I discussed the limitations of Google Flights Explorer yesterday, while also exploring Google’s robust “Explore” tool to facilitate budget-friendly spontaneous travel [link]. I pointed out the absence of Southwest Airlines from the Google Flights Explorer results, emphasizing the importance of a separate visit to Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar for those looking for the best deals.
Imagine a world where one platform’s gaps are seamlessly filled by another. Southwest Airlines has expanded beyond its traditional boundaries, thanks to the attention to detail of a Reddit user and following confirmations from bloggers at Frequent Miler and Thrifty Traveler. The Chase Travel Portal now features Southwest Airlines “Wanna Get Away” and a “Wanna Get Away Plus” fare.
Southwest has made an exception for third-party travel sites by partnering with Chase, opening up new avenues for travelers looking to use their Chase points on Southwest flights. This collaboration deviates significantly from Southwest’s usual strategy of directing customers to its own website. Chase cardholders, including those with the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve, now have an additional way to redeem points for Southwest flights. The value of these points varies according to the Chase card being used, ranging from 1.25 to 1.5 cents per point earned through the portal.
With my Chase INK Business Preferred card, my points are worth 1.25 cents. The same goes for the Sapphire Preferred card. If you have a Sapphire Reserve, your points are worth 1.5 cents when booking through the Chase Travel Portal.Now, let’s break down the details of the comparison. I used both the Chase Travel Portal and the Southwest site, selecting the same information: IAD as the departure city, MIA as the destination, and a random date of December 7 for one traveler.
Here’s a Table Comparing the Calculated Values (Above):
| Aspect | Chase Travel Site “Wanna Get Away” | Southwest Site “Wanna Get Away” |
|---|---|---|
| Fare Price | $149 | $149 |
| Fare Option | “Wanna Get Away” | “Wanna Get Away” |
| Available Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Point Required (Chase Ink Biz. Preferred /Sapphire Preferred) | 11,919 points | 9,634 points |
| Point Required (Chase Reserve) | 9,993 points | 9,634 points |
| Point Value (Chase Reserve) Point Value (Chase Ink Biz./Sapphire Preferred) | 1.5 cents per point 1.25 cents per points | 1.5 cents per point |
Points Transfer to Southwest vs. Chase Travel Site:
- With a Sapphire Preferred/Ink Biz Preferred card,
- Fare requires 11,919 points
- Transferring points to Southwest with a 1:1 redemption rate saves (11,919 – 9634 = 2,285) points per transaction
- With a Reserve card,
- Fare requires 9,993 points
- Transferring points to Southwest with a 1:1 redemption rate saves (9,993 – 9634 = 359) points per transaction
This clarifies the pricing and point differences between the Chase Travel site and the Southwest site, emphasizing the notable variance in points required for the same “Wanna Get Away” fare on both platforms.
In Conclusion:
Having the option to book Southwest fares through Chase Travel is a step forward, providing a choice and the opportunity for informed decision-making. While it may not revolutionize point savings, it does provide a means of comparison. Consider Southwest as a possibilities in Chase Travel, especially if you intend to use the Wanna Get Away fare. Transferring points directly to Southwest for award tickets remains cost-effective, but there are factors to consider; it’s important to remember that Southwest uses dynamic pricing, and what works today may not work tomorrow and, Southwest plans to decrease the value of its points by 4% starting January 1, 2024 [link].
When booking through the Chase Travel Portal, several benefits seem to be available. You earn Rapid Rewards points, which can make a big difference, which may influence the outcome. For international flights to Mexico with high taxes, using Chase points to cover the entire cost, including taxes, may make the Chase portal a better choice. You can use the Companion Pass on Chase, definitely a good move! However, be cautious when booking directly through the Chase Travel Portal as changes or cancellations may be challenging. This is because Southwest allows free changes and cancellations, even for reward bookings, which might not align smoothly with the Chase Travel Portal. Additionally, consider that there could be a notable price difference between booking a Southwest flight through the Chase Travel Portal and directly on the Southwest website, potentially affecting cost-effectiveness.
