Southwest has become the latest U.S. carrier to do away with
expiration of loyalty points.
The change, which became effective Oct. 17, means that Rapid
Rewards members no longer have to worry about engaging in periodic activity.
"No expiration means you can use your qualifying points
whenever you want -- even if that's years from now," Southwest said in an email
to customers.
The change follows a similar move by United in August. Delta and JetBlue also have no expiration for
loyalty points.
The news, however, isn't all good for Rapid Rewards members.
Southwest also will increase the number of Rapid Rewards points required to
earn a companion pass from 110,000 to 125,000. The change takes effect Jan. 1.
Southwest rewards between 6 and 12 companion points per
dollar spent on tickets, depending on the type of fare that is purchased.
Members can also earn Rapid Rewards points through expenditures on co-branded
Southwest credit cards or with Southwest partner companies.
Companion Pass holders may designate an individual to fly
free with them for the remainder of the year in which they earn the pass plus
all of the following year.
Passes are also awarded to people who fly 100 one-way
segments in a year, even if they don’t reach the point threshold.