Rapid Rewards 2.0 begins March 1, 2011
Jan 8, 2011, 9:37 am
#586
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 344
I wonder whether someone could clarify A-List validity periods under 2 scenarios; I must be lightheaded from lack of sleep, because I don't think I see this answered specifically in the OP or at newrapidrewards.com:
1. Starting from scratch on 1/1/12, lunatic passenger A takes 25 flights by 1/15/12.
2. Starting from scratch on 1/1/12, laid-back passenger B takes 25 flights by 12/15/12.
On what exact date does A-List validity expire for each of these passengers? Is it still a year from the date it's attained?
1. Starting from scratch on 1/1/12, lunatic passenger A takes 25 flights by 1/15/12.
2. Starting from scratch on 1/1/12, laid-back passenger B takes 25 flights by 12/15/12.
On what exact date does A-List validity expire for each of these passengers? Is it still a year from the date it's attained?
Jan 8, 2011, 9:42 am
#587
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,975
How is "anniversary" defined? I got the card in Feb. 2010, and the first awards posted in March. This could apply to many people who took the 2-award offer.
Jan 8, 2011, 9:43 am
#588
Join Date: Aug 2005
Programs: HH Diamond, WN CP & A-List P
Posts: 195
In regards to cramming for CP qualification before 3/1 to get the extra year, putting aside the relative ease of getting qualification in RR1 vs RR2 (which is minor if you get most of your CP qualification on CC spend (22k spend difference) or more expensive flights), in subsequent years if you qualify by 3/1/xx, you get CP for the rest of that year through 12/31/xx+1.
There is no added benefit to getting the CP qualification completed before 3/1 that will not exist after RR2 goes into effect.
Previous posts suggest the rolling 12 months will be in effect for the year, so unless you are primarily a low fare customer or qualify through partner bonus credits, I see no reason to use a ton of PC, SPG, etc points into the program.
I think the math works for me as a +$200 average flight and a chunk of CC spend to continue the slow and steady march to CP instead of rushing to dump hotel points or do rental MRs.
There is no added benefit to getting the CP qualification completed before 3/1 that will not exist after RR2 goes into effect.
Previous posts suggest the rolling 12 months will be in effect for the year, so unless you are primarily a low fare customer or qualify through partner bonus credits, I see no reason to use a ton of PC, SPG, etc points into the program.
I think the math works for me as a +$200 average flight and a chunk of CC spend to continue the slow and steady march to CP instead of rushing to dump hotel points or do rental MRs.
That's the point I'm struggling with right now. 4 awards in the bank - 45 credits away from re-upping CP (due by 8/1/11) - PLENTY of partner points available to put me over the top prior to 3/1.
I realize I can extend them for $50 (once).....struggling with the thought of extending for $50 versus utilizing the RR2 concept for future family travel.
Jan 8, 2011, 9:47 am
#589
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Chicagoland, IL, USA
Programs: WN CP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,193
Can you provide a link to verify that 100%? I have not seen anything yet for A-List validity period along the lines of "the rest of the current calendar year and all of the following year."
If you are right, I know what I'll be doing the first couple weeks every other year. I imagine it will involve LAS and LAX.
If you are right, I know what I'll be doing the first couple weeks every other year. I imagine it will involve LAS and LAX.
Jan 8, 2011, 9:54 am
#591
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Chicagoland, IL, USA
Programs: WN CP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,193
6000 points is worth $100 for WGA travel and the Premier Visa card will cost $85 I think.
Existing WN Signature Visa is $59 a year and yields 2 RR credits worth around $40.
Jan 8, 2011, 9:55 am
#592
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 344
Can you provide a link to verify that 100%? I have not seen anything yet for A-List validity period along the lines of "the rest of the current calendar year and all of the following year."
If you are right, I know what I'll be doing the first couple weeks every other year. I imagine it will involve LAS and LAX.
If you are right, I know what I'll be doing the first couple weeks every other year. I imagine it will involve LAS and LAX.
"A-List and A-List Preferred qualification will be based on a calendar year. Once A-List or A-List Preferred Status is earned, the Member can begin enjoying the benefits immediately. The Member will maintain A-List or A-List Preferred Status for the remainder of the calendar in which the status was earned and for the entire calendar year immediately following. To continue receiving A-List or A-List Preferred benefits, the Member must re-qualify each calendar year. "
Jan 8, 2011, 10:03 am
#593
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Dallas, TX, AA 3MM EXP, WN
Posts: 1,808
Jan 8, 2011, 10:03 am
#594
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Chicagoland, IL, USA
Programs: WN CP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,193
From the T&Cs:
"A-List and A-List Preferred qualification will be based on a calendar year. Once A-List or A-List Preferred Status is earned, the Member can begin enjoying the benefits immediately. The Member will maintain A-List or A-List Preferred Status for the remainder of the calendar in which the status was earned and for the entire calendar year immediately following. To continue receiving A-List or A-List Preferred benefits, the Member must re-qualify each calendar year. "
"A-List and A-List Preferred qualification will be based on a calendar year. Once A-List or A-List Preferred Status is earned, the Member can begin enjoying the benefits immediately. The Member will maintain A-List or A-List Preferred Status for the remainder of the calendar in which the status was earned and for the entire calendar year immediately following. To continue receiving A-List or A-List Preferred benefits, the Member must re-qualify each calendar year. "
If one attains A-List in the first 2 weeks of the year, he gets it for almost 2 years, in my example 2012 and 2013. But then it says IN THE NEXT SENTENCE he must re-qualify every calendar year.
I guess that refers to earning in 2013 for 2014 validity if you qualified in 2012. But to me it's awkwardly worded.
25 short cheapo flights ought to be doable in a few days every other year in January.
Last edited by toomanybooks; Jan 8, 2011 at 10:33 am
Jan 8, 2011, 10:23 am
#595
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: LAS-DEN
Programs: WN CP & B-list. Disillusioned fmr UA-1P/2P,F9-Ascent; Fmr AA-Plat,CO-Gold,NW-Silver,TWA-Elite
Posts: 1,630
I do have to say that when I used to fly UA, taking earlier flights was a nice feature and that SWA requires a bit of planning to avoid the full fare buy up.
Jan 8, 2011, 10:27 am
#596
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: DC
Programs: Amtrak slumbercoach value club
Posts: 1,163
From wn's perspective, RR 2.0 seems to address the problem of massive uncashed point liability other programs have by monetizing the award benefit - assuming airfares are going to rise, there's no benefit in hanging on to your miles. They won't earn interest and probably won't buy you as much as time goes on. Under legacy programs, the traditional measure is the cost per mile. Assuming redemption levels and inventory stay the same, you can get more bang for your buck when fares go up. Thus, there's some incentive to bank miles (assuming you're willing to risk devaluation).
The more I digest the program, the more impressed I am at how well it's been designed to reward behavior WN values most (and being easy to tweak) without apparently creating unmanageable new liabilities. Whether RR 2.0 works is sill an open question.
Jan 8, 2011, 10:30 am
#597
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: LAS-DEN
Programs: WN CP & B-list. Disillusioned fmr UA-1P/2P,F9-Ascent; Fmr AA-Plat,CO-Gold,NW-Silver,TWA-Elite
Posts: 1,630
If I were a FF like I used to be, I would prefer the simplicity of a legacy 25,000 mile one size fits all economy class award within the 48 mainland states. Heck, some Southwest passengers still can't understand the numbered boarding system at the gate how are they going to digest this?
There may be a bit more math to Southwest, at least until we get this all figured out, but Southwest must have figured that we can handle it. Maybe its because its the smart folks, those with advanced degrees in math, economics, and business, not the kettles, that fly Southwest?
I'd like to think so.
Jan 8, 2011, 10:53 am
#598
Join Date: Sep 2010
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold, SPG Gold, HH Gold, PC Platinum
Posts: 232
I can not find anything about the new conversion policy from hotel programs. The exchange rate of points from hotel programs such as Starwood has not been published. This information is needed to make a decision if it is better to convert Starwood points to SWA credits before 03/01,or delay the transfer after 03/01. Why would I delay the transfer after 03/01? Because Starwood works at a ratio of 1:1 with most programs ,and if everything works as expected, then 1200 Starwood points will be worth 1 credit as opposed to the current ratio of 1500:1.
Jan 8, 2011, 10:56 am
#599
Moderator: Southwest Airlines, Capital One
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: California
Programs: WN Companion Pass, A-list preferred, Hyatt Globalist; United Club Lietime (sic) Member
Posts: 21,625
Jan 8, 2011, 10:59 am
#600
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 2
Definitely a fair change, but a bummer since I won't be able to buy people's rapid rewards off craigslist anymore. I've probably done this 12+ times for last minute travel over the last 6 years. I knew that $300 for same day flights anywhere I usually fly couldn't last. It was good while it lasted.