How to Book Southwest Flights with Points for Maximum Value
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Got Rapid Rewards points and wondering how to squeeze the most value out of them? You’re not alone. Unlike some airlines that use complicated award charts, Southwest keeps things simple: the number of points you need ties directly to the cash price of the ticket. That means if you book strategically, your points can stretch surprisingly far.
Let’s break down how Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program works, how to book flights with points, and the best hacks to maximize value.
Southwest’s program is refreshingly straightforward:
Traveler story: One flyer grabbed a $49 sale fare from Denver to Las Vegas for just 3,200 points + $5.60 in taxes. That’s unbeatable value compared to many other airlines.
Visual idea: Chart showing cash fares vs. points cost side by side.
When you search flights, toggle to “Points” instead of “Dollars.” For flexible dates, the Low Fare Calendar is the easiest way to find the cheapest point redemptions.
To check if it’s a good deal, divide the cash price by the points needed.
At checkout, you’ll only pay taxes and fees (as low as $5.60 each way for domestic flights). If you hold the Southwest Companion Pass, you can add your designated companion for just the taxes and fees—making your points go twice as far.
Visual idea: Step-by-step screenshots of the booking process with points.
Southwest runs frequent sales (often starting Tuesdays). Since points are tied to fares, you’ll pay fewer points during these events.
Short domestic routes often deliver the highest point value. For example, a $59 fare might be 3,800 points—nearly 1.55¢ per point.
This is the holy grail. Every time you redeem points for yourself, your companion flies for nearly free. Essentially, your points double in value.
Because Southwest charges no change fees, you can rebook if the fare drops and get the difference back in points.
Example: A traveler rebooked a Phoenix–San Diego trip and saved 2,000 points after a fare sale.
Visual idea: Quick tip graphic – “Book → Monitor → Rebook → Save Points.”
Southwest makes it easy to redeem points, but the real trick is timing. To get the best value:
Think of Rapid Rewards points as flexible currency—use them wisely, and they can take you twice as far.
Call (831-298-4213) today to explore Southwest redemption options and start stretching your points to their maximum value.
Let’s break down how Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program works, how to book flights with points, and the best hacks to maximize value.
How Southwest’s Rapid Rewards Program Works
Southwest’s program is refreshingly straightforward:
- Points are tied to the cash fare price—not fixed award levels.
- On average, points are worth about 1.3–1.5 cents each (NerdWallet and The Points Guy valuations).
- If a seat is available for purchase, it’s also available with points—no blackout dates.
Traveler story: One flyer grabbed a $49 sale fare from Denver to Las Vegas for just 3,200 points + $5.60 in taxes. That’s unbeatable value compared to many other airlines.
Visual idea: Chart showing cash fares vs. points cost side by side.Step-by-Step: How to Book Southwest Flights with Points
Step 1 – Search on Southwest.com or the App
When you search flights, toggle to “Points” instead of “Dollars.” For flexible dates, the Low Fare Calendar is the easiest way to find the cheapest point redemptions.
Step 2 – Compare Cash vs. Points Value
To check if it’s a good deal, divide the cash price by the points needed.
- Example: $140 fare ÷ 9,000 points = 1.55¢ per point (excellent value).
- Pro tip: Aim for 1.4¢+ per point to maximize value.
Step 3 – Confirm & Book
At checkout, you’ll only pay taxes and fees (as low as $5.60 each way for domestic flights). If you hold the Southwest Companion Pass, you can add your designated companion for just the taxes and fees—making your points go twice as far.
Visual idea: Step-by-step screenshots of the booking process with points.Hacks for Maximizing Value from Rapid Rewards
Book During Sales
Southwest runs frequent sales (often starting Tuesdays). Since points are tied to fares, you’ll pay fewer points during these events.
Use Points for Short-Haul Flights
Short domestic routes often deliver the highest point value. For example, a $59 fare might be 3,800 points—nearly 1.55¢ per point.
Pair with Companion Pass
This is the holy grail. Every time you redeem points for yourself, your companion flies for nearly free. Essentially, your points double in value.
Rebook When Prices Drop
Because Southwest charges no change fees, you can rebook if the fare drops and get the difference back in points.
Example: A traveler rebooked a Phoenix–San Diego trip and saved 2,000 points after a fare sale.
Visual idea: Quick tip graphic – “Book → Monitor → Rebook → Save Points.”Common Questions About Booking with Points
- Do points cover taxes and fees? No—you’ll still pay at least $5.60 each way.
- Can you mix cash + points? Yes, Southwest offers a Points + Cash option.
- Do you earn points when booking with points? No, only on paid fares.
Final Thoughts — Booking Southwest Flights with Points for Maximum Value
Southwest makes it easy to redeem points, but the real trick is timing. To get the best value:
- Book during sales.
- Use the Low Fare Calendar to find the cheapest redemptions.
- Rebook when fares drop.
- Pair points with a Companion Pass for two-for-one travel.
Think of Rapid Rewards points as flexible currency—use them wisely, and they can take you twice as far.
Call (831-298-4213) today to explore Southwest redemption options and start stretching your points to their maximum value.