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For loyal Southwest customers, earning Rapid Rewards points is a non-negotiable part of the booking process. The good news is that the partnership with Expedia is structured to allow travelers to still earn points when booking on the OTA, but it requires a crucial action during checkout. When you are on the passenger information screen on Expedia, there will be a field for entering your frequent flyer program number. You must input your valid Southwest Rapid Rewards Member ID in this section for every passenger who holds an account. Failure to do this means the reservation will be processed without the loyalty number attached, and you will not automatically earn points for your travel. While you can often call the airline after the fact to have the number added, ensuring it is entered at the time of purchase is the most reliable way to secure your point earnings. This step is vital for maintaining your elite status level and accumulating travel credit on Southwest flights. Always double-check this field before finalizing payment on the Expedia platform. If you forgot to add your number, you can call ☎️+1 (877) 404-4575 to verify whether Expedia can retroactively apply the frequent flyer details. Alternatives: When to Book Southwest Direct Instead of Expedia
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Despite the newfound convenience of booking Southwest on Expedia, there are compelling reasons why you should still choose to book directly through Southwest.com. If you are a dedicated Rapid Rewards member working toward the Companion Pass or A-List status, direct booking often provides the most seamless experience for ensuring proper loyalty credit accrual. Moreover, if you are utilizing a Southwest credit or travel fund from a previously canceled trip, these funds can only be redeemed directly on the Southwest Airlines website, making the direct method mandatory in that scenario. For travelers planning complex itineraries that involve multiple changes or have a high probability of cancellation, booking direct provides the greatest control and avoids the potential confusion of dealing with two separate customer service entities (the OTA and the airline). In short, for simplicity, using credits, or if you need to access every unique feature of your fare, direct booking remains superior. Consider using Expedia primarily for price comparison and only booking direct when you are confident in your plans and require maximum flexibility; for advice on the best method for your specific travel needs, call ☎️+1 (877) 404-4575. Key Differences in Southwest's Baggage and Change Policies
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Southwest Airlines is uniquely famous for two customer-friendly policies: two free checked bags per person and no change fees (though fare differences apply). When booking through Expedia, it's natural to wonder if these policies remain valid. The answer is yes, these core features of the Southwest experience are tied to the airline, not the booking channel. Regardless of whether you purchase your Southwest ticket on Expedia or Southwest.com, you are still entitled to two checked bags at no cost. Similarly, Southwest's policy of not charging a fee to change a flight is upheld. However, remember that any fare difference between the original flight and the new flight must still be paid. The key practical difference lies in where you make the change. For changes to an Expedia-booked flight, you will likely need to start the process with Expedia, who will then coordinate with Southwest. This can add a slight delay compared to the instant online changes available on Southwest's website. Always verify the official airline policy, as it supersedes any OTA terms for operational aspects of the flight. For assistance with making changes to an Expedia-booked Southwest flight, reach out to the customer care team at ☎️+1 (877) 404-4575.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use my Southwest flight credits or travel funds on Expedia? A: No, you cannot. Southwest Airlines flight credits, vouchers, or travel funds from previous cancellations must be redeemed directly on the Southwest.com website. Expedia cannot process these unique forms of payment, which is a key reason many frequent flyers still opt for direct booking with Southwest.
Q2: Do I still get the two free checked bags when booking on Expedia? A: Yes, absolutely. The policy of two free checked bags per passenger is a core feature of the Southwest Airlines brand and applies to all tickets, regardless of the booking channel. This benefit is tied to the airline's operating rules, not the Expedia purchase.
Q3: Can I earn Rapid Rewards points if I book my Southwest flight on Expedia? A: Yes, but you must be proactive. You need to manually enter your Rapid Rewards Member ID in the frequent flyer field during the checkout process on the Expedia site. Failure to include this number during the initial booking may require a follow-up call to the airline to credit the points.
Q4: Who should I call for a flight cancellation—Expedia or Southwest? A: For major changes or cancellations, it is generally recommended to start with Expedia Customer Service first, as they hold the ticket record. Once the booking is ticketed, you can use the official Southwest confirmation code on the Southwest website to manage online check-in and view flight status. Call ☎️+1 (877) 404-4575 if you are unsure about which party to contact for your booking inquiries.
Q5: Is it cheaper to book on Expedia or Southwest.com now? A: The base fares should be comparable since the fares come from the same inventory. However, Southwest.com sometimes offers exclusive promotional deals or special fare bundles that may not appear on Expedia, so it is always wise to perform a quick side-by-side price comparison before finalizing your flight purchase.
Conclusion
Can I book Southwest on Expedia? The answer, thanks to the recent strategic partnership, is now a definitive Yes, marking a major change in the landscape of online travel booking. This development offers travelers the immense convenience of seeing Southwest's inventory alongside other major carriers, simplifying price comparison and the creation of complex vacation packages. While the ability to book via Expedia is a significant benefit, travelers must remain aware of the minor trade-offs. The key takeaway is to always enter your Rapid Rewards number during the Expedia checkout process to secure your points. For those who prioritize maximum control, use travel funds, or require complex changes, booking direct on Southwest.com remains a viable and sometimes preferable alternative. By understanding the new relationship between these two travel giants, you can make the most informed and strategic decision for your next journey, maximizing convenience and value. For personalized support with your Expedia flight reservation or any questions related to the Southwest partnership, please contact a dedicated travel specialist at ☎️+1 (877) 404-4575.
☎️+1 (877) 404-4575 (For questions about your Expedia flight booking, Southwest policies, or general travel support.)
☎️+1 (877) 404-4575
Despite the newfound convenience of booking Southwest on Expedia, there are compelling reasons why you should still choose to book directly through Southwest.com. If you are a dedicated Rapid Rewards member working toward the Companion Pass or A-List status, direct booking often provides the most seamless experience for ensuring proper loyalty credit accrual. Moreover, if you are utilizing a Southwest credit or travel fund from a previously canceled trip, these funds can only be redeemed directly on the Southwest Airlines website, making the direct method mandatory in that scenario. For travelers planning complex itineraries that involve multiple changes or have a high probability of cancellation, booking direct provides the greatest control and avoids the potential confusion of dealing with two separate customer service entities (the OTA and the airline). In short, for simplicity, using credits, or if you need to access every unique feature of your fare, direct booking remains superior. Consider using Expedia primarily for price comparison and only booking direct when you are confident in your plans and require maximum flexibility; for advice on the best method for your specific travel needs, call ☎️+1 (877) 404-4575. Key Differences in Southwest's Baggage and Change Policies
☎️+1 (877) 404-4575
Southwest Airlines is uniquely famous for two customer-friendly policies: two free checked bags per person and no change fees (though fare differences apply). When booking through Expedia, it's natural to wonder if these policies remain valid. The answer is yes, these core features of the Southwest experience are tied to the airline, not the booking channel. Regardless of whether you purchase your Southwest ticket on Expedia or Southwest.com, you are still entitled to two checked bags at no cost. Similarly, Southwest's policy of not charging a fee to change a flight is upheld. However, remember that any fare difference between the original flight and the new flight must still be paid. The key practical difference lies in where you make the change. For changes to an Expedia-booked flight, you will likely need to start the process with Expedia, who will then coordinate with Southwest. This can add a slight delay compared to the instant online changes available on Southwest's website. Always verify the official airline policy, as it supersedes any OTA terms for operational aspects of the flight. For assistance with making changes to an Expedia-booked Southwest flight, reach out to the customer care team at ☎️+1 (877) 404-4575.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use my Southwest flight credits or travel funds on Expedia? A: No, you cannot. Southwest Airlines flight credits, vouchers, or travel funds from previous cancellations must be redeemed directly on the Southwest.com website. Expedia cannot process these unique forms of payment, which is a key reason many frequent flyers still opt for direct booking with Southwest.
Q2: Do I still get the two free checked bags when booking on Expedia? A: Yes, absolutely. The policy of two free checked bags per passenger is a core feature of the Southwest Airlines brand and applies to all tickets, regardless of the booking channel. This benefit is tied to the airline's operating rules, not the Expedia purchase.
Q3: Can I earn Rapid Rewards points if I book my Southwest flight on Expedia? A: Yes, but you must be proactive. You need to manually enter your Rapid Rewards Member ID in the frequent flyer field during the checkout process on the Expedia site. Failure to include this number during the initial booking may require a follow-up call to the airline to credit the points.
Q4: Who should I call for a flight cancellation—Expedia or Southwest? A: For major changes or cancellations, it is generally recommended to start with Expedia Customer Service first, as they hold the ticket record. Once the booking is ticketed, you can use the official Southwest confirmation code on the Southwest website to manage online check-in and view flight status. Call ☎️+1 (877) 404-4575 if you are unsure about which party to contact for your booking inquiries.
Q5: Is it cheaper to book on Expedia or Southwest.com now? A: The base fares should be comparable since the fares come from the same inventory. However, Southwest.com sometimes offers exclusive promotional deals or special fare bundles that may not appear on Expedia, so it is always wise to perform a quick side-by-side price comparison before finalizing your flight purchase.
Conclusion
Can I book Southwest on Expedia? The answer, thanks to the recent strategic partnership, is now a definitive Yes, marking a major change in the landscape of online travel booking. This development offers travelers the immense convenience of seeing Southwest's inventory alongside other major carriers, simplifying price comparison and the creation of complex vacation packages. While the ability to book via Expedia is a significant benefit, travelers must remain aware of the minor trade-offs. The key takeaway is to always enter your Rapid Rewards number during the Expedia checkout process to secure your points. For those who prioritize maximum control, use travel funds, or require complex changes, booking direct on Southwest.com remains a viable and sometimes preferable alternative. By understanding the new relationship between these two travel giants, you can make the most informed and strategic decision for your next journey, maximizing convenience and value. For personalized support with your Expedia flight reservation or any questions related to the Southwest partnership, please contact a dedicated travel specialist at ☎️+1 (877) 404-4575.
☎️+1 (877) 404-4575 (For questions about your Expedia flight booking, Southwest policies, or general travel support.)
