Southwest Rapid Rewards

Your Ultimate Guide to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Program (Navigating 2025 Changes & Beyond)

The Value of Loyalty: Why Southwest Rapid Rewards Stands Out (For Now)

Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards program has long been a favorite among U.S. domestic travelers, often lauded for its straightforward approach and customer-friendly features.¹ Unlike many competitors, Rapid Rewards boasts several key differentiators that have historically set it apart. Perhaps most notably, points earned in the program do not expire, offering members peace of mind that their hard-earned rewards won’t vanish over time.¹ Furthermore, the airline commits to having no blackout dates for reward flights and offers unlimited reward seats – if a seat is available for purchase with cash, it’s available using points.¹ This “Transfarency®” approach has built significant goodwill.¹

Adding to the allure is the highly sought-after Companion Pass®, a unique benefit allowing qualifying members to bring a designated companion along on flights for just the cost of taxes and fees.¹

However, the landscape of airline loyalty is shifting, and Southwest is no exception. Significant changes are slated for 2025, touching everything from fare structures and baggage fees to flight credit validity and even the seating process itself.⁵ These upcoming modifications make understanding the program – both its current state and its future direction – more critical than ever for travelers looking to maximize value.

What This Guide Covers: From Basics to Expert Perks & Future Changes

This guide serves as a comprehensive resource for navigating the Southwest Rapid Rewards program. It delves into the essentials of joining, the various methods for accumulating points, and the diverse options for redeeming them. It breaks down the benefits associated with the elite A-List and A-List Preferred tiers and demystifies the requirements and advantages of the coveted Companion Pass. Crucially, it also outlines key program rules and provides a detailed examination of the significant 2025 overhaul. All information presented is based exclusively on details available through Southwest Airlines’ official website, southwest.com.

Joining the Fun: Enrolling in Rapid Rewards

Getting started with Rapid Rewards is a simple and free process, primarily handled online through the Southwest website.² Prospective members need to provide standard personal information, including their legal first, middle (optional), and last name – which must precisely match their government-issued photo ID for seamless travel – along with their address, phone number, a valid email address, gender, and date of birth.⁸ Accuracy here is paramount, not just for administrative purposes but also for ensuring flight activity links correctly to the account and for security checks like those conducted by the TSA. The requirement for written requests and legal documentation for name changes further underscores the need for initial accuracy.¹¹

Account security is maintained through password requirements, mandating a mix of uppercase letters, numbers, and specific lengths, while restricting certain special characters.² It’s worth noting that individuals below a certain age cannot enroll online due to age restrictions and must contact Southwest directly, often requiring a parent or guardian to manage the enrollment process.⁸ This attention to data integrity and compliance suggests a robust system for managing member information.

Quick Tip: Enrollment Bonuses

Keep an eye out for special enrollment offers. Southwest sometimes incentivizes new members with bonus points, such as earning an initial set of points upon enrollment and additional points after booking and completing a qualifying flight within a specified period (e.g., 60 days).² These promotions can provide a valuable head start on accumulating rewards.

Earning Power: How to Rack Up Rapid Rewards Points

The core of any loyalty program lies in earning points, and Rapid Rewards offers multiple avenues to do so, extending well beyond just flying.

On Every Flight: Points Based on Fare Type

The most fundamental way to earn points is by flying with Southwest.¹ The number of points awarded is directly tied to the fare type purchased and the base fare amount paid in dollars; government taxes and fees do not earn points.¹

Historically, Southwest offered four main fare types: Wanna Get Away®, Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, and Business Select®, each with a distinct points-earning rate. However, Southwest began adjusting these rates in March 2025 and is rolling out a new fare structure starting May 28, 2025.⁵ The new structure features Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra fares, replacing the previous lineup and altering the points earned per dollar spent. Generally, the highest fares earn more points per dollar, while the lowest fares earn fewer.⁵

Here’s how the points earning breaks down under the structure effective from March 2025, which carries over to the new fare names being introduced:

Old Fare Name (Pre-May 28, 2025)	New Fare Name (Effective May 28 / Q3 2025)	Points Earned per Dollar (Base Fare)
Wanna Get Away®	Basic	2X ¹³
Wanna Get Away Plus®	Choice	6X ¹³
Anytime	Choice Preferred	10X ¹⁴
Business Select®	Choice Extra	14X ¹³

Note: Point earning rates reflect changes implemented around March 2025.⁵ Always check current rates on southwest.com when booking.

It’s essential to understand what constitutes a “Qualifying Flight” for earning points. Until January 1, 2025, qualifying flights were those paid entirely with dollars, Southwest LUV Vouchers®, gift cards, or flight credits, excluding any portion paid with points.⁴ Reward flights, charter flights, nonrevenue travel, and flights taken by a Companion using a Companion Pass do not earn points.⁴

A significant enhancement takes effect on January 1, 2025: the cash portion of flights booked using the Cash + Points payment option will become eligible to earn Rapid Rewards points, tier qualifying points (TQPs), and Companion Pass qualifying points.¹ This removes a previous restriction where Cash + Points bookings earned nothing, making this payment method more attractive.

Beyond Flying: Leveraging Partners

Rapid Rewards points accumulation isn’t limited to air travel. Southwest has cultivated a network of partners, allowing members to earn points on various ground-based activities and purchases.¹

Shopping & Dining Portals: The Rapid Rewards Shopping® portal is a gateway to earning points at over 1,100 online retailers.¹ By starting their online shopping journey through this portal, members earn a specified number of points per dollar spent at partner stores, often with opportunities for bonus points during promotions.²⁰ A browser extension is available to remind shoppers to activate point earning.²⁰ Similarly, the Rapid Rewards Dining® program awards points when members link a credit card and dine at participating restaurants.¹ Sign-up bonuses may also be available for new Dining members.²¹ These portals effectively allow members to “double dip” – earning Rapid Rewards points in addition to any rewards earned from the credit card used for the purchase.
Hotel & Car Rental Partners: Booking hotel stays and renting cars through Southwest’s travel portals or directly with designated partners provides another steady stream of points.¹
Other Partners: The partner network extends to other categories, including home and lifestyle services (like energy providers) and specialty retailers (such as 1-800-Flowers.com® and wine clubs).¹⁹

Utilizing these partner programs requires members to be proactive – remembering to click through the shopping portal or ensuring their dining account is linked. However, for purchases members were already planning to make, these partnerships offer a way to accelerate point earnings significantly.¹⁹

It is important to be aware that points earned through partners do not post instantly. Timelines vary, with estimates ranging from 4-6 weeks for dining or Rocketmiles hotel stays, 6-8 weeks for car rentals, shopping portal purchases, or flower deliveries, and potentially 8-12 weeks for other hotel partner stays.²⁴ This delay should be factored into any points-earning strategy, especially when working towards a time-sensitive goal like status or Companion Pass qualification.

Everyday Spending: The Role of Rapid Rewards® Credit Cards

Perhaps one of the most potent tools for accumulating points is a Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card, issued by Chase.¹ These cards allow members to earn points on virtually all purchases, turning everyday spending into future travel rewards. Points earned through credit card spending typically appear in the member’s Rapid Rewards account shortly after the credit card statement closing date, not immediately upon purchase.⁴

The combination of earning through flights, leveraging partner activities, and using a co-branded credit card creates a powerful synergy. Members who actively engage with these diverse earning channels will accumulate points much faster than those relying solely on flying, particularly as the points awarded for lower fare types decrease under the new structure.⁵

Spending Your Points: Rewards Made Easy

Accumulating points is only half the equation; redeeming them effectively is where the real value lies. Rapid Rewards offers flexibility in how members can use their points balance.

The Main Event: Booking Flights with Points (No Blackout Dates!)

The primary and often most valuable way to redeem Rapid Rewards points is for Southwest flights.¹ A cornerstone of the program is the absence of blackout dates and the promise of unlimited reward seats.¹ This means any seat available for sale with cash can also be booked using points, providing exceptional flexibility compared to programs with restricted reward inventory.

The number of points required for a specific flight isn’t fixed; it dynamically fluctuates based on the cash price of the fare, destination, time of travel, demand, and other factors.¹⁶ Consequently, when Southwest runs fare sales, the points needed for reward flights often decrease as well.¹⁶ It’s worth noting that Southwest adjusted its redemption rate variability in March 2025, potentially making high-demand flights cost more points and low-demand flights cost fewer points than previously.⁵

Booking a reward flight is straightforward: members log into their account on Southwest.com, search for flights using the “Points” option, select their desired itinerary, and proceed to checkout.¹⁶ While the flight itself is covered by points, mandatory government taxes and fees (starting from $5.60 one-way) must still be paid separately.³

Flexible Flying: Using Cash + Points

For members who don’t have quite enough points for a full reward flight or prefer to conserve their balance, Southwest offers a Cash + Points payment option.¹ This allows travelers to combine points with cash (or other eligible payment forms) to purchase their ticket. The process involves logging in, searching for flights, and selecting the “Cash + Points” option during checkout, where various combinations will be presented.¹⁸

Spotlight: Earning Points on Cash + Points Bookings (Starting Jan 1, 2025)

A significant upcoming enhancement makes this option even more appealing. Currently, Cash + Points bookings do not earn any Rapid Rewards points or count towards elite status or Companion Pass qualification.1 However, starting January 1, 2025, the cash portion of the base fare paid on these bookings will earn Rapid Rewards points, Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs), and Companion Pass Qualifying Points (CPQPs).1 This change removes a major drawback and aligns the earning potential more closely with paying fully in cash for that portion, making Cash + Points a more viable strategy for members looking to stretch their points while still making progress towards program goals.

More Than Flights: Exploring the “More Rewards” Catalog

While flights often represent the best redemption value, Rapid Rewards points can be used for a variety of non-flight rewards through the “More Rewards” program.¹ This adds a layer of flexibility for members who may not be traveling soon or prefer other types of rewards.

Available options for all Rapid Rewards members include:

Gift Cards: Points can be exchanged for gift cards from numerous popular retail, dining, and entertainment brands.¹
Merchandise: An online catalog offers a wide array of products, from electronics and home goods to sporting equipment, purchasable with points.¹
Hotel Stays: Members can redeem points for stays at over 70,000 hotels worldwide through the More Rewards portal.¹
Rental Cars: Points can also cover the cost of rental cars booked via the program.¹
Experiences: For those seeking adventure or relaxation, points can be redeemed for various experiences like cruises, spa packages, outdoor activities (rafting, hiking, kayaking), tours, and more.¹

Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers gain access to additional, exclusive redemption options:

Rapid Rewards Access Events: These are specially curated events, such as wine tastings, concerts, or destination getaways, available only for points redemption by Cardmembers.¹
Pay Yourself Back®: This feature allows Cardmembers to redeem points for statement credits against eligible purchases.¹⁶

While these alternative redemptions provide choice, it’s generally understood within the loyalty program sphere that redeeming points for flights, especially during fare sales, often yields a higher effective value per point compared to merchandise or gift cards. However, the flexibility offered by More Rewards caters to diverse member preferences.

Climbing the Ranks: A-List & A-List Preferred Status

For frequent Southwest flyers, achieving elite status unlocks a range of benefits designed to make travel smoother and more rewarding. Rapid Rewards offers two elite tiers: A-List and A-List Preferred.

How to Qualify: Flights vs. Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs)

Qualification for elite status is based on activity within a single calendar year (January 1 to December 31). Members can reach status through one of two pathways: by flying a specific number of qualifying one-way flights or by earning a set amount of Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs).²⁸

TQPs are earned primarily from the base fare of revenue flights booked through Southwest.¹⁷ Additionally, holders of eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards can earn TQPs through their spending; for instance, some cards award 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent annually.²⁸ This credit card TQP earning provides an alternative route to status, potentially making it accessible even for those who don’t fly extremely frequently but have significant card spending. Reaching the A-List threshold (35,000 TQPs) might be achievable for some through a blend of flying and substantial card spending, while the higher A-List Preferred requirement (70,000 TQPs) typically necessitates considerable flight activity.

The qualification thresholds are*:

A-List: 20 qualifying one-way flights OR 35,000 TQPs in a calendar year.²⁸
A-List Preferred: 40 qualifying one-way flights OR 70,000 TQPs in a calendar year.²⁸

*Note: Some pages on southwest.com may show slightly different flight segment requirements (e.g., 25 for A-List). The TQP requirements appear consistent. Members should always verify the current, official requirements directly on the Southwest website.

A-List Perks: Priority & Bonuses

Achieving A-List status grants several valuable benefits:

Priority Boarding: A-List members (and others on their reservation) receive automatic boarding position assignments 36 hours before departure, typically resulting in an earlier boarding group. Members still need to check in within 24 hours to retrieve their boarding passes.¹⁷
25% Earning Bonus: Earn 25% more Rapid Rewards points on the base points earned from qualifying flights.²⁸
Free Same-Day Change & Same-Day Standby: This is a key differentiator. A-Listers can change to an earlier or later flight on the same day between the same cities, if a seat is available, without paying a fare difference (taxes and fees may apply).¹⁷ They can also request to be placed on the standby list for an earlier flight.¹⁷ This flexibility is particularly valuable for business travelers or those whose plans might shift, as lower fare classes (like Wanna Get Away/Basic) are generally not eligible for free same-day changes.¹⁵
Priority Lane and Express Lane Access: Use dedicated lanes at check-in counters and security checkpoints where available, speeding up the airport process.¹⁷
Dedicated A-List Member Phone Line: Access to a specialized customer service line.²⁸
Upcoming 2025 Benefit – Free Checked Bag: Starting May 28, 2025, A-List members will receive their first checked bag free (weight and size limits apply) for themselves and up to eight companions on the same reservation.⁵
Upcoming 2025 Benefit – Enhanced Seating: With the move to assigned seating, A-List members will gain enhanced seat selection options, including the ability to select a Preferred or Standard seat at booking (when available) and potentially upgrade to Extra Legroom seats closer to departure.⁶

A-List Preferred Perks: The VIP Treatment

A-List Preferred status includes all the benefits of A-List, plus several significant upgrades:

100% Earning Bonus: Earn double the base Rapid Rewards points on qualifying flights.²⁸
Free Inflight WiFi: Complimentary internet access on WiFi-enabled aircraft where available.¹⁷
Complimentary Premium Drinks: Receive up to two free premium alcoholic beverages per flight leg on flights over 250 miles where service is available.¹⁷
Dedicated A-List Preferred Phone Line: Access to the highest priority customer service line.²⁸
Upcoming 2025 Benefit – Two Free Checked Bags: Starting May 28, 2025, A-List Preferred members will receive their first and second checked bags free for themselves and up to eight companions on the same reservation.⁵
Upcoming 2025 Benefit – Premium Seat Selection: A-List Preferred members will enjoy the highest seating priority, including the ability to select any available seat, including Extra Legroom seats, at no additional cost when booking (subject to availability).⁶

The following table summarizes the key differences between the two tiers, including upcoming changes:

Feature	A-List	A-List Preferred
Qualification (per calendar year)	20 Flights OR 35,000 TQPs ²⁸	40 Flights OR 70,000 TQPs ²⁸
Priority Boarding	Yes (Automatic check-in 36 hrs prior) ²⁸	Yes (Automatic check-in 36 hrs prior) ²⁸
Points Earning Bonus (on base points)	25% ²⁸	100% ²⁸
Free Same-Day Change / Standby	Yes ²⁸	Yes ²⁸
Priority / Express Lane Access	Yes (where available) ²⁸	Yes (where available) ²⁸
Dedicated Phone Line	Yes ²⁸	Yes (Highest Priority) ²⁸
Free Checked Bags (Post May 28, 2025)	First Bag Free (+ up to 8 companions) ⁵	First & Second Bags Free (+ up to 8 companions) ⁵
Free Inflight WiFi	No (Purchase required)	Yes (where available) ²⁸
Complimentary Premium Drinks	No (Purchase required)	Up to 2 per leg (eligible flights) ²⁸
Seat Selection (Upcoming Assigned Seats)	Select Preferred/Standard at booking; Upgrade to Extra Legroom within 48 hrs (all subject to avail.) ⁶	Select any available seat (incl. Extra Legroom) at booking (subject to avail.) ⁶

The Coveted Companion Pass: Fly with a Friend for Free

Arguably the most celebrated perk in the U.S. airline loyalty landscape, the Southwest Companion Pass® offers tremendous value for those who frequently travel with a partner, friend, or family member.

Understanding the Ultimate Perk

The Companion Pass allows the holder to designate one individual who can fly with them on any Southwest flight for essentially free – paying only the mandatory taxes and fees, which start at $5.60 per one-way trip.³ This benefit applies an unlimited number of times during the Pass’s validity, regardless of whether the Pass holder purchased their ticket with cash or redeemed Rapid Rewards points.³

The Road to Companion Pass: Qualifying Flights or Points

Earning the Companion Pass requires significant loyalty demonstrated within a single calendar year (January 1 through December 31). Members must achieve one of the following:

Fly 100 qualifying one-way flights booked through Southwest.
Earn 135,000 Companion Pass Qualifying Points (CPQPs). ³

What Counts (and What Doesn’t) Towards Qualification

Understanding which activities generate CPQPs is crucial for tracking progress accurately.

Activities that DO count towards the 135,000 CPQP requirement:

Points earned from revenue flights booked through Southwest.³
Points earned from spending on Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Cards.³
Base points earned from transactions with Rapid Rewards partners (e.g., hotel stays, car rentals, Rapid Rewards Shopping®, Rapid Rewards Dining®, specialty partners like 1-800-Flowers, energy providers, etc.).³

Activities that do NOT count towards the 135,000 CPQP requirement:

Points purchased directly from Southwest.³
Points transferred between Rapid Rewards members.³
Points gifted to another member.³²
Points converted from hotel and car rental partner loyalty programs (e.g., transferring hotel points to Southwest).³
Points received from enrollment promotions.³
Tier bonus points (the 25% bonus for A-List or 100% bonus for A-List Preferred).³
Any other promotional flight bonus points.³
Partner bonus points (unless explicitly stated as qualifying, such as certain credit card sign-up bonuses – always check specific promotion terms. Generally, only base partner points count).³
Points that would have been earned by the Companion traveling on the Pass (the Companion earns no points).³

To help cardholders, Southwest provides an annual boost: eligible Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers receive 10,000 CPQPs deposited into their account each calendar year (typically by Jan 31st or shortly after account opening), effectively reducing the earning target slightly.⁴ Only one boost is given per Rapid Rewards member, regardless of how many cards they hold.⁴

The distinction between qualifying and non-qualifying points is critical. Relying on purchased points or transfers to reach the threshold will not result in earning the Pass. It must be earned through eligible flight activity, credit card spending, and base partner points.

Activity	Counts Towards Companion Pass?	Supporting Snippets
Points from Revenue Flights (booked via SWA)	YES	³
Points from SWA Credit Card Spending	YES	³
Base Points from Partners (Hotels, Cars, etc.)	YES	³
Annual 10k CPQP Boost (Eligible Cardmembers)	YES	⁴
Purchased Points	NO	³
Points Transferred Between Members	NO	³
Points Converted from Hotel/Car Programs	NO	³
Enrollment Bonus Points	NO	³
Tier Bonus Points (A-List/A-List Preferred)	NO	³
Flight/Partner Bonus Points (Generally)	NO	³
Points Earned by Companion on Pass Travel	NO	³

A crucial element of timing relates to credit card points. CPQPs earned via credit card spending count towards the calendar year in which they post to the Rapid Rewards account, which happens after the statement closing date, not the date the purchase was made.³ This means purchases made late in December might have their points post in January, counting towards the following year’s qualification. Members nearing the 135,000-point threshold late in the year must carefully monitor their statement closing dates and points posting timing to ensure they qualify within the correct calendar year.

Using Your Pass: Designating and Booking for Your Companion

Once the qualification threshold is met, the member can designate their chosen Companion online through their Rapid Rewards account profile.³

Booking travel with the Companion involves a two-step process:

The Companion Pass holder books their own flight reservation first (using either cash or points).
After securing their own booking, the Pass holder navigates to the “My Trips” section of their account, finds the relevant flight, and clicks the “Add Companion” link. This initiates the booking for the Companion, requiring only the payment of applicable taxes and fees.³

Bookings can also be made by calling Southwest customer service.³ It’s important to remember that a Companion’s reservation, paid only with taxes and fees, is not considered a purchased flight and cannot be used as the basis for adding another Companion.⁴

Regarding boarding, the Companion Pass holder and their Companion generally receive sequential boarding positions when checking in together.⁴ However, exceptions exist. If the Pass holder purchased a Business Select fare (receiving an A1-A15 position), purchased Upgraded Boarding, added the Companion after their own boarding position was assigned, or made same-day travel changes, the Companion will receive a boarding position based on their own status or check-in time, not necessarily sequential to the Pass holder.⁴

How Long it Lasts & Changing Your Companion

The Companion Pass offers significant longevity. It is valid from the time it is earned through the end of that calendar year, PLUS the entire following calendar year.³ For example, earning the Pass in August 2024 means it’s valid until December 31, 2025.

While the Pass offers immense value, members aren’t locked into a single companion forever. The designated Companion can be changed up to three times during each calendar year that the Companion Pass is valid.⁴ Before changing the Companion, any existing reservations for the current Companion must be canceled.³³ Changes can be made online or via the app.³³ This flexibility accommodates changing relationships or travel partners, although the limit necessitates some strategic thought when initially choosing and subsequently changing the designated person.

Know the Rules: Important Program Details

Like any loyalty program, Rapid Rewards operates under a specific set of rules and regulations. Understanding these is key to avoiding pitfalls and managing expectations.

The Best Perk: Your Points Don’t Expire!

One of the most consumer-friendly aspects of Rapid Rewards is that points do not expire as long as the member’s account remains open.¹ This removes the pressure often felt in other programs where points vanish after a period of inactivity, allowing members to save for larger redemptions without worry. However, should a member decide to close their Rapid Rewards account, any remaining points balance will be forfeited.¹¹

Key Policies

Beyond point expiration, several other rules govern the program:

Buying, Gifting, Transferring Points: While possible, these transactions come with specific limitations and costs.¹ Points are typically sold in blocks (e.g., 500 points) with minimum purchase requirements (e.g., 2,000 points) and daily maximums (e.g., 60,000 points).¹⁶ Crucially, points acquired through purchase, gift, or transfer do not count towards achieving A-List, A-List Preferred status, or the Companion Pass.³ These transactions are also non-refundable ¹⁶, and gifted points may expire if not claimed by the recipient within 12 months.³² This reinforces that status and Companion Pass must be earned through qualifying activities, not bought. Buying points should generally only be considered to top off an account for a specific redemption if absolutely necessary.
Account Integrity: Rapid Rewards membership is strictly for individual travelers. Pooling or combining points between different members is not permitted.¹¹ Each individual is limited to one account.¹¹ Southwest actively monitors account activity and reserves the right to make adjustments or take action, including account cancellation, in cases of suspected fraud, misrepresentation, abuse, or violation of program rules, the Contract of Carriage, or partner regulations.¹¹ Attempting to sell, barter, or otherwise engage in unauthorized distribution of points is strictly prohibited and can lead to cancellation of points or transactions.³²
Program Changes: Southwest explicitly reserves the right to amend, suspend, or change the Rapid Rewards program, its rules, regulations, benefits, or points structure at any time, potentially without prior notice.¹⁶ Furthermore, members do not acquire property rights in their accrued points.¹⁶ While the non-expiration policy provides security against points vanishing due to inactivity, this clause means the value or usability of those points could change based on future program modifications. The significant overhaul planned for 2025 serves as a prime example of this right being exercised. Therefore, while long-term point accumulation is possible, it carries an inherent risk of devaluation or changes to redemption options or program benefits.

Navigating the Horizon: Understanding Upcoming 2025 Changes

The year 2025 marks a period of significant transformation for Southwest Airlines and its Rapid Rewards program. A series of changes, rolling out primarily from May 28, 2025, onwards, will fundamentally alter aspects of the travel experience and the loyalty program’s structure.⁵ Understanding these changes is crucial for all members.

Fare Shake-Up: Introducing Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra

Southwest is transitioning away from its familiar Wanna Get Away®, Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, and Business Select® fare structure to a new four-tier system.⁵ The new fare products, launching in phases starting with Basic on May 28, 2025, and the others later in Q3 2025, are:

Basic: Replacing Wanna Get Away®, this will be the lowest price point, offering the fewest perks. Key features include a Standard seat assigned at check-in, no flight changes allowed (only upgrades to higher fares), non-refundable flight credit upon cancellation with a short 6-month expiration, lowest points earning (2X), and checked bags incurring a fee.⁵
Choice: Replacing Wanna Get Away Plus®, this fare allows selection of a Standard seat at booking, offers Transferable Flight Credit™ upon cancellation (12-month expiration), permits same-day confirmed changes and standby (potentially with fare difference/fees), earns 6X points, but checked bags will incur a fee.⁵
Choice Preferred: Replacing Anytime, this fare includes selection of a Preferred seat at booking, earlier boarding, refundability to Transferable Flight Credit™ (12-month expiration), free same-day change/standby, earns 10X points, but checked bags will incur a fee.⁵
Choice Extra: Replacing Business Select®, this premium fare offers selection of an Extra Legroom seat at booking, the earliest boarding (A1-A15), two free checked bags, refundability (cash or Transferable Flight Credit™ with 12-month expiration), free same-day change/standby, highest points earning (14X), free inflight internet, and premium drink benefits.⁵

The following table provides a comparison of the key features across the new fare structure effective from May/Q3 2025:

Feature	Basic	Choice	Choice Preferred	Choice Extra
(Replaces)	(Wanna Get Away®)	(Wanna Get Away Plus®)	(Anytime)	(Business Select®)
Seat Selection	Standard (Assigned at check-in)	Standard (Select at booking)	Preferred (Select at booking)	Extra Legroom (Select at booking)
Boarding Group	Last	General	Early General	Early (A1-A15)
Checked Bags (Post May 28)	Fee Applies ⁵	Fee Applies ⁵	Fee Applies ⁵	Two Free ⁵
Points Earn Ratio	2X ⁶	6X ⁶	10X ⁶	14X ⁶
Changeability	No Changes (Upgrade only) ⁶	Fare Difference ⁶	Fare Difference ⁶	Fare Difference ⁶
Cancellation Policy	Non-Refundable Flight Credit ⁶	Transferable Flight Credit™ ⁶	Refundable (as TFC™) ⁶	Refundable (Cash/TFC™) ⁶
Flight Credit Expiration	6 Months ⁶	12 Months ⁵	12 Months ⁵	12 Months ⁵
Same-Day Change/Standby	No ⁶	Yes (Change/Standby) ⁶	Yes (Free Change/Standby) ⁶	Yes (Free Change/Standby) ⁶
Priority/Express Lane	No ⁶	No ⁶	Yes ⁶	Yes ⁶
Premium Drink	Fee Applies ⁶	Fee Applies ⁶	Fee Applies ⁶	Yes (Eligible flights) ⁶
Inflight Internet	Fee Applies ⁶	Fee Applies ⁶	Fee Applies ⁶	Free ⁶

This fare restructuring represents a move towards greater segmentation, offering a bare-bones option (Basic) while concentrating more benefits (and higher point earnings) in the premium tiers.

Heads Up: New Checked Bag Fees (Effective May 28, 2025)

In a significant departure from its long-standing “Bags Fly Free” policy for the first two checked bags, Southwest will introduce checked bag fees for certain fares on reservations booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025.⁵

Fees will apply to the first and second checked bags for passengers traveling on Basic, Choice (formerly Wanna Get Away Plus®), and Choice Preferred (formerly Anytime) fares.⁵ The exact fee amounts are expected to align with industry standards and will be detailed closer to the implementation date.⁵

However, several customer groups will retain free checked bag privileges:

Passengers on Choice Extra (formerly Business Select®) fares will continue to receive two free checked bags.⁵
A-List Preferred Members will receive their first and second checked bags free.⁵
A-List Members will receive their first checked bag free.⁵
Primary Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will receive their first checked bag free.⁵ Importantly, this benefit does not provide an additional free bag if the member already qualifies through status (e.g., an A-List member who is also a cardholder still only gets one free bag).⁵
The checked bag benefit for Tier members and Cardmembers extends to up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservation.⁵
Companion Pass holders traveling with their Companion will share the bag benefit of the qualifying member.⁵
Hawaii residents traveling between the Hawaiian islands will continue to receive two free checked bags.⁵

Existing fees for third and subsequent bags, as well as for overweight (51-100 lbs) and oversized (over 62 inches) bags, remain applicable.³⁶ This policy change makes elite status and holding a Southwest credit card significantly more valuable for travelers who typically check bags.

Important: Flight Credit Expiration Policy Update (Effective May 28, 2025)

Another major policy shift involves the expiration of flight credits. In July 2022, Southwest announced that flight credits would no longer expire, a move widely praised by consumers.³⁸ However, this policy is being reversed for new bookings and changes made on or after May 28, 2025.⁵

Flight credits and Transferable Flight Credits™ generated from tickets purchased or voluntarily changed on or after this date will have an expiration date.⁵

For Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra fares, the credit will typically expire 12 months from the original ticketing date.⁵
For the new Basic fare, the credit will expire just 6 months from the original ticketing date.⁶

Crucially, all travel booked using an expiring flight credit must be completed by the expiration date, not just booked.⁵

It is vital to understand that flight credits (both regular and Transferable) issued before May 28, 2025, remain unaffected by this change and do not expire, provided they are not applied to a new booking made on or after May 28, 2025, which is subsequently canceled (in which case the new credit issued would expire).⁵

Coming Soon: Assigned Seating Explained

Southwest is preparing to move away from its unique open seating policy, where passengers choose their own seats upon boarding based on their boarding group. The airline plans to introduce assigned seating, with reservations for flights featuring this system expected to begin in the second half of 2025 for travel commencing in 2026.⁵

The cabin will feature new seat categories:

Standard Seat: Offering standard legroom, located towards the back.⁶
Preferred Seat: Likely located in more desirable sections of the Standard area.⁶
Extra Legroom Seat: Offering more space, presumably near the front or exit rows.⁶

Seat selection privileges will be tied directly to the new fare structure:

Basic: Seat assigned automatically at check-in.⁶
Choice: Select a Standard seat at booking.⁶
Choice Preferred: Select a Preferred seat (or Standard) at booking.⁶
Choice Extra: Select an Extra Legroom seat (or any other) at booking.⁶

Rapid Rewards elite members and certain credit cardholders will also receive enhanced seating benefits:

A-List Preferred: Select any available seat, including Extra Legroom, at booking at no extra cost.⁶
A-List: Select a Preferred or Standard seat at booking; eligible to upgrade to an available Extra Legroom seat within 48 hours of departure at no extra cost.⁶
Credit Cardholders: Depending on the card type, holders may receive Preferred/Standard seat selection at booking or within 48 hours of departure, with some eligible for Extra Legroom upgrades closer to departure.⁶

This shift to assigned seating represents perhaps the most significant operational change for Southwest in decades, bringing it in line with nearly all other major carriers.

Other Adjustments: Point Earning Ratios & Redemption Rates

As mentioned earlier, the points earned per dollar spent are changing with the new fare structure, generally increasing for the highest tier (Choice Extra/Business Select®) and decreasing for the lowest tiers (Basic/Wanna Get Away® and Choice/Wanna Get Away Plus®) compared to historical levels before March 2025.⁵

Additionally, the number of points required for reward flights became more variable in March 2025. Redemption rates now factor in demand more significantly, meaning peak travel dates or popular routes may require more points than before, while off-peak or less popular flights might require fewer.⁵ While Southwest maintains its commitment to no blackout dates and unlimited reward seats, the cost in points for desirable flights may increase.⁵

Collectively, these 2025 changes signal a strategic pivot for Southwest. The introduction of bag fees for most fares, the return of expiring flight credits, increased fare segmentation, and the move to assigned seating align the airline more closely with the revenue models and operational practices of legacy carriers. While potentially boosting ancillary revenue and rewarding top-tier customers more explicitly, these changes risk diluting the unique “Transfarency®” brand identity ¹ that has historically attracted loyal customers seeking simplicity and value. The enhanced benefits tied to elite status and credit card ownership (free bags, better seating) create a stronger incentive for customers to pursue these markers of loyalty to offset the new fees and restrictions.

Conclusion: Is Rapid Rewards Still Right for You?

The Southwest Rapid Rewards program is undergoing a period of profound change, shifting from a model celebrated for its simplicity and inclusivity towards one that embraces greater segmentation and ancillary revenue streams, mirroring trends across the airline industry.

Despite these transformations, several core strengths endure. Rapid Rewards points still do not expire, providing long-term value security.¹ The absence of blackout dates for reward flights remains a significant advantage.¹ And the Companion Pass continues to stand out as one of the most valuable perks available from any U.S. airline loyalty program.³ The upcoming ability for Cash + Points bookings to earn points and status credit is also a notable enhancement.¹

However, the impending changes cannot be ignored. The introduction of checked bag fees for the majority of fare types fundamentally alters the value proposition for many travelers.⁵ The return of expiring flight credits for new bookings demands greater diligence in managing travel funds.⁵ The new fare structure, particularly the restrictive Basic fare, requires careful consideration of trade-offs between price and flexibility.⁶ And the eventual move to assigned seating will change the familiar Southwest boarding experience.⁵

Ultimately, the value of the Rapid Rewards program moving forward will depend heavily on individual travel patterns and priorities.

Frequent Flyers, Status Chasers, and Companion Pass Aspirants: These travelers, particularly those achieving A-List or A-List Preferred status or earning the Companion Pass, will likely continue to find substantial value. The benefits associated with status (free bags, priority services, enhanced seating, bonus points) and the Companion Pass directly mitigate the impact of the upcoming changes and offer significant cost savings and convenience.
Southwest Credit Cardholders: Holding an eligible co-branded credit card becomes increasingly advantageous, offering a pathway to the first free checked bag, potential TQP earnings towards status, the annual CPQP boost, and enhanced seating benefits under the new system.⁵
Occasional Leisure & Budget Travelers: Those who prioritize the absolute lowest fare and travel infrequently may find the program less compelling than before. The new Basic fare, while offering the lowest price point, comes with significant restrictions, including bag fees, limited flight credit validity, and no changes allowed.⁶ These travelers will need to carefully weigh the total cost, including potential ancillary fees, against alternatives.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards program is evolving. While it retains some of its hallmark customer-friendly features, the upcoming changes necessitate a fresh evaluation by both current and prospective members. Staying informed about the ongoing rollout of these modifications via southwest.com will be essential for navigating the program effectively and continuing to maximize travel rewards in the years ahead.

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