Using points

[terriramsey01]

Does anyone know if you can use points for partial payment.  for instance I have enough points for one way, and I was going to pay the remainder with my SW Credit Card.

[franktravel · Accepted solution]

Hi 

No, you have use all points or pay $$.  You can purchase extra points if you are short.

Good luck. 

[chgoflyer]

In this case, yes -- just book 2 separate one-way flights, using points for one and cash for the other. (Also, as a general guidenine, it's a good idea to book one-ways on Southwest anyway.)

[gsum]

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@chgoflyer wrote:

... (Also, as a general guidenine, it's a good idea to book one-ways on Southwest anyway.)

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Please share reasoning as I never heard this before.  

[chgoflyer]

Unlike other carriers who often require round trip for a particular fare, Southwest has no such requirement. There are a ton of reasons to book one way on Southwest, mostly related to flexibility in rebooking. There are also a few caveats.

A lengthy discussion of the pros and cons is over at FlyerTalk:

Reasons to book all Southwest travel as one-way rather than round-trip