Southwest Airlines passengers will earn fewer loyalty points on flights they take, thanks to a new change that was quietly rolled out this week.

Southwest reduced the number of points passengers in its Rapid Rewards program can earn for the two lowest fare classes while increasing the number earned for the highest class. The changes to the Rapid Rewards program were published Tuesday, March 4, on Southwest's website and mobile app, but were made with no notice to customers.

The most significant reduction in points earned is for flights booked at Southwest's lowest fare class, Wanna Get Away. Flights booked at that tier will now earn two points for every dollar spent on base fares, a steep decline from the previous six points per dollar.

Here's what to know about the changes to the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards program.

What are the changes to Southwest Rapid Rewards?

Wanna Get Away fares: 2 points per dollar, down from 6 points per dollar.

Wanna Get Away Plus fares: 6 points per dollar, down from 8 points per dollar.

Anytime Plus fares: 10 points per dollar, unchanged.

Business Select fares: 14 points per dollar, up from 12 points per dollar.

The new earning structures are effective for flights booked after 11:01 p.m. Arizona time on March 3. Flights booked before that date and time retain the previous earn rates, Southwest spokesperson Laura Swift told The Arizona Republic.

Why did Southwest Airlines change the Rapid Rewards Program?

The Republic asked Southwest to explain why the changes to the earning structure were made.

Swift provided this statement: "On March 4, we adjusted the ratio of Rapid Rewards points earned in some fare types. Members of Rapid Rewards traveling on qualifying flights now earn more points for Business Select fares and less points for Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares. The earn rate for our Anytime fares remains the same."

"Although we modified some ratios for earning points, Southwest Rapid Rewards remains one of the most rewarding and flexible loyalty programs in the airline industry with unlimited reward seats, no blackout dates and points that don’t expire for all members."

Why is Southwest Airlines changing?

Southwest's Rapid Rewards changes come as the airline is changing its customer experience to improve profits, pushed in part by the activist investor Elliott Investment Management.

The changes include phasing out its open seating policy in favor of assigned and premium seating , which will start in early 2026, and the introduction of red-eye flights , which started in February and include Phoenix flights to Hawaii, Baltimore, Atlanta and Orlando.

Southwest's longstanding policy allowing two free checked bags remains unchanged for now, though Elliott has said Southwest is leaving money on the table by not charging for checked luggage.

Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at .

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