How to book Southwest Airlines through Chase Ultimate Rewards points?

Last Updated: October 7, 2025

Flying is more fun when you can use Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Travelers often think that booking tickets might drain their wallets, and they end up wondering whether “Can I book Southwest through Chase Ultimate Rewards?” Well, the answer is yes, but with a few nuances. For frequent travelers, families, and couples, these reward points are like a pass that they can redeem for travel directly. You get access to flexible redemption points, potential travel partners, and strong built-in travel security.

But the bigger question remains: How to book a Southwest Airlines flight through Chase Ultimate Rewards points? Does it stand by its commitment to delivering flexibility and redemption options? If yes, then how? Let us demonstrate everything that you need to know, from booking Southwest flights with Chase points, different redemption options, to tips to maximize value.

Fly more, pay less: Your ultimate guide to why Southwest and Chase Points are the best pair.

Southwest Airlines is already popular for its commitment to delivering an excellent customer experience and flexible rebooking options. Its customer-focused policies include free checked bags and flexible ticket changes, and recently implemented assigned seating, which has ended its long-standing open boarding policy. Now, pair this with Chase Ultimate Rewards points, and you get rewarded with one of the most affordable ways to fly to your desired destination. Sounds fun, right?

The Chase Ecosystem is versatile. You can either transfer points to travel partners or book directly through their travel portal; the choice is yours. What has always set Southwest apart is that, despite not being a direct partner, travelers can still follow simple workarounds to redeem their points for Southwest flights. If you’re also considering maximizing the perks, you can visit the Southwest Companion Pass and double the value of your rewards.

Can Southwest flights be booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards?

Yes, definitely, but not in the same way as Delta or United. Chase doesn’t allow direct transfer of Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest Rapid Rewards. Instead, travelers can follow the two options to book Southwest for free using Chase points conveniently:

Book directly through the Chase Travel Portal

Use their Chase points like cash to buy Southwest flights.
Book their flights depending on which Chase card they hold; the points are worth 1.25-1.5 cents each.
The booking is managed by Chase’s portal, but the flight is still associated with Southwest.

Use points to pay yourself back

Pay for a Southwest flight using your Chase card.
Use the option “Pay yourself back” with your Chase card and redeem your ultimate reward points against that purchase.

For detailed information on the procedure to book your next Southwest Airlines flight, also read: Southwest airlines book flight.

Step-by-step guidance on how to book Southwest flights with Chase points?

There are two ways in which you can book your Southwest flight using Chase points:

Option 1: Book directly through the Chase Travel portal

Log in to Chase Ultimate Rewards
Access the Ultimate rewards portal from your Chase account.
Search your flights by entering your departure city, destination and travel dates. Southwest flights will appear.
Choose the best & suitable Southwest flight option.
Next, apply your Chase points at checkout. Depending on your card, you get rewards points.
Get a confirmed ticket, once booked, valid with all the perks of Southwest, like free bags and no change fees.

Option 2: Book directly with Southwest+Pay yourself back

Go to the official Southwest website and book your tickets as usual, paying with your Chase credit card.
Log in to Chase and head to your Ultimate Rewards account.
Select Pay Yourself Back, choose your preferred Southwest flight and redeem points against it.

This option saves your time, is flexible and works more efficiently if you prefer booking directly with Southwest instead of a third-party portal.

Also Read: Book Southwest Airlines Flight

Pro tips on how to maximize your Chase points with Southwest.

As a travel enthusiast and content marketer, here are some tested strategies for getting the most out of your Chase points when flying with Southwest:

Book Early- Southwest fares rise closer to departure so make sure to lock lower fairs with the redeem points.
Rebook in case prices drop- Always look for fair prices and in case it decreases, Southwest allows you to rebook your tickets with no penalty. Don’t worry, your Chase booking adjusts accordingly, too.
Combine with the Companion Pass: If you own the Southwest Companion Pass, you can book your own ticket with Chase points and add your companion for taxes and fees. Learn more about it in our detailed Companion Pass guide.
Use points during sales: Southwest runs fare sales frequently, allowing your Chase points to elevate further.

Book affordable, yet smarter with Affluence Travels.

Booking with Southwest and Affluence Travels gives you expert guidance on maximizing your Chase Ultimate Rewards while making travel itineraries planning stress-free for you. Whether you’re flying across the U.S. or heading to an incredible beach destination, booking tickets is quick, affordable, and rewarding. Our team will help you compare cash with the points booking to see which offers give you maximum value. Help you pair your Chase points strategy with perks like Southwest Companion Pass, and track fare drops so that you can rebook with lower rates.

While Southwest is affordable, pairing it with Chase Ultimate Rewards and Affluence Travels’ expertise will ensure you’re flying smarter at affordable rates. So, start planning your next trip with Affluence Travels today, and we promise you to navigate the best way to book Southwest through Chase Ultimate Rewards to save your points, money and travel hassle-free.