Have you been diligently collecting Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards points, perhaps through flights, credit card spending, or partner activities? If so, you're sitting on a valuable stash that can unlock some amazing travel experiences and more! But knowing exactly how to leverage those points can sometimes feel like a puzzle. Worry not, because this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of using your Southwest Rapid Rewards points, ensuring you get the most out of your hard-earned rewards.
Unlocking the Power of Your Rapid Rewards Points: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to turn those points into unforgettable journeys or other exciting redemptions? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Engage with Your Rapid Rewards Account – Are You Logged In?
Before you can do anything with your points, you need to access them!
Think about it: Would you walk into a store ready to buy something without your wallet? Of course not! Your Rapid Rewards account is your wallet for points.
How to do it:
A. Head to the Southwest Airlines Website: Open your web browser and navigate to Southwest.com.
B. Locate the Login: In the top right corner of the homepage, you'll typically see options to "Sign In" or "Join." Click on "Sign In."
C. Enter Your Credentials: Input your Rapid Rewards Member Number or your email address, along with your password. If you've forgotten your details, there are "Forgot Password" or "Forgot Member Number" links to help you retrieve them.
D. Confirm Login: Once logged in, you should see your name and your current Rapid Rewards point balance displayed, confirming your successful access.
If you don't have a Rapid Rewards account yet, it's quick and easy to create one. Simply click "Join" on the homepage and follow the prompts. You can't use points you haven't earned or have an account for!
Step 2: Understanding Your Point Value and Redemption Options
Now that you're in, let's explore what your points are actually worth and what you can do with them.
Sub-heading: The Dynamic Nature of Southwest Points
Unlike some fixed-value loyalty programs, Southwest's Rapid Rewards program uses dynamic pricing for flights. This means:
The number of points required for a flight is directly tied to the cash price of that flight.
When cash fares go on sale, so do the points needed for a reward flight! This is a fantastic advantage, as it allows you to find great deals with your points.
Generally, Southwest Rapid Rewards points are valued at approximately 1.3 cents per point, though this can vary. You might get as low as 1.1 cents or as high as 1.7 cents per point depending on the route, demand, and how far in advance you book.
Sub-heading: Beyond Flights – Other Redemption Possibilities
While flights are the most popular and often the best value redemption, Southwest Rapid Rewards points offer other options through their "More Rewards" program:
Merchandise: Shop for a variety of items, from electronics to home goods.
Hotel Stays: Book hotel nights at over 400,000 properties worldwide.
Gift Cards: Redeem points for gift cards from popular brands.
Experiences: Access exciting activities like cruises, spa packages, and adventure tours.
Rapid Rewards Access Events (for Cardmembers): Exclusive events curated for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers.
Pay Yourself Back (for Credit Cardmembers): Redeem points for a statement credit to cover your annual credit card fee or other eligible transactions.
Step 3: Booking Flights with Your Rapid Rewards Points – The Primary Goal!
This is where most of your points will find their best use. Southwest is famous for its "Transfarency" policy, which means no blackout dates when redeeming points for flights!
Sub-heading: Step-by-Step Flight Booking
A. Initiate a Flight Search: On the Southwest.com homepage (while logged in), enter your flight details:
Departure City
Arrival City
Departure Date
Return Date (if applicable)
Number of Passengers
B. Crucial Step: Select "Points" as Your Payment Method: This is key! Above the "Search" button, you'll see a toggle or dropdown. Make sure to select "Points" instead of "Dollars."
C. View Available Flights and Point Costs: Click "Search." The results page will now display available flights with their corresponding point costs, rather than cash prices. You'll also see the different fare types (e.g., Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select) and the points required for each.
Tip: Look for "Wanna Get Away" fares for the lowest point redemption, especially if your travel dates are flexible.
D. Select Your Desired Flight(s): Choose the outbound and (if applicable) return flights that best suit your schedule and point budget.
E. Review and Confirm: You'll be taken to a review page where you can double-check your flight details, the total points required, and any applicable taxes and fees (which typically need to be paid in cash, starting at $5.60 one-way for domestic flights).
F. Complete Your Booking: Follow the prompts to confirm your booking. You'll receive a confirmation email with your itinerary.
Sub-heading: Cash + Points Option
Southwest also offers a "Cash + Points" option. This allows you to combine Rapid Rewards points with a cash payment for your flight.
This can be useful if you're a bit short on points for a desired flight.
When using Cash + Points, you will earn Rapid Rewards points only on the cash portion of the base fare.
Step 4: Exploring Other Redemption Avenues (Beyond Flights)
While flights usually offer the best value, sometimes you might have a surplus of points, or perhaps you just need a gift card.
Sub-heading: Redeeming for Hotels and Car Rentals
A. Navigate to "More Rewards": While logged into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, look for a "Redeem Points" or "More Rewards" section. This usually leads to a separate portal where these redemptions are processed.
B. Select Your Redemption Type: Choose "Hotels" or "Car Rentals."
C. Enter Details: Input your desired location, dates, and other relevant information.
D. Browse and Select: View the available options and their point costs. Be aware that the value per point for hotels and car rentals is typically lower than for flights.
E. Complete Transaction: Follow the prompts to finalize your booking.
Sub-heading: Gift Cards and Merchandise
A. Access the "More Rewards" Portal: Similar to hotels and car rentals, you'll need to go to the "More Rewards" section.
B. Choose "Gift Cards" or "Merchandise": Browse the available categories.
C. Select Your Item: Choose the gift card or merchandise item you wish to redeem points for.
D. Confirm Redemption: Follow the instructions to complete the redemption. Again, the point value here is generally lower than for flights.
Step 5: Maximizing Your Point Value and Tips for Success
Getting the most bang for your Rapid Rewards buck involves a few smart strategies.
Sub-heading: Timing is Everything
Book in Advance (Often): While dynamic pricing means last-minute deals can appear, generally, booking flights further in advance when cash prices are lower will yield a better point redemption value.
Watch for Sales: Keep an eye out for Southwest's fare sales. When cash prices drop, so do the points required for those flights. This is a prime time to book with points!
Flexibility is Your Friend: If your travel dates are flexible, you can easily compare point costs across different days to find the absolute best deal.
Sub-heading: Leveraging the Companion Pass
If you're a frequent Southwest flyer, the Companion Pass is a game-changer that effectively doubles the value of your points.
What it is: Once earned, a designated companion can fly with you for free (plus taxes and fees) on any Southwest flight you book, whether you pay with cash or points.
How to earn it: By flying 100 qualifying one-way flights or earning 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points in a calendar year. Points earned through Southwest credit card sign-up bonuses and spending count towards this goal!
If you have the Companion Pass, redeeming points for flights becomes even more valuable, as you're essentially getting two tickets for the price of one point redemption.
Sub-heading: Consider Elite Status Benefits
If you achieve A-List or A-List Preferred status, you'll earn bonus points on paid flights, which can help you accumulate points faster for future redemptions.
Step 6: Understanding Rapid Rewards Point Expiration and Important Rules
Good news! Southwest Rapid Rewards points do not expire. This is a significant advantage over many other airline loyalty programs.
Sub-heading: Important Program Rules to Remember
Points are Tied to Fare Type: The number of points you earn on paid flights depends on the fare type (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select).
No Blackout Dates for Award Travel: As mentioned, you can use your points for any available seat on any flight Southwest operates.
Changes and Cancellations: Southwest has a very flexible change and cancellation policy, even for flights booked with points. If you cancel a flight booked with points, the points are typically reinstated to your account.
Taxes and Fees: Even when redeeming points, you are responsible for paying government-imposed taxes and fees, which are typically $5.60 per one-way domestic flight segment. These must be paid in cash.
No Transfers to Other Airlines: Southwest is not part of any major airline alliance, so you cannot transfer your Rapid Rewards points to other airline loyalty programs.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about using Southwest Rapid Rewards points, with quick answers:
How to find the value of my Southwest Rapid Rewards points?
Your points' value is dynamic, tied to the cash price of the flight. On average, they are worth about 1.3 cents each, but you can calculate the exact value by dividing the cash price of a flight (minus taxes/fees) by the points required for that same flight.
How to book an international flight with Rapid Rewards points?
You can book international flights with Rapid Rewards points directly on Southwest.com, just as you would domestic flights, provided Southwest serves the international destination you desire (Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean).
How to transfer Rapid Rewards points to another person?
You can transfer Rapid Rewards points to another Rapid Rewards member, but a fee is typically associated with these transfers. It's usually more cost-effective for the other person to simply earn their own points or for you to book their flight directly using your points.
How to use Rapid Rewards points for car rentals?
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account, navigate to the "More Rewards" section (often found under "Redeem Points"), and select "Car Rentals." You can then search for and book car rentals using your points.
How to use Rapid Rewards points for hotel stays?
Similarly, go to the "More Rewards" portal within your Rapid Rewards account, select "Hotels," and search for available properties to book with your points.
How to redeem Rapid Rewards points for gift cards?
Access the "More Rewards" section, choose "Gift Cards," and browse the selection of available gift cards from various retailers to redeem your points.
How to know if my Rapid Rewards points will expire?
Southwest Rapid Rewards points do not expire, so you don't need to worry about losing them due to inactivity.
How to earn more Rapid Rewards points quickly?
You can earn points rapidly through Southwest co-branded credit cards (especially with sign-up bonuses and everyday spending), flying Southwest, utilizing Rapid Rewards Shopping and Dining programs, and transferring points from partners like Chase Ultimate Rewards.
How to use a combination of cash and points for a flight?
When searching for a flight on Southwest.com, after selecting your desired flight, you'll be given the option to use "Cash + Points" if you don't have enough points for the full redemption or prefer to use a mix.
How to change or cancel a flight booked with Rapid Rewards points?
Southwest offers flexible changes and cancellations. You can modify or cancel your points booking online through your account. If you cancel, your points will typically be redeposited into your Rapid Rewards account, and any paid taxes/fees will be refunded as a travel credit.
