Southwest changing from credits to points

Southwest is changing it's Rapid Rewards from credits to points beginning 3/1/11. I'm not sure how much points will equal one credit but I'm guessing it'll require more points to credit ratio for a free flight.

I read about the switch and decided to test the new system. Currently if I book a round trip to Las Vegas for an average price of $300, I recieve 2 credits. Using the new system you take the $300, multiply it by 6 = 1800. Since it cost 1200 to earn 1 point, I am only getting 1.5 points per round trip. It is getting to take more trips to earn a free ticket.
The good news is there is no blackout periods and supposedly you can use the free trip on any available flight as soon as you earn the free trip.
Last time I earned a free trip, i wanted to go the very next month but only 2 days were available.

I just read through everything at it looks like the 1200 points = 1 credit is just for converting the points to credits if your close to a free flight on the old system. You can just let your old credits expire like they normally would and keep the points if you want.

Under the new redemption it looks like you would take the price of a flight and multiply it by 60 for "Wanna Get Away" and that is how many points it takes for the flight.

I think I like the new system.

I really don't worry about those kind of things. I take the "bumps" off fllights every chance I get. When I went to Vegas last November, I took the bump on the way back and got $419 to use later.

I ALWAYS ask how full the flight is when I get there and ask to be put on the list if they have to take people off the flight. One trip last summer all three of us were able to take a bump and we made $900.

On another trip, they needed one person to get off the plane, my friends got on the flight, then some people didn't show up when they were ready to close the doors. They asked me if I wanted to get on the plane and I got to keep the voucher. That was sweet.

The way I feel, Vegas will still be there if I get there a few hours later.

Ray

It is totally dependent upon the price of the flight whether or not this is any good. Earning sixteen credits is equivalent to 19200 (16 x 1200) points. Divide 19200/60 which equals $320. Therefore, the break-even cost for a flight between the two systems is $320. If price is the only concern then any flight over $320 is not as good under the new system. However, they are providing more flight choices so I can see how people would like that benefit. You can also purchase shorter and cheaper flights with points instead of reward certificates so that is a plus.

I have a SWA Visa card. I wonder if I will earn 1 point for each dollar spent?

This was done to give those purchasing Business select and Anytime fares 'more bang for the buck' towards earning free flights. If you travel a short flight for a cheap fare,,you will not earn the 1 credit you used to and those flying Business select will earn much more for the same flight. Just have to live with it,,,plus the new rule only allowing the original traveler to reuse a cancelled itinerary.

Yeah, I noticed that too blairsdad. It will benefit those who purchase the more expensive tickets which does seem fair to me.

The new system is definitely not a beneficial one for the most part.
It was bound to happen, though.
We had it too good for too long.