Southwest credit cards can be a great way to save money on your travel expenses. They offer a number of different benefits to make your trip more convenient, including an annual travel credit and an EarlyBird check-in credit. Plus, these cards can help you earn Companion Pass points and Unused Travel Funds.
Unused Travel Funds
Are you wondering how to use your Southwest travel funds? You can get a general idea of the process by checking the Southwest website. However, if you need to make a specific request, there are a few different ways to go about it.
One of the simplest and quickest methods of using your Southwest travel funds is to just book a new flight. The funds can be used to pay for taxes on any award flight, or you can book a cash fare. If you’re looking to cancel your reservation, you can do so within 10 minutes of your scheduled departure.
Another way to use your Southwest travel funds is to buy a Southwest gift card. These cards are great for making small changes to your flight, and they even come with an app to help you find a cab or Lyft.
Another great way to use your southwest travel funds is to convert them into Southwest Rapid Rewards points. As you make a purchase, these points are credited to your account. For every point you earn, you’ll get a corresponding bonus. Once you have enough points, you can book a ticket for anyone.
Finally, you can also use your Southwest travel funds to purchase an award ticket. They do not expire, so you can always use them for an extra trip.
Companion Pass points
The Companion Pass from Southwest is a great way to bring a friend along on your flight. With a Companion Pass, you can add a companion to your ticket for free, and then pay only taxes and fees for the ticket. You can also use the pass for award flights, or even book tickets with points.
To get a Companion Pass, you’ll need to have a card from Southwest. There are two business cards from Southwest, the Performance Business Card and the Priority Business Card. While both cards offer rewards, the Priority card has more benefits than the others.
If you’re looking to earn a Companion Pass, you’ll want to keep track of how you’re spending. This is especially important if you’re planning on using a credit card that offers bonus points. For example, a 3-day trip to Florida could net you 1,700-1,800 points.
When you get a new Southwest personal card, you’ll earn a sign-up bonus. These bonuses can range from 40,000 to 80,000 Rapid Rewards points. It’s important to note that Rapid Rewards points cannot be transferred to other loyalty programs.
You can also earn Companion Pass points through online shopping portals such as Southwest’s. Most purchases you make through Southwest’s shopping portal will give you bonus points.
Chase Sapphire Preferred(r) Card benefits
The Southwest Chase Sapphire Preferred(r) Card offers many perks and rewards. This credit card is the perfect companion for travelers who want to earn points for dining, travel, and other purchases. In addition, it offers a great signup bonus. It also provides excellent travel protections and other benefits.
Sapphire Preferred cardholders can enjoy a signup bonus of up to 100,000 points. These points can be transferred to various partners or used for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. There are also travel redemption options that enable you to redeem your points for airfare, hotels, car rentals, and more.
Other perks include free airport lounge access, extended warranty coverage on purchases, and rental insurance. Additionally, subscribers can now earn a $50 annual statement credit on hotel stays.
Another advantage of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is its Pay Yourself Back (PYB) program. Through PYB, users can get a 25% bonus on their travel spending. For example, if you spend $200 on travel, you can get $27.50 back. If you transfer these points to a hotel, you can receive a $25 discount on your stay.
You can also take advantage of a complimentary family member add-on. As an added benefit, you can get an auto rental collision damage waiver.
Annual travel credit
If you fly Southwest regularly, you may want to consider a Southwest Annual Travel Credit. This credit covers up to $500 in expenses per claim, including flights, rental cars, and new purchases. You can also earn points on Southwest purchases with your Rapid Rewards card.
There are a few different types of cards to choose from. All three of them will allow you to earn one point for every $1 you spend, though each one offers different perks. The Chase Sapphire Preferred(r) Card, for instance, offers points on all purchases. On top of that, it offers a lower annual fee.
Another option is the American Express Platinum Card, which offers 120 days of purchase protection. Other perks include a $3,000 lost luggage reimbursement and $500 purchase protection.
Another option is the Southwest Premier Card, which is good for earning free travel. It offers more points for Southwest flights, as well as a chance to earn qualifying points toward A-List elite status. Also, it offers a discount on in-flight beverages.
In addition to the perks, Southwest credit cards come with an annual fee. These vary in price from $69 to $149, depending on the card. Those who can’t afford the annual fee can offset it by receiving a $75 Southwest travel credit.
EarlyBird Check-In credits
Southwest EarlyBird Check-In is a service that allows you to select a boarding position early on in the flight process. This feature is great for people who like to board the plane first and get overhead bin space. You can buy EarlyBird Check-In for a one-way trip or for your return flight.
The EarlyBird Check-In program is available up to 36 hours before your flight. It costs $15 to $25 per person. This cost depends on the length of your flight and how popular the service is. Typically, if you purchase the service early, you’ll be assigned an “A” boarding spot. But, you may also end up in a “B” or “C” group.
For passengers who want to get an early boarding position, Southwest EarlyBird Check-In can be worth the price. Especially if your family is flying, this can get your whole gang together at the airport. And, you’ll avoid the human element of forgetting to check in.
Southwest Airlines assigns your boarding number based on when you purchased your ticket. In other words, you’re boarding before other customers who also bought their tickets earlier.
While not every passenger will benefit from the service, it can be a good way to score a better seat. Additionally, you can transfer your EarlyBird Check-In to another flight if you need to.
25% back on in-flight drinks and Wi-Fi purchases
Southwest offers a wide variety of free in-flight beverages, from coffee to tea to soft drinks. Besides, it’s a good idea to bring along some snacks to keep you going on the long haul.
Whether you are traveling with kids or not, packing snacks is a good idea. If you can’t make it to the store, you can always opt for a pre-made snack from Southwest’s in-flight service. Depending on your budget, a snack costs about $5.60.
One of the most exciting perks of using a Southwest credit card is that you can earn a substantial amount of money back in points. These points can be redeemed for future flights, making this an excellent deal. The rewards come with a relatively modest annual fee.
When it comes to Southwest’s credit cards, there are many options to choose from. Each offers a different set of benefits. Those looking to maximize their point earning power may want to consider the Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card. This card also has an annual fee, but you get a $75 travel credit, which can be redeemed for in-flight Wi-Fi, a rental car, or even a hotel.
For travelers looking to save a few bucks on in-flight snacks, Southwest’s drink coupons might be a better bet. These are not available on every flight, but they are available on some, and can be worth the effort. You can either opt to print out a physical coupon or receive an electronic version.
Which Southwest credit card is best for you
If you’re a fan of Southwest Airlines, you may want to consider one of their credit cards. These airline-specific cards offer many benefits to their users, including rewards and low annual fees. They’re a great way to earn free flights on Southwest, especially if you know when to use your points.
Before you apply for a Southwest credit card, you should take the time to learn about its features. Some of the most appealing features include the ability to earn points on Southwest purchases, low APRs, and exclusive travel perks. In addition, the credit cards offer a wide range of benefits, from travel protections to in-flight discounts.
Depending on your needs, you can choose from three co-branded credit cards. The Rapid Rewards Priority, Premier, and Plus cards are all available to you. Each has its own benefits and costs. You can earn a 50,000-point sign-up bonus on the Rapid Rewards Priority.
If you’re a business owner or you’re not a frequent flyer, you might prefer the Performance Business card. It offers benefits for small businesses, including four upgraded boardings a year, in-flight Wi-Fi credits, and reimbursement for TSA PreCheck application fees.
The Rapid Rewards Premier card isn’t for those who are constantly traveling, as it requires a large number of qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year. However, it offers an expedited path to becoming an elite member of the Southwest A-List. As a result, you’ll also receive 25% more bonus points on eligible flight bookings.