Okay, let me just get it all out.
I hate that Southwest got rid of their free checked bag policy. I hate that you have to pay for your seat now instead of just checking in and landing in a boarding zone like a normal human being. On top of that, I hate that their $49 deals never go anywhere fun. Like who is flying to Tulsa for a long weekend? And don’t even get me started on the fact that I cannot get to California without a layover. Like, why.
I have grievances. Documented ones.
However, I keep flying them. And here’s the real reason why.
The Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal Changed Everything
Their Rapid Rewards Shopping portal. I know that sounds boring. Stay with me.
You sign up for free, and then every time you shop at stores you’re already going to anyway, Sephora, Apple, CVS, over 1,100 stores total, you earn points toward flights. I’m not changing my shopping habits or doing anything extra. In fact, I’m just routing my purchases through the portal and watching points stack up that pay for trips I was already planning to take.
Vegas this summer? Partially funded by the fact that I bought baby wipes and ibuprofen. I’m not joking.
The Staff Is a Whole Different Conversation
And the flights themselves? Listen, the staff alone keeps me coming back. Every single flight my son gets his little wings and he is SO proud. One flight they gave him a kids book out of nowhere. Additionally, another flight I was sitting there holding my phone up trying to watch TV and a flight attendant just handed me a little cloud-shaped Southwest keychain that folds out into a phone stand. Unprompted. It’s on my keys right now. And one time my son wasn’t feeling great mid-flight and an attendant came over and asked if there was anything she could do to help. You don’t forget that.
The Prices Still Make Sense
So yeah, I have my complaints. The bag fees, the seat situation, the $49 deals that only go to cities nobody asked to visit. However, I’m flying Southwest to Vegas this summer and probably California later this year, and a big part of that is because I’ve been earning points on purchases I was already making.
In summary, if you’re not signed up for Rapid Rewards Shopping yet, it’s free and honestly a no-brainer. Therefore, why not start earning points on the shopping you’re already doing? Sign up right here: https://swa.eyjo.net/oNyXjg
Shop today, fly later. That’s literally their tagline and I feel it in my soul.
Grab These Before You Fly
Since you’re already planning your summer travel, here are a few things worth throwing in your cart before you head to the airport.
First and foremost, a good neck pillow can make or break a long flight, especially when you’re traveling with little ones. This Miniso Minions travel neck pillow comes with an eye mask and is made with 100% memory foam so you’re actually comfortable up in the air: https://stormsmama.com/product/miniso-minions-travel-neck-pillow-with-eye-mask-100-memory-foam-airplane-pillow-set/
In addition, if you’re a Star Wars house like we are, this C-3PO and R2-D2 luggage tag is too good to pass up. It also makes it so much easier to spot your bag on the carousel: https://stormsmama.com/product/star-wars-not-the-bag-you-are-looking-for-c3po-and-r2d2-luggage-tag/
Best of all, this avocado green hard shell spinner suitcase has a built in cup holder AND a phone stand. As a result, you can watch your show and sip your coffee hands free while you wait at the gate. That is why this one is currently at the top of my list: https://stormsmama.com/product/mixi-checked-luggage-with-cup-holder-and-phone-stand-26-inch-hard-shell-spinner-suitcase-avocado-green/
Drop in the comments where you’re flying this summer. I want to know.
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