Today is a terrible day. According to The Points Guy, Southwest will no longer count points transferred from partner programs, including hotels and car rental agencies toward the Companion Pass. If you are like me and bought quite a few SPG points to then transfer to Marriott for a Nights + Flights package, you’re out of luck.
This is the statement Southwest provided to The Points Guy earlier today:
“We’re working to protect the integrity and value of Southwest’s industry-unique Rapid Rewards® Companion Pass by closing a loophole that previously allowed Members to transfer mileage and points from other partner loyalty programs toward qualification for a Companion Pass. As we closed this loophole, we also updated our terms and conditions which now clarifies that points converted from hotel and car loyalty programs, and e-Rewards, e-Miles, Valued Opinions and Diners Club will no longer count toward qualification for a Companion Pass. Members will continue to earn Companion Pass benefits through paid flights flown on Southwest, points earned through spend with Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards credit cards, and base points earned through transactions with Rapid Rewards partners.
Personally, I believe this is despicable on Southwest’s part. I understand that they want to make money, preserve the value of the Companion Pass and not just give it away, but come on, a warning would have been nice!
What do you think about this new rule?
