I spent the day reading about Rapid Rewards 2.0. Watching the videos, reading the web pages, using the simulators. There's no two ways about this: The new program is not nearly as beneficial for me and my family as the old one. Moreover, if I want it to be as rewarding for me personally, it's going to require that I start spending much more money on my work and family travel. And the bottom line is that my travel budget is not going to increase. Not in a non-profit that is weathering the most difficult economic times in 80 years. Travel budgets have been cut. We're already being asked to do more with less.
In these tight economic times, it no longer pays to be loyal to SWA. My exclusive loyalty to SWA is going to have to end as I become loyal simply to the airlines that can stretch my dollar the farthest. Moreover, my wife and I are likely going to swap the SWA Chase Rewards Visa for a card that offers cash back so that we can start accumulating something we're more readily able to use than the "points" system you've replaced the credit system with.
Rapid Rewards 1.0: Straightforward. Easy to understand. Affordable. Incredibly Rewarding.
Rapid Rewards 2.0: More choices. More complicated. More expensive. Less Rewarding.
I'm really disappointed today. I loved being a Southwest loyal customer. And I loved feeling appreciated by your company.
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