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Southwest Airlines tweaks rules on cash + points redemptions — and it's good news

Nov. 22, 2024
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3 min read
Southwest New Seats Boarding Policy
Southwest Airlines tweaks rules on cash + points redemptions — and it's good news
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Southwest Airlines is tweaking its Rapid Rewards program for 2025, making it easier for customers to earn points and work their way toward A-List elite status.

Specifically, the Dallas-based carrier is adjusting its cash + points redemption setup that debuted this past spring.

Starting with flights flown on Jan. 1, 2025, customers will be able to earn Rapid Rewards points for the paid portion of their joint cash-and-points bookings.

SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY

Going forward, the cash portion of those bookings will also earn tier qualifying points toward A-List and A-List Preferred elite status, as well as qualifying credit toward Southwest’s much-coveted Companion Pass.

The changes will apply to flights completed from 4 a.m. EST on Jan. 1, 2025, and beyond.

Earning on Southwest cash + points redemptions

It’s a small but customer-friendly adjustment for Southwest that comes months after the carrier first started allowing cash + points redemptions. That update allows customers without enough points for a full redemption to still cover a portion of their flight with points while paying out of pocket with cash for the rest.

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Currently, Southwest does not allow travelers to earn any points or elite-qualifying credit on the paid portion of those tickets — meaning, with these bookings, you get hit with the downside of an award redemption (not earning points or elite credit) without the upside of earning on the cash you spend.

That’s now set to improve for Southwest customers when the calendar flips to the new year, and members will be able to accrue earnings on the paid base fare portion of these tickets.

Bottom line

This Rapid Rewards program tweak comes at a time of massive changes at Southwest. The airline recently laid out the nuts and bolts of its plan to ditch its longstanding open seating policy and introduce its first-ever extra legroom seats.

However, the carrier has, so far, revealed few changes to its loyalty program for 2025. We expect to see a bigger overhaul to hit the program closer to 2026, when Southwest plans to officially roll out its seating (and boarding process) changes.

Related reading:

Featured image by SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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