Southwest Airlines' Rapid Rewards program is renowned for its customer-friendly policies, including no blackout dates and points that never expire. This makes gifting Southwest points a fantastic present for anyone who loves to travel or needs a little boost for their next adventure.
Ready to make someone's day with the gift of travel? Let's dive into the various ways you can gift Southwest Airlines points and ensure your thoughtful present lands perfectly!
Step 1: Understand Your Gifting Options (and Their Implications!)
Before you even think about clicking "buy," it's crucial to understand the different ways you can "gift" Southwest Airlines points, as each has its own nuances, costs, and benefits.
Sub-heading: Option A: Directly Gifting Points (Buying Points for Another Member)
This is the most straightforward method where you purchase points specifically to be deposited into another Rapid Rewards member's account. Southwest facilitates this directly through their website.
Key Consideration: Cost. While convenient, buying points often comes at a higher per-point cost than the value you might get when redeeming them for flights. Southwest typically sells points in increments with a base price per point, which may decrease if you buy larger quantities or during promotional periods. Always check for current promotions!
Sub-heading: Option B: Transferring Points from Your Account to Theirs
If you already have a stash of Rapid Rewards points you're willing to share, you can transfer them to another member's account.
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
Key Consideration: Fees. Be aware that Southwest charges a fee for transferring points. This fee is generally $5 for every 500 points transferred, meaning a 5,000-point transfer would cost you $50. This can make transferring quite expensive compared to the value of the points themselves.
Sub-heading: Option C: Booking a Flight for Them Using Your Points
This is often the most cost-effective way to "gift" travel. You simply log into your own Rapid Rewards account and use your points to book a flight for someone else.
Key Consideration: No Fees! There are absolutely no additional fees for booking a flight for another person using your points. This makes it a very attractive option, especially if you have a significant points balance.
Consideration: Flexibility. The downside is that the reservation will be tied to your account for management (e.g., changes, cancellations), though the traveler will, of course, have their own boarding pass.
Sub-heading: Option D: Gifting a Southwest Airlines Gift Card
While not "points" directly, a Southwest gift card functions similarly to gifting cash that can only be used for Southwest flights. The recipient can then use this gift card to purchase their own flight, which will earn them Rapid Rewards points.
Key Consideration: Simplicity. This is a very simple and widely understood gifting method.
Consideration: No Points for the Gifter. You won't earn points for purchasing the gift card, nor will the recipient receive points until they actually use the gift card to book a flight.
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| How To Gift Southwest Airlines Points |
Step 2: Choose Your Gifting Method
Now that you understand the options, it's time to decide which one is right for you and the lucky recipient!
For maximum flexibility for the recipient and if you don't mind the cost: Directly Gifting Points (Buying Points for Another Member) or Gifting a Southwest Airlines Gift Card are good choices.
If you have a large points balance and want to avoid fees: Booking a Flight for Them Using Your Points is likely your best bet.
If you specifically want to move points you already possess to another account and are okay with the fees: Transferring Points from Your Account to Theirs is the way to go. However, always compare the transfer fee to the cost of booking the flight directly for them with your points.
QuickTip: A short pause boosts comprehension.
Step 3: Step-by-Step Guide for Each Method
Let's break down exactly how to execute each gifting strategy.
Sub-heading: Method 1: Directly Gifting Points (Buying Points for Another Member)
This is done through the official Southwest Airlines website.
Visit the Southwest Airlines Website: Go to Southwest.com.
Navigate to Rapid Rewards: Look for the "Rapid Rewards" section, usually found in the top navigation bar.
Find "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points": Under the Rapid Rewards menu, select the option related to "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points" (the exact wording might vary slightly, but it will be clear).
Select "Gift Points": You'll typically see options for "Buy points," "Gift points," and "Transfer points." Choose "Gift points."
Enter Recipient's Information: You will be prompted to enter the recipient's Rapid Rewards account number and their full name as it appears on their Rapid Rewards account. It's crucial to have this information accurate! If they don't have an account, they'll need to enroll first.
Choose the Number of Points: Select the quantity of points you wish to gift. Points are typically sold in increments (e.g., 500 or 1,000, with a minimum of 2,000 points and a daily maximum of 60,000 points).
Review Cost and Complete Purchase: The system will display the total cost of the points. Review the details carefully, then proceed to enter your payment information (credit card).
Confirmation: You'll receive a confirmation, and the points will typically be deposited into the recipient's account upon completion of the transaction.
Sub-heading: Method 2: Transferring Points from Your Account to Theirs
This process is similar to gifting, but you're moving points you already own.
Visit the Southwest Airlines Website: Go to Southwest.com.
Log In to Your Rapid Rewards Account: Ensure you are logged into your own Rapid Rewards account.
Navigate to Rapid Rewards: Find the "Rapid Rewards" section.
Find "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points": Select the option related to "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points."
Select "Transfer Points": Choose "Transfer points."
Enter Recipient's Information: You will need the recipient's Rapid Rewards account number and their full name. Double-check for accuracy!
Choose the Number of Points to Transfer: Select the amount of points you wish to transfer. Remember the fees: typically $5 per 500 points. There's a minimum transfer of 2,000 points and a daily maximum of 60,000 points.
Review Fees and Complete Transfer: The system will clearly show the transfer fees. Review everything, then proceed with your payment.
Confirmation: You'll receive a confirmation, and the points will be transferred to the recipient's account. Note that transferred points do not count towards A-List, A-List Preferred, or Companion Pass status for the recipient.
Sub-heading: Method 3: Booking a Flight for Them Using Your Points
Tip: A slow, careful read can save re-reading later.
This is a great way to provide a specific travel experience.
Visit the Southwest Airlines Website: Go to Southwest.com.
Log In to Your Rapid Rewards Account: Ensure you are logged into your own Rapid Rewards account.
Search for Flights: Use the standard flight search tool.
Select "Points" for Payment: When searching, make sure to select the "Points" option for the fare type.
Enter Passenger Details: When prompted for passenger information, enter the recipient's full legal name and date of birth exactly as it appears on their government-issued ID (e.g., passport, driver's license).
Complete Booking: Review the flight details and the total points required. Confirm the booking.
Share Confirmation: Once booked, you'll receive a confirmation email. Be sure to forward this to the recipient so they have all the necessary flight details, confirmation number, and can check in themselves. They will check in using their own name and the confirmation number provided.
Sub-heading: Method 4: Gifting a Southwest Airlines Gift Card
A classic and easy gifting solution.
Visit the Southwest Airlines Website: Go to Southwest.com.
Find "Gift Cards": Look for a "Gift Cards" link, often found in the footer or a main menu.
Choose Gift Card Type and Amount: Select between a physical gift card or an e-gift card. Choose the desired denomination. Southwest gift cards are available in various amounts.
Enter Recipient and Delivery Details: For e-gift cards, you'll enter the recipient's email address and a personalized message. For physical gift cards, you'll provide their shipping address.
Complete Purchase: Enter your payment information and finalize the purchase.
Delivery: The e-gift card will be emailed to the recipient, or the physical card will be mailed. The recipient can then use the gift card as a form of payment when booking a flight on Southwest.com.
Step 4: Confirm and Follow Up
Regardless of the method you choose, a little follow-up goes a long way to ensure your gift is received and understood.
For directly gifted/transferred points: Let the recipient know the points have been added to their account. You can give them the exact number of points and suggest they check their Rapid Rewards balance.
For booked flights: Send them the confirmation code and flight details. Remind them to check in for their flight as usual.
For gift cards: Inform them that a Southwest gift card is headed their way (either via email or mail) and explain how they can use it.
Pro-Tip: If you're gifting points or booking a flight for someone, consider including a little note or card explaining the gift and perhaps suggesting some exciting destinations they could explore with their new travel credit!
Related FAQ Questions
Reminder: Revisit older posts — they stay useful.
Here are 10 related FAQs to help clarify any lingering questions about gifting Southwest Airlines points:
How to check a Southwest Rapid Rewards balance? The recipient can check their Rapid Rewards point balance by logging into their account on Southwest.com.
How to use gifted Southwest points to book a flight? Gifted points are automatically deposited into the recipient's Rapid Rewards account and can be used just like any other points they've earned – by selecting "Points" when searching for flights on Southwest.com.
How to transfer flight credits on Southwest Airlines? Southwest now offers "Transferable Flight Credit" for certain fare types (Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select). If you have one of these, you can transfer it to another Rapid Rewards Member through your account on Southwest.com.
How to earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points without flying? You can earn points through Southwest co-branded credit cards, Rapid Rewards Shopping, Rapid Rewards Dining, and various hotel and car rental partners.
How to avoid fees when "gifting" Southwest points? The most effective way to avoid fees is to book a flight directly for the recipient using your own Rapid Rewards points. Directly transferring or gifting points (buying them for someone else) incurs fees.
How to tell if purchased or transferred points count towards Companion Pass or A-List status? No, points purchased or transferred do not count towards earning Southwest's Companion Pass or A-List/A-List Preferred status. These statuses are earned through qualifying flights or specific types of points earned via Southwest credit card spending or partner activities.
How to purchase Southwest gift cards? Southwest gift cards can be purchased directly on Southwest.com or at approved retail locations.
How to redeem a Southwest gift card? Southwest gift cards can be redeemed online at Southwest.com, through their mobile apps, by calling Southwest, or at Southwest ticket counter locations. You enter the gift card number during the payment step of booking.
How to combine multiple Southwest gift cards for one booking? You can typically apply up to three Southwest gift cards per passenger on a single reservation.
How to know if Southwest points are worth buying/transferring for my specific situation? Always calculate the cost per point for buying/transferring versus the value you'd get when redeeming them for a flight. Compare this to the cash price of the flight. Generally, buying/transferring points is only advisable if you need a small top-off for a specific redemption or if there's a significant promotional bonus on purchased points.
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