From a scrappy startup in 1971 flying only in the State of Texas, #SouthwestAir has grown to serve the entire Continental US as well as Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and Hawaii. They made their name in the market with low fare, no-frills service on frequent flights of mostly shorter routes. Since their inception, the carrier has almost exclusively operated the Boeing 737 aircraft which has reduced turnaround time to about 15 minutes, one third the industry average. A single aircraft type also aids in standardizing flight training and operations and simplifies maintenance. They are the world’s largest operator of the B737 with some 745 in service and another 276 orders on the books. (Orders don’t always equal deliveries though as airlines often reduce the number of aircraft ordered as they renegotiate their terms.)
The first Southwest frequent flyer program was initiated in 1987 and called The Company Club. Unlike competitor programs of the day that were based on miles flown, their program only awarded credit for trips made, regardless of distance. The program was renamed Rapid Rewards in 1996. Originally, one credit was offered for a flight from an origin to a destination, not counting any stops or connections. When 16 credits were accumulated within a 24-month period, Southwest awarded the member with one free, round-trip ticket valid for 12 months. Easy breezy. But all that changed in 2011.
Under their newer program rules, members earn points for every dollar spent on Southwest flights. (As we learned in earlier posts, #AmericanAir and #Delta have also instituted a spend requirement tied to earning miles in their programs.) Southwest typically offers 3 pricing options on every scheduled flight and each one earns a different number of points. The least expensive “Wanna Get Away” fares earn 6 points per dollar spent while the mid-level priced tickets called “Anytime” will land you 10 points per dollar. The most expensive “Business Select” fares offer 12 points for each dollar spent with the airline. You will also receive priority boarding (positions 1 through 15) and a coupon for a free drink during your flight.
Bags fly free on Southwest and there are no advance seat assignments. So, during the boarding process, passengers are instructed to “line up” in order based upon their boarding group (A, B or C) and position (1 to 60). The earlier passengers check in for their flight online (no sooner than 24 hours prior to departure), the lower their position number and possibly their group. Customers who purchase EarlyBird Check-in (ranging in cost from $15 to $25 each way per passenger) are automatically checked in for their flight and assigned their boarding group and position.
There are 4 different levels to the Rapid Rewards Program. Basic membership gives you the opportunity to earn points every time you fly the airline. The next tier is A-List and, to attain this status, you must fly 25 flight segments (one-way trips that also include layovers and connections) or earn 35,000 qualifying points within one calendar year. A-List members earn a 25% bonus on top of the points collected for every flight. They also receive complimentary, same-day standby privileges, priority boarding and Fly By Access which is the ability to bypass longer lines at ticket counters and security checkpoints (at participating airports). Finally, A-List members have access to a dedicated reservations phone line. After flying 50 flight segments or earning 70,000 tier qualifying points within one calendar year, you will earn A-List Preferred status. This will enable you to earn twice as many bonus points in addition to the base points received for each flight. Benefits include all of those mentioned above for A-List members as well as free W-fi (when available) and a different dedicated phone line.
The top Southwest tier is Companion Pass. This coveted status level is achieved by flying 100 flight segments or earning 110,000 Companion Pass qualifying points within a calendar year. This premier status permits you to bring a companion of your choice with you for free (excluding taxes and fees) for the entire year whenever you fly on a purchased or redeemed ticket. You can designate your companion online and can change who receives these benefits up to 3 times per calendar year. Companions are not permitted to earn Rapid Rewards points. All of the benefits given to A-List Preferred members are also awarded to these top-level fliers. To maintain any of the Southwest status levels, you must renew your qualifications on an annual basis.
Southwest does not have any airline partners. Program points may be earned with hotels, rental cars, their dining program and with a number of retailers belonging to the Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal accessible from their website. They have also partnered with #Chase in offering 2 Visa cards. The Plus card earns 2 points for every $1 spent on Southwest Airlines purchases made directly from the airline or in spend on hotels and car rental partner purchases. One point is earned per dollar spent on all other purchases. This card has a $69 annual fee and offers 3,000 points on the anniversary of card membership. Their Priority Visa card comes with a $149 annual fee and offers the same aforementioned benefits as well as 7,500 anniversary points , 4 upgraded boardings per year and a $75 Southwest annual travel credit. This card also offers 20% back on all inflight purchases, charges no foreign transaction fees and awards 1,500 tier qualifying points toward A-List and A-List Preferred status for every $10,000 spend up to $100,000.
Fortunately, the carrier does not have any blackout dates for award travel and Rapid Rewards points do not expire. They may be turned in for any flight to any destination but the points needed are higher during popular travel periods. They do not publish an award chart but simply charge according to the current cash price of the ticket. This is great when the cash price of the ticket goes on sale but isn't very helpful in trying to plan ahead. You've just got to check on your desired route every so often to see what it'll cost as award prices will fluctuate with the ticket prices. It isn't all bad as their route system has expanded to include some dream destinations. With Hawaii flights now under their belt, it will be interesting to see where in the world Southwest chooses to expand their network in days to come.
Until next time...safe travels.
Nice explanation George - but what a convoluted system they all seem to operate ...