Rapid Rewards

The frequent flyer program of Southwest Airlines.

Rapid Rewards is fully revenue-based and the source of the famous Companion Pass, which lets a designated companion fly with you for just taxes and fees.

Operating airline: Southwest Airlines
IATA code: WN
Alliance: Not a member of a global alliance
Status unit: Tier Qualifying Points
Status tiers: Member · Silver · Gold · Platinum

How to earn miles

You can earn Rapid Rewards miles by flying on Southwest Airlines, by flying on alliance partners (where applicable), and by spending on the airline's co-branded credit cards. Many programs also let you transfer points in from flexible bank programs like Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou, Capital One miles, or Bilt Rewards.

How to redeem miles

The most rewarding redemptions are usually international premium cabins booked on Southwest Airlines or its partners. Always compare the program's award rate against partner programs—sometimes a transferable-points program offers the same flight at half the cost.