Southwest Points Value Calculator: Are They Worth Redeeming?

Are you confused about how much your Southwest points are actually worth? Don’t worry! We are here to shoo away any confusion that comes your way. If you are a frequent flyer or have signed up for the airline’s loyalty program, you must have been down that road before, where you can’t help but think: How much are my hard-earned points? In short, Southwest Rapid Reward points value is about 1.3 to 1.5 cents each. 

Similarly, this blog on the Southwest Points Value Calculator will precisely answer all your queries related to the same concern.  

What are Southwest Rapid Reward Points Value?

Just think of Southwest Rapid Reward Points as the special money that you can use for flights. But here’s the thing: the airline doesn’t have a fixed value like regular dollars. Generally, Southwest points are worth about 1.3 to 1.5 cents each, but this can change depending on when and where you’re flying. Basically, this value helps determine whether a redemption is worth it or not. 

How to Calculate Southwest Points?

Here’s a super easy way to calculate your Southwest Points and figure out what your hard-earned rewards are worth:

1. Start by finding the cash price of your ticket (for example, it is $300).
2. Find the point price for the same flight (let’s say it is 25,000 points).
3. Now, use this easy math: (Cash Price * 100) ÷ point price = Value per point. 

It’s not that hard; just go by the given formula. For insurance:

• Flight costs $300 or 25,000 points.
• If we implement the formula: $300*100 ÷ 25,000 = 1.2 cents per point.

When Are Southwest Rapid Reward Points Worth More?

Your Southwest point can stretch further in certain situations. Typically, the most worthwhile scenario is when you use it for purchasing the airline’s flight. Here are some other situations during which using the rapid reward point is worth more:

• When booking Wanna Get Away fare.
• For popular holiday routes.
• Last-minute bookings, when the cash price of the tickets is high.

However, to maximize the benefit of your earned points to the fullest, you’ll have to keep certain things in mind. Especially avoid the following mistakes:

• Not checking cash and points price. 
• Forgetting about taxes and fees.
• Not comparing different travel dates.
• Missing out on bonus point opportunities.

When Paying in Cash is the Smarter Option!

There’s no doubt that using the Southwest Airlines rewards is beneficial for traveling. However, there are situations when paying in cash is the more brilliant option and can also save you pennies. Read the following scenarios for better understanding:

• When the flight of your choice is worth less than a dollar, then using miles is not an option at all. Who would you want to invest your hard-earned points on flights that don’t give much returns? It’s better to save them for a beneficial flight. 

• If securing an elite status is your reason for using miles, then STOP! Using Southwest points for a flight doesn’t earn you a higher status. To get into the A-list category, you must possess a specific credit card that can help you earn tier-qualifying points and reach a higher level.

• When something is already affordable and won’t cost you much in cash, using points instead can be a total waste. Although the airline itself doesn’t allow passengers to use reward points on types of travel, such as military and government fares, charter flights, group travel, vacation packages, service-charged, reduced-rate, and trade out.

Different Ways to Earn Points on Southwest Flights!

Many passengers mistakenly believe that the Southwest Rapid Rewards points are only available through flight bookings. This affects their potential to accumulate points for future flights. The truth is that Southwest Airlines offers many opportunities to earn rewards besides just flying. Members can earn rapid rewards by doing just their day-to-day activities. For instance, if you pay with credit cards, travel with your partners, or have a meal at their partnered restaurant, your account will be credited with points. 

The following are the numerous ways through which you can gather more points and enjoy more benefits.

Get Elite Status

Getting hold of elite status on Southwest Airlines can really benefit in many ways, as well as in a rapid reward system. You don’t only get priority boarding; in fact, the rate of earning rewards also increases as you get higher status with Southwest. As per our research, A-list members are eligible to earn a 25% bonus. On the other hand, A-List Preferred elites get a 100% bonus. 

Become a Southwest Credit Cardholder

One of the quickest ways to stack up lots of reward points is by scoring a joining offer on a Southwest credit card. The airline offers a whopping welcome points bonus to new cardholders. However, this is not the same for every card; the amount of bonus varies according to the type you purchase. Plus, you have to spend a certain amount to get it, that too for only a short period of time. 

Refer Your Friend for Southwest Credit Card

If you’re a proud holder of a Southwest card but have already used up your welcome bonus, here’s something interesting for you! You can refer your friend, convince them to get the credit card, and enjoy a referral bonus, which is, again, Rapid Reward points! This way, you can have the chance to earn up to 100,000 points per calendar year. Do not forget to read the terms and conditions before referring a friend. 

Spendings with Southwest Credit Card

Besides earning points on Southwest Cards, passengers can also earn bonuses by swiping credit cards on airline purchases. The airline will credit your accounts with points if you make purchases in specific categories, such as:

• The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Cards get you 4 points for every dollar spent on Southwest purchases. Plus, 2 points for every dollar spent on categories like social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services. 

• On the other hand, the Southwest Rapid Reward Plus Credit Card helps you earn 2 points on spending $1 on airline products, hotels, car rentals, and transit.

• Lastly, the Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card and Priority Credit Card will get you 3 points on every dollar spent on Southwest products. On other purchases like car rentals, hotels, internet, transit, etc., you get 2 points for every dollar. 

Treat Yourself at Rapid Reward Dining

Get extra points by simply having a meal at the Rapid Rewards Dining. This program enables you to accumulate points at specific bars, restaurants, and clubs, a perfect option for foodies! To start earning, you’ll first have to sign up for the mentioned program and link a debit or credit card to your account. The good thing is that even if you don’t own a Southwest co-branded credit card, you’ll still get the chance to earn rewards. 

The only downside to this is that you won’t be rewarded for flying on other airlines, as Southwest is not a part of the airline alliance.

Lastly!

Know that getting the value of your points doesn’t have to be complicated. Just take a few minutes to compare prices and do the simple math trick using the Southwest Points Value Calculator method. The more you use it, the easier it will get to spot a good deal quickly. 

Questions You May Have