Earn airline rewards at sea: Southwest adds cruise bookings

Southwest Airlines customers can now earn flight rewards at sea.

Travelers will be able to book cruises through the airline as part of a partnership with travel agency World Travel Holdings, Southwest said Tuesday.

“We have heard from our customers that cruising is of interest to them, and our new partnership with World Travel Holdings gives customers access to all major cruise lines including Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean to complete their travel experience” on Southwest “ Phil Gouel, the airline’s vice president of product development, said in a press release. “This partnership also opens up new ways for our loyal members to earn points.”

Reservations can be made at www.southwestcruises.com.

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Members of the airline's Rapid Rewards program can earn one point “per eligible $1 spent,” according to the website. Passengers can also earn double points on qualifying cruises booked by October 31st.

Other airlines, including American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, offer similar deals.

The news comes after the airline announced last week that it would begin selling tickets with assigned seating in the second half of 2025, marking a departure from its signature open seating policy. The move is part of a series of changes aimed at creating value for passengers and investors after the airline's earnings came under pressure in recent quarters.

Other additions include premium seating and red-eye flights.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Southwest Airlines adds cruise bookings