Southwest Quick Rewards: How to Earn and Redeem Points, Elite Identity, and More
Southwest once prides itself on its philosophy of “transfer” – low fares, no changes, hidden fees or unexpected bagging fees. So it’s no surprise that some TPG employees think Southwest Airlines is one of their best airline choices.
But with several (mostly negative) changes, from new check bag fees to lower points rates, the airline is implementing new policies “quickly”, and for some, it’s an outstanding performance of the once beloved quirky quirky.
A silver lining: Quick reward points are some of the easiest loyalty rewards to redeemed even with recent plans. Here’s how to earn, cash out and maximize Southwest quick reward points.
Related: Our Know About the Shocking Changes in the Southwest and What You Should Do Now
Overview of Southwest Quick Rewards Program
Like Southwest itself, fast reward regular flyer programs have also accumulated a loyal following. Although there is no standard reward sheet or being part of the Aviation Alliance, it has no promise of a blackout date and the ability to obtain a famous Southwest partner pass makes fast rewards an excellent choice for couples, families and those who aren’t too easy to schedule.
Southwest recently adjusted the reward price to make it more “variable” rather than linking the reward price to cash value. In our tests, we found that your value can only reach 1.1 cents per point of value or up to 1.7 cents depending on your flight date and needs.
In the July 2025 valuation, the quick reward points for TPG values are 1.4 cents per point, which means 10,000 points should be worth about $140 for you.
Southwest elite identity
Southwest Airlines offers two elite tiers: A-list and A-list preferred.
Southwest A-level elite identity
To earn A-list status, you must fly 20 qualified one-way Southwest flights in the calendar year or earn 35,000 tier eligibility points.
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Qualifying points include paid flights booked from Southwest or qualified purchases made through fast reward partners. Members now earn ranking races in the cash portion of flights booked using Southwest Airlines’ cash + points option.
You can also earn:
Points, tier bonus points, flight bonus points, partner points, and points obtained from Quick Rewards Program registration and credit card bonuses are not counted in A-List or A-List preferential status.
Information on the Southwest Quick Reward Prime Minister’s Credit Card has been independently collected by Tocts Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
With Southwest A-list status, you will get the following:
- A free check bag
- Priority boarding
- Points bonus from paid flights is 25%
- Free same-day standby/Wanna Wanda escapes ticket prices and higher fares changes (taxes and fees may apply)
- Priority check-in and secure lane access
- Special A-list member telephone line
Southwest A list of the first choice elite identities
A-list Preferred Status requires you to fly 40 qualified one-way Southwest flights in the calendar year or earn 70,000 tiers of eligibility points. You will get all the benefits of A-list status, as well as:
- Two free shipping bags
- 100% bonus points earned from paid flights
- Free on-board Wi-Fi
- Free quality drinks twice on selected flights over 250 miles
Related: Southwest A List Status: What is it and how to make money
How to earn Southwest Quick Reward Points
There are several ways to earn Southwest Quick Reward Points – some don’t even require flights. Here are some ways to win points:
Earn points by flying:Earn fast reward points every time you fly on a paid Southwest Airlines flight. The number of points you earn depends on your flight costs, elite status, ticket type and payment method.
Earn points with Southwest Credit Card: Southwest Airlines owns several shared-brand credit cards issued by Chase.
Currently, you can spend $4,000 in purchases in the first five months of opening an account, and you can earn 100,000 bonus points.
Southwest also offers the following business cards:
Additionally, you can transfer Chase Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest Quick Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.
Other ways to earn fast reward points are through fast rewards dining and shopping, booking at Southwest hotels, and other partners.
Check out our overall guide to learn different ways you can earn Southwest Quick Reward Points.
How to redeem Southwest Quick Reward Points
There are several ways to redeem your point of view, but if you use it for Southwest flight trips, you will almost always get the most value. Other redemption options, such as gift cards and merchandise, are much less valuable.
The process of redeeming flights’ quick reward points is roughly the same as booking a paid flight. Go to the Southwest homepage, enter your search criteria, and select the “Point” option. Click the yellow search button to view your flight options.
You will see the reward pricing on the right side of each available flight. You can use the buttons at the top of the page to press the stopover time and departure time filter. Then, click on the ticket price for the desired flight and follow the on-screen prompts to make a reservation.
Which fare type should I choose?
You can redeem flight points in any of the four Southwest fare types. The cheapest option, the basic option, is a great value for many travelers, albeit limited. Although these tickets are non-refundable, if cancelled, you will receive Flying Credit, or you will receive points and fees when you book a point. Please note that you can only change the base fare by upgrading to at least one fare you want to escape.
Want to escape plus a slightly flexible fare with a little flexibility and a day flight change with free confirmation and standby (fare difference may apply). Additionally, if you cancel your flight, these fares allow you to transfer your flight points to another person.
At any time, fares have the same benefits as Wainity away Plus, including priority safety and early bird occupancy.
Fares for commercial options include A1-A15 boarding, expedited safety at certain airports, bookings for two free check bags starting May 28, and free alcoholic beverages on board. This fare is usually more than three times the point of trying to escape the fare, so we recommend avoiding this redemption in most cases unless you do need to check two bags.
Now, flight points are now due to your ticket course. (Please note that flight credit issues on or before May 27, 2025 will not expire.) The basic fare credit will expire within six months (and is not transferable and non-transferable), and the fare points for escaping Plus at any time and business choice will expire within 12 months.
Southwest cardholders get their first check bag for free on each airline card. This benefit applies to major cardholders, up to eight travelers flying on the same booking. All cardholders can also choose seats in some capacity, even if they fly at the base fare.
Please note that Southwest will rename the type of fare that will leave on January 27, 2026.
Can I change Southwest Rewards Tickets for Free?
You can cancel Southwest Award Tickets for free. If you choose to change your ticket, you can only pay the fare difference for the new ticket if it is more expensive. On the other hand, if you switch to a cheaper flight, Southwest will refund the difference in points. With that in mind, we strongly recommend that you focus on reward pricing after booking your flight – if the fare drops, you will refund the points difference.
Cancelling Southwest Award Tickets is just as easy. When you cancel your ticket, points you booked in the past will be refunded to your Quick Rewards account without cancellation fees.
Do I have to pay taxes and fees on the award ticket?
When booking Southwest Award tickets, you have to pay certain taxes and start at $5.60 per way. If you cancel the reward flight, the fee will be refunded to your payment method.
For more details, check out our guide to learn how to redeem your Southwest points.
Maximize your perspective with the Southwest Companion Pass
The Southwest Companion Pass is undoubtedly one of the most valuable perks in the Quick Rewards program. Once you earn your pass, you can choose a companion who travels with you, with only taxes and fees on any Southwest flight you booked. You can use a companion pass on as many flights as possible, effectively doubling the value of the fast reward points.
You can earn a companion pass by flying 100 southwest one-way flight segments or earning 135,000 qualified points. Qualification points include quick reward points earned from the flight, credit card welcome bonuses, spending on the credit card, and purchases through quick reward meals and/or quick reward shopping.
Related: 15 lessons with a 15-year Southwest Couple Pass
Unfortunately, transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards or Bilt Rewards do not count to the partner pass.
You can only specify one companion at a time, but you can change companion three times a year. You can change your companions through your Southwest account; according to the airline, the changes can take up to 48 hours. Remember that your companions won’t get fast reward points on the flight, but you’ll still earn points if you ride a paid ticket.
Your companion pass will be valid for the remaining year and the entire year of the following year.
Be sure to check out our guide for more details on how to earn (and use) the Southwest Companion Pass.
Bottom line
Southwest Quick Rewards Points are easy to make money and redeem, Southwest Airlines is far from other airlines. Don’t miss the fast track for a partner pass with the right coprand credit card.
However, the airline has recently reorganized many plans, with the most loyal customers feeling confused, frustrated and frustrated. Given the speed at which these changes are announced, there may be more. Nevertheless, the program is still popular among all kinds of travelers, especially families.
Now you know how to make an informed decision about Southwest Airlines Quick Rewards Program so you can decide if it’s right for you.
