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Does your Southwest account 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. When do the points I earn after each qualifying activity post to my account? It takes up to 72 hours after completion of your flight for points to post to your account.



No, as of 2026, Southwest Rapid Rewards accounts and points do not expire. This is a major competitive advantage for Southwest Airlines compared to other legacy carriers. Previously, many airlines required "qualifying activity" every 18 to 24 months to keep points active, but Southwest permanently removed this requirement to provide more flexibility for its members. Your points will remain in your account for as long as the account exists, allowing you to save for a "dream trip" over several years without the pressure of a looming deadline. However, it is important to note that while the points don't expire, your loyalty status (such as A-List or A-List Preferred) and the Companion Pass must be re-earned every calendar year based on your flight segments or points earned in that specific year. As long as you don't manually close your account, your hard-earned points are "safe" and ready to be used for any available seat on any flight, at any time.

People Also Ask

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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Yes. You can also be among the thousands of Southwest frequent flyers who sell their rewards points in exchange for cash. There are many online miles brokers who buy miles, MilesBuyer being one of them.

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In fact, it costs $10 for every 1,000 Southwest points you want to transfer to someone else! While this is much less than buying Southwest points, it still seems a very high price to pay just to transfer points.

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Southwest started sending emails with the subject line, “A message from Southwest CEO Bob Jordan” offering passengers who had canceled flights 25,000 points each. This email only went out to the passengers who actually booked the flights but it included codes for everyone on their reservation.

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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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Whether you hit heavy traffic or slept through your alarm, we understand that life happens. As a courtesy, Southwest will accommodate Customers arriving within two hours after their scheduled departure on the next available flight to their destination on a standby basis.

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40,000 Southwest points are worth around $532 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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Membership in the Rapid Rewards program will be granted by Southwest Airlines and is for individual travelers only. Individuals must enroll separately and may not pool or combine points with other Members.

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Individuals must enroll separately and may not pool or combine points with other Members. Except as specifically approved by Southwest, corporations and other entities may not be enrolled as Members. Member is limited to one account.

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15,000 Southwest points are worth around $199.5 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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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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5,000 Southwest points are worth around $66.5 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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10,000 Southwest points are worth about $150. How much are 25,000 Southwest points worth? 25,000 Southwest points are worth about $375.

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Southwest Rapid Rewards points are worth about 1.5 cents each. Southwest Rapid Rewards points are worth more than United Airlines and Alaska Airlines miles. Since there is no award chart, the value of Rapid Rewards points is pegged to a specific cash amount.

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With each of the Southwest credit cards below, you can earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.

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You can use your points for more than just flights. With More Rewards, Rapid Rewards Members can use their points for merchandise, hotel stays, gift cards, and more. Plus, Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers can redeem their points for exclusive Cardmember experiences.

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