FAQs

Redeeming Points

How many points per dollar does it cost to redeem for a ticket?

The number of points required to redeem for a flight is based on which fare is purchased:

Fare Product                         Number of Points per Dollar to Redeem
Business Select                                            120
Anytime                                                      100
Wanna Get Away®                                            60

How can I calculate the number of points I will need to redeem for my ticket?

The number of points required for redemption (redemption rate) is based on the advertised fare (base fare plus excise tax) for a ticket.

As an example:

LAX-LAS                        Business Select                  Anytime                Wanna Get Away
Advertised Fare                     $168                           $153                             $81
(Comprised of           ($168 x 120pts per $)    ($153 x 100pts per $)    ($81 x 60pts per $)
Base Fare + 7.5%
Excise Tax)
Redemption                         20,160                        15,300                          4,860

If a ticket is purchased using Rapid Rewards points as a form of payment with outbound and return segments using the same fare type (e.g., Wanna Get Away for both), the number of points required for both segments will be calculated using the advertised fares and the corresponding redemption rate for that fare type.  (For example, if the outbound and return flights are both purchased in Wanna Get Away, the points required to redeem the roundtrip base fare and excise tax will be calculated at a rate of 60 points per dollar.)

Note:  If points are redeemed for a ticket that combines different fare types (e.g, Business Select for the outbound segment and Wanna Get Away for the return segment), the number of points needed will be calculated by multiplying the base fare for each segment (less the excise tax) by the corresponding number of points per dollar for each fare product and adding the excise tax for all segments multiplied by the lowest number of points per dollar in the ticket, in this case x60 for Wanna Get Away.

Do all flights redeem at the same point value?

No, the number of points is directly related to the advertised fare (base fare plus excise tax) and fare product of the actual flight selected.  When redeeming a flight using points, a Member may select any available flight.  A Business Select Fare requires 120 points per dollar, while Anytime and Wanna Get Away Fares requires 100 and 60 points per dollar, respectively.

Are there any fares that I can't purchase using points?

Special fares, such as senior, infant, child, military, and government fares are not eligible to be redeemed with points.  Other travel not eligible for redemption with points includes, but is not limited to, charter flights, group travel, vacation packages, service-charged, reduced-rate, tradeout, extra seat, and paper tickets, and travel purchase through a travel agent.

Can I purchase a Southwest Vacations package using my points?

No.

Can I use my points on redemptions other than Southwest flights?

If you are a Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card member, you can redeem your Rapid Rewards points for items other than Southwest travel through the all-new More Rewards.  Rapid Rewards Credit Card members can redeem their Rapid Rewards points for international flights, hotel stays, rental cars, gift cards, event tickets, and other unique experiences.

Can I use points to pay for other Southwest charges? (pets, extra bag, Unaccompanied Minors, security fees, cashless cabin)

No.

How do I make a reservation using my Rapid Rewards Points in the new program?

You may make a reservation for reward travel using points at southwest.com.  All reward travel is subject to the government-imposed September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 per roundtrip, which must be paid with a credit card at the time of reservation.

How will blackout dates apply to reward travel using points?

Blackout dates do not apply to reward travel using points.

Can I book travel with points for other Passengers (not me)?

Yes.  The Rapid Rewards Member who owns the account from which the points will be used will need to make the reservation for the person traveling.  Simply get the destination, travel dates, and flight times from the person who will be using your points and log in to your account at southwest.com to book the reward travel.  Reward travel is subject to the government-imposed September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 per roundtrip, which must be paid with a credit card.

Can I reserve a reward flight with points through a Customer Representative without purchasing it?

Yes.  You can call 1-800-I-FLYSWA (1-800-435-9792) to reserve a reward flight for 24 hours prior to purchasing.  If you do not redeem using your points within 24 hours, the reservation will be cancelled and the reward seat released.

Can I use my points to book through a travel agent or global distribution system?

No.

Can I combine points and cash for a reservation?

No.

Are there any inventory restrictions in the new program for Promotional Awards?

From time to time, Rapid Rewards will issue Awards as part of a promotion. These are good anywhere Southwest flies.  These Promotional Awards can be issued with any combination of the following restrictions:

• Expiration date
• Book by / fly by date
• Fare class restrictions
• Blackout dates

Are there any inventory restrictions in the new program for points?

No.  Points may be redeemed in all revenue classes of service.  If a seat is available for sale in a given class, it can be redeemed with points.

Can I transfer points between accounts?

No.

Can I combine points with another Rapid Rewards Member?

No.  Membership in the Rapid Rewards program is for individual travelers only.  Individuals must enroll separately and may not pool or combine points with other Members.

Can I buy points?

Yes, Members can buy Rapid Rewards points. Point purchases must be paid for with a credit card and can be made at southwest.com.  Rapid Rewards points will be offered in blocks of 1,000 with a minimum purchase of 2,000 and a maximum purchase of 40,000.  Points are $25 for each block of 1,000 points.

What fare product features do I receive on the redemption of Rapid Rewards Points?

When travelling on reward travel, you will receive all fare product features except for earning Rapid Rewards Points.

Is there a fee for booking a ticket with points?

No.

Is standby travel allowed on reward travel?

Yes, reward travel will follow Southwest's rules for the fare product purchased.  If an increase in the fare is required to obtain a fare product (Business Select or Anytime) that allows standby travel, the Rapid Rewards Member must be present to approve the use of additional points for the increased cost.

What happens if I don't complete the flight I originally booked for reward travel?

When traveling on points, 48 hours after the last flight date/time of a ticket, the ticket will be redeemed based on what was actually flown, and any remaining unused points will be returned to your account.

Can I modify or change my reservation for reward travel online?

Yes, if your reward travel was booked using your own points, you may modify or change your reservation for reward travel at southwest.com.

What happens if I make a change to my reward travel reservation and additional points are required?

If you make a change to your reservation that results in an increase of the fare and/or upgrade to a higher fare product, you will be required to pay for the increase with your Rapid Rewards points.  If you do not have enough points in your account, you may purchase additional Rapid Rewards points with a credit card and use those points to pay for your ticket.

If I use points to book a reservation for someone other than myself and the traveler misses the flight, what happens?

The points will be automatically redeposited in your account within three to four days after the date of the last flight in the reservation.  If the reservation needs to be rebooked, the Member will be required to do so.

Is there a change fee?

No.

Is there an additional cost in points if I modify my existing Rapid Rewards reservation?

The number of points required for a ticket is based on the published fare; therefore, if you modify your reservation, you may be required to use more points if fares have increased or you upgrade to a higher fare class.  Additionally, if you downgrade to a lower fare class or if fares have been reduced, you may receive a refund of points.

If I make my reservation using points and have to cancel my flight, how long will it take to get the points redeposited in my account?

If you cancel your reward travel reservation before the flight, the points will be immediately redeposited in your account.  If you do not cancel the reservation, the unused points will be redeposited in your account within three to four days after the date of the last flight in the reservation.

How will I know if points have been deducted from my account?

When points are redeemed from your account, you will receive notification via e-mail to the primary e-mail address stored in your account profile.  You can also check your account online at southwest.com.