Loyalty program
Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards: how to earn and redeem
Rapid Rewards is Southwest Airlines's loyalty program — members earn points on flights and credit card spend, then redeem them for future travel. The best use of your points is Companion Pass (fly a companion free for up to 2 years — requires 135,000 points in a calendar year). Points expire after 24 months of account inactivity.
How to earn Rapid Rewards points
| Earn type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Base earn on Southwest Airlines flights | 6–12 points per dollar depending on fare type (Wanna Get Away = 6, Business Select = 12) |
| Elite member bonus | Elite members earn more — see tier benefits below |
| Co-branded credit card | Fastest way to accumulate points quickly — earn on everyday purchases |
Elite tiers and benefits
Tiers: A-List → A-List Preferred
Key benefits: Priority boarding (A-List), 25–100% bonus points, free same-day changes, dedicated phone line
Best uses for Rapid Rewards points
- 1Companion Pass (fly a companion free for up to 2 years — requires 135,000 points in a calendar year)
- 2Domestic and Caribbean/Mexico flights at ~1.5 cents per point
- 3Hotel and car bookings through Rapid Rewards portal
Values fluctuate with dynamic pricing; these represent strong redemption opportunities rather than guaranteed fixed rates.
Rapid Rewards expiration policy
Points expire after 24 months of account inactivity.
Tip: Any account activity — a flight, hotel booking through the portal, or credit card purchase — typically resets your expiration clock.
Sign-up bonus & credit card
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card: 50,000 points after $1,000 spend in 3 months (offer varies); Companion Pass offer may differ.
Offers change frequently — always check Southwest Airlines's website or the card issuer for the current sign-up bonus before applying.
Do Rapid Rewards points expire?
Points expire after 24 months of account inactivity. Any qualifying account activity — including flying, hotel bookings through the portal, or credit card purchases — typically resets the inactivity clock.
What is the best use of Rapid Rewards points?
Companion Pass (fly a companion free for up to 2 years — requires 135,000 points in a calendar year). Domestic and Caribbean/Mexico flights at ~1.5 cents per point. Hotel and car bookings through Rapid Rewards portal. Award values fluctuate with dynamic pricing, so these represent strong opportunities rather than guaranteed fixed rates.
How do I earn more Rapid Rewards points?
The base rate is: 6–12 points per dollar depending on fare type (Wanna Get Away = 6, Business Select = 12). Elite members earn significantly more — A-List Preferred status holders earn the highest bonus. The fastest shortcut is a co-branded credit card: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card: 50,000 points after $1,000 spend in 3 months (offer varies); Companion Pass offer may differ.
Can I use Rapid Rewards on partner airlines?
Rapid Rewards is primarily a Southwest Airlines program — redemptions are focused on Southwest Airlines flights. There are no major airline partners for earning or burning points.
More Southwest Airlines guides
Program data verified . Earn rates, redemption values, and sign-up bonuses are subject to change — confirm details at Southwest Airlines's official Rapid Rewards website before booking.