Southwest Airlines doesn’t partner with hotels in the traditional sense of offering points or miles for stays. Unlike some other airlines that have co-branded credit cards and hotel loyalty programs, Southwest focuses its rewards program primarily on flights and Rapid Rewards points earned through flying and partner activities.
While you won’t find a list of “Southwest partner hotels,” you can still maximize your travel budget when booking hotels alongside your Southwest flights. Here’s how:
Booking Hotels Through Southwest
Southwest offers a travel portal powered by Booking.com where you can book hotels and earn Rapid Rewards points. This platform provides a wide selection of accommodations worldwide, allowing you to compare prices and amenities. By booking your hotel through the Southwest portal, you’ll accumulate points toward future Southwest flights. The number of points earned per dollar spent on hotels may vary, so it’s always advisable to check the current earning rates on the Southwest website.
Using Rapid Rewards Points for Hotels
While you can’t directly redeem Rapid Rewards points for hotel stays in the same way you can for flights, you can use your points to purchase Southwest gift cards. These gift cards can then be used to book flights, effectively freeing up your cash budget for hotel expenses. This indirect approach can still provide value, especially if you have accumulated a significant number of Rapid Rewards points.
Leveraging Other Hotel Loyalty Programs
Consider joining hotel loyalty programs directly. Many major hotel chains offer their own rewards programs where you can earn points or free nights for stays. By being a member of these programs, you can benefit from exclusive perks, discounts, and room upgrades regardless of how you booked your flight. Some popular hotel loyalty programs include Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and World of Hyatt. These programs often offer co-branded credit cards that can accelerate your points earning.
Finding Hotel Deals
Utilizing online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia, Kayak, or Google Hotels can help you compare prices from various hotels and find the best deals. These platforms often offer discounts and package deals that can save you money on your overall travel expenses.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Travel Budget with Southwest
Although Southwest Airlines doesn’t have direct hotel partners, you can still optimize your travel spending by booking hotels through the Southwest travel portal to earn Rapid Rewards points, using points for Southwest gift cards to offset flight costs, joining hotel loyalty programs, and leveraging online travel agencies to find the best deals. By employing these strategies, you can make your travel budget stretch further and enjoy a more rewarding travel experience.
