Hi All - just wanted to provide a quick data point.

12/27 - Applied for and received approval for AMEX Hilton Aspire and saved my instant card number.
12/27, 5 minutes after approval - Chatted with an AMEX rep to make Southwest my airline choice.
12/27, 15 minutes after chatting - Received e-mail confirming Southwest as my airline choice.
12/27, 15 minutes after receiving e-mail - Booked 3 separate one-way 'dummy' flights for $93.98 on Southwest's website, logged into my rapid rewards account.. I planned on waiting until after the 24 hour period to cancel the flights since we'll use Southwest credit sometime in 2020 anyway.
12/30 - AMEX credits post for $93.98, $93.98 and $62.04. No 'meter' movement prior to credits posting. Card is showing $31.94 balance.