Southwest Rapid Rewards: How to earn and use points

Southwest Airlines has changed significantly in the last two years, introducing assigned seating, checked bag fees and new fare types. But the Rapid Rewards program remains straightforward for earning and redeeming points, according to The Points Guy.

Earning Rapid Rewards points

Points can be earned on paid Southwest flights, with the amount depending on fare type, elite status and payment method. Under current fares, Basic earns 2 points per dollar, Choice earns 6, Choice Preferred earns 10, and Choice Extra earns 14. A-List members get a 25% bonus on flight earnings; A-List Preferred gets a 100% bonus, The Points Guy reports.

Beyond flying, points come from Southwest's cobranded Chase credit cards, transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt (both 1:1), Rapid Rewards Dining and Shopping, Southwest Hotels, and other partners. Points can also be purchased directly from Southwest, typically costing 3 cents each, with a daily limit of 60,000 points. Purchased points don't count toward elite status or Companion Pass qualification.

Redeeming points for flights

Award pricing is now more variable, with value ranging from about 1.1 to 1.7 cents per point depending on demand and date, according to The Points Guy. The publication values Rapid Rewards points at 1.25 cents each.

Points can be used on any of Southwest's four fare types: Basic (restrictive, no change, refund only within 24 hours), Choice (flexible with same-day changes), Choice Preferred (preferred seats, early boarding, fully refundable), and Choice Extra (extra-legroom seats, two free checked bags, one free drink). Award tickets can be cancelled for free; on Choice fares and above, changes are free and the points difference is refunded. Basic fares require upgrading to change.

"The Companion Pass is undoubtedly one of the most valuable perks of the Rapid Rewards program," according to The Points Guy.

Elite status: A-List and A-List Preferred

A-List requires 20 one-way flights or 35,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year. Benefits include priority boarding, free same-day standby, a 25% points bonus and a free inflight drink. A-List Preferred requires 40 flights or 70,000 tier qualifying points, adding a 100% points bonus, free upgraded boarding and complimentary extra-legroom seats when available, The Points Guy reports.

Tier qualifying points are earned from qualifying flights, eligible Southwest credit card spending and Getaways by Southwest bookings. Purchased points, bonus points and partner points generally don't count.

The Companion Pass

Earn the pass by flying 100 one-way segments or earning 135,000 qualifying points in a year. It's valid for the rest of the earning year and all of the following year. Once earned, you can bring one companion on any Southwest flight you book, paying only taxes and fees. You can change your companion three times per year. The pass effectively doubles the value of your points, The Points Guy notes.

The bottom line

Despite recent changes to fares and fees, Rapid Rewards remains easy to use with no blackout dates. The Companion Pass is a standout benefit for couples and families. However, understanding fare rules is more important than ever, especially for Basic tickets. Flexible travelers can maximize points by using the Low Fare Calendar and checking award prices after booking.

• A-List
• Companion Pass
• loyalty program
• points
• Rapid Rewards
• Southwest Airlines