transfer SPG points to Southwest Rewards credits

Southwest Airlines and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has build new Partner of the carrier's frequent flyer program, Rapid Rewards.

SPG members have the option to transfer Starpoints to Rapid Rewards credits. For every 1,500 SPG points transferred, Members earn one credit--SPG members who transfer at least 20,000 Starpoints get a valuable 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.

Southwest Airlines freqent flyer 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 including: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le Meridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft, and Element(SM). 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.
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. Full details on this Four Points offer will be announced to Rapid Rewards Members today.
"SPG has worked hard to develop new ways to enhance our loyal guests' entire travel experience," said Chris Holdren, Senior Vice President of Starwood Preferred Guest. "We are thrilled to partner with Southwest Airlines to give SPG members more opportunities to turn their hotel stays into travel rewards."
"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. "We're constantly looking for ways to bring more Partners onboard and give our loyal Members more options to earn Rapid Rewards credits."
It is fast and easy to earn free travel through Rapid Rewards. Rapid Rewards Members earn credits by flying or using the program's Partners. It takes just eight roundtrips, or 16 credits, to qualify for an Award. However, Members can accelerate their earnings by using the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card from Chase, doing business with any of the airline's other Partners, or by purchasing Southwest's Business Select fares when flying. Plus, once it's earned, Southwest Airlines allows the Member to transfer the Award to anyone. The Award is free but subject to the U.S. government-imposed September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 roundtrip.