Southwest Airlines frequent flyer program, Rapid Rewards®, held onto its title of Best Customer Service for the sixth consecutive year at InsideFlyer Magazine's Freddie Awards. Rapid Rewards was also named Program of the Year for the third in a row.
"Once again, we're honoured to see the appeal of Rapid Rewards reflected in our Members' Freddie Awards votes," said Jonathan Clarkson, Southwest's Senior Director of Loyalty, Partnerships, & Products. "The satisfaction of our Customers is a key consideration for any decision we make here at Southwest. Our Loyalty program is designed to provide Members with flexibility, plenty of award seat availability and places to travel to, and the best overall service to fit their travel needs. Those are the elements that our Members value most, and that is what we'll continue to deliver."
The Rapid Rewards program gives Members the chance to use points to book revenue flights. Through the More Rewards online portal, Members can use their points for a number of purchases such as hotel stays, gift cards and car rentals. This year, Rapid Rewards received six Freddie awards, including Program of the Year, Best Customer Service, Best Loyalty Credit Card, Best Airline Redemption Ability, Best Elite Program, and Best Promotion.
Introduced in 1988, the Freddie Awards give voice to the frequent flyer and honours the most respected travel loyalty programs in the world. This year's voting opened on February 15, 2018, and ended March 31, 2018. InsideFlyer Magazine's 30th annual Freddie Awards were held April 26, 2018, in Seattle, Washington.
Originally launched in 1987, Rapid Rewards Members who once earned credits now earn points through qualifying purchases with Southwest Partners. Members can redeem their points for every seat, every day, on every flight with absolutely no blackout dates or seat restrictions, and points won't expire as long as Members have flight-earning or partner-earning activity at least once every 24 months. Points are earned for every dollar spent on Southwest® flights, and the amount of points earned is based on the fare and fare product purchased. The number of Rapid Rewards Points that are needed to redeem for flights varies based on factors such as destination, time, day of travel, and availability. Rapid Rewards Points are also earned through spending on the Rapid Reward Chase Visa Card. Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers can redeem their points for expanded international travel, gift cards, hotels, car rentals, merchandise, and more. Learn more about the program by visiting the Rapid Rewards web site.
