Point Conversions due to reduced use
Jul 23, 2020, 6:33 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 93
Point Conversions due to reduced use
Any tips on converting SW RR points to something more usable, now that it's less realistic to be flying in the near future? Looks like gift cards might be the best option to get 1 cent per point, unless anything else is higher? Flights were about 1.5c/point, but it's going to be a while before I get back on a flight.
Jul 23, 2020, 7:40 am
#2
Join Date: Oct 2001
Programs: LTP, PP
Posts: 8,699
Not really right now IMO. I just took right now, the GC pickings are slim and very niche, mostly restaurants and many have broken the .01 floor, i.e. 3000 points for $25
By intent or by accident, they have certainly taken steps to prevent a run on redemption by removing the most valuable GC's such as Amazon or Loews/Home Depot.
By intent or by accident, they have certainly taken steps to prevent a run on redemption by removing the most valuable GC's such as Amazon or Loews/Home Depot.
Jul 23, 2020, 9:24 am
#3
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: ORD, MDW or MKE
Programs: American and Southwest. Hilton and Marriott hotels primarily.
Posts: 6,461
Hopefully you are aware that you can use those points to purchase near in flights, immediately cancel and the points will go out to Sept, 2022 expiration.
Jul 23, 2020, 12:06 pm
#6
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: LAS
Posts: 211
Jul 23, 2020, 2:11 pm
#9
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: WN A+ CP, UA 1MM/*A Gold, Mar LT Tit, IHG Plat, HH Dia
Posts: 6,285
Southwest GCs are the only thing I've found it worthwhile to spend my RR points on, aside from RR flight redemptions. I've still got a handful of GCs from my last buy, before CV struck. I'm in no rush to buy more. Also, due to CV, my RR balance really hasn't gone up much the past several months. I feel no pressure to spend down my balance right now.
Jul 23, 2020, 2:55 pm
#10
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,286
Points don't expire. You don't need activity every 2 years anymore.
Points redemptions for anything other than flights is via More Rewards, but that's currently limited only to Chase Southwest card holders.
Gift card offerings at More Rewards have been pared way back and no longer include ones like Southwest, Amazon, or big-box retailers.
Merchandise, hotel, and rental car offerings are still available but the redemption rate is very poor.
Points redemptions for anything other than flights is via More Rewards, but that's currently limited only to Chase Southwest card holders.
Gift card offerings at More Rewards have been pared way back and no longer include ones like Southwest, Amazon, or big-box retailers.
Merchandise, hotel, and rental car offerings are still available but the redemption rate is very poor.
Last edited by ursine1; Jul 23, 2020 at 5:54 pm Reason: typos
Jul 23, 2020, 3:05 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Nashville -Past DL Plat, FO, WN-CP, various hotel programs
Programs: DL-MM, AA, SW w/companion,HiltonDiamond, Hyatt PLat, IHF Plat, Miles and Points Seeker
Posts: 11,073
Southwest GCs are the only thing I've found it worthwhile to spend my RR points on, aside from RR flight redemptions. I've still got a handful of GCs from my last buy, before CV struck. I'm in no rush to buy more. Also, due to CV, my RR balance really hasn't gone up much the past several months. I feel no pressure to spend down my balance right now.
Jul 24, 2020, 6:33 am
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 93
Thanks for responses. I'm not worried about expiration - more just flexibility and some component of time value of money, plus risk of inflation. The airlines are in a tough spot financially and so my balance is a little too large for my comfort. I had been building a balance and achieved the companion pass so I could take numerous low-cost weekend trips with my partner. We got a few in before COVID-19 struck, but now it's going to be a while. I'm looking to cash out maybe half of my balance just for risk management. I'm planning to use them for some of the restaurant ones - I don't feel like there are too many better options, but I don't mind carry out food.
Jul 24, 2020, 7:21 am
#13
Join Date: Oct 2001
Programs: LTP, PP
Posts: 8,699
Jul 24, 2020, 3:02 pm
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 93
The benefits that could accrue might include:
1. Ability to gift Southwest credits
2. Concern that points might be devalued, so you'd prefer to have gift cards, which are denominated in dollars instead of points
Maybe there are more considerations though?
Jul 24, 2020, 4:46 pm
#15
Moderator: Southwest Airlines, Capital One
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: California
Programs: WN Companion Pass, A-list preferred, Hyatt Globalist; United Club Lietime (sic) Member
Posts: 21,624