Need a getaway this spring? Want to use up some of your Southwest Rapid Rewards points (or Chase Ultimate Rewards points) instead of cash? This new Southwest Award Sale is for you.
Southwest launched a great promo this week, discounting all award flights booked with points by 20%. That brings flights as low as 2,000 points each way – maybe even less! And whether you're planning a quick domestic hop, heading to Hawaii, or escaping to Mexico or the Caribbean, all domestic and international routes are eligible.
But you'll need to hurry. This promo expires at the end of the day this Thursday, March 16, so you'll need to book by then. Flights all the way through May 24 are eligible for the 20% discount.
Already have a Southwest flight this spring you booked using points? Cancel it and rebook it with this sale to save some points!
To get searching, head for Southwest.com and enter the promo code SAVE20NOW on the homepage or just head to this page with the promo code all ready for you. You'll see the discount automatically reflected in almost any route you search. You'll still pay the same mandatory government taxes and fees, though that's just $5.60 each way on a domestic flight.
With Southwest, how many points you need to book a flight is firmly tied to the cash price: the cheaper the fare, the fewer points you need. That took a bit of a hit last year with a surprise devaluation as Southwest made its points less valuable overnight, but this new promo more than offsets it.
For example, you can book flights from Oakland (OAK) to Maui (OGG) for just over 12,000 points roundtrip with this sale. That's easily the best way to book flights to Hawaii using points and miles, period.
Thrifty Tip: Southwest isn't on Google Flights, so use the Southwest low fare calendar to find the best deal. But then you'll need to re-search and re-enter your promo code – this 20% promo disappears when using the low fare calendar.
Don't have Southwest points? Southwest is a Chase transfer partner, which means you can instantly send points from cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve® direct to your Southwest account!
Sales like this one are one of the reasons why we love Southwest, despite its recent historic meltdown. And remember: You get two free checked bags on every single fare for free. Plus, Southwest allows free change and cancellation on every ticket – yes, including these award fares booked with Rapid Rewards points.
Read more: Why You Should Care (And Always Compare) Southwest Airlines
Southwest Award Sale Availability
- Book with Rapid Rewards points by Thursday, March 16 to get 20% off
- Must fly by Dec. 15
- Promo is valid for domestic and international travel
- 20% promotion code savings valid for one-way or round trip Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares.
- You'll still pay taxes and fees ($11.20 on a round-trip domestic fare, higher fees for international travel)
- Search and book directly through Southwest
- Enter code SAVE20NOW in the promo code box when booking.
Bottom Line
Run, don't walk, to book Southwest flights with points and get 20% off before this excellent promo ends on Thursday, March 16.
We see Southwest trot out promo like these once or twice a year or so, and they're always excellent. Use promo code SAVE20NOW or just head to this link and start searching for ways to get more out of your Rapid Rewards points this spring!