You cannot transfer Southwest points directly to another person, but you can use them to buy a ticket for someone else
Southwest Airlines does not allow you to move points from your account to someone else's account. The company treats points as non-transferable currency tied to your Rapid Rewards account. However, you can accomplish the same goal by using your points to purchase a ticket in another person's name at no extra cost — you pay only the points you would normally spend on that ticket.
This distinction matters because it changes how you approach the transaction. Instead of thinking about moving points, think about buying a gift ticket. The process is straightforward: log into your Southwest account, search for a flight, and at checkout, enter the passenger's name instead of your own. You can do this on Southwest's website or by calling their phone line.
Key Takeaways
- Southwest points cannot move between accounts, but you can use your points to buy a ticket for anyone else by entering their name at checkout.
- The ticket recipient does not need a Southwest account, and the ticket is issued in their name only.
- You can book the ticket online through Southwest.com or by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA, and there is no fee for using points instead of cash.
- The ticket is valid for one year from the date of purchase and can be used by the named passenger or transferred by them to another person later.
- If you want to give someone the points themselves rather than a specific ticket, Southwest offers no mechanism to do this.
How to buy a ticket with your points for someone else online
Start by logging into your Southwest Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com. Search for the flight you want to book using the standard search tool — enter the departure city, arrival city, and travel dates. You can search for one-way or round-trip flights just as you normally would.
When you reach the passenger information page, enter the other person's name, date of birth, and contact information instead of your own. Southwest will issue the ticket under that person's name. Complete the booking by selecting "Pay with Points" at checkout. The points will be deducted from your account when ready, and a confirmation email will be sent to the email address you provided for the passenger.
The ticket is now in the other person's name. They can use it to check in online, at a kiosk, or at the ticket counter. They do not need to have a Southwest account or know your Rapid Rewards number.
Booking over the phone if you prefer to speak with an agent
Call Southwest's reservations line at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). Tell the agent you want to book a flight using your Rapid Rewards points and that the ticket should be issued in another person's name. Have ready the passenger's full name, date of birth, and contact information, as well as your Rapid Rewards account number.
The agent will search for flights, confirm the points cost, and process the booking. There is no fee for booking by phone, and the points will be charged to your account the same way they would be online. The agent can also answer questions about seat selection, baggage policy, or other details before you finalize the purchase.
What happens after the ticket is issued
Once the ticket is booked, Southwest sends a confirmation to the email address you provided for the passenger. The ticket is valid for one year from the date of purchase. The passenger can use it for any Southwest flight during that year, as long as they travel under the name on the ticket.
If the passenger cannot use the ticket themselves, they can transfer it to another person at no cost. Southwest allows ticket transfers to anyone — the original passenger straightforward needs to contact Southwest and provide the new passenger's name and information. The ticket remains valid for the original one-year window.
If the passenger wants to change the flight date, they can do so without a fee, as is standard for all Southwest tickets. They will need to contact Southwest or log into their own account if they have created one.
Why Southwest does not allow direct point transfers
Most airline loyalty programs, including Southwest, prohibit direct transfers of points between accounts. This policy exists partly for fraud prevention — it reduces the risk that stolen accounts could be emptied of points. It also simplifies the tax treatment of points, since points issued to you are tied to your account and your tax situation.
The workaround — buying a ticket for someone else — achieves the same practical outcome without requiring Southwest to change its account structure. From the airline's perspective, you are straightforward purchasing a ticket, which is a normal transaction.
Alternatives if you want to give points without buying a specific ticket
If you want to give someone the value of your points without committing to a specific flight, Southwest does not offer a direct way to do this. You cannot convert points to cash or gift cards, and you cannot transfer them to another account.
Your only option is to buy a ticket in their name. If you do not know their travel plans yet, you can book a flexible ticket — for example, a one-way ticket on a popular route that they are likely to use, or a round-trip ticket with open dates. They can then use or transfer that ticket whenever they choose, as long as it is within the one-year validity window.
Alternatively, if the person has a Southwest credit card, you could give them a cash gift and let them earn their own points through credit card spending or flights.
Common mistakes to avoid when booking for someone else
The most common error is entering your own name instead of the passenger's name at checkout. Double-check the passenger information page before you confirm the booking. If you make this mistake, you will need to contact Southwest to have the ticket reissued in the correct name, which can take several business days.
Another mistake is providing an incorrect email address for the passenger. Southwest sends the ticket confirmation to that email, so if it is wrong, the passenger may not receive their booking details. You can update the email address by contacting Southwest, but it is easier to get it right the first time.
Do not assume the passenger has a Southwest account. They do not need one to use a ticket issued in their name. However, if they want to check in online or manage their booking, creating an account and adding the ticket to it can be convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my Southwest points to my spouse or family member?
No, Southwest does not allow direct transfers of points between accounts. However, you can buy a ticket for your spouse or family member using your points by entering their name at checkout. The ticket will be issued in their name and they can use it to fly.
What if I buy a ticket for someone and they do not use it?
The ticket is valid for one year from the date of purchase. If the passenger does not use it within that year, the ticket expires and the points are gone. However, the passenger can transfer the ticket to another person at any time, so they have options if their plans change.
Do I need the other person's Southwest account number to buy them a ticket?
No. You only need their full name, date of birth, and contact information. They do not need to have a Southwest account, and you do not need their Rapid Rewards number. If they want to manage the booking online later, they can create an account and add the ticket to it.
Can I buy a ticket for someone and have them pay me back in points?
No. There is no mechanism to transfer points from one account to another, so the other person cannot reimburse you in points. They would need to pay you in cash or another method if they want to compensate you for the ticket.
What if I made a mistake and booked the ticket in the wrong name?
Contact Southwest as soon as possible. You can call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA or use the contact form on Southwest.com. Southwest can reissue the ticket in the correct name, though this may take a few business days. It is faster to get the name right before you complete the booking.