Southwest Rapid Rewards — Full Guide, Insider Tips & How to Maximize Every Flight
✈️ Your complete traveler’s guide to Southwest Rapid Rewards: earning, redeeming, tips for peak travel dates, hacks for cheaper domestic fares, and how to fast-track the Companion Pass.
🔎 What Is Southwest Rapid Rewards?
Southwest Rapid Rewards is the loyalty program of Southwest Airlines (WN), designed for domestic flyers who want flexibility, no-change-fees, and easy redemptions. Points are tied to fare cost — the higher the cash fare, the more points required.
Official site: southwest.com
💳 How You Earn Rapid Rewards Points
- 🛫 Flights: Earn based on fare type — Wanna Get Away, Anytime, or Business Select.
- 🏨 Hotels & partners: Earn through partner stays and rental cars.
- 💳 Credit cards: Co-branded cards offer welcome bonuses applicable toward the Companion Pass.
- 🛒 Everyday shopping: Earn via Rapid Rewards Shopping & Dining.
| Fare Type | Points per $1 |
|---|---|
| Wanna Get Away | 6 points |
| Wanna Get Away Plus | 8 points |
| Anytime | 10 points |
| Business Select | 12 points |
🎟 How Southwest Redemptions Work
Southwest uses a cash-linked points system: if a ticket’s cash price drops, the points price drops too. This makes it ideal for deal hunters.
Typical domestic redemptions:
- ✈️ Short-haul (e.g., DAL → HOU): 4,000–7,000 points
- ✈️ Mid-haul (e.g., PHX → DEN): 6,000–10,500 points
- ✈️ Long-haul (e.g., BWI → OAK): 11,000–18,000 points
Official taxes & fees explained by the U.S. Department of Transportation: transportation.gov
👥 The Companion Pass — The Crown Jewel
The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most valuable perks in U.S. travel. Once earned, a designated companion flies with you for only taxes and fees (~$5.60 each way on domestic routes).
Requirement (standard):
- 135,000 qualifying points OR
- 100 qualifying one-way flights
Hack: Many flyers qualify using a combination of credit card bonuses + cheap positioning flights.
🏅 Rapid Rewards Elite Status (A-List & A-List Preferred)
| Status | Requirement | Main Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| A-List | 25 flights OR 35k tier-qualifying points | Priority boarding, bonus earning, same-day standby |
| A-List Preferred | 50 flights OR 70k tier-qualifying points | 2× bonus points, priority services, in-flight Wi-Fi credits |
Wi-Fi rules & updates: southwest.com/wifi
💡 Pro Tips & Hacks to Maximize Rapid Rewards
- 📉 Book early, re-check often — Southwest allows free re-pricing if your fare drops.
- 🔁 No change fees means you can swap flights whenever plans shift.
- 👥 Earn Companion Pass early in the calendar year to maximize its lifespan.
- 🎯 Use the Low Fare Calendar on southwest.com to find price dips.
- 🧳 Two free checked bags save ~$60 roundtrip — huge value for families.
- 🪪 Score elite credit via partner bookings when possible.
- 🛫 Check TSA wait times before travel: tsa.gov
Big tip: Southwest releases cheap fares during Tuesday morning fare cycles — always check.
🧳 Baggage Allowance (A Major Selling Point)
- 🎒 1 personal item + 1 carry-on
- 🧳 **Two free checked bags** (up to 50 lbs each)
- ⚠️ Oversize fees apply beyond 50 lbs
Full baggage rules: southwest.com/help/baggage
❓ FAQs — Rapid Rewards & Travel Basics
Do Southwest points expire?
No — Rapid Rewards points never expire as long as your account remains open.
Does Southwest have assigned seating?
No — open seating with boarding groups A/B/C. Check in at exactly T-24.
What airports does Southwest serve?
Find the full route map here:
southwest.com/route-map
Can you book last-minute cheap flights?
Often yes — Southwest’s dynamic pricing sometimes drops within 5–14 days.
Is Rapid Rewards good for families?
Yes — free bags, flexible changes, and no seat selection stress.