Southwest Airlines has announced the addition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. as a new partner of the carrier's frequent flyer program, Rapid Rewards. Rapid Rewards members now have the option to earn a half (0.5) Rapid Rewards credit for each eligible stay at one of Starwood's global hotel brands.
Brands include: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le Meridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft and Element. In order to earn credits, Rapid Rewards members must be enrolled in the Starwood Preferred Guest SPG program and select Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards as their earning preference.
Additionally, SPG members have the option to transfer Starpoints to Rapid Rewards credits. For every 1,500 Starpoints transferred, members earn one credit—SPG members who transfer at least 20,000 Starpoints get a bonus of an additional three and a half (3.5) credits. To learn more about this new partnership, visit http://www.southwest.com/rapid_rewards/starwood.html. To view a blog post talking about this partnership, visit: www.blogsouthwest.com.
In honor of the new partnership, Four Points by Sheraton has also launched a special limited-time offer. Between August 18 and September 30, members who register for the promotion and book an eligible stay at over 150 hotels globally will earn one Rapid Rewards credit.
“This new partnership with Starwood Hotels & Resorts is a major enhancement to our Rapid Rewards program and something that our members have told us they wanted," said Ryan Green, Southwest's senior director of loyalty & partnerships.