchase with points.
Points never expire: This is a huge perk! Unlike some other loyalty programs, your Southwest points won't vanish due to inactivity.
Free checked bags: Southwest famously offers two free checked bags per passenger, a significant saving compared to other airlines.
Companion Pass eligibility: Earning a large number of Rapid Rewards points (including those earned through Southwest credit cards) can help you qualify for the highly coveted Companion Pass, allowing a designated companion to fly with you for just the cost of taxes and fees on both paid and award flights.
Now, let's get to the main event: buying points!
Step 1: Determine Your Point Needs and Check for Promotions
Before you click "buy," it's crucial to assess your situation. How many points do you actually need? Are you topping off an existing balance for a specific flight, or are you starting from scratch?
Sub-heading: Calculate the Points Required for Your Flight
The first thing you should do is check the points cost of the flight you want to book. Go to Southwest.com and search for your desired flight. When viewing the results, make sure you toggle to the "Points" view instead of "Dollars" to see the exact Rapid Rewards points required. This will give you a concrete number to aim for.
Sub-heading: Look for Southwest Points Sales!
Southwest Airlines frequently runs promotions on buying points, offering bonuses that can significantly reduce the effective cost per point. These sales can be 20%, 30%, or even more in bonus points. Always check the Southwest Rapid Rewards "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points" page for any active promotions. Buying points during a sale is almost always more cost-effective than purchasing them at the standard rate.
For example, if you need 10,000 points and there's a 25% bonus promotion, you might only need to buy 8,000 points, receiving 2,000 as a bonus. This can lead to substantial savings.
Step 2: Navigate to the Southwest Airlines Website
Once you know how many points you need and you've checked for any lucrative promotions, it's time to head to the source.
Sub-heading: Log In to Your Rapid Rewards Account
Open your web browser and go to Southwest.com.
In the top right corner of the homepage, you'll see a "Log In" button. Click on it.
Enter your Rapid Rewards account number (or username) and password. If you don't have a Rapid Rewards account, you'll need to enroll first – it's quick, free, and essential for buying or earning points.
It's important to be logged into your account so the purchased points are directly deposited there.
Step 3: Access the "Buy Points" Section
Southwest makes it relatively straightforward to find where to buy points.
Sub-heading: Locate the Rapid Rewards Menu
After logging in, look for the "Rapid Rewards" tab or link at the top of the page. Click on it.
Under the "Rapid Rewards" menu, you'll typically find options like "Earn Points," "Redeem Points," and "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points." Click on the latter.
Sub-heading: Choose "Buy Points"
On the "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points" page, you'll see several options: "Buy Points," "Gift Points," "Transfer Points," and "Donate Points."
Select "Buy Points" to proceed with purchasing points for your own Rapid Rewards account.
Step 4: Select the Number of Points to Purchase
This is where you'll specify how many points you want to add to your account.
Sub-heading: Increments and Limits
Southwest generally offers points in increments of 500 or 1,000. The minimum purchase is typically 2,000 points.
Be aware of the daily maximum purchase limit, which is often 60,000 points (for both personal and gift purchases combined).
Carefully review the options presented. If there's a promotion, the bonus points will usually be automatically calculated and displayed as you select your purchase amount.
Sub-heading: Review the Cost
As you select the number of points, the total cost will be displayed. This cost can vary depending on the prevailing rate and any ongoing promotions. Make sure this aligns with your budget and expectations.
Step 5: Provide Payment Information
Just like any online purchase, you'll need to provide your payment details.
Sub-heading: Enter Your Credit Card Information
You'll be prompted to enter your credit card number, expiration date, and security code (CVV).
Ensure all information is accurate to avoid any processing delays.
Remember, the transaction will be processed in USD. If you're using a credit card issued outside the US, your financial institution may apply foreign transaction fees and currency exchange rates.
Sub-heading: Billing Address Confirmation
Confirm your billing address matches the one associated with your credit card.
Step 6: Review and Confirm Your Purchase
This is your last chance to double-check everything before finalizing the transaction.
Sub-heading: Verify Details
Carefully review the number of points you're buying, the total cost, and any applicable taxes or fees.
Ensure the transaction reflects any promotional bonuses you were expecting.
Sub-heading: Complete the Purchase
Once you're satisfied with all the details, click the "Complete Purchase" or "Submit" button.
Step 7: Confirmation and Point Deposit
Congratulations! Your purchase is complete.
Sub-heading: Confirmation Email
You should receive an email confirmation of your purchase shortly after the transaction is successful. Keep this email for your records.
Sub-heading: Point Posting Time
Southwest states that purchased points generally post to your Rapid Rewards account within 72 hours. While it often happens faster, it's wise to allow for this timeframe, especially if you need the points for an immediate booking.
You can check your Rapid Rewards account balance on Southwest.com to see when the points have landed.
Step 8: Book Your Southwest Flight!
With your newly acquired points safely in your account, you're now ready to book that flight!
Sub-heading: Search for Your Desired Flight (Again)
Go back to Southwest.com and search for your flight, ensuring you select the "Points" option for the fare display.
Sub-heading: Complete the Booking Process
Select your desired flight, and proceed through the booking steps.
When you reach the payment screen, you'll see your Rapid Rewards points balance available.
You'll only need to pay the mandatory government taxes and fees, which are typically $5.60 per one-way flight within the US. These can be paid with a credit card.
Enjoy your flight!
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to check my Southwest Rapid Rewards point balance?
You can easily check your Rapid Rewards point balance by logging into your account on Southwest.com. Your current point total will be prominently displayed on your account dashboard.
How to gift Southwest Airlines points to another person?
To gift points, log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, navigate to the "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points" section, and select "Gift Points." You'll need the recipient's Rapid Rewards account number and name.
How to transfer Southwest Airlines points to another member?
Similar to gifting, you can transfer points by logging into your Rapid Rewards account, going to "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points," and choosing "Transfer Points." There's typically a fee associated with transferring points, and they can be transferred in blocks of 500 with a minimum of 2,000 points.
How to use Southwest points for international travel?
Southwest Airlines itself primarily flies within the US, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. While you can't use Rapid Rewards points for flights on other international airlines directly, you can redeem points for international flights with non-Southwest airlines, hotel stays, or car rentals through the "More Rewards" program (accessible for Southwest credit cardholders), though the value per point might be lower.
How to know if there's a Southwest points sale?
Southwest Airlines frequently advertises points sales directly on their "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points" page on Southwest.com. You might also receive email notifications if you're subscribed to their marketing emails.
How to earn more Southwest Rapid Rewards points without buying them?
You can earn points by flying Southwest, using a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, shopping through the Rapid Rewards Shopping portal, dining with Rapid Rewards Dining, staying at partner hotels, and more.
How to determine the value of Southwest Rapid Rewards points?
While the value can fluctuate, Southwest Rapid Rewards points are generally valued by experts at around 1.3 to 1.4 cents per point when redeemed for flights. The exact value depends on the cash price of the flight you're booking.
How to cancel or change a flight booked with Southwest points?
Southwest is known for its flexibility. You can change or cancel a flight booked with points without incurring a change fee. If you cancel, your points will be redeposited into your Rapid Rewards account.
How to use "Cash + Points" on Southwest?
If you don't have enough points for a full award flight, Southwest offers a "Cash + Points" option where you can use a combination of points and cash to book your flight. This option becomes available during the booking process if you have at least 1,000 points.
How to ensure my purchased Southwest points count towards A-List or Companion Pass status?
Generally, purchased points do not count towards A-List, A-List Preferred, or Companion Pass status. These statuses are primarily earned through qualifying flights or through spending on certain Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards. However, occasionally, Southwest may offer special promotions where purchased "tier qualifying points" do count towards A-List. Always check the specific terms of any points purchase offer.
