Unlocking Your Travel Potential: A Comprehensive Guide to Transferring Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Points
Ever found yourself with a stash of Southwest Rapid Rewards points, but your travel plans don't quite align with your current balance? Perhaps a loved one needs a few extra points for that dream vacation, or you're looking to consolidate points for a bigger redemption. Whatever your reason, understanding how to transfer Southwest points can unlock a world of travel possibilities.
This lengthy guide will walk you through every step of the process, highlighting the nuances, costs, and best practices. So, buckle up, because we're about to dive deep into the world of Southwest Rapid Rewards point transfers!
Step 1: Are You Ready to Transfer? Let's Confirm!
Before we jump into the "how-to," let's clarify what kind of transfer you're looking for. Are you trying to:
Transfer points to another Rapid Rewards member?
Transfer points from a partner program (like Chase Ultimate Rewards) to Southwest?
Transfer Southwest Flight Credits to someone else?
Or perhaps you're wondering if you can transfer your points to another airline altogether?
Each of these scenarios has its own set of rules and procedures. For the purpose of this guide, we'll primarily focus on transferring Rapid Rewards points directly to another Rapid Rewards member and transferring points from Chase Ultimate Rewards to Southwest, as these are the most common types of "point transfers" people inquire about. We'll also touch upon the other scenarios to provide a complete picture.
Ready? Let's proceed!
Step 2: Transferring Rapid Rewards Points to Another Member (The Direct Route)
Southwest Airlines does allow you to transfer your Rapid Rewards points to another Rapid Rewards member. However, it's important to be aware of the associated fees and limitations.
Sub-heading: Understanding the Costs and Limitations
The Fee: Southwest charges a fee for transferring points to another member. This fee is typically $5 for every 500 points transferred. This can add up quickly, so it's crucial to evaluate if the transfer fee outweighs the value of the points. For example, transferring 5,000 points would cost you $50.
Minimum and Maximums: Points can be transferred in blocks of 500, with a minimum initial transfer of 2,000 points and a daily combined maximum of 60,000 points.
No Tier or Companion Pass Qualification: Crucially, points transferred to another member do not count toward earning A-List, A-List Preferred, or Companion Pass status. This is a significant consideration if you're trying to help someone achieve elite status or the highly coveted Companion Pass.
Irreversible Transactions: Once transferred, the transaction is nonrefundable and nonreversible. Double-check all details before confirming!
Processing Time: Allow up to 72 hours for the points to post to the recipient's Rapid Rewards account.
Sub-heading: Step-by-Step Guide to Direct Point Transfer
Log In to Your Rapid Rewards Account:
Go to the official Southwest Airlines website (southwest.com).
Click on "Rapid Rewards" in the top navigation or find the "Sign In" option.
Enter your Rapid Rewards account number or email address and password to log in.
Navigate to the "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points" Section:
Once logged in, look for a section related to managing your points. This is often found under "Rapid Rewards" or "My Account."
You should see an option like "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points." Click on this.
Select "Transfer Points":
On the "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points" page, you'll see various options. Choose "Transfer points."
Enter Recipient Details:
You will be prompted to enter the recipient's full name and Rapid Rewards account number.
Verify these details carefully! An incorrect number could send your points to the wrong person, and as mentioned, transfers are irreversible.
Specify the Amount to Transfer:
Enter the number of points you wish to transfer. Remember, they must be in multiples of 500, with a minimum of 2,000 points for the initial transfer.
Review and Confirm the Transaction:
The system will display the total number of points to be transferred and the corresponding fee.
Read through all the terms and conditions.
If everything looks correct and you're comfortable with the fee, proceed to confirm the transfer.
You will need to use a credit card to complete the transaction for the transfer fees.
Confirmation:
You'll receive a confirmation message or email once the transfer is initiated. The points should appear in the recipient's account within 72 hours.
Step 3: Transferring Points from Chase Ultimate Rewards to Southwest Rapid Rewards
This is often a much more valuable way to "transfer" points to Southwest, especially if you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred®, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, or Chase Ink Business Preferred® card. Chase Ultimate Rewards are one of Southwest's direct transfer partners, and these transfers are typically instant and fee-free!
Sub-heading: Why Chase Ultimate Rewards are a Game-Changer
1:1 Transfer Ratio: Your Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to Southwest Rapid Rewards points at a fantastic 1:1 ratio. This means 1,000 Chase points become 1,000 Southwest points.
Instant Transfers: In most cases, these transfers are instantaneous, meaning the points appear in your Southwest account almost immediately, which is great for last-minute bookings.
No Transfer Fees: Unlike direct Southwest point transfers, transferring from Chase Ultimate Rewards incurs no additional fees.
Count Towards Companion Pass (with eligible bookings): Points earned from a Chase co-branded Southwest credit card do count towards Companion Pass. While transferred Chase Ultimate Rewards points themselves don't directly count as Companion Pass qualifying points, they enable you to book flights, and the flights you take can contribute to your Companion Pass qualifying points.
Sub-heading: Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring from Chase Ultimate Rewards
Log In to Your Chase Ultimate Rewards Account:
Go to the Chase website and log in to your credit card account.
Navigate to your Ultimate Rewards portal. This is usually found by clicking on your eligible credit card and then selecting "Redeem" or "Go to Ultimate Rewards."
Select "Transfer to Travel Partners":
Within the Ultimate Rewards portal, look for an option like "Transfer to Travel Partners" or "Transfer Points."
Choose Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards:
You'll see a list of airline and hotel loyalty programs. Find and select "Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards."
Enter Your Southwest Rapid Rewards Account Number:
You will be asked to enter your Southwest Rapid Rewards account number. Ensure it's correct.
Chase also allows you to transfer points to one authorized user on your Chase account. If you're doing this, you'd enter their Rapid Rewards number.
Specify the Number of Points to Transfer:
Enter the amount of Chase Ultimate Rewards points you wish to transfer. These transfers typically need to be in multiples of 1,000 points.
Review and Confirm:
Double-check the details of the transfer, including the recipient's Rapid Rewards number and the number of points.
Read and agree to any terms and conditions.
Click "Submit" or "Confirm Transfer."
Instant Confirmation (Usually):
You should receive an instant confirmation that the points have been transferred. Check your Southwest Rapid Rewards account, and you'll often see the points appear almost immediately!
Step 4: Understanding Transferable Flight Credits
Southwest recently introduced "Transferable Flight Credits" for certain fare types. This is different from transferring Rapid Rewards points.
Sub-heading: What are Transferable Flight Credits?
These are flight credits (the dollar amount paid for a flight) that become transferable if you cancel a flight booked with a Business Select®, Anytime, or Wanna Get Away Plus® fare.
They are not Rapid Rewards points, but rather a monetary credit that can be used to book a new flight.
Once a flight credit is transferred, it cannot be reversed, and only one transfer is allowed for that specific credit.
For bookings made on or after May 28, 2025, these credits expire 12 months from the original ticketing date.
Sub-heading: Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring a Flight Credit
Cancel Your Eligible Flight:
If you can't take your upcoming flight, cancel it at least 10 minutes prior to the original scheduled departure time.
Ensure it was booked with a Business Select, Anytime, or Wanna Get Away Plus fare to generate a Transferable Flight Credit.
Log In to Your Rapid Rewards Account:
Go to southwest.com and log in.
Access Your Travel Funds:
Navigate to "My Account" and then "View Travel Funds."
Select "Transfer to someone else":
You will see your eligible Transferable Flight Credits. Choose the one you wish to transfer and select the option to "Transfer to someone else."
Enter Recipient Information:
You'll need the recipient's full name, email address, and Rapid Rewards account number.
Both you and the recipient must be Rapid Rewards Members.
Confirm the Transfer:
Review all the details carefully. Once confirmed, the flight credit will be transferred to the recipient.
The entire amount of the Transferable Flight Credit must be transferred; you cannot transfer a partial amount.
Step 5: What About Transferring to Other Airlines or Combining Points with Family?
This is where the limitations of Southwest's program become clear.
Sub-heading: Can I Transfer Southwest Points to Other Airlines?
No, generally not. Southwest is not part of any major airline alliance (like Star Alliance, SkyTeam, or Oneworld) and does not have direct transfer partnerships with other airlines (with the rare exception of sometimes allowing redemptions for international flights through their "More Rewards" portal, but this typically offers terrible value).
Your Rapid Rewards points are primarily designed to be used for Southwest flights.
Sub-heading: Can I Combine My Rapid Rewards Points with Family Members?
No, Southwest does not allow point pooling or combining points with other members (other than the direct, fee-based transfer discussed in Step 2).
Each Rapid Rewards account is individual.
However, if you want to book a flight for someone else using your points, you can absolutely do that from your own Rapid Rewards account without transferring points or paying any fees. This is often the best and most cost-effective way to use your points for family or friends. Simply search for the flight, and when you enter passenger details, put in your loved one's information.
Step 6: Smart Strategies for Point Utilization
Given the fees associated with direct point transfers, and the inability to pool points, it's wise to consider alternative strategies:
Book for Others with Your Points: As mentioned, this is the easiest and cheapest way to use your points for someone else. You simply book the flight from your account using your points, and input their name as the passenger. No fees, no fuss!
Utilize Chase Ultimate Rewards: If you have Chase Ultimate Rewards points, transfer them to Southwest when you need to top off your Rapid Rewards account for a specific redemption. This is often the most efficient and value-driven transfer option.
Consider the Companion Pass: If you frequently travel with a specific person, earning the Southwest Companion Pass is an incredible value. It allows one designated person to fly with you for free (plus taxes and fees) on any Southwest flight you book, whether paid with cash or points. This effectively doubles the value of your points! Points earned from Southwest co-branded credit cards (sign-up bonuses and spending) are a primary way to earn Companion Pass qualifying points.
10 Related FAQ Questions: How to...
Here are some quick answers to common questions about Southwest Rapid Rewards points:
How to check my Southwest Rapid Rewards point balance?
You can easily check your point balance by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com or via the Southwest mobile app. Your balance will be prominently displayed.
How to buy Southwest Rapid Rewards points?
You can purchase Rapid Rewards points directly through Southwest.com by logging into your account and navigating to the "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points" section. Points can be bought in blocks of 500, with a minimum initial purchase of 2,000 points and a daily maximum of 60,000 points. Fees apply.
How to use Southwest Rapid Rewards points for flights?
Log into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, search for flights, and select the "Points" option instead of "Dollars" when viewing fares. Choose your desired flight and proceed to checkout, paying any associated taxes and fees.
How to redeem Southwest Rapid Rewards points for things other than flights?
You can redeem points for merchandise, gift cards, hotel stays, rental cars, and experiences through the Southwest More Rewards program. Access this via your Rapid Rewards account online. However, the value per point is often lower than when redeemed for flights.
How to ensure my Southwest Rapid Rewards points don't expire?
Southwest Rapid Rewards points do not expire. This is a fantastic benefit of the program! However, if you choose to close your account, the points in your account will be forfeited.
How to earn more Southwest Rapid Rewards points?
You can earn points by flying Southwest, using Southwest co-branded credit cards, shopping through the Rapid Rewards Shopping portal, dining through Rapid Rewards Dining, and utilizing various other partners (hotels, rental cars, etc.).
How to link my Chase Ultimate Rewards account to my Southwest Rapid Rewards account for transfers?
You don't "link" them permanently. Each time you wish to transfer points, you log into your Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, select Southwest as the transfer partner, and enter your Rapid Rewards account number during the transfer process.
How to get the best value when using Southwest Rapid Rewards points?
Generally, the best value for Southwest Rapid Rewards points comes from redeeming them for Southwest flights, especially "Wanna Get Away" fares, as the value is tied to the cash price of the ticket.
How to transfer Southwest flight credits to someone within my business?
If your flight was booked through a Southwest Business channel (SWABIZ), Transferable Flight Credits can only be transferred between employees within the same organization. The process is similar to transferring personal flight credits, accessed through the "View Travel Funds" section in your account.
How to avoid transfer fees when using Southwest points for someone else?
The simplest way to avoid transfer fees is to book the flight for the other person directly from your own Rapid Rewards account. You use your points to purchase their ticket, and no transfer fee is incurred.
