How To Book Southwest Flights For FREE Using Chase Points
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- Опубликовано: 5 июл 2024
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Hey guys, in this video, I explain exactly how to book Southwest Airlines flights using Chase Ultimate Rewards Points. For a lot of people I personally know, something as simple as using credit card points to book Southwest flights is something that isn't known because it isn't often taught, so that's exactly why I'm making this video. Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be used in more optimal ways than this, but as I'll discuss in the video, maximizing value isn't as important to me as traveling for as close to free as possible. Further than that, I explain why you'd want to make this redemption, explain the multiple ways you can make it happen (and what's best), and show you exactly how to do it with a live flight booking of mine. If you've ever wondered how to use your credit card points to book Southwest flights or how to book Southwest flights using Chase Ultimate Rewards Points, this video is for you!
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📚 Chapters:
00:00 The Gameplan
00:53 How Transfer Partners Work
01:49 Why Transfer Partners Over Travel Portals?
03:22 The Complexities Of Transfer Partners
04:00 Best Ways To Use Chase Points
05:18 The 2 Methods To Book Southwest Flights w/ Chase
07:00 Finding The Best Southwest Flights
10:57 Calculating The Cent Per Point Value
11:46 Completing The Southwest Flight Purchase
13:26 My Final Thoughts On This Booking
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EDIT: Southwest flights booked through the Chase portal will earn qualifying points with Southwest, so using the Sapphire Reserve through the travel portal could very well be worth it rather than transferring out, particularly as it comes to CPP values. Refer to Luke’s comment below!
Awesome stuff Spencer, I don't really fly SW but your video will come in handy if/when I do in the future. I'd also take a small cpp hit if I could book direct with an airline instead of through a travel portal.
Thank you Monty! As has been discussed in a lot of the comments here, my discussion on the CSR isn't 100% true all the time and using the portal with the CSR could actually make a lot of sense. However, with the CSP, transferring out is really always the way to go.
Controversial take on this one. That same flight booked with your CSR through the portal would cost 569 points less and it would also earn 1,368 SW points (because it’s considered a paid flight) for a total swing of 1,937 points. And still come with the all the CSR protections. Cancelling that same flight with chase would just give you that $278 in credit with SW that never expires. Thats a pretty significant haircut with no benefit. In general, “nonrefundable” just means you don’t get your money back but you’ll still have the credit for a future flight. Although the “wanna get away” class credit is non transferable.
Your method also counts for A list status too. Point bookings don't count for status. The only good news about booking with points, cancel or reprice (when SWA puts the same flight on sale next week) is the points go back to a point pool and can be used to book anybody and stack up with all your other points. Credits are PITA to use.
@@chadpennycuff $278 with southwest or 18k points with SW. it’s tough to say one is better than the other. And the great part with SW is that cash never expires. This is exactly how the CSR could make up its annual fee. Little by little.
Interesting take Luke! I definitely rebook often with Southwest to knock off the prices when there's a sale like Chad said. Having it count for A-list status is big so I can see a draw for using it with the Chase Travel portal - plus the flight segment earnings, as you mentioned.
The only thing that I could see being an issue is rebooking over and over again (I do this often throughout the year), and it sounds like you would have to cancel the flight after using the Chase Travel portal to get the SW flight credit and then reapply it to the rebooked flight if that was a method you used. As Chad said, definitely could get messy if done over and over because credits are a PITA to use! For that reason, I would probably still go with SW point transfers, but I think I would have to do the Travel portal thing a couple of times to really see the mechanics.
@@TheCreditFrog I edited this because I misunderstood you. Sorry. it’s almost like you cashed your points out for 1.5 cpp. Holding a CSR means there is likely never a mathematical reason to transfer a chase point to SW. TPG values SW points at 1.35 cpp so adding in the 6x earning for paid flights makes booking through the portal overwhelmingly better. And cancelations and rebooking aside, transferring points out actually creates an additional step and significantly devalues the redemption. So it’s actually working to devalue your points.
I think this one can be chalked up to habit. Before the CSR - and before the last couple general SW points devaluations, transferring points out might have made sense. In 2024 with the CSR, the math is clear. I’ve canceled flights in the chase portal and it’s actually as easy as clicking the “cancel” button
Amazing discussion folks. Fun to see a bunch of CC RUclipsrs I watch have an intellectual discussion in the comments. 😊 One question though, I see all the value pointed out with booking through the portal, but can you use the companion pass if you book that way?
Great video Spencer! It all comes down to what you value your points for. Everyone is going to have their own opinion about what the "best" redemption is going to be. But if you use SW and Hyatt, and get reasonable value from those redemptions, I think that's the main point and a big win for you!
Thank you brother man! I completely agree with you. I hope it was clear that this is not how I'd recommend using ALL of your Chase points, but for those that want to use it for some, I hope this video helped folks out. Thanks for the comment as always!
Thanks for this video. I’m in Houston and SW is always my airline of choice - so this info was helpful.
Absolutely! I'm happy this one was valuable for you!
I'm not sure about flying with Southwest but I appreciate the info + video!
Great break down!
I just got my Sapphire Preferred and this is so useful for when I book future travel!
Let's go! Looking forward to hearing about your trips!
Good video and even though you didn’t touch on it much, some of these more “exotic” redemptions you have to be flexible. I have a busy schedule and when I take vacation days I want to know I’m gonna be able to have the dates I want for flights and hotels.
I have flown southwest through my job a few times. I think they have stock in Southwest or something lol! Southwest is not a bad airline at all. Never done me wrong.
Again great video. 👋🏾 Odin.
You're exactly right! Flexibility is key, and that's why I like SWs cancellation policies so much. Thanks so much for watching as always! Odin says hi back haha.
Living in Raleigh, we really like using Chase points transferred to Southwest as well. Tons of options, almost always the cheapest, and easy to shift if necessary. International travel is a different story, but domestically at a smaller airport, SW is hard to beat.
That's great to hear man! I'm in the exact same boat. I'm glad you could relate to this one!
First Super Thanks!! 😊
You’re awesome dude, thank you so much!
Great! I mainly use Hyatt and Southwest as well. Traveling with kids and I try to take advantage when they have 30-40% off promos. They've had those about once a quarter and I like being able to cancel and get my points back if we change plans. Too bad Utah didn't make it to the final Pac 12 championship game this year. I would have done a 3rd year in a row trip to Vegas. But was nice to book the trip ahead of time on a promo and no risk to cancel. Of course 2 player mode to get those subs every other year with Southwest so I can try to save my Chase Points for Hyatt.
Awesome vid my man! How does indirect domestic transfer partner redemptions compare to the CSR’s 1.5? Thanks
Thank you brotha! That's something I need to look into more for sure. In my British Airways -> American airlines video, my redemption rate wasn't significantly different than this one. To me, I pick the airline I need to use to get where I want to go and then exercise all the different ways I can make that happen and pick the highest value. For someone with the CSP wanting to book Southwest flights, doing so through this method is really the only optimal method. I'll have to test other airlines in the future!
What’s up brother! Another awesome video like always! I just product changed to the CSP to unlock transfer partners! I confirmed with the rep that I can product change back anytime after 1 month of the product change and still be eligible for the welcome bonus (I’ll be downgrading in April 2025 and apply for the card directly to take advantage of the welcome offer!
Sadly, southwest doesn’t fly the airport I fly to in Mexico, but they are definitely a domestic option!
Keep up the great work, love your content!
- Ivan
Is it bad that I read the first sentence in Sketch's voice? 🤣 Thanks for sharing that data point with us too! And congrats on that product change too. It'll be great to get to use your points for travel at a good rate now. Thanks for the support as always man!
I don't mind Southwest. Based out of SMF (majority Southwest), they are my go to for Seattle, SoCal, Vegas, and will fly nonstop where other airlines won't. Cash or sometimes points when they have sales. Good video 👍
Southwest is super ideal for me too so I completely get it! Thanks for watching dennis!
Cool to know this has a valid floor of value. I’d be curious how his compares to booking a united flight through Air Canada for domestic flights. Do you happen to know how that competes when it comes to cpp?
That's definitely something I should look into more! I made this video more for those who want to use SW specifically because in a lot of cases, that's the best option by far (like for me out of Austin). But using airline alliances could 100% be the better move depending on the options at your disposal. More videos to come on that topic!
I know this has nothing to do with the video, but thats a pretty cool shirt man. Is that a cross in the corner?
Southwest FTW! I sometimes transfer over points to Southwest to top off my account for a redemption!
I wish southwest would fly out of Gainesville, Florida. Great job on RUclips ❤
Gotta use what you can! Thanks so much Vicki!
As someone based in Denver, Southwest is great! Sapphire Lounge in Austin is also pretty nice!
You mean Sapphire Terrace in Austin. I guess it's better than nothing but they looked very small.
@@kevinManhattan Oh yeah, that's right! It was a bit small but I'd say the grab and go beats any other lounge's version.
@@TomatoVFX true!
I'll be headed that way this weekend! And I'll definitely be stopping in the lounge first. While it's small and mostly outdoor, I love it.
It hurts to get less than a 1.5 cent per point redemption for a flight, but I’ll look at every airline flying the route I want and if I find the Southwest flight has the cheapest points price, it would definitely make sense to use my points that way (assuming I don’t want to pay in dollars)
Haha I feel you! But to me, a "free" flight is better than no flight. It just all depends on how many points you have. Thanks for watching as always man!
Hey Spencer, new subscriber here. I actually subscribed today after watching this video. Thank you for e plaining & simply with no fluff how to do this. I am new to the world of chase credit cards; my first being the Freedom Unlimited. Typically, I am team cash back however, recently I have been watching a lot of your videos about Team Travel. I have to say that you almost have me convinced to switch sides. Although, I am trying to find a way to play both sides. At some point I do plan on perhaps going for the “Chase Trifecta.” Just have to wait a bit and then get the Chase Preferred next, then the Freedom Flex. Anyway, Just wanted to say thank you again and look forward to more of your content. Stupid question Does Chase consider travel by Amtrak as “travel?”
Dude, thank you so much for the support! That means a lot to me. Your approach to being both on team cashback and travel at the same time is oftentimes the most viable way to do it. The Chase trifecta has been a setup that a ton of people have found a lot of value in, and while they have overlapping categories and not the best earning categories, having access to Chase's partners is what keeps me using their cards. To answer your question, yes Amtrak should count as travel based on their terms. Chase is super flexible with their travel category fortunately. Thank you again for the support here!
@@SpencerJohnsonOfficial Thanks for the reply back. I greatly appreciate it for sure. Yes there are the overlapping categories, but I can use that to my advantage and plan a proper strategy for it. Again thank you for your content and all you do. I am definitely going to be checking a lot more of your other content as well as your newer stuff as well. 👊🏻
@@SpencerJohnsonOfficial One more question for you. Would it make sense to also have say the Citi Trifecta? I already have the CustomCash. Been thinking about working on getting the Double Cash and Premier eventually. Or would the duo of Venture and Savor be better?
@@user-sh6lt5mw7t A proper strategy is key! I’d say to target cards within ecosystems that have access to the redemptions you want. Specific to the travel side, you’ll want to make sure the setups you build give you access to your favorite travel partners. Earning categories wise, both Citi and Capital have better earning setups than Chase, so if you like their partners you can definitely get their cards on top of your Chase cards or however you feel about going about it. Kind of a vague answer but hopefully it helps!
Consistency the key to this game, 1.49 CPP is solid. Once you wake up and realize 50000 CPP is the extreme and isn't realistic. Those value conversions in the 1.5 CPP start to feel that much nicer haha. My sleeper pick lately is Alaska Airlines, been finding some amazingly cheap flights (using BILT Points). Going to alter my strategy a little bit in the upcoming months.
I completely agree man! I'm glad you resonated with this one. Alaska is definitely a viable option, I wish we had access to them more here in Austin. Let me know how your strategy changes with Bilt removing them though!
Texas Pride 🤙 , one of my nieces graduated from UT-Austin and my other niece is currently attending.
That's awesome dude! Hook 'em horns!! Congrats to both of your nieces btw 👊🏼
@@SpencerJohnsonOfficial Thank you 🙏 Congrats to you on all your success 👍 Keep the good videos coming
Hey Spencer , really nice video ! I was wondering if I could help you with Viral Content ideas in your niche , Script , editing , thumbnail , SEO , Growth and analysis , Leads and appointments for your business , etc in all to you ! Pls let me know what do you think ?
Hyatt may be the "best point redemption" but how is it as a hotel brand?? Literally never hear of CC youtubers talk about actually staying in one outside of chase redemption unlike FHRs
It's got a horrendous footprint. There's entire cities without a single Hyatt hotel but multiple IHGs, Hiltons, Marriotts, Wyndhams, etc.
It has a great loyalty program, but if you want to reap any benefits/status, you're married to them to try to get Globalist for any real opportunity for upgrades and such.
And yes, they have a generous award chart, pretty much the only hotel brand that still uses them, so you get solid value for your award stays, especially in off-peak times.
I honestly see Hyatt devaluing all of that someday, though. They've already put out feelers of higher tier credit cards that offer more status than Discoverist, and the second they put Globalist on a credit card, kiss all your perks and upgrades goodbye because when everyone is top-tier, nobody is top-tier.
And that award chart is great until it's gone like all of its competitors. People raved for ages about the Sapphire Reserve and how it had the best Priority Pass access...until it didn't.
Well one of the things they don’t talk about is that you only get 2cpp at Hyatt if you’re booking at a cat 6-8. If you’re booking lower cats just save money, you’re looking at 1.2-1.5 from what I’ve seen
Hyatt has been a brand I generally rely on and have never been disappointed by. However, their footprint is lower than basically every hotel out there, so I don't get to stay with them as much as I'd like. Their resorts are awesome in my opinion, and even their budget properties have given me really high CPP values, so I'll take that all day. TLDR: Hyatt has been awesome to me and I love staying with them, but they don't always have many options.
@@dylanschang6386 Thanks for sharing this man! Funny enough, my highest CPP values have come from their low category properties. For example, I booked a Hyatt Place outside of Houston for my parents a few weeks back and it came out to a 10cpp redemption which was wild. It only required like 5k points per night and I'm honestly not sure why the cash price was so juiced to give me that redemption, but I'll take it!
@@SpencerJohnsonOfficial Great to know - I'll have to keep looking! I'm new to using Hyatt points - I literally only have my welcome offer points from the personal Hyatt points as I dont have a sapphire yet (gonna use this new in branch elevated SUB for the reserve). I also just don't want to have to book a top tier suite just to get value, so hopefully I can find close to 2 cpp from standard rooms
I really like SouthWest. Unfortunately, my home airport is PDX. So SW is almost always way more expensive. Except in some cases when they have a sale. And even then it’s only to select places like Las Vegas. But what I really like is that even their lowest fare is always refundable to a travel credit. And the travel credit never expires. So you don’t have to be afraid of losing your money. And if the price drops on a flight after booking, whether points or cash, you can cancel and rebook at that lower cost. I just wish I could fly them more often.
Ahh yeah I see where you're coming from! Southwest's cancelling policies, their price from Austin, and their no bag policies are huge plusses for me and I'm happy to keep using em!
If you stay with Hyatt and get >1.5cpp, shouldn't you save all your Chase points for high and just pay Southwest flights with cash?
I’d say it all depends on how many points you accumulate every year and what your goals are! Some people don’t stay at hotels but do fly a lot, so this type of redemption is more important to them.
I've tried SWA this year and thus far not a fan. Living in a SWA hub has to help a lot. I'm a Delta fan because I love sky clubs and direct flights from my DTW home hub.
Ah that sucks, I'm sorry to hear that. But yeah being in a SW hub has made me have pretty great experiences all around. I haven't been sucked into the Delta hype yet, but maybe one day!
We have WN companion pass, but dont think i would transfer chase points for a flight on southwest. I get far more value transferring to Virgin and booking delta domestically. I did get around 150k southwest points while getting companion pass, so maybe if i needed points Io would feel differently.
Nice Phil! It sounds like you have an ideal strategy for your situation and that's awesome!
How do you feel about the CEOs announcement that they might get rid of free-for-all seating?
If I'm being 100% honest, I haven't thought about it too much yet. But my initial reaction is that it would be a great thing at face value. The question is whether or not the tickets would increase in pricing, and if that's the case, then I wouldn't be as happy haha.
Spencer, I make 21 an hour which translate to a salary roughly to 43k a year and I was wondering if you think it’s still possible to travel and earn enough points to travel with such a low annual income? And do you think the chase trifecta is good for someone with such a low income
I roughly make the same and go on 20+ trips a year
Don't get the Chase Trifecta. Focus on sign up bonuses, maybe 3-4 cards a year. I think you can get most credit cards with your income.
I'm planning on making a video about this soon, but as someone who got into the credit card game in college, I was in your exact shoes where I wanted to travel but didn't have the income for it. That + wanting to build my credit score led me to the credit card game and that's exactly why I'm able to travel like I do today. So to answer your first question, yes it is 100%! And while I believe the Chase trifecta is still super powerful mainly for the welcome offers (if you like their transfer partners), with a lower income, funneling spend towards more welcome offers is going to give you the highest return on your spend, so that's what I would focus on as LK mentioned above as well. You just need to plan it out in a strategic way rather than shotgunning approach it, but that's what roadmapping is for!
@@SpencerJohnsonOfficial thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to answer my question Spencer, I love watching your videos and I always look forward when you drop new ones 🙏🏽
@@LK_EBM thank you for answering my question 🙏🏽
Free fights is free can’t complain, have a good day
Haha you aren't wrong!
@@SpencerJohnsonOfficial agree
😊
You won em both! You’re killing it 👑
Third!!
Thanks for being here so early man! 🥉
@@SpencerJohnsonOfficial NP. I got nothing going on most Sundays. It’s the Lords day and the Bible says to relax and watch football. But YT videos are just as good.
@@SpartanOfFinance Amen to that brotha!
The SW Priority Card literally pays for itself ($149 annual fee). The $75 annual travel credit (including fares) and then points, good one a one-way or roundtrip, plus upgraded boarding. Good value card.
I wouldn't use the Chase Portal to book to SW since it's my favorite domestic airline too, but excellent video as usual Sir. Thanks for sharing.
Absolutely right! I wouldn't necessarily use that card for all of your spend, but for it's benefits it's really solid! Thanks for watching as always man.
First
Close one brotha, I appreciate you nonetheless! 🥈
when you need to use Chase points, then it's not free.
Opportunity cost wise, you're correct! However, I'll take a "free" flight in points over paying cash any day personally.
Breaks my heart that you encourage people to use valuable Chase points for such a crappy redemption. Yeah, every transfer partner gives different value for your points and Southwest is reliably at the bottom of the list
It’s how he uses his points - turn up the volume
@@josephenrique7867 you're absolutely right! No way any newbs see this and think they should do the same. Just a bad deal!
@@josephenrique7867 you're absolutely right! No way any newbs see this and think they should do the same. Just a bad deal!
@@josephenrique7867 you're absolutely right! No way any newbs see this and think they should do the same. Just a bad deal!
Ehh for families this actually would be a decent redemption and especially if you have a companion pass too
I'm in 5/24 jail for the next year 🥲
Dang, I'm sorry to hear that! That 5/24 rule is super annoying.