• Southwest Airlines has modified the earning levels of points on several fare classes. 
• The discount carrier will increase points of its expensive fares, and decrease points of its more affordable fares. 
• Southwest passengers can also earn points by booking hotel rooms, and cruise vacations. 

A popular airline is changing the way passengers can earn coveted loyalty points.

Southwest Airlines recently modified its Rapid Rewards program, with the Wanna Get Away+ and Business Select fares seeing new earnings potential of the frequent flyer points.

Southwest offers different points per dollar spent for the varying fare classes that passengers purchase. For example, Wanna Get Away, the most affordable fares, now only earn two points per dollar, while Business Select, the most expensive fare, earns 14 points per dollar. By selecting the more expensive fares, passengers can fast-track their earnings potential towards free flights. 

Travelers previously earned six points per dollar on Wanna Get Away fares. In the Wanna Get Away+ fare class, passengers previously earned four points and will now earn six. The Business Select fare increased from 12 points per dollar. 

Southwest Airlines confirmed to T+L they made the earnings update for several fare classes on March 4, 2025, and the changes affect all flights booked on or after March 4, 2025 at 12:01am CT. The airline specifies that flights booked before this time, even if not yet taken, would earn the previous rate because it was based on the purchase price.

The Rapid Rewards program was launched in 1996, and was originally designed to provide a free round-trip after a passenger completed eight round trips, according to the company’s annual report from the year. The airline said it was the fastest way to earn free flights compared to its competitor airlines. 

In 2025, passengers can earn reward and loyalty points from flying, booking vacations, and also redeem them for more than flights. 

“As a Rapid Rewards Member, you earn points by flying or spending with our partners,” Southwest Airlines shares on their website. “Use them how and when you want. Plus, if you’re short on points, you can always purchase more to get that reward you’ve been eyeing.”

In addition to earning points by flying, Southwest recently introduced Southwest Cruises, where passengers can earn points on cruise voyages as well. The airline offers one point per dollar spent on cruises, and has partnered with popular operators such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and Virgin Voyages.