Ends today: Southwest now lets you convert vouchers into points — but is it a good deal?
Today is the last day to take advantage of the chance to turn Southwest travel funds into Rapid Rewards points. Due to the unprecedented uncertainty around the future, every major airline continues to extend its change-fee waivers. If you've got an upcoming trip or you're thinking about booking future flights, airlines want to reassure you that you can cancel for future credit — without paying a $200 (or more) penalty.
But there's one airline that never charges change fees, even well before the pandemic. And that's Southwest.
If you voluntarily cancel a Southwest booking, you'll receive a travel fund for future use on any flight. These vouchers typically carry a one-year expiration policy and can only be used by the originally-ticketed passenger. Due to the pandemic, many funds have been extended through Sept. 7, 2022.
Sign up for the free daily TPG newsletter for more airline news!
Southwest's conversion feature
This feature debuted in August, giving travelers even more flexibility from travel funds by converting them into Rapid Rewards points. The Dallas-based carrier first announced this capability in April.
As mentioned, one of the downsides of travel funds is that they can only be used by the originally-ticketed passenger. That means that even if you purchased a ticket for a friend or family member, they'll get to use the value of the ticket for future travel.
But Rapid Rewards points can be redeemed for anyone you choose, never expire and never have change or cancellation fees. As such, they're much more flexible than travel funds.
Related: 9 ways to earn points with the Southwest Rapid Rewards program
So, should you convert travel funds into Rapid Rewards?
Well, it boils down to the conversion ratio. And based on the tickets we've analyzed, it appears to be fixed at just under 1.3 cents per point. TPG's valuation for Rapid Rewards is 1.5 cents per point, so you're gaining some value when converting funds to points.
However, when you redeem Rapid Rewards, you're still on the hook for the taxes and fees associated with your ticket. Though you're gaining some value in the conversion, you're going to need to pay out of pocket for the taxes. (Travel funds can be applied to the entire ticket, inclusive of taxes.)
In addition, you don't earn Rapid Rewards points on award tickets, but you do with tickets booked with travel funds. Furthermore, you don't earn tier-qualifying points (TQPs) or Companion Pass qualifying points (CPQPs) for award travel. So even though you're gaining some value in the conversion, you'll be losing out on the points you could've earned when flying on a paid ticket.
As long as the conversion covers the difference in taxes and you're comfortable forgoing earning points and status qualification, then I'd consider converting funds to points, especially if you want to use vouchers for other passengers. You can also review our article on 4 types of travelers who should convert Southwest funds to points.
Again, this feature is only available through today — Dec. 15, 2020 — so time's running out to weigh your options. Just note that once you process a conversion, it's non-reversible.
Related: How to redeem points with the Southwest Rapid Rewards program
Terms and conditions of the conversion
In order to qualify for the points conversion, your travel fund must expire on Sept. 7, 2022. In addition, the name on the travel fund must match the name on the Rapid Rewards account. Though you can book award travel for anyone, the points themselves must be converted into the account of the originally-ticketed passenger.
Finally, the funds must've originated from a ticket purchased on Southwest.com, through a customer representative or approved by your employer.
Related: No, Southwest didn't devalue its Rapid Rewards program overnight
Bottom line
Southwest has been offering the ability to convert restrictive travel funds into much more flexible Rapid Rewards points since August, but today is your last day to do so. There are times when it could make sense to convert your travel funds to points — assuming the conversion rate is lower than the points valuation. Note that you can't apply points to pay for taxes and fees though.
Whatever you do, make sure you've made up your mind, because conversions are non-reversible. And make your decision soon, since the feature is set to disappear at the end of the day today.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.