Southwest Airlines has reintroduced a sale on its Rapid Rewards points, offering travelers a chance to buy award flights at a substantial discount.
Promotion Details
The sale, which is valid until Monday, August 19, at 11:59 p.m. PT, allows Rapid Rewards members to purchase points at a discounted rate. The discounts range from 40% to 50%, depending on the member’s status level with the airline.
“At Southwest, we give you the power to control your Rapid Rewards balance,” the airline wrote about the promotion on its website. “If your balance needs a little love, you can buy Rapid Rewards points anytime.”
Discount Rates and Purchasing Limits
The maximum discount of 50% reduces the cost of Southwest points from 3 cents to 1.5 cents each. Points must be bought in 1,000-point increments, with a daily limit of 60,000 points. However, this limit resets daily, allowing travelers to purchase as many points as needed over multiple days.
Redeeming Points
Southwest Rapid Rewards points can be redeemed for flights directly through the airline’s website or app. When booking, travelers can toggle to pay with points to see the exact cost in points at checkout. It’s important to note that purchasing points does not count towards earning the Companion Pass, which requires 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year.
Dynamic Award Pricing
Southwest prices award flights dynamically, meaning the number of points required for a flight varies based on the route and date. Additionally, one-way tickets within the U.S. will incur a $5.60 charge in taxes and fees, which is an important consideration when deciding whether to redeem points or pay cash for a flight.
Elite Status and Qualifying Points
Rapid Rewards points are distinct from tier qualifying points (TQPs), which help travelers achieve elite status. Southwest is also offering elite points for sale to Rapid Rewards members who already have at least 3,000 TQPs in their account. These elite points can help members access perks such as priority boarding and free same-day flight changes.
Conclusion
Southwest Airlines’ sale on Rapid Rewards points offers a great opportunity for travelers to save on award flights. With the possibility of purchasing points at a significant discount, now is the perfect time for Rapid Rewards members to boost their balances and plan their next trip. Remember to take advantage of this promotion before it ends on August 19.