Using AirTran credits on Southwest

[moreisgood]

I seem to have a mental block about this. I have 36 AirTran credits, expiring summer 2015, would should be enough for 2 roundtrip tickets. I want to convert them to fly Southwest in December.
How exactly do they convert as points on Southwest? And is there a timing issue I should consider when converting?
Any hints or tips?

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Did you check Southwest's website? The process is explained there:

http://www.southwest.com/html/promotions/fs-rr-convert.html

 

[moreisgood]

I have read it many times. I think this is where I'm confused -
I can convert 1 AirTran A+Rewards to 1 Southwest Rapid Rewards. And at 16 SW Rapid Rewards, a new Rapid Rewards Standard Award will automatically be generated.
What is a new Rapid Rewards Standard Award? When I book SW it's in points. Is the Rapid Rewards Standard Award a certain number of points?

 

[Marionnette]

I have read it many times. I think this is where I'm confused -
I can convert 1 AirTran A+Rewards to 1 Southwest Rapid Rewards. And at 16 SW Rapid Rewards, a new Rapid Rewards Standard Award will automatically be generated.
What is a new Rapid Rewards Standard Award? When I book SW it's in points. Is the Rapid Rewards Standard Award a certain number of points?

No, the Standard Award is very different. It has more restrictions on it.

• You cannot use it for just any flight, it must be used to purchase a seat which is available as a Standard Award.
• It has an expiration date and if you convert your AirTran miles to a SW Standard Award, you cannot convert it back again.
• You cannot pay to extend the expiration date. So, you either use it or lose it.

Read the SWA RR fine print carefully. It's all explained there.