Southwest Airlines has announced that the AirTran A+ Rewards program is ending, and Rapid Rewards will be the loyalty program for the combined airline starting Nov. 2, 2014. On that date, Members’ A+ Rewards accounts will be closed, and active A+ Rewards credits will be converted to Rapid Rewards points at a ratio of one A+ Rewards credit to 1,200 Rapid Rewards points. The last day to earn or burn A+ Rewards credits is Nov. 1, 2014. Credits will not convert to points prior to Nov. 2, 2014, but Rapid Rewards members may still transfer credits between programs through rewards conversion on Southwest’s website. You can still earn A+ Rewards credits with AirTran partners Hertz, e-Rewards and e-Miles through Sept. 30, 2014. Existing A+ Rewards Chase cardmembers will begin earning Rapid Rewards points in late October. More details about replacement of your A+ Rewards credit card with a new Southwest Airlines branded credit card will be forthcoming from Chase before the end of October.

Bottom line: If you already have membership in both loyalty programs, you can link your Rapid Rewards and A+ Rewards accounts. AirTran A+ Rewards members who don’t already have a Rapid Rewards account are strongly encouraged to enroll in Rapid Rewards prior to Nov. 1, but if you fail to do so, a Rapid Rewards account will be created for you so that you can retain your A+ Rewards credits as Rapid Rewards points. For more information on the integration, visit http://insideflyerus.wpengine.com/link/?11417