Ready to unravel the mysteries of transferring points on Southwest Airlines? It's a common question, and while the answer might not always be what you initially expect, there are definitely ways to leverage your Rapid Rewards points effectively. Let's dive in!
How Do You Transfer Points on Southwest Airlines? A Comprehensive Guide
Southwest Airlines' Rapid Rewards program is renowned for its straightforward approach and customer-friendly policies, including no blackout dates and points that don't expire. However, when it comes to transferring points, it's essential to understand the nuances. While you can't directly transfer Rapid Rewards points to another airline's loyalty program, there are specific methods to move them within the Southwest ecosystem or bring points into your Rapid Rewards account from other sources.
This lengthy guide will walk you through the various scenarios and the step-by-step processes involved.
Step 1: Understand the Core Principles of Southwest Point Transfers
Before we get into the "how-to," let's clarify what's generally possible and what's not with Southwest Rapid Rewards points. This will save you time and potential frustration!
Direct Transfers to Other Airlines: Not Possible. Southwest Rapid Rewards points are exclusively for use within the Southwest Airlines ecosystem. You cannot transfer them to Delta SkyMiles, United MileagePlus, American Airlines AAdvantage, or any other airline's frequent flyer program.
Transferring Points Between Rapid Rewards Members: Yes, but with Fees. Southwest does allow you to transfer your Rapid Rewards points to another Rapid Rewards member. However, this often comes with a fee, making it an option to consider carefully.
Transferring Points FROM Other Programs to Southwest: Absolutely! This is one of the most common and valuable ways to "transfer" points to Southwest. Points earned from credit card loyalty programs (like Chase Ultimate Rewards) and some hotel loyalty programs can be converted into Rapid Rewards points.
"Transferring" Flight Credits: A New and Valuable Option! As of May 28, 2025, Southwest introduced "Transferable Flight Credits" for certain fare types (Business Select, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away Plus). This allows you to transfer a flight credit (the monetary value of a canceled flight) to another Rapid Rewards member. This is not a points transfer, but it achieves a similar goal of allowing someone else to use the value of your travel.
Now that we have the ground rules, let's explore each scenario in detail.
Step 2: Transferring Rapid Rewards Points to Another Member (With Fees)
Did you know you can gift your Southwest points to a friend or family member? While it's possible, it's crucial to be aware of the costs involved. Southwest charges a fee for point transfers between members.
Sub-heading: When to Consider a Point Transfer to Another Member
This option is typically best when:
You have a surplus of points and a friend or family member is just shy of enough points for a specific redemption.
The recipient needs Rapid Rewards points specifically and cannot easily acquire them through other means (like a credit card transfer).
You've calculated that the transfer fee is less than the cost of simply buying points for the recipient.
Sub-heading: The Step-by-Step Process
Log In to Your Rapid Rewards Account:
Go to Southwest.com.
Click on "Log In" and enter your Rapid Rewards account number or username and password.
Navigate to the "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points" Section:
Once logged in, hover over "Rapid Rewards" or "My Account" (depending on the website layout).
Look for an option like "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points" or "Manage Points." This is where you'll find the transfer functionality.
Select "Transfer Points":
On the points management page, you'll see options to "Buy Points," "Gift Points," and "Transfer Points." Choose "Transfer Points."
Enter Recipient's Information:
You will be prompted to enter the full name, email address, and Rapid Rewards account number of the person you wish to transfer points to. Make sure these details are absolutely correct to avoid delays or issues.
Specify the Amount of Points to Transfer:
Points can typically be transferred in blocks (e.g., 500 points, or 1,000 during promotional periods), with a minimum transfer amount (often 2,000 points) and a daily maximum (often 60,000 points).
Be mindful of the transfer fees. The system will clearly display the fee associated with the number of points you intend to transfer. It's often a per-point fee, which can add up quickly.
Review and Confirm:
Carefully review all the details: the recipient's information, the number of points, and especially the transfer fee.
Confirm your payment method for the transfer fee (a credit card is typically required).
Complete the Transfer:
Click "Confirm" or "Transfer" to finalize the transaction.
Allow up to 72 hours for the points to post to the recipient's Rapid Rewards account. While often faster, it's good to anticipate this timeframe.
Step 3: Transferring Points TO Southwest Rapid Rewards from Credit Cards and Partners
This is often the most strategic and cost-effective way to increase your Southwest Rapid Rewards balance if you don't already have the points. Major credit card loyalty programs allow 1:1 transfers to Southwest.
Sub-heading: Chase Ultimate Rewards: Your Best Bet
Chase Ultimate Rewards is by far the most popular and advantageous program for transferring points to Southwest. Points transfer at a 1:1 ratio, meaning 1,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points become 1,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards points. This is excellent value!
Sub-heading: Step-by-Step for Chase Ultimate Rewards
Log In to Your Chase Ultimate Rewards Account:
Go to the Chase website and log in to your credit card account associated with Ultimate Rewards (e.g., Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Freedom Flex, etc.).
Navigate to your Ultimate Rewards dashboard.
Select "Transfer to Travel Partners":
On the Ultimate Rewards portal, look for an option like "Transfer to Travel Partners" or "Redeem Points."
Choose Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards:
You'll see a list of airline and hotel partners. Select "Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards."
Enter Your Rapid Rewards Account Number:
Provide your Southwest Rapid Rewards account number. Ensure it's accurate!
Specify the Number of Points to Transfer:
Enter the desired number of Chase Ultimate Rewards points to transfer. Remember, transfers are typically in increments of 1,000 points.
Confirm the 1:1 transfer ratio.
Review and Confirm:
Double-check the transfer details.
Confirm the transfer. Most Chase to Southwest transfers are instantaneous, or at least within a few minutes, making them incredibly convenient for last-minute bookings.
Sub-heading: Other Partners (Hotels and More)
While Chase Ultimate Rewards offers the best value, some hotel loyalty programs also allow transfers to Southwest, though often at less favorable ratios.
Marriott Bonvoy: You can convert Marriott Bonvoy points to Rapid Rewards points. The transfer ratio is generally 3 Marriott Bonvoy points to 1 Rapid Rewards point. There are often bonuses for larger transfers (e.g., transfer 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points and get 5,000 bonus Rapid Rewards points).
World of Hyatt: Similar to Marriott, you can transfer World of Hyatt points to Southwest, typically at a 2.5:1 ratio (2,500 Hyatt points = 1,000 Rapid Rewards points), with bonuses for larger transfers.
Other Hotel Programs: Best Western, Choice Hotels, and Radisson Hotels also have partnerships, though the transfer ratios might be even less competitive.
Sub-heading: How to Transfer from Hotel Programs
Log In to Your Hotel Loyalty Account:
Access your account on the respective hotel chain's website (e.g., Marriott.com, Hyatt.com).
Find the "Transfer Points" or "Redeem Points" Section:
This will typically be under "My Account" or "Rewards."
Select "Transfer to Airline Partners":
Choose Southwest Rapid Rewards from the list of airline partners.
Enter Your Rapid Rewards Account Number and Points:
Input your Southwest Rapid Rewards account number and the number of hotel points you wish to convert. The system will show you the equivalent number of Rapid Rewards points you will receive.
Review and Confirm:
Verify the details and proceed with the transfer. Note that transfers from hotel programs can take longer than credit card transfers, sometimes up to several weeks.
Step 4: Leveraging Transferable Flight Credits (New Feature!)
This is a game-changer for Southwest travelers! If you cancel a flight booked with a specific fare type, you might receive a transferable flight credit, which can then be given to another Rapid Rewards member. This isn't a point transfer, but it allows the value of your cancelled ticket to be used by someone else.
Sub-heading: Eligible Fare Types for Transferable Flight Credits
Only flights booked with these fare types generate transferable flight credits upon cancellation:
Business Select
Anytime
Wanna Get Away Plus
If you booked a "Wanna Get Away" or "Basic" fare, the flight credit may not be transferable. Always check the terms of your specific fare.
Sub-heading: The Step-by-Step Process for Transferring a Flight Credit
Cancel Your Eligible Flight:
Log in to your Southwest Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com.
Go to "My Account" and then "Manage Reservations" or "View Travel Funds."
Cancel the flight you wish to transfer the credit from. Ensure you cancel at least 10 minutes prior to the flight's original scheduled departure time to avoid forfeiture.
Locate Your Transferable Flight Credit:
After cancellation, the credit will appear in your "Travel Funds" section. It will be explicitly labeled as "Transferable Flight Credit."
Initiate the Transfer:
Under the Transferable Flight Credit details, you should see an option to "Transfer to someone else." Click this link.
Enter Recipient's Information:
You'll need the recipient's full name, email address, and Rapid Rewards account number.
Confirm the Transfer:
Review the details carefully. Once a flight credit is transferred, it cannot be reversed, and only one transfer is allowed per credit.
Confirm the transfer. The entire amount of the transferable flight credit must be transferred; you cannot transfer a partial amount.
Recipient Accesses and Redeems:
The recipient will receive a notification and can then access the transferable flight credit in their "My Account" > "View Travel Funds" section.
They can then use this credit to book a new flight on Southwest. They will be responsible for any fare difference if the new flight is more expensive than the credit.
Step 5: Alternative Strategies to "Transfer" Value Without Direct Transfers
Sometimes, the best "transfer" isn't a transfer at all! Consider these smart alternatives:
Sub-heading: Booking for Others with Your Points
This is arguably the most common and fee-free way to use your Rapid Rewards points for someone else.
How it Works: Southwest allows you to book a flight for anyone using your Rapid Rewards points. You simply log into your account, search for flights using points, and when prompted for passenger details, enter the name and information of the person traveling.
Benefits:
No Transfer Fees: You avoid the per-point fees associated with direct point transfers.
Instant Redemption: The points are used immediately from your account.
Simplicity: No need to involve the other person's Rapid Rewards account until they are the traveler.
Considerations:
The points remain in your account.
If the flight is canceled, the points are refunded to your account.
Sub-heading: Using the Companion Pass
While not a point transfer, the Southwest Companion Pass is the ultimate "transfer" of value for a designated companion. If you qualify for Companion Pass, you can choose one person to fly with you free of airline charges (you only pay taxes and fees from $5.60 one-way) on any Southwest flight you purchase or redeem points for.
How to Qualify: Earn 135,000 qualifying points or fly 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year. Points earned from Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards significantly help with this qualification.
Benefit: Essentially, you get two tickets for the price of one (or for the points of one, plus nominal taxes/fees). This is immensely valuable for traveling with a spouse, child, or friend.
Step 6: Important Considerations and Pro Tips
Point Expiration: Southwest Rapid Rewards points generally do not expire! This is a fantastic benefit, meaning you don't have to rush to use them or constantly engage in activity to keep them alive, unlike some other loyalty programs. However, if you close your Rapid Rewards account, any points in it will be forfeited.
Companion Pass Qualification: Be aware that purchased points, gifted points, and points transferred between members generally do not count towards Companion Pass qualification. Points earned from Southwest credit cards, actual flights, and certain partners do count.
Value of Points: Southwest points typically have a relatively fixed value when redeemed for flights (around 1.4 cents per point, though this can vary slightly). Compare the cost of transferring points (with fees) versus simply booking a flight for someone directly with your points, or even buying a cash ticket if the transfer fees are too high.
Promotions: Keep an eye out for promotions on buying or transferring points, as these can sometimes offer better value, though usually not as good as earning points naturally or transferring from Chase.
Accuracy is Key: Always double-check Rapid Rewards account numbers and names when transferring points or flight credits. Incorrect information can lead to delays or lost points.
By understanding these various avenues and strategies, you can effectively manage and "transfer" the value of your Southwest Rapid Rewards points and flight credits to ensure you and your loved ones get to fly more for less!
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to transfer points on Southwest Airlines for free?
There is no direct way to transfer Rapid Rewards points to another member for free. Southwest charges a fee for such transfers. However, you can book a flight for someone else using your points without any transfer fees. This is often the most cost-effective "transfer" method.
How to transfer Chase points to Southwest Airlines?
You can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest Rapid Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. Log in to your Chase Ultimate Rewards account, select "Transfer to Travel Partners," choose Southwest Airlines, enter your Rapid Rewards number, and specify the amount (usually in 1,000-point increments). Transfers are typically instant.
How to transfer flight credit on Southwest Airlines to another person?
If you have a Transferable Flight Credit (from a canceled Business Select, Anytime, or Wanna Get Away Plus fare), you can transfer it. Log in to your Southwest account, go to "My Account" > "View Travel Funds," select the transferable credit, and choose "Transfer to someone else." Enter the recipient's full name, email, and Rapid Rewards account number.
How to transfer points from Marriott Bonvoy to Southwest Rapid Rewards?
You can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to Southwest Rapid Rewards. The standard ratio is typically 3 Marriott Bonvoy points to 1 Rapid Rewards point, with potential bonuses for larger transfers. Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account and find the option to transfer points to airline partners.
How to transfer points from World of Hyatt to Southwest Rapid Rewards?
World of Hyatt points can be converted to Southwest Rapid Rewards, usually at a ratio of 2.5 World of Hyatt points to 1 Rapid Rewards point. Access your World of Hyatt account online and look for the option to transfer points to airline partners.
How to combine Southwest points with another person's points?
Southwest does not offer a direct way to "pool" or "combine" points from different Rapid Rewards accounts into one account. The closest options are transferring points (with fees) or simply having one person book travel for others using their own points.
How to transfer Southwest points to my spouse?
You can transfer Southwest Rapid Rewards points to your spouse's Rapid Rewards account through the official Southwest website, but this will incur fees. A more common and fee-free alternative is for you to book flights for your spouse directly from your own Rapid Rewards account.
How to avoid fees when transferring Southwest points?
To avoid fees, do not directly transfer points between Rapid Rewards accounts. Instead, the best strategy is to book a flight for the other person using your own Rapid Rewards points. If you need more points, transfer them from a partner like Chase Ultimate Rewards, as these transfers are generally free.
How to transfer points from another airline to Southwest?
You cannot transfer points directly from another airline's loyalty program (e.g., Delta SkyMiles, United MileagePlus) to Southwest Rapid Rewards. Southwest primarily partners with credit card programs (like Chase Ultimate Rewards) and some hotel loyalty programs for incoming point transfers.
How to use Southwest points if I don't have enough for a flight?
If you're short on points, you have a few options: (1) Transfer points from a credit card partner like Chase Ultimate Rewards (best option). (2) Purchase additional points directly from Southwest (often expensive). (3) Consider the new Cash + Points option if available for your desired flight, allowing you to use a combination of points and money.
