Stacking Credit Card Rewards for a free flight on Southwest
Stacking Credit Card Rewards
When it comes to travel hacking, stacking credit card perks is one of the most powerful (and underrated) ways to fly for free. I recently booked a $176 Southwest Airlines ticket and paid zero out of pocket—thanks to a strategic mix of gift card credits, quarterly reimbursements, and point redemptions. Here's exactly how I did it.
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Step 1: Southwest Priority Card Gift Card Reimbursement ($75)
I started by purchasing a $75 Southwest gift card using my Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card. This card comes with a $75 annual Southwest travel credit, and yes—gift cards count. Learn more about this card and its benefits -> Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card
✅ Result: I was reimbursed the full $75, which I applied toward my flight.
Step 2: Amex Hilton Aspire Quarterly Airline Credit ($50)
Next, I used my American Express Hilton Surpass Card to pay the remaining balance on the ticket. Since the leftover amount was under $100, it triggered my $50 quarterly airline credit (a benefit often overlooked!).
✅ Result: I received a $50 statement credit automatically.
Learn more about Amex Hilton Aspire Card -> Hilton Aspire Card Benefits
Step 3: Amex Everyday Blue Redemption ($50)
To cover the final amount owed—just $51—I redeemed $50 in Membership Rewards points from my Amex Everyday Blue Card. This card lets you cash out points for statement credits, and I had just enough to wipe out the last bit.
✅ Result: I paid the remaining $51 out of pocket, but then got a $50 credit back.
Check out my review for Amex Everyday Blue -> Best Credit card for Groceries
Why This Works
Stacking works best when:
You know your card benefits inside and out
You time purchases to trigger credits
You mix gift cards, reimbursements, and point redemptions strategically
You track your credits and redemptions (I use CardPointers to stay organized) Learn more about Cardpointers -> No Point Left Behind Fans Offer | CardPointers
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just a free flight—it was a masterclass in credit card synergy. By combining perks from three different cards, I turned a $176 ticket into a $0 win. If you’re sitting on unused credits or points, don’t let them go to waste. With a little planning, you can fly for free too.
