Convert ATA points to Southwest awards

The special relationship between discount airlines ATA and Southwest continues to flourish. The relationship began when Southwest got many of ATA's gates at Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) a few years ago and the two airlines established a code-share pact.

Now comes word that ATA Travel Award frequent-flier members can redeem 7,250 Travel Awards points for one Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards award. The upshot is that ATA Travel Awards members gain access to more than 50 additional domestic destinations served by Southwest.

There's already a relationship between the carriers' two frequent-flier programs. Members have been able to earn either ATA Travel Awards Points or Southwest Rapid Rewards credits for a while now. What the new wrinkle permits is conversion of ATA points to a Southwest ticket.

ATA Travel Awards members can rack up goodies fast, receiving an award after taking as few as two round-trips.

ATA has been flying for 34 years. The discount airline's routes include travel between the Mainland cities of Los Angeles (LAX), Oakland (OAK), Ontario (ONT), Phoenix (PHX), and Las Vegas (LAS) and several Hawaiian destinations: Honolulu (HNL), Maui (OGG), and Hilo (ITO).

Among ATA's other leisure routes are Cancun (CUN) and Guadalajara (GDL).

© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler