Southwest Airlines is a favorite among many domestic U.S. flyers due to its customer-friendly policies and rewards program. The airline offers two free checked bags, no cancellation or change fees, and a very lucrative Companion Pass. In addition to these benefits, Southwest also has its own points program called Southwest Rapid Rewards, which allows travelers to earn points that can be used to book free flights on any Southwest route with zero blackout dates.
Earning Rapid Rewards points is a straightforward process that can be done through flying Southwest, using cobranded credit cards, and leveraging everyday spending. When flying on Southwest Airlines, the number of points earned per flight depends on factors such as the ticket price, fare class booked, elite status, and payment method used. The different fare classes earn different amounts of points per dollar spent, with the highest earning rate being 12 points per dollar for Business Select fares. Elite members also earn bonus points on qualifying flights, with A-List Preferred members earning 100% additional points.
Southwest Airlines has several cobranded credit cards that allow travelers to earn Rapid Rewards points. The welcome bonuses, in addition to credit card spending, count towards earning the Southwest Companion Pass. However, it’s important to note that these cards are subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule, meaning that approval is unlikely if the applicant has had five or more credit applications across any bank in the last 24 months. The current bonuses for Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards include a Companion Pass valid through February 2025, plus 30,000 bonus points after meeting the spending requirement within the first three months of account opening.
Another way to earn Rapid Rewards points is by transferring points from Chase Ultimate Rewards. Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to Rapid Rewards at a 1:1 ratio, and the transfer process is usually instant. However, it’s important to consider the value of Ultimate Rewards points compared to Rapid Rewards points before making the transfer.
Marriott Bonvoy points can also be transferred to Southwest Rapid Rewards at a 3:1 ratio, with a bonus of 5,000 points when transferring 60,000 Marriott points at a time. This improves the effective transfer ratio to 2.4:1, making it a relatively good option for earning Southwest points.
In addition to flying and using credit cards, Southwest offers various ways to earn bonus Rapid Rewards points through its partners. The Rapid Rewards Shopping portal allows travelers to earn points on online purchases by clicking through the portal before making a purchase. Rapid Rewards Dining allows members to earn extra points at participating restaurants by linking their credit cards. Southwest also partners with various retailers, offering different earning rates for Rapid Rewards points on purchases made through these partners.
In conclusion, Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards program offers multiple ways for travelers to earn points, including flying on Southwest, using cobranded credit cards, transferring points from Chase Ultimate Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy, and leveraging everyday spending through partner programs. With its customer-friendly policies and rewards program, it’s no wonder why Southwest is a favorite among many domestic U.S. flyers.