Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards is encouraging new member signups with 5000 bonus points getting members to a reward faster. This helps demonstrate the value of the program to the member, when they redeem they’re more likely to stick with the program.

• Enroll by May 31

• Book and fly two one ways (or one roundtrip) by May 31 and earn 3000 bonus points

• Book and fly to more one ways (or a second roundtrip) by May 31 and earn 2000 more bonus points

Rapid Rewards number must be entered in the reservation at time of booking, and only paid travel counts. (No fair opening an account, transferring points in from Chase, and using those for a redemption hoping to earn this bonus.)

These initial offers help make the program ‘sticky’ though of course some will join and fail to earn the bonus, some will earn it and never redeem, and still others will redeem and quit.

(HT: J.J.)