Southwest Airlines is known for its generous policies on ticket changes and cancellations, complimentary checked bags, and unique boarding process. However, one of the most enticing features for frequent travelers is the Southwest Rapid Rewards program. This program offers several advantages, including no blackout dates for award redemptions and the incredible Companion Pass benefit.
One notable advantage of the Southwest Rapid Rewards program is its lack of blackout dates for award redemptions. This means that you can use your Rapid Rewards points to book any Southwest Airlines ticket for sale, regardless of availability. As long as the flight has one open seat, you should be able to book it with points. This flexibility is a major perk for frequent travelers who want to use their points for travel.
Another incredible benefit of the Rapid Rewards program is the Companion Pass. This pass allows you to bring a companion on paid and award flights for just the cost of taxes and fees. This means that you can essentially double the value of your Rapid Rewards flights when traveling with a friend or family member. To earn the Companion Pass, you must earn either 135,000 qualifying points or complete 100 qualifying flights on Southwest within a calendar year.
Redeeming your Rapid Rewards points for Southwest flights is relatively straightforward. The program pegs the number of points required to the cost of paid airfares. The more a paid seat costs, the more points you must redeem. Southwest promises no blackout dates on any redemptions, so you can use your Rapid Rewards points to book any Southwest Airlines ticket for sale. The booking process is simple – just search for flights on southwest.com, select the one you want, log in to your account, and follow the on-screen steps to complete your award.
The value of Rapid Rewards points is estimated to be 1.4 cents each, and it’s easy to consistently get that value whether you’re booking domestic or international flights. However, it’s important to note that Southwest has plans to devalue Rapid Rewards points by 4% on Jan. 1, 2024. So, if you have points to redeem, now is the time to book award travel.
In addition to redeeming points for flights, you can also use your Southwest points for gift cards, merchandise, hotels, experiences, and Rapid Rewards Events. However, Southwest flights almost always provide the best return on your hard-earned points.
Another great feature of the Rapid Rewards program is Southwest’s flexible change and cancellation policies. You can change your Southwest flights for free and are only responsible for paying the difference between your original and new flights. If the cost of an award flight you’ve booked goes down, you can rebook your trip at the lower rate and receive a refund. If your plans change and you cannot make a flight, you can cancel your flight for free, and your points will be refunded to your account without penalty.
To join the Southwest Rapid Rewards program, you can sign up for free on Southwest’s website. Your Rapid Rewards points don’t expire as long as your account is open. You can also transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest Rapid Rewards at a 1:1 transfer ratio, and Marriott Bonvoy points at a 3:1 transfer ratio.
In conclusion, Southwest Rapid Rewards points are an excellent choice for frequent travelers who value flexibility and want to maximize the value of their points. With the lack of blackout dates, the incredible Companion Pass benefit, and the generous policies on ticket changes and cancellations, Southwest Airlines is a preferred option for many travelers. Whether you’re redeeming your points for flights or using them for other rewards, Southwest flights almost always provide the best return on your hard-earned points.