Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards and AirTran Airways A+ Rewards members can now transfer points between programs. A+ Rewards members can convert their credits into Rapid Rewards credits in 0.25 increments at a 1:1 ratio. Convert 0.25 A+ Rewards credits into 0.25 Rapid Rewards credits. The Rapid Rewards credits will have the same expiration date as the original expiration date of the A+ Rewards credits. Once you reach 16 total combined credits in your Rapid Rewards account, an award will automatically be generated. Members cannot convert their credits into the new Rapid Rewards points.
Rapid Rewards members can convert their points, active credits and active awards into A+ Rewards credits. Points can be converted in increments of 300 points for 0.25 A+ Rewards credits. Convert 1,200 Rapid Rewards points for one A+ Rewards credit. Rapid Rewards credits will convert into A+ Rewards credits at a 1:1 ratio in increments of 0.25 credits. Members with Rapid Rewards awards can convert one standard award into 16 A+ Rewards credits and one Freedom award into 32 A+ Rewards credits.
You must be a member of both programs to transfer points and credits. Visit http://www.rewardsfarther.com for more information.
Bottom line: This is good news for Southwest Rapid Rewards members who can now use their points for flights on AirTran Airways to international destinations in Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Southwest and AirTran merged in 2011. With the new transfer option, Southwest Rapid Rewards members can potentially save some points and book a roundtrip award flight anywhere Southwest flies for 19,200 points. If you are looking to book an award on Southwest with a fare price higher than $320 (the award equivalent of 19,200 points for a Wanna Get Away Fare), transfer your points to A+ Rewards first. You can transfer 19,200 points into 16 AirTran A+ Rewards credits. After they post, transfer them back into Southwest and you’ll receive 16 Rapid Rewards credits, which will automatically generate a Rapid Rewards standard award certificate that you can redeem for a flight across Southwest’s route network. Standard awards are capacity controlled, unlike Rapid Rewards points, so check availability before transferring.
