{"id":52095,"date":"2026-10-28T23:51:43","date_gmt":"2026-10-28T23:51:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=52095"},"modified":"2026-10-28T23:51:43","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T23:51:43","slug":"southwest-rapid-rewards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/airlines\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/","title":{"rendered":"Southwest Rapid Rewards Guide: Navigating a Reshaped Program"},"content":{"rendered":"

Southwest Rapid Rewards long stood out as one of the most consumer-friendly airline loyalty programs in the U.S. Policies like no change or cancellation fees, two free checked bags, and the legendary Southwest Companion Pass helped Southwest build a reputation as a fan favorite — especially among families and casual travelers.<\/p>\n

The Southwest of today looks much different thanks to several key program changes. The airline has quietly slashed earning rates on its most-popular fares<\/a>, rolled out variable award pricing, and most notably, started charging for checked bags \u2014 all while introducing basic fares and shortened expiration windows for travel credits. If that's not enough, in October 2026, Southwest announced its biggest elite status overhaul in years<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Each of these moves marks a stark pivot for a brand once built on transparency and value. So what does that mean for Rapid Rewards? How can you navigate a new Southwest? And how do you utilize Rapid Rewards points to their full potential? This guide explores every aspect of the Rapid Rewards program as it stands today.<\/p>\n

Editor's note:<\/strong> Southwest Rapid Rewards is undergoing significant changes on January 1, 2027<\/a>, including updates to earning rates, elite status, and Companion Pass qualification. This guide reflects the current program rules. We'll update it as the changes take effect.<\/em><\/p>\n

Southwest Rapid Rewards Overview<\/span><\/h2>\n

Established in 1967, Southwest Airlines is a big name in the U.S. travel market. In 2025, the Dallas-based low-cost carrier flew more than 130 million passengers to 121 airports in 12 countries, making it one of the world's largest low-cost carriers.<\/p>\n

However, many of the policies that differentiated Southwest from other carriers are gone. For one, Southwest historically hadn't partnered or codeshared with any other carriers. Now, Southwest has 11 partners and counting, allowing Southwest flyers to combine a domestic flight with an international partner on one ticket.<\/p>\n

\"Southwest
Screenshot of Southwest<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n

The Southwest boarding and seating process is now more mainstream also. Passengers board in boarding groups<\/a> like most airlines. Likewise, there are three seat classes — Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom — that passengers can either purchase separately, purchase as part of a higher fare class, or get for free as a perk of status or a credit card.<\/p>\n

Under Southwest's bag policy<\/a>, you'll pay $45 for your first bag, and $55 for your second, on all but the most expensive Southwest fares. Only passengers flying on a Choice Extra fare or with top-tier A-List Preferred status get two free checked bags. Those with A-List status or who hold a Southwest co-branded credit card get one.<\/p>\n

Even the value of Rapid Rewards points has changed. Southwest used a fixed-but-fair redemption model where the number of points required for an award redemption was directly tied to the fare price. But with Southwest launching variable award pricing in 2025,<\/a> that's no longer the case.<\/p>\n

One thing does remain the same, though. The best part of Southwest Rapid Rewards is arguably its fabled Southwest Companion Pass<\/a>. This perk can save you thousands of dollars per year if you regularly travel with a companion, and it is here to stay.<\/p>\n

How To Sign Up for Southwest Rapid\u00a0Rewards<\/span><\/h2>\n

Before you can earn or redeem Southwest Rapid Rewards points, you'll need to sign up for a Rapid Rewards account. The easiest way is to go to southwest.com\/enroll<\/a>. You'll need to provide personal information to create a Southwest account, including your first name, last name, date of birth, gender, address, phone number, and email address. You'll also create a username and set your password. If desired, you can opt in to receive Southwest news and promotions.<\/p>\n

Signing up for Southwest Rapid Rewards is completely free. In addition to enrolling online, you can download the Southwest Airlines mobile app and use it to enroll in Rapid Rewards. You can use either to enroll your kids as well.<\/p>\n

Track Southwest Rapid Rewards in AwardWallet<\/span><\/h3>\n

We encourage everyone to sign up for an AwardWallet account<\/a> to track their miles and points balances all in one place. However, Southwest doesn't allow AwardWallet to track your points balance and travel reservations directly. It's unfortunate, but you're not totally out of luck. You still can use AwardWallet in conjunction with Southwest Rapid Rewards \u2014 it just involves forwarding some emails.<\/p>\n

To use AwardWallet to track your Southwest Rapid Rewards account, follow these steps:<\/p>\n