Southwest Airlines is well-known for its “transfarency” philosophy, which focuses on providing low fares and no hidden fees. The airline offers a unique loyalty program called Southwest Rapid Rewards, which has gained a loyal following. In this article, we will explore the benefits of the program, including how to earn and redeem Rapid Rewards points.
The Rapid Rewards program is different from other frequent flyer programs as it does not have a standard award chart or belong to an airline alliance. However, it offers several advantages that make it an excellent choice for travelers. One of the key benefits of the program is the absence of blackout dates, allowing members to book flights with their points whenever they want. Additionally, members can earn Southwest’s famous Companion Pass, which allows a designated companion to fly for free (excluding taxes and fees) when the member purchases or redeems a flight.
When it comes to redeeming Rapid Rewards points, the value of each point varies depending on the ticket’s cash value. The Points Guy currently values Rapid Rewards points at 1.4 cents per point, meaning that 10,000 points would be worth around $140. However, the value can fluctuate depending on the ticket’s price. For example, if the ticket is more expensive, more points will be required for redemption.
Southwest also offers elite status tiers, namely A-List and A-List Preferred. To qualify for A-List status, members must fly 20 one-way Southwest flights or earn 35,000 tier-qualifying points in a calendar year. A-List members enjoy benefits such as priority boarding, a 25% bonus on points earned from paid flights, free same-day standby/changes, priority check-in, and dedicated customer service.
A-List Preferred status requires 40 qualifying one-way flights or earning 70,000 tier-qualifying points in a calendar year. A-List Preferred members receive all the benefits of A-List status, plus additional perks like a 100% bonus on points earned from paid flights, free inflight Wi-Fi, and two free premium drinks on flights of 176 miles or more.
There are several ways to earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points, and not all of them require flying. Members can earn points by flying on paid Southwest Airlines flights, with the number of points earned depending on the fare class and the member’s elite status. Southwest has four fare classes, and each earns a different number of points per dollar spent.
Another way to earn Rapid Rewards points is through Southwest’s cobranded credit cards issued by Chase. The airline offers three personal and two business credit cards, each with unique benefits, welcome bonuses, and annual fees. The Southwest Priority card, for example, includes an annual $75 travel credit and 7,500 bonus points, which can offset the card’s annual fee and help members earn more points.
Members can also earn points through the Rapid Rewards Dining program, where they can earn additional points every time they dine at participating restaurants. By signing up for email notifications, members can earn three points per dollar spent at these restaurants. Additionally, members can earn points by making purchases through the Rapid Rewards Shopping portal, which offers bonus points for online shopping.
Southwest has partnerships with major hotel companies, allowing members to earn Rapid Rewards points instead of hotel points when booking hotel rooms. While this option is available, it is generally not recommended as the value of hotel points and elite status benefits cannot be earned or used.
In conclusion, Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards program offers a unique and valuable loyalty program for its frequent flyers. With its “transfarency” philosophy and no hidden fees, Southwest has gained a loyal following. Members can earn and redeem Rapid Rewards points in various ways, including flying on Southwest flights, using cobranded credit cards, participating in dining programs, shopping online, and booking hotel rooms. With its numerous benefits and flexibility, Southwest Rapid Rewards is undoubtedly one of the top airline loyalty programs available.