More Ways To Use Southwest Coming in 2027: Partner Flights, Seat Selection, and Rental Cars

Southwest Airlines is expanding how its members can use their Rapid Rewards points in 2027, introducing new redemption options that go beyond just booking flights with the airline.

The changes will allow members to redeem points for rental cars, seat selections, and international travel through the carrier’s new airline partners.

Here’s everything you need to know about these new changes and how they impact your future redemptions.

Southwest Introduces New Ways To Redeem Rapid Rewards Points

Southwest Airlines has shared new details on its updated Rapid Rewards loyalty program. The first wave of program changes begins on January 1, 2027, while the rollout of new redemption options is scheduled for spring 2027.

Arguably, one of the most significant changes to the revamped program is the expansion of international travel options. The airline will have partnerships with several airlines, including Icelandair, China Airlines, and Etihad Airways.

Rapid Rewards members will be able to earn and redeem Rapid Rewards points for international travel through these airlines, which opens access to destinations like Reykjavik, Paris, Taipei, Tokyo, Abu Dhabi, and Johannesburg, among others.

Southwest is also expanding points redemptions for rental cars. Members will soon be able to redeem Rapid Rewards points for car rentals across all of Southwest’s car rental partners directly through cars.southwest.com.

This provides travelers with an entirely different way to put their points toward a trip, whether they need transportation after landing at a destination or for a road trip as part of a longer vacation.

Lastly, Southwest plans to let its members redeem points for selecting seats, including Preferred and Extra Legroom seats. This creates an alternative to using Rapid Rewards points strictly for airfare, allowing travelers to use points in ways that may better suit their comfort and travel preferences.

What This Means for Southwest Travelers

For frequent Southwest travelers, this is a win. More redemption options are almost always a good thing, even if they may not be the best way to use points.

Southwest travelers planning international trips will have access to destinations served by Southwest’s new airline partners, rather than being limited to where Southwest’s own planes fly. Likewise, those booking domestic getaways may enjoy using points for preferred seating or rental cars.

At the end of the day, the new redemptions offer more flexibility, particularly for travelers whose flights are covered but still have other trip expenses. We’ll have a better idea of the value these redemptions provide once they go live.

Final Thoughts

Southwest is expanding its Rapid Rewards program in 2027, providing new redemption options for members that include booking flights on international airline partners, rental car bookings, and seat selection.

The rollout is scheduled for spring 2027. While this is good news overall, the true value will ultimately come from redemption rates and award availability that we’ll have to check when redemptions come online. Still, expanding redemption options is an improvement for members looking to get more from their points.