Understanding Southwest Fare Types: A Guide to Southwest Rapid Rewards
When booking a flight with Southwest Airlines, one of the key factors to consider is the fare type you choose. Each fare type comes with different benefits, flexibility, and points accumulation opportunities. Understanding Southwest Rapid Rewards fare types can help you make the most of your travel experience, whether you’re a business traveler or someone simply looking to save on your next trip.
In this blog, we’ll explore the different Southwest fare types, their features, and how they align with Southwest Rapid Rewards points accumulation. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to choose the best fare for your needs.
Southwest Fare Types Overview
Southwest Airlines offers three main fare types: Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select. Each one has its own set of advantages and unique benefits designed to suit different types of travelers. Understanding these fare types will not only help you decide which one to choose but also give you insight into how to maximize your Southwest Rapid Rewards points.
- Wanna Get Away The Wanna Get Away fare type is the most affordable option Southwest offers, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. It’s ideal for those who are flexible with their travel dates and don’t mind the lack of additional perks.
Key Features of Wanna Get Away:
Lowest Fares: As the most economical option, Wanna Get Away fares typically offer the lowest prices for Southwest flights. This is perfect for travelers who are looking for great deals and are willing to plan around Southwest’s lower-priced offerings.
Earning Points: When you choose a Wanna Get Away fare, you’ll earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points based on the price of the ticket. While the points earned aren’t as high as Business Select, you’ll still accumulate valuable points that can be redeemed for future flights or rewards.
Ticket Flexibility: Although Wanna Get Away fares are non-refundable, you can still change your flight without a change fee, though you may need to pay the fare difference if the new flight is more expensive.
Wanna Get Away fares are a great choice for those looking to stretch their travel budget while still enjoying all the benefits of Southwest Rapid Rewards. Plus, with no blackout dates, you can redeem your points anytime.
- Anytime The Anytime fare is a step up from Wanna Get Away, offering additional flexibility and benefits for a slightly higher price. This fare is well-suited for travelers who require more flexibility and are willing to pay a bit extra for convenience.
Key Features of Anytime:
Increased Flexibility: The Anytime fare comes with more flexibility than the Wanna Get Away fare. If you need to change your flight, you won’t be charged a change fee, and you’ll also be able to cancel your flight for a full refund as long as you do so within 24 hours of booking.
Earn More Points: With Anytime fares, you’ll earn more Southwest Rapid Rewards points than with Wanna Get Away fares. The number of points you earn depends on the price of the ticket, so this fare type allows you to accumulate more points per flight, helping you reach your travel goals faster.
Priority Boarding: If you choose an Anytime fare, you’ll be able to board the plane before Wanna Get Away passengers, giving you a better chance of securing your preferred seat.
Free Snacks and Drinks: While all Southwest passengers enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks, Anytime travelers have access to additional perks like priority access to the inflight services, ensuring you get served quickly.
If flexibility is important to you and you’re willing to spend a little more, the Anytime fare is an excellent choice to help you make the most of your Southwest Rapid Rewards points and enjoy additional benefits.
- Business Select The Business Select fare is the premium option available with Southwest Airlines, designed for business travelers or anyone who wants the ultimate in flexibility and comfort. It provides the highest level of benefits and offers the best point-earning potential.
Key Features of Business Select:
Premium Flexibility: Business Select fares offer the most flexibility of any fare type. If you need to change or cancel your flight, you can do so without any change fees. This is ideal for business travelers who often have to adjust their schedules.
Earn the Most Points: The Business Select fare offers the highest Southwest Rapid Rewards points earning potential. You’ll earn more points per dollar spent than with either of the other fare types, making it an ideal choice for frequent travelers looking to rack up rewards quickly.
Priority Security and Boarding: Business Select passengers enjoy priority boarding, which means you can board earlier and have a greater selection of seats. Additionally, you’ll have access to priority security lanes at participating airports, helping you save valuable time.
Free Drink and Premium Snacks: With Business Select, you’ll receive a complimentary premium drink and a selection of snacks during your flight, adding to the overall experience of flying in style.
For frequent flyers and business travelers who want the ultimate convenience, Business Select is the best option. You’ll not only earn the most Southwest Rapid Rewards points but also enjoy significant perks that make your travel experience more efficient and comfortable.
How Fare Types Affect Your Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
When it comes to earning Southwest Rapid Rewards points, each fare type impacts how many points you’ll earn for your flight. Here’s a quick breakdown of how the different fare types contribute to your points balance:
Wanna Get Away: Earns fewer points per flight, as it’s the most economical option.
Anytime: Earns more points compared to Wanna Get Away, making it ideal for travelers who need extra flexibility.
Business Select: Earns the most points, making it the best option for maximizing your Southwest Rapid Rewards balance.
The points you accumulate can then be redeemed for future flights, hotel stays, car rentals, or even upgrades. Southwest Rapid Rewards also offers Companion Pass benefits, where you can bring a companion for free (just pay taxes and fees) after earning 125,000 points in a calendar year. This makes Business Select and Anytime fares a great option for those working toward earning the Companion Pass.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Southwest fare type can significantly impact your overall travel experience and how quickly you accumulate Southwest Rapid Rewards points. Whether you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option with Wanna Get Away, the added flexibility of Anytime, or the top-tier benefits of Business Select, each fare offers unique advantages.
By understanding these fare types, you can tailor your travel plans to suit your needs, all while earning valuable Southwest Rapid Rewards points that can be redeemed for future flights and travel perks. So, next time you book your flight with Southwest, consider the benefits of each fare type to ensure you're getting the most out of your travel experience