The Southwest Rapid Rewards loyalty program may not have the same elite perks you'll find with other airlines, but it still offers good value. Two notable advantages are the program's lack of blackout dates for award redemptions and the incredible Companion Pass benefit, allowing you to bring a companion on paid and award flights for just the cost of taxes and fees.
If you are new to Southwest Airlines or want to learn more about its loyalty program, this guide will cover everything you need to know about redeeming your Rapid Rewards points — as well as how the program may change in light of Southwest's recent changes and credit card overhaul.
The booking process is simple. Head to Southwest's website, enter your flight search parameters and check the "Points" option at the top right. If desired, you can filter by details like price, duration and departure time. Select the one you want, log in to your account (if you haven't already) and follow the on-screen steps to complete your redemption.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on The Points Guy Articles.
