In recent developments in the airline industry, major changes are being reported, particularly by Southwest Airlines, which has significantly altered how Rapid Rewards loyalty points are earned, especially for budget fare travelers. The Department of Homeland Security has also terminated its bargaining agreement with TSA officers abruptly. Meanwhile, American Airlines is testing new free in-flight Wi-Fi options, while Avelo Airlines is implementing change fees. Various airlines are expanding routes and services, highlighting a competitive and evolving air travel landscape.
Still, with the reduced rates for the two cheapest fare types, this means a top-tier A-List Preferred elite member who previously earned 2,400 Rapid Rewards points on a $200 Wanna Get Away fare (worth $32.40 by our March 2025 valuations) will now earn just 400 points, worth just $5.40 - a significant reduction, the Points Guy's Ben Smithson observed.
Anytime and Business Select fares are usually noticeably more expensive than Wanna Get Away fares. So, you'll need to pay more to earn points and enjoy other benefits like fully refundable fares, early check-in and priority airport services.
One Mile at a Time said Southwest made the changes 'with absolutely no advance notice,' beneath a headline that screamed, 'Southwest Massively Cuts Points Earning, Slaughters Rapid Rewards.'
Avelo Airlines adds change/cancellation fees; Allegiant downsizes its operations at LAX; and Frontier Airlines adds Washington state's Paine Field to its network and plans a big expansion at Atlanta.
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