You can transfer Southwest points to another person, but only through their gift card program, and the recipient must be a Southwest Rapid Rewards member

Southwest Airlines does not allow direct point-to-point transfers between accounts. Instead, you convert your points into a Southwest gift card, then give that card to someone else. That person can then use the gift card to book flights or buy points for their own account. The process takes a few days and involves Southwest's customer service team.

This is different from some other airline programs. You cannot straightforward move points from your account to a family member's or friend's account in one step. The gift card route is the only official way Southwest handles point transfers.

Key Takeaways

  • Southwest converts your points into a gift card value rather than transferring points directly between accounts.
  • You contact Southwest customer service by phone or through your online account to request the conversion.
  • The recipient needs their own Southwest Rapid Rewards account to use a gift card you send them.
  • The gift card is delivered via email and typically arrives within three to five business days.
  • Gift cards from Southwest points do not expire and can be used for flights, seat upgrades, or buying additional points.

How the Southwest gift card conversion works

When you request a point-to-gift-card conversion, Southwest calculates the dollar value of your points based on their current redemption rate. This rate varies — sometimes 1 point equals 1 cent, sometimes more or less depending on how you book. Southwest will show you the exact dollar amount before you confirm the conversion.

Once you confirm, Southwest issues a gift card code to the email address you provide. That code can be used by anyone, but it is most practical to give it to someone with a Rapid Rewards account, since they can explore it directly to their account or use it to book when ready. A person without an account can still use the code to book a flight as a guest, but they cannot save it to an account for later.

Step-by-step: Converting points to a gift card

By phone: Call Southwest customer service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). Have your Rapid Rewards number ready. Tell the agent you want to convert points to a gift card. They will confirm your point balance, calculate the dollar value, and ask for the recipient's email address. The agent will process the conversion on the call, and the gift card code will be emailed within one to two business days.

Online: Log into your Southwest Rapid Rewards account at southwest.com. Go to your account settings and look for the "Points" or "Rewards" section. Some accounts show a "Convert to Gift Card" or "Send a Gift" option. If you see it, click through and enter the recipient's email. If you do not see this option, your account may not have it enabled, and you will need to call instead.

After the conversion is complete, you cannot reverse it. The points are gone from your account and converted to the gift card value. Make sure you want to do this before you confirm.

What the recipient needs to do

The recipient will receive an email with a gift card code and a link to redeem it. If they have a Southwest Rapid Rewards account, they can log in and explore the code directly to their account balance. The funds then appear as available credit for booking flights or purchasing additional points.

If the recipient does not have a Rapid Rewards account, they can still use the gift card code to book a flight on southwest.com as a guest. They enter the code at checkout. However, they cannot save the remaining balance to an account for later use — any unused portion of the gift card expires after one year if not used.

The recipient should not share the gift card code with anyone else, since whoever has the code can use it. Treat it like a credit card number.

Point value and conversion rates

Southwest does not publish a fixed conversion rate for points to gift cards. The rate depends on demand, the time of year, and other factors. When you request a conversion, Southwest shows you the exact dollar amount before you proceed. You might see 1 point = $0.01, or you might see 1 point = $0.015 or higher.

This rate is different from the value you get when you redeem points for a flight directly. A flight booked with points might give you better value per point than converting to a gift card. Before you convert, think about whether you would rather book a flight yourself or give the value to someone else.

Timing and delivery

The gift card code is usually emailed within one to three business days of your request. If you call customer service, the agent may process it when ready, but the email still takes a day or two to arrive. If you request it online, allow three to five business days.

Once the recipient receives the code, they can use it right away. There is no waiting period. The gift card itself does not expire, but if the recipient is a guest user (not a Rapid Rewards member), any unused balance expires after one year.

Alternatives if you want to help someone book a flight

If you want to help someone pay for a Southwest flight but do not want to convert your points, you can also pay for their ticket directly using your own credit card. You book the flight in their name and pay with your card. This does not use your points at all.

Another option is to book a flight for them using your points, then have them reimburse you in cash. You would book the flight in their name, and they pay you back. This keeps your points in your account and avoids the gift card conversion process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer points directly from my account to someone else's account?

No. Southwest only allows point transfers through the gift card route. You convert your points to a gift card code, and the recipient redeems that code in their account or uses it to book a flight.

What if the recipient does not have a Southwest Rapid Rewards account?

They can still use the gift card code to book a flight on southwest.com as a guest. They enter the code at checkout. If they do not use the full balance within one year, the remaining amount expires. Creating a free Rapid Rewards account lets them save the balance indefinitely.

Can I get my points back if I change my mind after converting to a gift card?

No. Once you convert points to a gift card, the conversion is final. The points are removed from your account and cannot be restored. Make sure you want to proceed before you confirm the conversion with Southwest.

How long does it take to receive the gift card code?

If you call Southwest customer service, the agent processes it when ready, but the email with the code arrives within one to two business days. If you request it online, allow three to five business days for delivery.

Can the gift card code be used by anyone, or only the person I send it to?

Anyone with the code can use it. Treat the code like a credit card number and only share it with the person you intend to give it to. If someone else gets the code, they can book flights or purchase points with it.