Your Wheels on the Ground: A Comprehensive Guide to Renting a Car with Southwest Airlines Points (and Earning Them!)
Ever wondered if your hard-earned Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards points could unlock more than just flights? You're in luck! While you can't directly redeem your Southwest Rapid Rewards points for car rentals in the same way you might for flights, you can absolutely earn a significant amount of points on car rentals booked through Southwest's partners. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from finding the right partners to maximizing your point earnings. Let's get those wheels turning!
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| Can I Rent A Car With Southwest Airlines Points |
Step 1: Are You Ready to Drive into Savings? Understanding the Southwest Rapid Rewards Car Rental Landscape
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's clarify a crucial point that often confuses travelers. While some airline loyalty programs allow direct redemption of points for car rentals, Southwest Rapid Rewards points are primarily designed for flight redemptions. This means you won't typically see an option on Southwest's website to pay for a car rental directly with your points.
But don't despair! The good news is that Southwest has a robust network of car rental partners where you can earn Rapid Rewards points on your bookings. Think of it as a fantastic way to accelerate your journey towards your next free flight, simply by doing something you might already be planning: renting a car!
So, ask yourself: Are you looking to save money on a car rental right now by using points, or are you strategically building up your Rapid Rewards balance for future travel? If it's the latter, then you're in the right place!
Step 2: Discovering Your Rapid Rewards Car Rental Partners
Southwest Airlines has teamed up with several major car rental companies to offer Rapid Rewards members the opportunity to earn points. Knowing who these partners are is your first critical step.
Sub-heading: Who Are the Key Players?
The main car rental partners for Southwest Rapid Rewards are:
Tip: Read slowly to catch the finer details.
Alamo Rent A Car: A popular choice with a wide range of vehicles.
Avis Car Rental: Known for its extensive global network.
Budget Car Rental: Offers competitive rates and a diverse fleet.
Hertz: A long-standing industry leader with various loyalty programs.
National Car Rental: Often favored by business travelers for its expedited service.
Thrifty Car Rental: A budget-friendly option with convenient locations.
You can usually find a comprehensive and up-to-date list of these partners directly on the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards "Partners" section of their website. It's always a good idea to check there for any new additions or changes.
Step 3: The Step-by-Step Guide to Earning Points on Your Car Rental
Now that you know which companies to look for, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of earning those valuable Rapid Rewards points.
Sub-heading: Booking Your Rental and Providing Your Details
Start at the Source (or Partner Sites): You have a couple of options here.
Southwest's Website: The easiest way is often to go directly to Southwest.com and navigate to their "Rental Car" section. From there, you'll be able to select your desired pick-up and drop-off locations and dates, and then choose from their partner options. This ensures you're on the right path to earning points.
Directly with the Car Rental Partner: You can also visit the individual car rental company's website (e.g., Alamo.com, Avis.com). However, it's crucial to ensure you're on their page specifically designed for airline partners or that you prominently display your Rapid Rewards number during the booking process. Look for sections like "Travel Partners," "Airline Miles," or "Frequent Traveler Programs."
Enter Your Rapid Rewards Number: This is the most critical step for earning points. During the booking process, whether on Southwest's site or the partner's site, you will be prompted to enter your Southwest Rapid Rewards membership number. Do not skip this! If you forget to provide it at the time of reservation, you might have to go through a retroactive claim process, which can be a bit more cumbersome.
Review the Terms and Conditions: Each car rental partner will have specific terms and conditions for earning Rapid Rewards points. These can include:
Point Earning Rate: Typically, you'll earn a fixed number of points per qualifying rental, often around 600 Rapid Rewards points per rental. Some promotions might offer more.
Qualifying Rentals: Certain rates (e.g., corporate, tour, employee, free rentals) may not qualify for points. Always check if your chosen rate is eligible.
Frequent Traveler Surcharge: Be aware that some car rental companies may apply a "Frequent Traveler Surcharge" or "Frequent Flyer Tax" to offset the cost of buying points from Southwest. This is usually a small daily fee (e.g., $0.75 - $1.50 per day, with a maximum per rental). This charge will be added to your rental cost.
Matching Names: The name on your Rapid Rewards account must match the primary driver's name on the rental agreement.
Posting Time: Points typically take 6 to 8 weeks to post to your Rapid Rewards account after your rental is completed. Be patient!
Complete Your Reservation: Once you've entered all your details and confirmed you're set to earn points, finalize your car rental reservation. You'll receive a confirmation number from the car rental company.
Step 4: Maximizing Your Rapid Rewards Earnings
While earning 600 points per rental is great, there are often ways to boost your earnings even further.
Sub-heading: Strategies for More Points
Look for Special Promotions: Southwest and its car rental partners frequently run promotions offering bonus points. Keep an eye on the "Special Offers" or "Promotions" sections on Southwest's website or the individual car rental partner sites. These can sometimes double or even triple your points earned on a specific rental.
Utilize Discount Codes: Many of Southwest's car rental partners also offer special discount codes (like AWD, BCD, CDP numbers) specifically for Rapid Rewards members. While these may or may not stack with point-earning opportunities, it's always worth checking if they provide a better overall value. Sometimes, a discount might be more valuable than the points you'd earn.
Consider Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards: If you have a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, you might earn additional points when you use that card to pay for your car rental, especially if the rental company is a Rapid Rewards partner. This is a fantastic way to double-dip on your earnings! Check your specific card's benefits for details.
Bundle and Save (and Earn!): If you're booking a full vacation package through Southwest Vacations (flights + hotel + car), you may still be eligible to earn points on the car rental portion. Always verify the specific terms of the package.
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Step 5: What if My Points Don't Show Up? Retroactive Claims
Tip: Skim once, study twice.
Life happens, and sometimes, despite your best efforts, points don't post automatically. Don't panic! Most car rental partners offer a way to claim points retroactively.
Sub-heading: Claiming Missing Points
Gather Your Information: You'll typically need your car rental agreement or receipt, along with your Rapid Rewards account number.
Contact the Car Rental Company: The process for retroactive claims varies by partner.
Some partners (like Hertz) have an online retroactive claim form.
Others (like Budget) might require you to mail a photocopy of your rental agreement and Rapid Rewards number to their customer care department.
National usually has a customer relations phone number to call.
Time Limit: Be aware that there's usually a time limit for claiming missing points, often around six months from your rental date. Don't wait too long!
Patience is Key: Even after submitting a retroactive claim, it can still take several weeks for the points to appear in your account.
Final Thoughts on Car Rentals and Southwest Rapid Rewards
While you can't spend your Rapid Rewards points directly on car rentals, the ability to earn them through Southwest's extensive network of car rental partners is a significant benefit. By being strategic with your bookings, keeping an eye out for promotions, and ensuring your Rapid Rewards number is always provided, you can consistently boost your point balance and get closer to your next Southwest flight faster! Happy driving, and happy earning!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to find Southwest Airlines car rental partners?
You can find Southwest Airlines car rental partners by visiting the "Rapid Rewards Partners" section on the official Southwest.com website, specifically under the "Rental Car" category.
How to book a car rental to earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points?
QuickTip: Note key words you want to remember.
To book a car rental and earn Rapid Rewards points, either book directly through the "Rental Car" section on Southwest.com, or book on the partner car rental company's website and ensure you enter your Rapid Rewards number during the reservation process.
How to ensure my Rapid Rewards points are credited for a car rental?
To ensure your Rapid Rewards points are credited, always provide your Southwest Rapid Rewards membership number at the time of reservation, and make sure the name on your Rapid Rewards account matches the primary driver's name on the rental agreement.
How to know how many Rapid Rewards points I will earn on a car rental?
The standard earning rate is often 600 Rapid Rewards points per qualifying rental, but you should always check the specific terms and conditions for each partner or any ongoing promotions, which may offer higher earnings.
How to claim missing Rapid Rewards points for a past car rental?
To claim missing points, gather your rental agreement/receipt and your Rapid Rewards number, then contact the specific car rental partner's customer service or use their online retroactive claim form (if available).
How to avoid a frequent flyer surcharge on car rentals for Rapid Rewards points?
Unfortunately, most car rental partners impose a small daily frequent flyer surcharge (e.g., $0.75 - $1.50) when you choose to earn airline points, including Rapid Rewards. This fee is typically unavoidable if you want to earn the points.
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
How to use Southwest Rapid Rewards points for car rental directly?
You cannot directly use (redeem) Southwest Rapid Rewards points for car rentals. Rapid Rewards points are primarily used for booking flights on Southwest Airlines.
How to get the best deal on a car rental while still earning Southwest points?
To get the best deal, compare prices across different Southwest car rental partners, look for any active promotional codes or bonus point offers, and consider using a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card for payment to earn additional points.
How to check if my car rental qualifies for Rapid Rewards points?
Generally, most standard leisure car rentals booked through Southwest's partners will qualify. However, special corporate rates, tour packages, employee rates, or free rentals often do not. Always review the specific terms for your booking.
How to tell when my earned Rapid Rewards points from a car rental will post to my account?
Points from car rentals typically take 6 to 8 weeks to post to your Southwest Rapid Rewards account after your rental is completed. If they haven't appeared after this timeframe, you can initiate a retroactive claim.
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