Can Southwest points be used for international flights?

However, if you have a Southwest credit card, you can use your points to book international flights with non-Southwest airlines via the Southwest More Rewards program. This online shopping portal enables users to purchase products beyond Southwest flights, including international flights on other airlines.



Yes, Southwest Rapid Rewards points can be used for any international flight that Southwest Airlines operates. As of 2026, this includes popular destinations in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean (such as Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, Montego Bay, and Punta Cana). Because Southwest uses a "revenue-based" redemption system, there are no blackout dates; if a seat is available for purchase with cash, it is available for purchase with points. The number of points required simply fluctuates based on the current cash price of the ticket. One important thing to note is that while the "fare" can be paid entirely with points, you are still responsible for paying the international government taxes and fees in cash. These can be substantial (often $100 or more round-trip) compared to the standard $5.60 fee for domestic U.S. flights. You can book these flights directly through the Southwest website or mobile app by toggling the "Points" button during your search.

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As a result, 50,000 Southwest points are typically worth between $500 and $750 in award flights within the United States or one of the airline's international destinations.

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60,000 Southwest points are worth around $798 when redeemed for airfare. While Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards points are most valuable when redeemed for Travel, they're also redeemable for gift cards, hotel stays, merchandise, and more.

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DON'T do it. It costs you a penny a point to do the transfer. Points are worth about 1.3 cents each. So you lose 70% of the value when you transfer points.

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Do the points I earn expire? No, your Rapid Rewards points do not expire. However, if you choose to close your account, the points in your account will be terminated.

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Southwest Rapid Rapid Rewards Priority benefits The Southwest Priority card offers the following benefits: Anniversary bonus: Each year on your card-opening anniversary, you'll receive 7,500 Rapid Rewards points, worth about $112, based on TPG's valuations.

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If you want to know how many Southwest points you need for a free flight, the answer is that it depends on the cash cost of your flight. The lower the cash cost, the fewer points will be required and conversely, the higher the cash cost of the flight, the more Southwest points you'll need.

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New for 2022, EarlyBird Check-In is included with the purchase of an Anytime fare. Customers who purchase an Anytime fare will automatically be checked in to their flight 36 hours prior to scheduled departure—that's 12 hours before our traditional 24-hour check-in.

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Southwest Airlines doesn't actually have a dedicated first-class fare, instead, it's known as Business Select.

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Generally speaking, most airlines advise that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight, and at least 3 hours prior to an international flight. That said, there are many factors to consider that will help you decide how much time you should budget for at the airport.

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As of April 2023, Southwest Airlines has scheduled flights to over 100 destinations in 42 states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, the newest being Syracuse, New York on November 14, 2021. The airline has 15 focus cities and operates over 4,000 flights each day.

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