SW Credit Card

[GuardMusic]

Since this is specifically about the credit card, hopefully this is the right place to post.

I am considering getting the SW Premier Credit Card, as 95% of my flights have been Southwest and AirTran (3-4 flights per year). However, I've read comment about struggles to convert the points? to award flights.

While I used to use frequent fliers fairly often on Delta & United, I'm very unfamiliar with SW Rapid Rewards. If help or reference to online resources to aid my decision would be much appreciated.

Gayle

 

[Dziactor]

Just got the premier card myself. They way I understand it is that you get 1 point for every dollar spent. 2 points for every dollar in buying southwest tickets. Just booked a May trip and it was 12000 points each way.

 

[gmeh1]

Since this is specifically about the credit card, hopefully this is the right place to post.

I am considering getting the SW Premier Credit Card, as 95% of my flights have been Southwest and AirTran (3-4 flights per year). However, I've read comment about struggles to convert the points? to award flights.

While I used to use frequent fliers fairly often on Delta & United, I'm very unfamiliar with SW Rapid Rewards. If help or reference to online resources to aid my decision would be much appreciated.

Gayle

Right on their website. http://www.southwest.com/rapidrewar...RWDS&disc=&ss=0&cid=&companyName=&memberName=

 

[GuardMusic]

Just got the premier card myself. They way I understand it is that you get 1 point for every dollar spent. 2 points for every dollar in buying southwest tickets. Just booked a May trip and it was 12000 points each way.

You earned or used that many points? That would be $6000 each way!!!

 

[LisaS]

However, I've read comment about struggles to convert the points? to award flights.

The specific issue you mention applies only to those who still have credits left in SWA's former reward program where you earned Credits toward a travel Award rather than Points that can be used to purchase travel. As a new member, this would not apply to you but those with some Credits left in the old system can use Points earned under the new program to purchase enough Credits to earn one last travel Award. The problem with Awards has always been that there are a limited number of Award seats available (maybe none at all on some flights) so they can be a challenge to use. But as I said, that is the old system.

The new Points system is much easier to use though not as generous as the Credits/Award system. Under the new program you can use either Points or cash to book any flight you want. On SWA's booking site you can display the cost of available flights in either dollars or Points. If you have enough Points in your account for the flight you want, you just choose the option to pay with Points and purchase the flight.

Good advice from gmeh1 to check out SWA's website for information on the new Points program. They do a good job explaining how it works.

 

[GuardMusic]

The specific issue you mention applies only to those who still have credits left in SWA's former reward program where you earned Credits toward a travel Award rather than Points that can be used to purchase travel. As a new member, this would not apply to you but those with some Credits left in the old system can use Points earned under the new program to purchase enough Credits to earn one last travel Award. The problem with Awards has always been that there are a limited number of Award seats available (maybe none at all on some flights) so they can be a challenge to use. But as I said, that is the old system.

The new Points system is much easier to use though not as generous as the Credits/Award system. Under the new program you can use either Points or cash to book any flight you want. On SWA's booking site you can display the cost of available flights in either dollars or Points. If you have enough Points in your account for the flight you want, you just choose the option to pay with Points and purchase the flight.

Good advice from gmeh1 to check out SWA's website for information on the new Points program. They do a good job explaining how it works.

AH HA! That was the issue I was seeing the Awards vs. Point issue. Thank you for clarifying this, as I didn't understand the posts compared to what was on the SWA website.

All hail the DISSERS!
Gayle

 

[Diegosmom]

I love my SWA card...although those stupid rewards were a PITA....so glad they have the new system now...although like others have said not as much bang for your buck but oh well...super easy to book...only think I dont like about the cc is the annual fee $59 but I am getting free flights so seems of with me...

 

[Dziactor]

I got the card for the two free tickets. Once I use them I plan to cancel it. As to the trip I booked, yes it was 12,000 points each way from Albuquerque to MCO. I really dont think the card is worth it in the long run, i think ill keep using my Disney card.