How Do You Transfer Points On Southwest?

How Do You Transfer Points On Southwest? You can transfer Southwest Rapid Rewards points to another member, but there are a few things you should know before you do. Transferring points on Southwest can be a convenient way to help out a friend or family member who is short on points for a flight, but it comes with costs that might make you think twice. Let’s explore the ins and outs of transferring Southwest points, so you can make an informed decision.

What Are Southwest Rapid Rewards Points?

Before we dive into the process of transferring points, it’s essential to understand what Southwest Rapid Rewards points are and how they work. Southwest Rapid Rewards points are the currency of Southwest Airlines’ loyalty program. You earn these points by flying with Southwest, using a Southwest credit card, or shopping with their partners. These points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more.

Can You Transfer Southwest Points?

Yes, you can transfer Southwest Rapid Rewards points to another member. However, unlike some other frequent flyer programs, Southwest charges a fee for transferring points. This fee is relatively high, which means you might lose a significant portion of the points’ value during the transfer.

How Does the Transfer Process Work – How Do You Transfer Points On Southwest?

Transferring points on Southwest is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Log In to Your Account: First, you need to log in to your Southwest Rapid Rewards account. You can do this by visiting the Southwest website and entering your account details.
2. Access the Transfer Section: Once logged in, navigate to the “Buy, Gift & Transfer” section of your Rapid Rewards account. This is where you can choose to transfer points to another Rapid Rewards member.
3. Enter the Details: You’ll need the recipient’s name and Rapid Rewards account number. Enter the amount of points you want to transfer. Points can be transferred in blocks of 1,000 during promotional periods and 500 when off-promotion.
4. Review the Cost: Before finalizing the transfer, you’ll see the fee associated with the transaction. Southwest charges approximately $0.01 per point transferred. For example, transferring 1,000 points would cost you $10. This fee is non-refundable, and the recipient will receive the points almost instantly.
5. Complete the Transfer: After reviewing all the details and costs, you can complete the transaction. The points will be transferred to the recipient’s account immediately.

Costs and Considerations

While transferring points can be convenient, it’s important to weigh the costs:

• Transfer Fee: As mentioned earlier, the fee is approximately $0.01 per point. Given that Southwest points are worth about 1.3 cents each when redeemed for flights, you’re losing about 70% of the points’ value by transferring them.
• Is It Worth It?: Given the steep fee, it’s often more economical to book a flight for someone else using your points rather than transferring them. This way, you avoid the transfer fee and get full value for your points.

Alternatives to Transferring Points

Instead of transferring points, consider these alternatives:

• Book a Flight for Someone Else: You can use your points to book a flight directly for someone else. This is the most cost-effective option since it avoids the transfer fee, and the recipient still gets to benefit from your points.
• Gift a Flight: If you’re looking to help someone with their travel plans, consider gifting them a flight rather than transferring points. You can book the flight using your points and then provide them with the confirmation details.
• Use a Companion Pass: If you have a Southwest Companion Pass, you can bring a companion on your flights for just the cost of taxes and fees. This is an excellent way to maximize the value of your points without the need to transfer them.

When Might Transferring Points Be Worth It?

While the fees can make transferring points less attractive, there are some situations where it might be worth it:

• Emergency Situations: If a friend or family member urgently needs points to book a flight and they can’t afford to wait, transferring points could be a lifesaver.
• Small Amounts: If you only need to transfer a small number of points to top off someone else’s account, the fee might be justifiable.
• Promotions: Occasionally, Southwest may run promotions that reduce the transfer fee or offer bonuses for transferring points. In such cases, transferring points could become a better deal.

Conclusion: Should You Transfer Southwest Points?

Transferring Southwest points is possible, but it comes with a significant cost. For most people, booking a flight directly for someone else or using a Companion Pass is a better option. However, in emergencies or small amounts, transferring points might make sense.

If you decide to transfer points, be sure to log in to your account, navigate to the “Buy, Gift & Transfer” section, and carefully review the associated fees before completing the transaction. And always keep an eye out for any promotions that might make transferring points a more attractive option.

Maximize your Southwest Rapid Rewards points by exploring all your options, and make sure you’re getting the best value for your hard-earned points. Happy travels!