Have you ever dreamt of flying more for less? Imagine visiting family, taking that dream vacation, or even just a quick weekend getaway, all while saving significantly on airfare. If you're a fan of Southwest Airlines' unique open seating, free checked bags, and friendly service, then mastering their frequent flyer program, Rapid Rewards, is your golden ticket! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to accumulate those valuable points and unlock incredible travel benefits.
Let's dive in and transform you into a Southwest Rapid Rewards pro!
Understanding Southwest Rapid Rewards: Your Key to Free Flights
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of earning, let's understand what Southwest's Rapid Rewards program is all about. Unlike some other airlines that use a fixed mileage system, Southwest's program is revenue-based. This means the number of points you earn (and redeem) is generally tied to the cash price of the ticket and the fare type. The more expensive the fare, the more points you earn.
Southwest Rapid Rewards points do not expire as long as your account remains open, which is a fantastic perk, giving you peace of mind to save up for those bigger trips.
Step 1: Join Rapid Rewards - Your First (and Easiest!) Step to Earning
This is the absolute simplest and most crucial step! You cannot earn any points without being a Rapid Rewards member.
Sub-heading: How to Enroll
Head to the Southwest Airlines website: Go to Southwest.com and look for the "Rapid Rewards" section or a prominent "Enroll" button.
Provide your information: You'll need to fill out a brief form with your name, address, email, and create a password.
Receive your Rapid Rewards number: Once enrolled, you'll be assigned a unique Rapid Rewards number. This number is your gateway to earning points. Make sure to keep it handy!
Step 2: Earning Points Through Flying - Maximizing Your Air Travel
The most straightforward way to earn Rapid Rewards points is, naturally, by flying with Southwest Airlines. However, not all flights earn points at the same rate. Southwest categorizes its fares, and each category offers a different points-earning potential.
Sub-heading: Understanding Fare Types and Earning Rates
Southwest has various fare types, and your choice significantly impacts how many points you'll accrue:
Basic: This is Southwest's most affordable fare. You'll earn 2 points per dollar spent on the base fare. Keep in mind, Basic fares have some restrictions, like expiring flight credits if you cancel.
Wanna Get Away Plus®: A step up from Basic, this fare earns 6 points per dollar spent on the base fare. It offers more flexibility, including transferable flight credits and free same-day standby.
Anytime: This mid-tier fare provides greater flexibility and earns 10 points per dollar spent on the base fare. Perks include priority and express lane access and EarlyBird Check-In.
Business Select®: The highest fare class, offering the most perks and the highest earning rate at 14 points per dollar spent on the base fare. Benefits include priority boarding (A1-A15), free in-flight Wi-Fi, and a complimentary premium drink.
Pro Tip: Always consider the cost difference versus the points earned. Sometimes a slightly higher fare can be worth it for the accelerated points accumulation, especially if you're aiming for elite status or the coveted Companion Pass.
Sub-heading: Don't Forget Your Rapid Rewards Number!
Always add your Rapid Rewards number: When booking any flight on Southwest.com or through their app, ensure your Rapid Rewards number is linked to your reservation. If you forget, you can often add it after booking or even after your flight, though it's best to do it upfront.
Cash + Points bookings: If you use the "Cash + Points" option to book a flight, you will only earn points on the cash portion of the fare, not the points portion.
Step 3: Supercharge Your Earnings with Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards
For many, this is the fastest and most efficient way to accumulate a massive number of Southwest Rapid Rewards points. Southwest partners with Chase for a suite of co-branded credit cards.
Sub-heading: Personal Southwest Credit Cards
Chase offers several personal Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards, each with varying annual fees, benefits, and sign-up bonuses. The sign-up bonuses alone can often be enough for multiple free flights!
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: This is often the entry-level card with a lower annual fee and a solid sign-up bonus after meeting minimum spending requirements. It also offers anniversary points each year.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card: A step up, this card typically offers a higher annual fee but also more anniversary points and potentially better earning rates on Southwest purchases.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: Often considered the most rewarding personal card, it comes with the highest annual fee but offers the best anniversary points, a travel credit, and upgraded boardings.
Sub-heading: Business Southwest Credit Cards
If you own a small business (even a side hustle!), you might qualify for a Southwest business credit card. These cards often have even larger sign-up bonuses than the personal cards, significantly boosting your points balance.
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
Sub-heading: Important Considerations for Credit Cards
Welcome Bonuses: These are crucial! Look for cards with generous welcome offers, usually tied to spending a certain amount within the first few months.
Anniversary Points: Many Southwest credit cards offer bonus points each year on your card anniversary. These points count towards the Companion Pass.
Bonus Categories: Pay attention to where you earn accelerated points (e.g., on Southwest purchases, dining, internet/cable/phone services, rideshares). Use your Southwest card for these categories whenever possible.
Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs): Some Southwest credit cards allow you to earn TQPs through spending, which can help you achieve A-List or A-List Preferred status (more on that later!). Generally, you can earn 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent on certain Southwest credit cards.
Step 4: Leverage Rapid Rewards Partners - Beyond Flights
Southwest has a robust network of partners where you can earn Rapid Rewards points without even stepping on a plane.
Sub-heading: Shopping & Dining Programs
Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal: This is an incredibly easy way to earn extra points on your everyday online purchases. Simply log in to the Rapid Rewards Shopping portal, search for your desired retailer, click through their link, and make your purchase. You'll earn a set number of points per dollar spent (e.g., 2x, 5x, or even 10x points per dollar) at hundreds of popular stores. Always check here before making an online purchase!
Rapid Rewards Dining: Link your credit and debit cards to your Rapid Rewards Dining account. When you dine at participating restaurants, you'll automatically earn points. Opt-in for email communications to maximize your earning rate.
Sub-heading: Travel Partners (Hotels & Car Rentals)
While earning hotel points directly with hotel loyalty programs can often be more lucrative, Southwest also partners with various hotel chains and car rental companies, allowing you to earn Rapid Rewards points for your stays and rentals.
Hotels: Look for partnerships with Marriott Bonvoy, Choice Hotels, Hyatt, Best Western, and MGM Resorts. You can often convert existing hotel points to Rapid Rewards points or earn points directly on qualifying stays.
Car Rentals: Southwest partners with major car rental companies like Hertz, Avis, and Budget. Book your car through the Southwest portal to earn points.
Sub-heading: Other Partners
Southwest also has partnerships with various other businesses, including:
1-800-Flowers.com: Earn points on floral and gift orders.
Energy providers: In some states, you can earn points by switching your electricity provider.
Surveys: Participate in online surveys through partners like eRewards or Rewards for Opinions.
Always check the Southwest Rapid Rewards website for the latest and greatest partner offers!
Step 5: Understanding Elite Status: A-List and A-List Preferred
Southwest offers two tiers of elite status: A-List and A-List Preferred. While Southwest doesn't have a first-class cabin or lounges, these statuses offer valuable perks that enhance your travel experience.
Sub-heading: How to Qualify for Elite Status
You can achieve A-List or A-List Preferred status in one of two ways within a calendar year:
A-List:
20 qualifying one-way flights OR
35,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs)
A-List Preferred:
40 qualifying one-way flights OR
70,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs)
Note: Purchased points, gifted points, and points transferred from partners (like Chase Ultimate Rewards) generally do NOT count towards elite status qualification, with the exception of points earned through Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card spending.
Sub-heading: Benefits of Elite Status
A-List Benefits:
Priority Boarding: Southwest automatically reserves a boarding position for you and those on your reservation 36 hours prior to the flight (though you still need to check in within 24 hours). This typically guarantees an A boarding group.
25% Earning Bonus: You'll earn 25% more Rapid Rewards points on all eligible revenue Southwest flights.
Dedicated A-List Phone Line: Faster customer service.
Priority Lane and Express Lane access: Where available at check-in and security.
Free Same-Day Standby: Even with Basic fares (taxes and fees may apply).
A-List Preferred Benefits (includes all A-List benefits plus):
100% Earning Bonus: Double the points on eligible revenue Southwest flights! This is a huge accelerant.
Free In-flight Wi-Fi: Stay connected on your flights.
Two Free Premium Drinks: On select flights over 250 miles.
Dedicated A-List Preferred Phone Line: Even faster service.
Step 6: Aim for the Southwest Companion Pass - The Ultimate Perk
The Southwest Companion Pass is arguably the most valuable perk in domestic travel. It allows you to designate one person to fly with you for free (plus taxes and fees from $5.60 each way) on any Southwest flight you take, whether you pay with cash or points, for the rest of the calendar year in which you earn it and the entire following calendar year.
Sub-heading: How to Earn the Companion Pass
To qualify for the Companion Pass, you need to either:
Fly 100 qualifying one-way flights in one calendar year OR
Earn 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points in one calendar year.
Sub-heading: Companion Pass Qualifying Points - The Key Strategy
This is where the credit cards shine! Companion Pass qualifying points are earned from:
Revenue flights booked through Southwest.
Points earned on Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards, including welcome bonuses and anniversary points.
Base points earned from Rapid Rewards partners.
Crucial Tip: The easiest and fastest way to earn the Companion Pass is often by strategically applying for one or two Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards when they have elevated sign-up bonuses. The points from these bonuses do count towards the 135,000 qualifying points. Many people apply for one personal and one business card to quickly hit the threshold.
Sub-heading: Maximizing Your Companion Pass
Strategic Timing: If you earn the Companion Pass early in the calendar year, you'll have it for almost two full years, maximizing its value.
Designate Your Companion: Once you earn it, you'll designate your companion online. You can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year.
Booking Companion Travel: You must book your flight first, then add your companion to your reservation through the "My Trips" section of your account or by calling Southwest.
Step 7: Manage Your Rapid Rewards Account
Regularly checking your Rapid Rewards account is essential to ensure points are posting correctly and to keep track of your progress towards elite status or the Companion Pass.
Sub-heading: Account Management Features
Check Your Point Balance: Log in to your Southwest.com account to see your current Rapid Rewards point balance.
Review Activity: Examine your activity history to ensure all flights and partner earnings have been credited.
Update Information: Keep your personal and contact information up-to-date.
Redeem Points: Easily redeem your points for flights directly through the Southwest website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to check my Southwest Rapid Rewards point balance?
You can check your Southwest Rapid Rewards point balance by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com. Your current point total will be prominently displayed on your account dashboard.
How to redeem Southwest Rapid Rewards points for flights?
To redeem Southwest Rapid Rewards points for flights, log into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, search for flights, and select the "Points" option for viewing fares. The number of points required will vary by fare type and cash price.
How to earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points without flying?
You can earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points without flying through various methods, including using Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards, shopping through the Rapid Rewards Shopping portal, dining with Rapid Rewards Dining, and utilizing Southwest's hotel and car rental partners.
How to get the Southwest Companion Pass quickly?
The quickest way to get the Southwest Companion Pass is often by strategically applying for one or two Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards (one personal and one business, if eligible) when they offer elevated sign-up bonuses, as these bonus points count towards the 135,000 qualifying points needed.
How to know if my Southwest points will expire?
Southwest Rapid Rewards points do not expire as long as your Rapid Rewards account remains open. This is a significant advantage of the program.
How to transfer points to Southwest Rapid Rewards?
You can transfer points to Southwest Rapid Rewards from Chase Ultimate Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. Transfers are typically immediate. Other hotel points (like Marriott Bonvoy or Choice Privileges) can also be converted to Rapid Rewards, though often at a less favorable rate.
How to reach Southwest A-List status?
You can reach Southwest A-List status by flying 20 qualifying one-way flights or earning 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) in a calendar year. TQPs are earned from paid flights and, for some credit cards, through spending.
How to find participating restaurants for Rapid Rewards Dining?
You can find participating restaurants for Rapid Rewards Dining by visiting rapidrewardsdining.com and searching for restaurants in your local area or desired travel destination. Make sure to link your credit/debit cards to your account.
How to use the Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping portal?
To use the Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping portal, log in to rapidrewardsshopping.southwest.com, search for your desired retailer, click through the provided link, and make your purchase as usual. Points will be credited to your Rapid Rewards account.
How to maximize my Southwest Rapid Rewards earnings?
To maximize your Southwest Rapid Rewards earnings, focus on earning lucrative credit card sign-up bonuses, always use the Rapid Rewards Shopping portal for online purchases, link your cards to Rapid Rewards Dining, and consider choosing higher fare types when flying if the cost difference is justified by the increased points. Actively pursuing the Companion Pass is also a fantastic way to maximize value.
