Rapid Rewards
The loyalty program that actually rewards loyalty
At a Glance
Southwest Rapid Rewards is the loyalty program of Southwest Airlines, offering points that never expire and no blackout dates on award travel. In January 2026, Southwest introduced major changes including assigned seating, new fare classes (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra), and checked bag fees for most fares. Southwest operates without alliance partnerships, focusing on extensive domestic coverage and select international destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. Rapid Rewards uses a revenue-based earning model where points are earned based on ticket price and fare class. Basic fares earn 2x points while Choice Extra (formerly Business Select) earns 14x. Points can be redeemed for any available seat with no blackout dates, and award pricing uses dynamic pricing tied to cash fares. The program's signature benefit is the Companion Pass, which allows a designated companion to fly free on all flights for up to two years. Southwest partners with Chase for co-branded credit cards that provide the first checked bag free, accelerated earning, and points that count toward Companion Pass qualification. Card welcome bonuses and spending can help members quickly reach the 135,000 qualifying points needed.
Sweet Spots — Best Redemptions
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US to Hawaii | 8,000–17,000 | — | economy | pacific_islands |
| US Domestic Short-Haul | 3,000–5,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US Domestic Cross-Country | 8,000–15,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Caribbean/Mexico | 8,000–15,000 | — | economy | caribbean |
| US to Central America | 12,000 | — | economy | central_america |
| Companion Pass Value Play | 0 | — | economy | global |
Transfer Partners
Earn via 2 bank points programs
| Source Program | Ratio | Transfer Time | Source Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | 7-10 days | 1.8 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 3-5 days | 2 cpp |
Cards That Earn Rapid Rewards (5)
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card
Chase
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
Chase
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
Chase
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
Chase
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
Chase
Rapid Rewards Dining · by Southwest (Rewards Network)
Earn up to 3x Rapid Rewards points when you dine out
Join Rapid Rewards Dining, link a credit card and pay as usual at participating restaurants. New members earn 0.5x, up to 3x at the Email opt-in tier, on top of what the card earns.
Program Ratings
Recent Changes & News
Effective January 27, 2026, Southwest replaced open seating with assigned seating and renamed fare classes to Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra. Extra Legroom seats are now available on Choice Extra fares.
Starting May 28, 2025, checked bags are no longer free on most Southwest fares. Only Choice Extra fares, A-List Preferred members, and Southwest credit card holders receive free checked bags.
Southwest expanded internationally with codeshare agreements with Icelandair and China Airlines, allowing members to earn Rapid Rewards points on connecting itineraries.
FAQs
Can I use my Southwest points for someone else?
You can. It’s actually better to book a flight for someone else with your points than to transfer them. Southwest charges a fee to transfer points, and it can add up quickly. Booking an award ticket for another passenger costs nothing extra and avoids those fees.
How many rewards points do you need for a free flight?
You can sometimes find Southwest award flights for as little as 3,000–4,000 points, especially during one of their frequent sales. These are usually short-haul routes in off-peak seasons, like St. Louis to Chicago, but when you find them, they deliver 2-3x the typical cents-per-point value.
Can you add Southwest Rapid Rewards after booking?
Yes. You can easily add your Rapid Rewards number after booking. Just go to “Manage Reservations” in the Southwest app or website and add your number to the traveler details. You can also call customer service and have them add it for you.
Do Rapid Rewards members get free checked bags?
Choice Extra fares and A-List Preferred members get two free checked bags. A-List members and Southwest credit card holders get their first checked bag free. All other travelers must pay for checked bags.
Does Southwest have first class?
Not in the traditional sense. With the elimination of open seating, Southwest reconfigured their planes to offer Extra Legroom Seats, which have more space in the front of the plane. But they are more like premium economy than business or first class.
Can I transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest?
Yes. Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers to Southwest Rapid Rewards at 1:1, and Chase says most transfers process by the next business day (some take up to 7 business days). Chase's Southwest card terms count points from revenue flights booked through Southwest, points earned on Rapid Rewards credit cards, and base points from Rapid Rewards partners toward the Companion Pass. They do not say whether Ultimate Rewards transfers count.
Do Southwest points expire?
No. Southwest Rapid Rewards points never expire, regardless of account activity. As long as your Rapid Rewards account remains open, your points balance is safe indefinitely.