Southwest Rapid Rewards

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.

Southwest Rapid Rewards overview

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:

Southwest Airlines partners

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 elite status

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:

Southwest status levels and qualification requirements

You can qualify by meeting either the points or the flight segment requirement.

Southwest elite status benefits

The benefits increase as you progress up the tiers. Some of the key benefits include:

A-List

A-List Preferred

Earning tier qualifying points

You can earn Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) through:

Essential notes on TQP eligibility:

Activities that do not count toward TQPs:

What is the Southwest Companion Pass?

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.

How to earn the Southwest Companion Pass

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. 

Southwest Companion Pass duration and flexibility

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.

How to use the Companion Pass

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.

How to earn Southwest points

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.

Fly Southwest Airlines

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:

Earn points with Southwest’s credit cards

Southwest offers several cobranded credit cards to earn points on everyday purchases:

Here are the best Southwest Rapid Rewards personal credit card offers:

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Enjoy Premium Perks with the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

• 50,000 bonus points after $1,000 in purchases within your first 3 months
• 3X points on Southwest® flights
• 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partner purchases
• 2X points on local transit, rideshare, internet, cable & phone services
• 1X point on all other purchases
• 7,500 anniversary points each year
• 4 upgraded boardings per year when available
• $75 annual travel credit for Southwest® purchases
• No foreign transaction fees
• $149 annual fee

With elevated earning on flights and everyday services, the Priority card delivers both flexibility and value. Use your annual travel credit to offset fees, enjoy priority boarding upgrades, and boost your balance with anniversary points. Redeem for any Southwest® flight with no blackout dates and track everything effortlessly in the Southwest® app or online portal.

Terms apply. Bonus points and anniversary credits require qualifying purchases. Upgraded boardings subject to availability. See full terms for details.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Boost Your Southwest Rewards with the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

• 50,000 bonus points after $1,000 in purchases within 3 months
• 2X points on Southwest® flights
• 2X points on local transit, rideshares, internet, cable, phone and select streaming
• 1X point on all other purchases
• 3,000 anniversary points each cardmember anniversary
• 2 EarlyBird Check‑In® credits per year
• Points never expire and no blackout dates
• 3% foreign transaction fee
• $69 annual fee

Ideal for Southwest loyalists seeking solid ongoing rewards without a high fee, this card combines a generous welcome bonus with elevated earning on flights and everyday services. Track your points, book flights and manage EarlyBird Check‑In® credits seamlessly in the Southwest app.

Terms apply. Bonus points after qualifying spend. Foreign transaction fee applies. See full terms for details.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

Fast-Track Free Flights with the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

• 50,000 bonus points after $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
• 3X points on Southwest® flights
• 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel & car rental partners
• 2X points on local transit, commuting, internet, cable, phone & select streaming
• 1X point on all other purchases
• 6,000 anniversary points every account year
• 4 upgraded boardings per year
• No foreign transaction fees

Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, this card accelerates your points balance with top‑tier earnings on flights and everyday expenses. Enjoy a generous sign‑up bonus and annual anniversary points to redeem free flights sooner, plus enhanced travel comfort with upgraded boardings. Earn unlimited tier‑qualifying points on every $5,000 spent to fast‑track A‑List status, and manage your rewards seamlessly in the Southwest® app.

Terms apply. Sign‑up and anniversary bonuses require qualifying purchases. Upgraded boardings subject to availability. See full terms for details.

Here are the best Southwest Rapid Rewards business credit card offers:

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

Elevate Your Business Travel with the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Card

• 80,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
• 9,000 anniversary points each year after your cardmember anniversary
• 4X points per $1 on Southwest® purchases
• 3X points per $1 on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partner purchases
• 2X points per $1 on local transit & rideshare
• 2X points per $1 on social media & search engine advertising, internet, cable & phone services
• 1X point per $1 on all other purchases
• 4 upgraded boardings per year when available
• No foreign transaction fees
• $199 annual fee

Designed for entrepreneurs who fly Southwest frequently, this card turns routine business expenses into Rapid Rewards points faster. Unlock a generous welcome bonus, enjoy annual anniversary points to boost your balance, and accelerate earnings on flights, hotel stays, advertising and more. With perks like upgraded boarding and no foreign transaction fees, you’ll travel smarter and save on additional charges. Manage your account, book flights and redeem rewards seamlessly through the Southwest app or online portal.

Terms apply. Welcome bonus requires $5,000 spend in the first 3 months. Upgraded boardings subject to availability. See issuer for complete details and enrollment requirements.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

Optimize every business trip with the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card.

• 80,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 within the first 3 months
• 3X points per $1 on Southwest® flights
• 2X points per $1 on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partner purchases
• 2X points per $1 on local transit, rideshare, internet, cable & phone services
• 2X points per $1 on social media & search engine advertising
• 1X point per $1 on all other purchases
• 9,000 anniversary points each year
• 4 upgraded boardings per year when available
• No foreign transaction fees
• $199 annual fee

Designed for entrepreneurs who rely on Southwest for flights and invest in advertising and operations, this card accelerates your rewards on every dollar. Redeem points for free travel with no blackout dates, enjoy annual anniversary points to boost your balance, and breeze through security with upgraded boarding privileges. Manage your account and track your points seamlessly in the Southwest® mobile app or online portal, and keep foreign transaction costs at zero when you travel abroad.

Terms apply. Bonus points and anniversary credits require qualifying purchases. Upgraded boardings subject to availability. See issuer’s site for complete details.

Transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards

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.

Other ways to earn Rapid Rewards points

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.

How to redeem Southwest points

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.

Fly on Southwest Airlines

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.

Leverage the Companion Pass

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.

Watch for Southwest promotions

Southwest occasionally offers discounted award flights. Keep an eye out for these deals, which can offer significant savings on point redemptions.

Cardholders can use More Rewards

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.

Tips for maximizing your Southwest points

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.

Do Southwest points expire?

No, Southwest points never expire.

Bottom line

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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