Southwest Rapid Rewards is the loyalty program of Southwest Airlines, America’s leading low-cost carrier known for its customer-friendly approach, transparency model with two free checked bags and extensive domestic network.
Southwest operates an expansive route network spanning domestic destinations and select short-haul international locations, with operating bases in Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), Dallas Love Field (DAL), Denver International Airport (DEN), Houston Hobby Airport (HOU), Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Nashville International Airport (BNA), Oakland International Airport (OAK), Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
For leisure travelers, Southwest offers flights to numerous domestic locations, Hawaii and Caribbean destinations, including:
While Southwest has maintained a straightforward points structure, Rapid Rewards remains valuable for members, especially with the highly coveted Companion Pass.
Launched in 1988, Southwest Rapid Rewards has grown to become one of the most popular airline loyalty programs in the United States. It’s free to join and allows members to earn points through flying, credit card spending and various partner activities. Members can redeem points for flights, hotel stays, car rentals and merchandise.
The program offers two elite status tiers — A-List and A-List Preferred — which enhance the travel experience with benefits like priority boarding, bonus point earnings and expedited security screening. There’s also a Companion Pass tier, which can designate a companion who can fly with you for nearly free.
As my first loyalty program, I’ve been a Rapid Rewards member since 2000. Back then, Southwest offered more free flights, but the current Southwest Rapid Rewards program, as we know it today, was launched in 2011.
This was a major overhaul of their previous frequent flyer program. The current program features:
Unlike other major U.S. carriers, Southwest doesn’t belong to an airline alliance and has generally refrained from partnering with other airlines. However, in a notable shift, the Dallas-based carrier recently announced a new partnership with Icelandair, slated to begin in 2025. This partnership will link Southwest’s network to Icelandair’s European routes to give travelers expanded travel options and access to more destinations.
It’s unclear what this partnership will fully entail. Still, at a minimum, it will likely allow Southwest passengers to connect to Icelandair flights, and Icelandair passengers will likely be able to connect to Southwest flights.
Southwest Airlines offers two levels of elite status within its Rapid Rewards loyalty program — A-List and A-List Preferred. While not technically an elite status tier, we will also discuss the Companion Pass in the next section.
But first, here’s an overview of Southwest elite status:
You can qualify by meeting either the points or the flight segment requirement.
The benefits increase as you progress up the tiers. Some of the key benefits include:
A-List
A-List Preferred
You can earn Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) through:
Essential notes on TQP eligibility:
Activities that do not count toward TQPs:
The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most valuable loyalty program benefits. This pass allows a designated companion to fly with you on any Southwest flight at a minimal cost, typically just the taxes and fees, which start at $5.60 each way for domestic flights. This makes it an attractive option for frequent travelers looking to save on airfare.
To qualify for the Companion Pass, you must meet one of the following criteria within a calendar year:
All Southwest Rapid Rewards Cardmembers receive one boost of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each calendar year.
It’s important to note that Companion Pass Qualifying Points are different than Tier Qualifying Points, which are used to qualify for A-List and A-List Preferred status. Most notably, credit card sign-up bonuses qualify as Companion Pass Qualifying Points.
Once earned, the Companion Pass is valid for the remainder of the year in which it was obtained and throughout the entire following year.
For example, if you earn your pass in March 2025, it will be valid until December 31, 2026.
Additionally, you can change your designated companion up to three times each calendar year.
Using the Companion Pass is very straightforward:
There are no blackout dates or seat restrictions when using the Companion Pass, meaning you can reserve a seat for your companion even if it’s the last available seat on the flight.
Southwest Airlines offers multiple ways to earn Rapid Rewards points through flying and non-flying activities. Here are some of the best ways to earn Rapid Rewards points.
The primary method of earning points is by flying on Southwest Airlines. Point earnings depend on fare type:
Here’s a screenshot of the Southwest fare options on a day from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
If you have elite status, you’ll also earn bonus points:
Southwest offers several cobranded credit cards to earn points on everyday purchases:
Here are the best Southwest Rapid Rewards personal credit card offers:
Here are the best Southwest Rapid Rewards business credit card offers:
If you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve or Ink Business Preferred card, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest Rapid Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.
You can earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points through several other methods. The Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal has over 1,100 retailers where you can earn points for eligible online purchases.
Also, the Rapid Rewards Dining Program allows you to register your credit card(s) to earn points when dining at participating restaurants.
Additionally, you can earn points through Southwest’s travel partners, including hotel stays, car rentals and home and lifestyle partners.
While there are several ways to redeem Southwest Rapid Rewards points, flights typically offer the best value. Here’s how to make the most of your Southwest points.
The primary and most valuable way to redeem Rapid Rewards points is for Southwest-operated flights. Southwest uses a fare-based dynamic pricing system, meaning the number of points required correlates directly with the cash price of the ticket.
For example, this one-way flight from Chicago Midway (MDW) to Las Vegas (LAS) costs $141 if you book a Wanna Get Away fare.
Alternatively, you can use 9,720 points plus $5.60 in taxes and fees.
In this case, you’d be getting about 1.4 cents per point, which aligns with the average valuation of Southwest points.
Generally, Wanna Get Away fares offer the best value for your points. Business Select and Anytime fares typically require more points without providing significantly more benefits that justify the extra point cost.
While not a direct redemption method, the Southwest Companion Pass can effectively double the value of your points. Once you’ve earned it, it allows a designated companion to fly with you for just the cost of taxes and fees (typically $5.60 for domestic one-way flights) on both cash and award tickets.
Southwest occasionally offers discounted award flights. Keep an eye out for these deals, which can offer significant savings on point redemptions.
If you’re a Rapid Rewards cardmember, you can use your points for gift cards, merchandise and unique experiences like cruises, spa packages, and adventures. However, this typically offers less value than using points for Southwest flights.
Here are a few tips to maximize the value of your Southwest points:
Of course, the best redemption is one that aligns with your travel goals and preferences. Even if it isn’t the best redemption, if using points allows you to get home for Thanksgiving, perhaps it’s worth it. Ultimately, you should redeem your Rapid Rewards points the way you want.
But no matter your travel preferences, Southwest’s simple and flexible redemption process makes it easy to get good value from your Rapid Rewards points for flights.
No, Southwest points never expire.
Southwest Rapid Rewards is one of the most flexible and customer-friendly loyalty programs available, especially for domestic travelers. With no point expiration, no blackout dates and the ability to earn points through flying, credit card spending and partner activities, it’s easy to accumulate and redeem points for travel and beyond.
The highly coveted Companion Pass just about doubles the program’s value if you frequently travel with the same companion. While Southwest lacks an airline alliance, its upcoming partnership with Icelandair signals the potential for expanded international options. Whether you’re looking to maximize points for flights, achieve elite status or enjoy perks like priority boarding and free in-flight Wi-Fi, Southwest’s loyalty program offers something for everyone.
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