Transferring Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards points can seem like a great idea, especially if you have an abundance of points and someone else needs them. However, it's crucially important to understand the associated costs and alternatives before you proceed. Southwest charges a significant fee for point transfers, making it often a less-than-ideal option.
How Much Does It Cost to Transfer Southwest Airlines Points? A Step-by-Step Guide
Ever found yourself with a surplus of Southwest Rapid Rewards points, while a friend or family member is just a few shy of their dream vacation? It's a common scenario! While the thought of "gifting" those points seems generous, understanding the financial implications is key. Let's break down the costs and explore smarter ways to help others fly.
Step 1: Are You Sure You Want to Transfer? Let's Find Out Why!
Before we even get to the "how much," let's pause and consider why you're thinking of transferring points. Is it because:
Someone needs points for a specific flight?
You have too many and they're not being used?
You're trying to help someone achieve Companion Pass?
Your reason for transferring might dictate whether it's the best option. Keep reading, as we'll unveil scenarios where transferring is generally discouraged due to its high cost.
Step 2: Understanding the Cost Structure of Southwest Point Transfers
This is where the rubber meets the road. Southwest Airlines has a very clear (and often steep) pricing model for transferring Rapid Rewards points.
Sub-heading: The Per-Point Transfer Fee
Southwest charges a hefty fee for transferring points between Rapid Rewards accounts. As of current information, the fee is:
$5 for every 500 points transferred.
Let's break down what that means in practical terms:
To transfer 1,000 points, it will cost you $10.
To transfer 5,000 points, it will cost you $50.
To transfer 10,000 points, it will cost you $100.
To transfer 50,000 points, it will cost you $500!
Important Note: Points can be transferred in blocks of 500. During promotional periods, this might be in blocks of 1,000. There's typically a minimum initial transfer of 2,000 points and a daily maximum of 60,000 points.
Sub-heading: The Value of a Southwest Point vs. Transfer Cost
To truly grasp how expensive this is, let's look at the general value of a Southwest Rapid Rewards point. While this can vary based on dynamic pricing, a commonly cited value is around 1.3 cents per point.
Now, let's compare:
If you transfer 500 points, it costs you $5.
Those 500 points are generally worth about $6.50 (500 points * $0.013/point).
You are essentially paying $5 to move $6.50 worth of points. That's an extremely high cost for a transfer, almost like buying points at an inflated rate! It often makes very little financial sense.
Step 3: Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring Southwest Points (Even Though We Advise Against It for Cost Reasons)
If, after understanding the costs, you still decide to proceed with a point transfer, here's how to do it:
Sub-heading: Accessing the Transfer Portal
Log in to your Southwest Rapid Rewards account: Go to the official Southwest Airlines website (Southwest.com) and log in with your Rapid Rewards account number and password.
Navigate to the Rapid Rewards section: Once logged in, look for the "Rapid Rewards" tab or section, usually found in the top navigation or within your account dashboard.
Find "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points": Within the Rapid Rewards section, you should see an option related to managing your points, often labeled "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points" or similar. Click on this.
Select "Transfer Points": You'll likely be presented with options to buy points, gift points (which is essentially buying points for someone else), or transfer points to another Rapid Rewards member. Choose the "Transfer points" option.
Sub-heading: Completing the Transfer Transaction
Enter Recipient Information: You will need the recipient's full name (as it appears on their Rapid Rewards account) and their Rapid Rewards account number. Double-check this information carefully to avoid errors.
Specify Amount to Transfer: Enter the number of points you wish to transfer. Remember, this will be in blocks of 500 (or 1,000 during promotions). The system will automatically calculate the fee.
Review Transfer Details and Fees: Before finalizing, the system will display a summary of your transfer, including the number of points, the recipient, and the exact dollar amount of the transfer fee. This is your last chance to review and confirm.
Provide Payment Information: A credit card is required to pay for the transfer fee. Enter your credit card details to complete the transaction.
Confirm and Complete: Once you confirm, the transaction will be processed. You should receive a confirmation email.
Sub-heading: What Happens Next
Points Posting: Allow up to 72 hours for the transferred points to post to the recipient's Rapid Rewards account.
Non-Refundable/Non-Reversible: Be aware that point transfer transactions are typically non-refundable and non-reversible. Once completed, you cannot get your points back or reverse the fee.
No Tier or Companion Pass Qualification: Points that are purchased, gifted, or transferred do not count toward A-List, A-List Preferred, or Companion Pass status. This is a common misconception, so it's important to be clear on this limitation.
Step 4: The Smarter (and Free!) Alternative: Booking for Someone Else
This is the most important step in this guide. For most situations, transferring Southwest points is a waste of money. There's a much better, completely free way to use your points to help someone else fly: Book the flight for them directly from your account.
Sub-heading: Why This is the Best Option
No Fees: When you book a flight for someone else using your Rapid Rewards points, there are zero additional fees charged by Southwest. The only cost is the points themselves and any applicable government taxes and fees (which are typically low, often $5.60 per one-way domestic flight).
Simple Process: You simply log into your own Rapid Rewards account, search for the flight, and when you get to the passenger information section, enter the details of the person who will be traveling.
Maintains Point Value: You get the full redemption value of your points without incurring any extra charges that dilute their worth.
Flexibility: You retain control over the booking, making it easy to change or cancel if plans shift (in accordance with Southwest's standard policies).
Sub-heading: How to Book a Flight for Someone Else with Your Points
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com.
Search for the desired flight as you normally would.
Select the flight(s) and proceed to the passenger information page.
Enter the traveler's name, date of birth, and gender in the passenger details section. Do not enter your own information unless you are also traveling.
Review the booking details: Confirm the flight information and the passenger details.
Complete the booking: Pay any applicable taxes and fees (typically small cash amounts) with a credit card. Your Rapid Rewards points will be deducted from your account.
Send the confirmation: Forward the flight confirmation to the person traveling.
Step 5: Other Scenarios and Considerations
Sub-heading: Using Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
If you have Chase Ultimate Rewards points, you're in luck! Southwest is a 1:1 transfer partner with Chase Ultimate Rewards. This means you can transfer Chase points to your Southwest Rapid Rewards account at full value, without any transfer fees. This is a fantastic way to top off your account if you're a bit short for a redemption.
Sub-heading: Transferring Flight Credits
Southwest also has a "Transferable Flight Credit" program for certain types of flight credits. This is separate from point transfers. Both parties must be Rapid Rewards Members, and only one transfer is permitted. This generally applies to credits earned from flights you couldn't take, not directly to points.
Sub-heading: The Companion Pass
While not a point transfer mechanism, the Southwest Companion Pass allows a designated person to fly with you for free (excluding taxes and fees) on any Southwest flight you book, whether paid with cash or points. This is by far the most valuable perk in the Southwest Rapid Rewards program and negates the need to "transfer" points to your companion. Points earned through transfers or purchases do not count towards Companion Pass qualification.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about Southwest points, starting with "How to," along with quick answers:
How to transfer Southwest points to another person?
You can transfer Southwest Rapid Rewards points to another member online via your Rapid Rewards account, but it comes with a significant fee of $5 for every 500 points.
How to avoid transfer fees when using Southwest points for someone else?
The best way to avoid transfer fees is to book the flight directly for the other person from your own Rapid Rewards account. Southwest allows you to book tickets for anyone using your points without extra charges.
How to use my Southwest points to book a flight for a family member?
Log into your Southwest Rapid Rewards account, search for the flight, and during the booking process, enter your family member's name and details as the passenger. Your points will be used, and you'll only pay any minimal taxes/fees.
How to determine if transferring Southwest points is worth it?
It's almost never worth it due to the high fees. Calculate the cost of the transfer fee versus the cash value of the points you're transferring. In most cases, the fee will be disproportionately high compared to the value gained.
How to convert Chase Ultimate Rewards to Southwest points?
Log into your Chase Ultimate Rewards account, navigate to the "Transfer Points" section, select Southwest Rapid Rewards as the partner, and enter the amount you wish to transfer. Transfers are typically 1:1 and fee-free.
How to get more Southwest Rapid Rewards points without flying?
You can earn points through Southwest co-branded credit cards, shopping portals (Rapid Rewards Shopping), dining programs, and transfers from partners like Chase Ultimate Rewards.
How to redeem Southwest points for maximum value?
Generally, you get good value by redeeming points for "Wanna Get Away" fares, especially those booked further in advance or during sales, as the redemption value is tied to the cash price of the ticket.
How to check my Southwest Rapid Rewards point balance?
Log in to your Southwest.com account. Your Rapid Rewards point balance will be prominently displayed on your account dashboard.
How to ensure my Southwest points don't expire?
Southwest Rapid Rewards points do not expire, so you don't need to worry about activity to keep them active. However, if you close your account, your points will be forfeited.
How to transfer Southwest flight credits to another person?
Southwest offers a "Transferable Flight Credit" program for certain eligible flight credits. Both the sender and recipient must be Rapid Rewards members, and generally, only one transfer is permitted per credit. Check the specific terms of your flight credit.
