Southwest Airlines New Rewards Program Begins

March 1 - Today, Southwest begins its new Rapid Rewards program for all customers.  Gone are the simple Rapid Rewards credits--16 one-ways for a free flight--and they are replaced by a complicated point system.  We attempted to call Southwest's toll-free phone number to clarify a few issues, but alas, all we heard on the phone was a busy signal--uh oh.  Scroll down for additional information.

Important #'s to know:

Redeeming points = 60 points = $1 (i.e., 6000 points for every $100)

Earning points (more complicated):

"Wanna Get Away" (cheapest fares) = earn 6 points per $1

"Anytime" (midpriced) = earn 10 points per $1

"Business Select" (highest price) = 12 points per $1

Pros/cons:

Pros:

1) Passengers who fly longer-haul flights (eg, SAN to MDW) will receive a greater number of points than short-haul fliers (eg, SAN to SFO).

2) No "Black Out" dates for reward redemption

3) Rewards can be redeemed for international and Hawaii/Alaska flights via Southwest's travel agency partner -- Maritz.  You will have to be a Southwest Visa cardholder to take advantage, however ($59/year).

4) Short-haul flights will cost less (in points) than long-haul flights.

5) Limited reward expiration - as long as there has been activity in the mileage account within two years, your points will not expire.

Cons:

1) Travelers who previously accumulated credits in a hurry by taking cheap, short-haul flights (eg, SAN to SFO) will not receive as much credit under the new system.  In the past, a $149 flight from San Diego to San Jose had equal reward value as a $600 flight from San Diego to Chicago-Midway.

2) New program is much more complicated

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