Have you ever found yourself with a stash of Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards points, perhaps after a business trip or a particularly lucrative credit card sign-up bonus, and wondered, "Can I actually share these with someone else?" Or maybe you're just a few points shy of that dream redemption for a loved one's flight? You're not alone! Many travelers grapple with the ins and outs of loyalty program flexibility, and Southwest's Rapid Rewards program, while fantastic for its simplicity and "no blackout dates" policy, has specific rules when it comes to transferring points.
The short answer is yes, you can transfer Southwest Airlines points, but there are some important considerations and better alternatives you should know about! This lengthy guide will walk you through everything, step-by-step, to ensure you make the most of your hard-earned points.
The Ultimate Guide to Transferring Southwest Airlines Points (and Smarter Alternatives!)
Southwest Airlines' Rapid Rewards program is beloved for its straightforward approach to earning and redeeming points. However, when it comes to transferring points to another person, it's not always as simple as a click of a button, and often, it's not the most economical choice. Let's dive in.
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| Can You Transfer Southwest Airlines Points |
Step 1: Are You Sure You Want to Transfer? Understand the Costs and Alternatives First!
Before we even get into the "how-to," let's pause and consider if transferring points is truly the best course of action for you. Southwest does allow point transfers between Rapid Rewards members, but they come with a fee. This fee can quickly add up, making the transfer a less-than-ideal value proposition.
Why the hesitation?
Cost: Southwest charges a fee for transferring points. As of my last update, this is typically around $10 per 1,000 points, though this can vary. This means transferring a significant number of points can become quite expensive.
Better Alternatives: Often, there are more cost-effective ways to use your points for others without incurring transfer fees. We'll explore these in detail.
Engage with me: Think about your current situation. Do you have a specific redemption in mind for someone else? Are you just topping off an account, or are you looking to transfer a large sum? Your answer will help determine the best path forward!
Step 2: The Direct Route: How to Transfer Southwest Points to Another Rapid Rewards Member
If, after considering the alternatives (which we'll cover later), you still decide that directly transferring points is what you need to do, here's the step-by-step process.
Sub-heading: Eligibility for Transferring Points
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
Both parties must be Rapid Rewards Members: The sender and the recipient must both have active Southwest Rapid Rewards accounts. If the recipient doesn't have one, it's free and easy to sign up on Southwest's website.
Minimum and Maximum Transfers: Points can typically be transferred in increments of 500 or 1,000 points, with a minimum transfer amount (often 2,000 points) and a daily maximum (e.g., 60,000 points). Always check the current terms and conditions on the Southwest website as these can change.
Sub-heading: Step-by-Step Point Transfer Process
Log In to Your Rapid Rewards Account:
Go to Southwest.com.
Click on "Log In" at the top right corner and enter your Rapid Rewards number or email address and password.
Navigate to the "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points" Section:
Once logged in, hover over "Rapid Rewards" in the top navigation bar.
Under the "Manage" section, you'll see options like "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points." Click on this.
Select "Transfer Points":
On the "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points" page, you'll see different options. Choose "Transfer points."
Enter Transfer Details:
You'll be prompted to enter the number of points you wish to transfer. Remember the minimum increment and total limits.
Crucially, you'll need the recipient's full name, Rapid Rewards account number, and email address. Double-check this information carefully to avoid errors!
Review and Pay the Fee:
The system will show you the total cost of the transfer. This is where you'll see the fee associated with the points you're transferring.
Enter your payment information (a credit card is required for the fee).
Confirm the Transfer:
Review all the details one last time. Once confirmed, the points will typically be deposited into the recipient's account within 72 hours, though it's often much faster.
Important Note: Once a transfer is completed, it's nonrefundable and nonreversible.
Step 3: The Smarter Approach: Booking Flights for Others with Your Points
This is arguably the most important section of this guide. You can book a flight for anyone using your Southwest Rapid Rewards points without any transfer fees! This is a huge advantage of the Rapid Rewards program and often makes direct point transfers unnecessary and financially imprudent.
Sub-heading: Why This is Often the Best Option
No Fees: This is the biggest draw. You avoid all those per-point transfer fees.
Simplicity: It's as easy as booking a flight for yourself.
Flexibility: You retain control over your points and can use them for anyone you choose.
Sub-heading: How to Book a Flight for Someone Else
Log In to Your Rapid Rewards Account:
As before, log in to your personal Southwest.com Rapid Rewards account.
Search for Flights:
Enter the flight details (origin, destination, dates, number of passengers) for the person(s) you want to book for.
Crucially, make sure you select the "Points" option for currency when searching.
Select the Flight and Enter Passenger Information:
Choose the desired flight.
When prompted for passenger information, enter the traveler's full name, date of birth, gender, etc., NOT your own.
Complete the Booking:
Proceed to checkout. The system will deduct the points from your account.
You will still be responsible for any taxes and fees (typically $5.60 per one-way flight within the U.S. for security fees), which you'll pay with a credit card.
Confirmation:
The reservation will be in the traveler's name, and they will receive the confirmation email.
Step 4: Other Ways to "Share" or Acquire Southwest Points
Beyond direct transfers and booking for others, there are a few other methods related to sharing or increasing your Southwest point balance.
Sub-heading: Gifting Points
QuickTip: Pause before scrolling further.
Southwest allows you to purchase points as a gift for another Rapid Rewards Member. This is essentially the same as buying points for yourself, but they are directly deposited into the recipient's account. This also incurs fees and is generally not recommended due to the high cost per point compared to their redemption value.
Sub-heading: Transferable Flight Credits
Southwest has a relatively new feature: Transferable Flight Credits. If you cancel certain eligible fare types (Business Select, Anytime, or Wanna Get Away Plus), the resulting flight credit can now be transferred to another Rapid Rewards Member.
How it works: If you cancel a flight booked with one of these eligible fares, you'll receive a transferable flight credit.
To transfer: Log in to your Rapid Rewards account, go to "My Account," then "View Travel Funds," and select "Transfer to someone else." You'll need the recipient's name, email, and Rapid Rewards account number.
Limitations: The entire credit must be transferred, and it can only be transferred once. Credits from bookings made with points (rather than cash) generally result in points being redeposited, though taxes/fees may convert to a transferable flight credit. Note the expiration dates for these credits, which are typically 12 months from the original booking date for reservations made on or after May 28, 2025.
Sub-heading: Pooling Points (Not Directly Possible)
Unlike some other airline programs, Southwest Rapid Rewards does not offer a direct "family pooling" or "household account" option where multiple members can combine their points into one collective pool. This is why booking for others from your own account is so important.
Sub-heading: Transferring Points Into Southwest Rapid Rewards (From Partners)
While you can't transfer Southwest points out to other airline partners (Southwest doesn't have traditional airline partners or alliances), you can transfer points into your Rapid Rewards account from certain hotel loyalty programs and, most notably, Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Chase Ultimate Rewards: This is a highly valuable option. If you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or Chase Ink Business Preferred card, you can transfer your Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest Rapid Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. This is a fantastic way to boost your Southwest balance without incurring transfer fees, and these points do count towards Companion Pass qualification in some cases, or can be used for flights.
Hotel Partners: You can also convert points from hotel loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt to Southwest. However, the transfer ratios are often unfavorable, leading to a significant loss of value. This is generally only recommended if you're just a few points short for a specific redemption and have no other viable options.
Step 5: Understanding Companion Pass and Point Transfers
The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most lucrative travel benefits available. It allows you to designate one person to fly with you for free (plus taxes and fees from $5.60 one-way) on any Southwest flight you take, whether you pay with cash or points.
Do Transferred Points Count Towards Companion Pass? No. Points that are directly transferred between Rapid Rewards members (via the paid transfer service) or purchased points do not count toward the 135,000 qualifying points needed to earn the Companion Pass.
How to Earn Companion Pass Qualifying Points: You earn qualifying points by flying with Southwest, spending on co-branded Southwest credit cards, and through certain partner activities (like some hotel and rental car bookings). Points transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards do count towards the Companion Pass.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Southwest Rapid Rewards Points Transfers
Here are 10 common questions related to transferring Southwest Airlines points, with quick answers to help clarify any doubts.
How to transfer Southwest points to another person?
QuickTip: A slow read reveals hidden insights.
You can directly transfer points via your Southwest Rapid Rewards account online by selecting "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points" and then "Transfer points." You'll need the recipient's Rapid Rewards number and there is a fee for this service.
How to avoid fees when sharing Southwest points?
The best way to "share" points without fees is to simply book a flight for the other person directly from your own Rapid Rewards account. The points will be deducted from your balance, and the ticket will be issued in their name.
How to gift Southwest points to a friend or family member?
You can "gift" points by purchasing them for another Rapid Rewards member through the "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points" section on Southwest.com. However, this also incurs fees and is generally not the most cost-effective method.
How to transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards to Southwest?
Log in to your Chase Ultimate Rewards account, navigate to the "Transfer to Travel Partners" section, select Southwest Rapid Rewards, and enter the amount of points you wish to transfer. Transfers are typically 1:1 and usually instant.
How to know if transferred points count towards Companion Pass?
Points transferred between Rapid Rewards members or points that are purchased do not count towards Companion Pass qualification. However, points transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards do count.
QuickTip: Look for lists — they simplify complex points.
How to transfer flight credits on Southwest Airlines?
If you cancelled an eligible fare (Business Select, Anytime, or Wanna Get Away Plus), the resulting flight credit can be transferred to another Rapid Rewards Member once through your "Travel Funds" section online.
How to combine Southwest Rapid Rewards points from different accounts?
Southwest does not offer a direct "pooling" or "combining" feature for points from different Rapid Rewards accounts. The most effective way to use points from separate accounts for a single trip is for each individual to book their portion of the itinerary, or for one person to book all tickets using their points.
How to use Southwest points for someone else's international flight?
You can book an international flight for someone else using your Rapid Rewards points, just like you would a domestic flight. Simply log in, search for the international itinerary, and enter their passenger details during booking.
How to find out the current fee for transferring Southwest points?
The current fees for transferring Southwest points are displayed during the transfer process on the Southwest.com website, under the "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points" section. They are typically based on increments of 500 or 1,000 points.
How to get the most value when using Southwest points for others?
Always prioritize booking flights directly for others from your own Rapid Rewards account to avoid transfer fees. If you need to top up your account, consider transferring from Chase Ultimate Rewards if you have that option, as it's a 1:1 transfer without extra fees.
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