So you’ve accumulated a generous amount of points through your travels with Southwest Airlines, and now you’re wondering how to put them to good use. Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the incredibly simple process of using your hard-earned points on Southwest. Whether you’re looking to book a flight, upgrade your seat, or even gift your points to someone else, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to make the most of your Southwest points and embark on your next adventure hassle-free!
Booking Flights with Points
Check your point balance
Before you can start booking flights with your points, it’s essential to check your point balance. This will give you an idea of how many points you have available and will help you plan your trip accordingly. You can easily check your point balance by logging into your Southwest account.
Sign in to your account
To access your Southwest account and proceed with booking flights using your points, you need to sign in. Enter your username or email address and password to log in. If you don’t have an account yet, you can sign up for one on the Southwest Airlines website.
Search for flights
Once you’re signed in, you can start searching for flights. Enter your departure and arrival airports, as well as your desired travel dates. Southwest’s booking system will display a list of available flights for your chosen route on the specified dates.
Select the flights with available points
After searching for flights, you will see a list of options. Some flights may have points available for redemption, while others may not. Look for the flights that show the points required for booking and determine if they fit your travel plans. It’s important to note that the availability of flights with points can vary, so it’s best to book as early as possible.
Complete the booking process
Once you have selected your desired flights with available points, you can proceed with the booking process. Fill in the required passenger information and any additional details requested. Review your booking details, including the points required for the flight, and confirm your reservation. Congratulations! You’ve successfully booked your flight using points.
Upgrading to Business Select
Check your eligibility
To upgrade to Southwest’s Business Select, you need to check your eligibility. Ensure that you have a qualifying fare and that your flight is eligible for upgrades. Business Select is available on certain flights, so it’s essential to confirm if your particular flight allows upgrades.
Call Southwest customer service
To inquire about upgrading to Business Select, call Southwest customer service. They have a dedicated team that can assist you with upgrading your reservation. Provide them with your confirmation number, and they will guide you through the process.
Inquire about availability
Once you’re on the phone with Southwest customer service, inquire about the availability of Business Select upgrades for your flight. They will be able to check if there are any open seats in the Business Select cabin and provide you with the necessary information.
Pay the price difference
If Business Select upgrades are available for your flight, you will need to pay the price difference between your original fare and the Business Select fare. The customer service representative will inform you of the additional amount required for the upgrade. You can provide your payment information over the phone to complete the transaction.
Receive confirmation
Once you have paid the price difference for the Business Select upgrade, you will receive confirmation of your upgraded reservation. This confirmation will reflect your upgraded seating and any additional benefits that come with flying Business Select, such as priority boarding and enhanced in-flight service.
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Using Points for Companion Pass
Earn 125,000 qualifying points in a calendar year
To use points for the Companion Pass, you need to earn 125,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. These points can be earned through a combination of flights, credit card spending, and other eligible activities that contribute to your Rapid Rewards account.
Designate a companion
Once you have earned the required 125,000 qualifying points, you can designate a companion to fly with you for free. This companion can be changed up to three times in a calendar year, giving you flexibility in choosing who you want to travel with.
Confirm your companion’s details
Before using your points for the Companion Pass, ensure that you have accurately entered and confirmed your companion’s details. This includes their name, date of birth, and any other required information. Double-checking this information will help avoid any issues when booking flights with your Companion Pass.
Redeem points for Companion Pass
Once you have confirmed your companion’s details, you can redeem your points for the Companion Pass. Log in to your Southwest account and navigate to the Companion Pass section. Follow the instructions provided to complete the redemption process. Once the redemption is successful, you and your designated companion can start enjoying free flights together.
Enjoy flying with your companion
With your Companion Pass, you and your designated companion can enjoy flying together without using additional points. Whether it’s for business or leisure travel, having the ability to bring someone along without incurring extra costs is a fantastic benefit. Take full advantage of your Companion Pass and create lasting memories with your travel companion.
Booking International Flights
Check if the destination is eligible
Before booking international flights with your points, check if your desired destination is eligible. Southwest Airlines offers international flights to certain destinations, and not all routes may be available for redemption using points. Visit the Southwest website or contact their customer service for a list of eligible international destinations.
Convert points to International Partner currency
Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program allows you to convert your points to international partner currency. This can be done through the More Rewards portal, which provides options for exchanging your points for various currencies. Convert your points to the currency of the partner airline you wish to book your international flight with.
Search for available flights
Once you have converted your points to the international partner currency, you can start searching for available flights. Visit the partner airline’s website or contact their customer service to check for flights that suit your travel plans. Keep in mind that availability may vary, so it’s best to book in advance.
Complete the booking process
After finding the international flights you want, complete the booking process through the partner airline’s website or by contacting their customer service. Provide the necessary information, such as passenger details and travel dates, to finalize your reservation. Make sure to have your converted points ready for redemption.
Check the partner airline’s rules and policies
Before booking your international flight, familiarize yourself with the partner airline’s rules and policies. This includes information on baggage allowances, check-in procedures, and any additional fees that may apply. Being aware of these details will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience when traveling internationally with your Southwest points.
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Canceling or Changing Flights
Review Southwest’s cancellation policy
Before making any changes to your flight, it’s essential to review Southwest’s cancellation policy. Understanding the terms and conditions for cancellations and changes will help you determine if any fees or penalties may apply. Familiarize yourself with the timeframes for making changes and any associated costs.
Go to ‘Manage Reservations’ on their website
To cancel or change your flight, visit the Southwest Airlines website and navigate to the ‘Manage Reservations’ section. This is where you can access your booking and make any necessary adjustments. Follow the prompts to log in to your account and access your reservation details.
Enter your confirmation number and name
To proceed with canceling or changing your flight, enter your confirmation number and the name associated with the reservation. This information will allow Southwest’s system to retrieve your booking and display the available options for modifications.
Select the flight you want to cancel or change
After accessing your reservation, select the specific flight you wish to cancel or change. Southwest’s system will present you with the available options for modifications, such as selecting a new flight, changing the date, or canceling the reservation altogether. Choose the option that best suits your needs.
Follow the instructions to complete the process
Once you have selected the desired changes to your flight, follow the instructions provided to complete the cancellation or modification process. This may involve confirming your changes, selecting new flights, or providing any necessary payment information. Ensure that you review all details before finalizing the process to avoid any errors.
Booking Hotel and Car Rentals
Navigate to Southwest’s Hotel or Car Rental page
To book hotel or car rentals using your Southwest points, navigate to the corresponding page on the Southwest Airlines website. These pages allow you to search for and book hotels and car rentals in conjunction with your flight reservation.
Enter your destination and dates
Once on the hotel or car rental page, enter your destination and travel dates. This will help narrow down the search results to options that are available during your desired dates of travel.
Browse available options
After entering your destination and dates, browse through the available hotel or car rental options. Southwest’s website will display a list of choices, including details such as star ratings, amenities, and prices. Take the time to review the options and select the one that best fits your preferences.
Select the desired hotel or car rental
Once you have found the hotel or car rental you want to book, select it to proceed with the reservation. This will bring you to a page where you can review the details of your selection and make any necessary adjustments before confirming the booking.
Choose ‘Points’ as the payment method
When you are ready to complete the booking process, select ‘Points’ as the payment method. This will allow you to use your Southwest points for the hotel or car rental reservation. Follow the instructions provided to finalize the booking and receive your confirmation.
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Using Points for Upgrades
Check your eligibility for upgrade
To use your points for upgrades, check your eligibility. Certain fare types and flights may not be eligible for upgrades, so it’s important to confirm if you qualify. Southwest’s website and customer service representatives can assist you in determining your eligibility.
Log in to your Southwest account
To proceed with using your points for upgrades, log in to your Southwest account. This will give you access to your reservations and allow you to manage them accordingly.
Go to ‘Manage Reservations’
Once you are logged in, go to the ‘Manage Reservations’ section of the Southwest website. This is where you can view and modify your existing bookings.
Select the flight you want to upgrade
After accessing the ‘Manage Reservations’ section, select the flight for which you want to use your points for an upgrade. The system will display the available options for upgrading, such as upgrading to Business Select or obtaining extra legroom.
Follow the prompts to complete the upgrade with points
Once you have selected the desired upgrade option, follow the prompts provided to complete the process using your points. This may involve confirming the upgrade, reviewing the additional points required, and finalizing the transaction. Make sure to carefully review all details before proceeding to ensure a smooth upgrade experience.
Booking Vacation Packages
Visit the Southwest Vacations website
To book vacation packages using your Southwest points, visit the Southwest Vacations website. This platform allows you to browse and book comprehensive vacation packages that include flights, hotels, and even car rentals.
Enter your destination and travel dates
Once on the Southwest Vacations website, enter your destination and desired travel dates. This will bring up a list of available vacation packages tailored to your preferences.
Browse available vacation packages
After entering your destination and travel dates, browse through the available vacation packages. Southwest Vacations offers a wide range of options, from beach getaways to city escapes. Take the time to explore the packages and find the one that suits your travel goals.
Choose the desired package
Once you have found the vacation package that appeals to you, select it to access the specific details and inclusions. This will provide you with a comprehensive overview of what the package offers, allowing you to gauge if it aligns with your preferences.
Select the ‘Points’ payment option
When you are ready to book the vacation package, select the ‘Points’ payment option. This will give you the option to use your Southwest points for the package. Follow the instructions provided to complete the booking process and secure your vacation package with your points.
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Redeeming Points for Gift Cards and Merchandise
Login to your Rapid Rewards account
To redeem your points for gift cards and merchandise, log in to your Rapid Rewards account. This will give you access to the rewards redemption section.
Go to the ‘Redeem Points’ section
Once logged in, navigate to the ‘Redeem Points’ section of your Rapid Rewards account. This is where you can explore the available options for redeeming your points for gift cards and merchandise.
Select the ‘Gift Cards’ or ‘Merchandise’ category
After accessing the ‘Redeem Points’ section, select either the ‘Gift Cards’ or ‘Merchandise’ category, depending on your preference. This will display the available options for redemption within that specific category.
Browse available options
Take the time to browse through the available options for gift cards or merchandise redemption. Southwest’s rewards program offers a wide range of choices, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Choose the desired item and redeem points
Once you have found the gift card or merchandise item you want, select it and follow the instructions to redeem your points. The system will guide you through the process, ensuring a seamless redemption experience.
Understanding Point Expiration
Be aware of Southwest’s point expiration policy
Understanding Southwest’s point expiration policy is crucial to ensure you don’t lose any earned points. Southwest points have an expiration period, so it’s essential to be aware of the expiration date and plan accordingly.
Log in to your account regularly
To stay updated on your point balance and their expiration date, make it a habit to log in to your Southwest account regularly. This will allow you to monitor your points and take necessary action to prevent them from expiring.
Redeem or earn points to keep them active
To keep your points active, make sure to redeem or earn points regularly. Utilize your points for flights, upgrades, hotel stays, and more to ensure they are in constant use. Additionally, consider Southwest’s partners and affiliated credit cards that offer opportunities to earn more points.
Consider transferring points to another loyalty program
If you have a surplus of Southwest points that are nearing their expiration date, consider transferring them to another loyalty program. Southwest offers the option to transfer your points to select travel partners, allowing you to extend the usability of your points.
Contact Southwest for any questions or concerns
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your Southwest points and their expiration, don’t hesitate to contact Southwest’s customer service. Their representatives are trained to assist you and provide any necessary information or guidance regarding point expiration and redemption options.
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