Frequent flyers with Southwest Airlines will notice some changes to the way they earn Rapid Rewards loyalty points. The airline has updated its points system, increasing rewards for its pricier fares while reducing them for its less costly options.?
The modifications, which took effect on March 4, 2025, impact all flights booked from that date onward. According to Southwest, passengers who purchased tickets before the change¡ªregardless of when they travel¡ªwill still earn points at the previous rate.
Southwest assigns different point values per dollar spent based on the fare class a passenger selects. According to Travel + Leisure, the airline¡¯s most budget-friendly option, Wanna Get Away fares, now earns customers just two points per dollar, while Business Select, the highest-tier fare, earns 14 points per dollar. Therefore, opting for a more expensive fare allows travelers to accumulate points more quickly, bringing them closer to free flights.
Previously, Wanna Get Away fares earned six points per dollar, but that rate has now been lowered. Meanwhile, Wanna Get Away+ fares have increased from four to six points per dollar and Business Select has risen from 12 to 14 points per dollar.?
In addition to the revamped rapid rewards points earnings
system, Southwest Airlines quietly announced its "bags fly free"
policy would cease as we know it on May 28.
According to the airline, Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List
Preferred members and passengers traveling on Business Select fares can check
two bags, while passengers on Select fare flights and A-List status members can
check in one bag without extra charge.
All other Southwest passengers will be charged for checked
baggage.?
A spokesperson for the company said the move ¡°would create
choice for customers, as well as support business objectives.¡±
Introduced in 1996, the Rapid Rewards program was initially structured to reward passengers with a free round-trip ticket after completing eight round-trip flights, as noted in the company¡¯s annual report from that year. Southwest claimed this system offered the quickest path to earning free flights compared to its competitors.
While flights remain the primary way to rack up Rapid Rewards points, Southwest also offers additional ways for travelers to boost their balances. Passengers can earn points through hotel bookings, vacation packages and, more recently, cruise vacations.
When booking cruises through the airline¡¯s travel portal, members can earn one Rapid Rewards point per dollar spent. The airline has partnered with several major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages.?
¡°As a Rapid Rewards Member, you earn points by flying or spending with our partners,¡± Southwest Airlines shares on its website. ¡°Use them how and when you want. Plus, if you¡¯re short on points, you can always purchase more to get that reward you¡¯ve been eyeing.¡±
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