The Rapid Rewards program only applies to Southwest Airlines, and earning and redeeming are dynamically linked to the ticket price. As such, the opportunities to get more value out of points are limited (with no “sweet spot” redemption of points, for example). However, there are still ways to ensure the best value of points. This short guide will examine the loyalty program with some tips to help you earn and spend points.

Tips for earning points

Use for Southwest Airlines flights. The Rapid Rewards program only makes sense for Southwest Airlines flyers, as miles can only be earned and redeemed with the one airline. Credit to Southwest Airlines flights here, but you can always use other airline loyalty programs for broader earnings.

Photo: Jeramey Lende | Shutterstock.

Consider fare type when buying tickets. The points earned from Southwest Flights are based on the fare type. Business Select fares earn double the points compared to the lowest. Factor this into any fare difference and other benefits offered.

Use credit cards to boost earnings. Earning opportunities with Rapid Rewards are limited to just Southwest Airlines flights as opposed to earning with the legacy airlines, where this is possible through many other partner airlines. Using a Southwest Airlines co-branded credit card to supplement earnings from flying can make a big difference.

Photo: Southwest Airlines

Focus on other earning sources as well. Earning points from flying may be limited to Southwest Airlines, but Rapid Rewards has many different ways to earn, such as hotels, cars, shopping, and dining. With other airline programs, you have more options for earning while flying, so frequent flyers may choose to direct other spending to Rapid Rewards.

Tips for spending points

Search flexibly for points flights. Points rates can vary significantly between routes and flights as they are based dynamically on cash prices. You may save points by looking at different times or even nearby airports. There is a low-fare finding tool on the airline website that can help with this.

Image: Southwest Airlines

Points tickets can be canceled for free. Any ticket (of any of the four fare types) canceled up to just before the flight’s departure will be refunded in full (points and any taxes/fees paid). This is unusual with loyalty programs and is a great way to make flexible bookings.

Pay attention to the Companion Pass. The Southwest Companion Pass represents some of the best value in the US loyalty market. When buying one ticket, a nominated passenger can fly for free (just paying taxes). You can get an excellent double value from your points when used for a high-value premium or international route.

Combine points. Remember that points are not just earned from flying. Credit card and other base points earned all count to the target. In particular, so do credit card bonuses, including the new 10,000-point annual cardholder bonus. Note that buying or transferring points does not count.

Photo: Southwest Airlines

The Rapid Rewards program is quite limited, with point values tied to cash prices. Feel free to discuss other ways to get the most value out of points in the comments section below.