Southwest Airlines Enhances Loyalty Program with Exciting New Perks for 2025
Southwest Airlines has announced changes to its loyalty program that will make it even easier for frequent flyers to earn points and achieve status in 2025. These updates, set to take effect on January 1, 2025, center around the airline’s Cash+Points program and include benefits designed to enhance the travel experience for loyal customers.
Earn Points on Cash Payments
Starting next year, passengers redeeming tickets through the Cash+Points program will earn loyalty points on the cash portion of their booking. Previously, Southwest did not award Rapid Rewards points for the cash payments made toward these hybrid bookings. This change allows travelers to maximize the value of their spending while continuing to accumulate points toward rewards.
The Cash+Points program, which launched in May 2024, allows members to combine as little as 1,000 points with cash to book a ticket. The flexibility has made it a popular option for those looking to stretch their points further or save them for future trips.
A Step Toward A-List and Companion Pass
One of the most significant enhancements is that cash payments for Cash+Points bookings will now count toward earning thresholds for Southwest’s coveted A-List and A-List Preferred statuses. These elite tiers offer benefits such as priority boarding, bonus points, and free inflight Wi-Fi.
- A-List Status: Requires 20 one-way flights or 35,000 loyalty points annually. Benefits include priority boarding, 25% bonus earnings, and standby priority.
- A-List Preferred Status: Requires 40 one-way flights or 70,000 loyalty points annually. Perks include free inflight internet, 100% bonus earnings, and complimentary premium beverages.
In addition to helping travelers achieve elite status, cash payments will also count toward the Companion Pass, a favorite among Southwest loyalists. This benefit allows frequent flyers to bring a designated companion on flights for free (excluding taxes and fees) when traveling on a paid ticket. Recent updates to the Companion Pass program now allow modifications and updates directly through Southwest’s website, making it more convenient to manage.
Southwest’s Commitment to Reimagining Customer Experience
These updates are part of Southwest’s broader initiative to “reimagine” its customer experience. In a statement to Travel + Leisure, a Southwest spokesperson emphasized the airline’s commitment to enhancing its loyalty program, calling it “industry-leading.”
By awarding points for cash payments and tying them to status qualifications, Southwest aims to provide even greater value to its frequent flyers while continuing to offer flexibility through its Cash+Points program.
Why These Changes Matter
The updates to the loyalty program bring multiple benefits:
- Flexibility and Value: Travelers can now earn rewards even when combining points with cash for bookings, giving them more reasons to take advantage of the Cash+Points program.
- Faster Path to Elite Status: Points from cash payments will help travelers reach A-List and A-List Preferred levels sooner, unlocking perks like priority boarding and free Wi-Fi.
- Boosted Companion Pass Opportunities: Passengers working toward this popular perk now have additional ways to rack up qualifying points.
With these enhancements, Southwest Airlines continues to solidify its position as a customer-focused carrier, making it easier and more rewarding for travelers to stay loyal. Whether you’re a frequent flyer chasing status or just looking to maximize your travel value, these changes offer something for everyone.
So, if you’re planning to travel in 2025, Southwest’s revamped program might just make your journeys even more rewarding.
