Southwest Airlines has made a significant change to its Rapid Rewards program, reducing the number of points passengers can earn on the cheapest tickets while slightly increasing points for the most expensive tickets. This change was implemented without prior notice to customers.
Starting March 4, 2025, passengers on Southwest’s Wanna Get Away fares will see a 67% decrease in points earned, while those on Wanna Get Away Plus fares will earn 25% fewer points. Tickets booked before this date will continue to earn points at the previous rate.
BW values Southwest points at 1.5 cents each, making it important for travelers to understand the impact of these changes. The earn rates for different fare classes have been adjusted as follows:
– Wanna Get Away fares now earn 3% back, down from 9%.
– Wanna Get Away Plus fares now earn 9% back, down from 12%.
– Anytime fares remain unchanged at 15% back.
– Business Select fares now earn 21% back, up from 18%.
These changes may be particularly disappointing for loyal Southwest customers with elite status, such as A-List and A-List Preferred members. While the bonus multipliers for elite members remain the same, the overall points earned will be significantly reduced.
A-List members will now earn 2.5 points per dollar on Wanna Get Away fares, down from 7.5 points per dollar, while A-List Preferred members will earn 4 points per dollar, down from 12 points per dollar.
These adjustments have raised concerns among customers about the decreasing value of Southwest’s loyalty program. It is essential for consumers to consider these changes and explore ways to maximize their rewards in light of these modifications.
These alterations come amidst efforts to improve company profitability, following a substantial investment from Elliott Investment Management. As Southwest seeks to boost revenue through various strategies, customers are advised to stay informed and adapt to the evolving landscape of the airline industry.