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If you can stomach yet another post about Southwest Airlines changing something, here's one more. The airline has made changes to the way customers can book travel packages. Dubbed “Getaways by Southwest,” Rapid Reward members can now earn points when packaging multiple aspects of their trip — from flights to hotels, rental cars, and more.
Even better, those who long for the days when you can check multiple bags for free — without having to splurge on a more-expensive fare or carry a Southwest co-branded credit card — will be excited to see that Southwest Getaways bookings include two free checked bags.
What Is Getaways by Southwest?
Getaways by Southwest is a travel booking platform that will allow users to bundle all elements of their vacation — centered around Southwest flights. The program is launching in 30+ destinations, with popular locations such as Las Vegas, Orlando, Hawaii, Cancun, Punta Cana, and more. And it's now available for bookings with departures starting from September 16, 2025.
Only ~30 destinations can be somewhat limiting, but Southwest aims to expand the program's reach. With recent partnerships between Southwest and Icelandair as well as China Airlines, Getaways should be a way to package trips to more international destinations down the road.
Just note that hotels booked through Getaways — like other online travel agencies — likely won't earn status or qualifying nights on the stay.
Getaways by Southwest Terms and Conditions
Not everyone likes to package all aspects of their vacation into one booking. But, for those who crave simplicity, this can be the perfect way to plan a trip — especially to a family-oriented destination such as Orlando. There are some crucial aspects of the new program to highlight when deciding if this is the right fit for your vacation.
- For now, members cannot use Rapid Reward points to pay for Getaways. This is a huge bummer, as using points to save money is always important to award travelers. Southwest is planning to implement this ability down the road.
- All Getaway packages will earn 5X Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent. This is a great way to accelerate earnings to use on the next trip. These points count toward earning Southwest elite status — but not toward earning the Southwest Companion Pass. The points are earned on base rates (less taxes and fees) and are divided evenly among all travelers on the reservation.
- All travelers on a Getaways booking will receive 2 free checked bags. Southwest recently ditched its free bag policy, opting for baggage fees. The ability for everyone to get two free bags can certainly add up, especially for a large family.
- All Getaway bookings can be changed for free (price difference may apply), and cancellations will result in a flight credit valid for 18 months.
- The Southwest Companion Pass can't be utilized on Getaways bookings.
- See all the terms and conditions here.
How to Book Getaways by Southwest
Booking Southwest Getaways is easy. Head to the Getaways by Southwest and you can choose to book any combination of Flight, Hotel, and Car.
Once you add your travelers, cities, and dates, you can choose the individual flights and hotels you desire. It will show you the total package price as well as the Rapid Rewards points each traveler will earn. The example below is just under $2,400 for four nights at the Walt Disney Swan, round-trip flights for two, and a four-day rental car. Plus, each member earns 4,558 Rapid Rewards points.
Bottom Line
Vacation packages aren't for everyone. But for a one-stop-shop vacation solution, Getaways by Southwest is providing more incentives to book through their new platform. The chance to earn Southwest points and get two free checked bags per passenger makes the program even more appealing. If and when the ability to use Southwest points to pay for all or part of the booking goes live, that will be a nice addition.
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