Why Southwest’s Wanna Get Away Plus Fare Stands Out

1. The New Fare at a Glance

Southwest Airlines introduced the Wanna Get Away Plus fare a few years ago, positioning it snugly between the entry-level Wanna Get Away and the more premium Anytime. From my perspective, it’s a natural fit for travelers who want an upgrade from the bare necessities without jumping headfirst into pricier fare tiers. I’ve watched countless flyers gravitate toward this middle ground in search of that sweet spot—better flexibility, more Rapid Rewards points, and freedom from some of the headaches that often come with lower-frills tickets.

What truly sets this fare apart is the combination of confirmed same-day changes and transferable flight credits. Whether you’re flying for work or visiting family on short notice, having a bit of wiggle room can be a game-changer. The ability to confirm a same-day change often spares travelers from paying extra fees, which, according to industry data from last year, can stack up quickly across multiple trips. By bundling these perks together, Southwest manages to keep the fare accessible while still providing key advantages typically reserved for higher-tier tickets.

On top of that, travelers get to enjoy two free checked bags for bookings made before May 28, 2025, which has historically been one of Southwest’s most beloved policies. This perk, combined with the fare’s moderate price point, helps strike a balance between budget consciousness and comfort. While some carriers are moving toward more restrictive baggage rules, Southwest has endeared itself to travelers by maintaining an easier, more forgiving experience—at least for the time being.

2. Earn More Rapid Rewards

The Rapid Rewards program has always been central to Southwest’s identity. One of the reasons Wanna Get Away Plus gained traction so quickly is its elevated point-earning structure. From my own observations, many frequent flyers look for the best ways to accumulate points without paying for top-tier fares every time they travel. At 8X Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent, this fare outpaces the original Wanna Get Away while remaining more affordable than Anytime and Business Select.

Reward-earning potential can significantly influence a traveler’s choice of airline and fare class. According to a 2024 loyalty study, 67% of travelers consider robust earning rates a primary motivator for sticking with a specific airline. As someone who has followed countless stories of travelers maximizing their points, I see Wanna Get Away Plus as a strategic pick for building up rewards without overextending your budget. Every extra point earned has the possibility of compounding when combined with promotional offers, credit card bonuses, or Southwest’s occasional fare sales.

Another hidden gem lies in how these Rapid Rewards points can be redeemed. Travelers often pair the fare’s higher earning potential with strategic redemptions, snagging flights at optimal times or when Southwest runs limited-time offers. This is especially handy if you’re eyeing a specific route during peak travel season. By leveraging the slightly elevated earn rate, even casual travelers could find themselves with enough points to take an additional trip each year—without spending extra on the airline’s priciest fares.

3. Transferable Flight Credits

One of the most talked-about features of Wanna Get Away Plus is the option to transfer flight credits. If I had to pick a perk that consistently lights up travel forums, it’s this ability to move credits between Rapid Rewards accounts. It’s a straightforward process that saves individuals the frustration of having unused funds locked in someone else’s name. All it takes is a single transfer, and a friend or family member can use the entire balance toward their own trip.

I’ve seen travelers use this feature to help out relatives in need of a last-minute flight, or simply to share a promotional fare when they couldn’t personally use the credit. One real-world example: a friend of mine canceled a flight for work reasons and then transferred the credit to her sister, who was planning a weekend getaway. That move came in clutch, especially when airline prices were spiking everywhere else.

It’s worth noting that the transfer is an all-or-nothing process. There’s no splitting the credit between multiple accounts and no reversing the decision once it’s done. However, many travelers find that a minor limitation in exchange for the convenience and cost savings. This perk underscores the fare’s ethos: It gives travelers more freedom to manage their funds and adapt to changing plans.

4. Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond

As of this year (2025), major changes are on the horizon for Southwest, particularly for flights booked on or after May 28. Based on internal airline bulletins and broader industry chatter, many travelers are preparing for a shift in how Southwest handles baggage, fare structures, and even seating. In my experience reading countless previews, the biggest departure from the airline’s longstanding policies is the move away from two free checked bags for most fare types, although elite status holders, Business Select customers, and certain Rapid Rewards credit cardholders will still enjoy this perk.

Southwest’s upcoming Basic fare—set to replace the original Wanna Get Away—will drop to a 2X point-earning rate and introduce dynamic award pricing. If you’re the kind of traveler who depends on higher earning and more transparent redemption rates, this shift could influence your flight planning. According to a recent study by an aviation research group, airlines adopting dynamic award pricing can see a short-term bump in loyalty program revenue, but it often requires travelers to be more vigilant about tracking point values and redemption windows.

Then there’s the move to assigned seating, scheduled to launch in 2026. Early glimpses suggest that Southwest is trying to preserve some of its unique open-seating tradition while adding tiered seat options, including extra legroom. How exactly this will pan out remains to be seen, but you can bet travelers who have grown accustomed to the old system will keep a close eye on the transition. I’ve noticed that many flyers regard Southwest’s rear open seats as one of the airline’s quirky charms, so the shift may spark spirited debates among loyalists.

5. Which Fare Suits You Best?

When deciding if Wanna Get Away Plus is right for you, consider how you typically travel. Are you someone who thrives on flexibility, or do you mostly stick to fixed schedules? From what I’ve observed, families and business travelers who value changeability and higher rewards tend to embrace this fare wholeheartedly. It’s a big step up from Basic (and the old Wanna Get Away) without committing to the full cost of Anytime or Business Select.

If you’re focused purely on price, the upcoming Basic fare might still pique your interest, but you’ll sacrifice a lot of benefits starting this year. Meanwhile, frequent flyers who can’t live without fully refundable tickets or want maximum Rapid Rewards might be better off opting for Anytime or Business Select. Ultimately, I think Wanna Get Away Plus hits a sweet spot: it gives you enough perks to simplify future trips without demanding the highest fare premium.

In particular, if you share flight credits frequently—say, with a spouse or close friend—then Wanna Get Away Plus is almost a no-brainer. Even if you’re not planning any drastic itinerary changes, having that option in your back pocket can be invaluable. For those who track their points religiously and want a nudge in the right direction, the 8X earn rate is a noticeable improvement. You’ll see the difference in your Rapid Rewards balance sooner than you might expect, especially if you incorporate credit card bonuses or loyalty promotions throughout the year.

Final Thoughts

Southwest’s Wanna Get Away Plus fare stands as a strategic choice in a shifting airline landscape. It marries many of the conveniences that frequent flyers seek—like same-day changes and flight credit transfers—with a relatively affordable price point. Over time, as the airline transitions its baggage and seating policies, traveling on Southwest might look very different, but Wanna Get Away Plus remains poised to offer a balance of flexibility and value.

Looking ahead, the elevated Rapid Rewards earning and practical perks give it staying power in a competitive marketplace. Although nothing can be guaranteed in an era of constant airline updates, my impression is that Wanna Get Away Plus aligns with travelers who want a bit more freedom in their plans without going all in on premium fares.

Sky Skylar’s Take

I’ve immersed myself in mountains of flight reviews and booking data, and it’s clear that Southwest isn’t just testing the waters with Wanna Get Away Plus. They’ve planted a flag in the midpoint between bare-bones fares and top-tier luxury. From reading countless traveler testimonials, I can tell many appreciate this no-frills-yet-slightly-enhanced approach.

Overall, I see Wanna Get Away Plus as a logical extension of Southwest’s brand style—friendly, forgiving, and ripe for those of us who prefer a little wiggle room on our flight plans. Even as new policies roll out this year, it stands to remain a favored option among savvy flyers.

Stay with us at BoardingArea for more.