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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

IHG One Rewards vs Southwest Airlines

IHG One Rewards 4.9★ · Free to download 70
Winner IHG One Rewards
Southwest Airlines 4.8★ · Free to download 60

IHG One Rewards is slightly better for booking and managing hotel stays, despite some technical issues, while Southwest Airlines faces significant user dissatisfaction with recent policy changes and app functionality.

Full reviews: IHG One Rewards · Southwest Airlines

IHG One Rewards offers an easy booking experience and good customer service at hotels, though users report issues with app functionality and rewards redemption. Southwest Airlines users praise its staff and flight options, but recent changes to seating, boarding, and baggage policies, along with persistent app glitches, have led to widespread frustration.

Head to head

App Functionality & Reliability tieR1R3R4R12
IHG One Rewards IHG One Rewards users report frequent issues with signing in, dead links, and the app freezing or lagging after updates R4R22R28. Some also experience problems with specific features like adding spouses to reservations, updating credit cards, or using points+cash options R1R12R45. The app is also noted to only work with Wi-Fi by some users R3.
Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines users frequently complain about the app being slow, buggy, and unreliable, with issues like not saving flights, difficulty scanning passports, and problems adding boarding passes to Apple Wallet R85. Many also report errors when trying to upgrade seats or add checked bags .
Booking & Reservation Management edge: IHG One RewardsR1R5R7R23
IHG One Rewards Many IHG One Rewards users find the app easy for booking rooms and viewing options, including with points R5R23. However, some report issues with selectors not appearing, difficulty adding bookings to accounts, or being unable to edit reservations R1. There are also complaints about the app not allowing check-in on the phone R7.
Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines users find the app generally easy for managing travel and receiving alerts . However, a common complaint is the app not remembering confirmation numbers or user data, requiring re-entry for each interaction R69R84R93. Users also report difficulty viewing or checking in for minors on the same reservation .
Rewards Program & Value tieR12R18R24R25
IHG One Rewards IHG One Rewards users appreciate the program, with some being long-time members . However, many express frustration with point redemption, citing difficulty using points+cash, limited availability for point nights, and issues redeeming food & beverage rewards R12R24R45. Some also feel they don't earn enough points compared to other chains R18 and are bombarded with credit card ads even if they already have the card R25.
Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines' Rapid Rewards program is valued by loyal customers, especially A-list preferred members, who enjoy perks like easy travel management and rewards . However, recent changes have led to significant dissatisfaction, with users complaining about new fees for baggage and seat selection, and a perception that the program has become less beneficial and more complicated R79.
User Experience & Interface tieR5R6R7R9
IHG One Rewards While some IHG One Rewards users find the app easy to use R5, others report issues with outdated features, confusing interfaces, and annoying ads R7R9R25. Specific complaints include location services being off, inability to specify room preferences, and the removal of useful filters like mileage range R6.
Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines users describe the app as user-friendly and intuitive by some , but many others find it difficult to use, not intuitive, and having a cluttered UI R85. Frustration is also expressed about the difficulty of creating an account and the app not fitting neatly on some phone screens .
Customer Service & Support tieR8R10R17R22
IHG One Rewards IHG One Rewards users report mixed experiences with customer service. Some praise hotel staff R8R17, but many are disappointed with app support, being called 'clueless,' or receiving unhelpful responses regarding points, booking issues, or fraud R10R22R45. There are also concerns about security and lack of 2FA .
Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines users generally praise the staff for being great, helpful, and friendly, both on flights and over the phone . However, some users report issues with customer service not being able to help with app problems like seat selection or baggage, and a general decline in customer service quality .
Pick IHG One Rewards if

Pick IHG One Rewards if you primarily need an app for booking hotel rooms and managing loyalty points, and value generally positive hotel staff interactions R5R23.

Pick Southwest Airlines if

Pick Southwest Airlines if you are a frequent flyer with Southwest and value their flight options and onboard service, especially if you are an A-list preferred member who benefits from perks .

Evidence note: Both apps have a significant number of negative reviews related to app functionality and recent policy changes, making it challenging to find consistently positive feedback across all dimensions for either. The free-to-download nature means many users are likely experiencing friction without paying for premium features or status.

Frequently asked

Are there issues with signing in to the IHG One Rewards app?
Yes, many users report significant issues with signing into the IHG One Rewards app, including dead links, the app doing nothing after clicking 'Sign In,' and being unable to log in even after reinstalling R4R22R28R49.
Has Southwest Airlines changed its boarding and seating policies?
Yes, Southwest Airlines has implemented new policies regarding boarding and seat assignments, which have caused widespread dissatisfaction among users who dislike being assigned seats or having to pay extra for specific seats or priority boarding R61R66R76R79.
Can I use points and cash for bookings on the IHG One Rewards app?
Many IHG One Rewards users report consistent difficulty or outright inability to use the 'points + cash' option for bookings, both online and through the app, despite being able to do so with other hotel chains R12R45.
Does the Southwest Airlines app save my flight information?
No, several Southwest Airlines users complain that the app does not consistently save their flight information or remember who they are, often requiring them to re-enter confirmation numbers or log in from scratch R69R84R85R93.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R1] IHG One Rewards 1/5 · US App issues: App won’t let me include my spouse on the reservation so I have to call the hotel to put her on it, inconvenient! Fix app where reservation is editable, thank you
  2. [R3] IHG One Rewards 3/5 · US Wi Fi: This app only works when using Wi-Fi
  3. [R4] IHG One Rewards 1/5 · US Dead Link to Sign In: Can’t even sign in. I enter my email and password. Click “Sign In” and the app is dead and does nothing. Website had issues too when trying to book a room. Several dead links on website. IHG needs to get it together.
  4. [R12] IHG One Rewards 3/5 · US Unable to use points + cash: For years, I have tried to book online or over the phone using points+cash options and I have never been able to do it. I am always told that there was something wrong. I am able to use points and cash with other hotel chains but not IHG. It is extremely frustrating and no one at IHG has been able to figure out why. I recently received a new credit card and it is s
  5. [R5] IHG One Rewards 5/5 · US Book with points: Nothing difficult to book on my Phone Apps. Great. Easy
  6. [R7] IHG One Rewards 1/5 · US Outdated: I hate that you can’t check in on your phone and if you check in late they bill you as a no show and don’t issue your points.
  7. [R23] IHG One Rewards 5/5 · US Happy traveler: This helps us find the best rate always ,& fast
  8. [R18] IHG One Rewards 3/5 · US barely any points…: I used to stay IHG hotels all the time until I went and checked my points and realized I didn’t have squat! Choice hotels basically gives you triple the amount of points that IHG does! As much as I would rather bite the bullet and stay in the nicer place, the amount of money I save from my per diem by staying with choice. Hotels is so much more beneficial and worth it…
  9. [R24] IHG One Rewards 3/5 · GB Okay but difficult to redeem rewards: Great for booking and checking stays. However I can never redeem any of the food & beverage rewards since the app errors out and says you have to go to reception for them to redeem, so is difficult and time consuming at busy times.
  10. [R25] IHG One Rewards 2/5 · US Annoying ads and banners: I wish the app wouldn’t constantly and invasively advertise their own credit card, especially since I already have the card and added it to my account but I’m still bombarded with ads anyway. So annoying. At least recognize I have the card then give me a break.
  11. [R6] IHG One Rewards 3/5 · US Location is off: AirPort hotels show them 13 miles away 🙊
  12. [R9] IHG One Rewards 3/5 · US You’ve already activated…: If I have already activated an offer, it should indicate same on the app, or move it from the banner to a page that shows ALL previously activated offers. Seeing “activate” gives the traveler the impression it is a brand new offer.
  13. [R8] IHG One Rewards 5/5 · US The ladies that work there are awesome: Elizabeth & the lady that works the front desk with her, are the absolute BEST! Thank-you!
  14. [R10] IHG One Rewards 1/5 · US Trapped by the fine print.: The user interface is completely contradictory. The app gives you instructions on how to claim points for third-party bookings, but customer service will completely ignore their own platform's wording just to deny your points. They don't care about loyalty or logic; they just throw policy numbers at you. Save yourself the headache, read up to the absolute last letter of
  15. [R17] IHG One Rewards 5/5 · US IHG Caddo Gap: Love these people.
  16. [R22] IHG One Rewards 1/5 · US Useless App: I can log into the IHG Web site but not into the iOS or iPadOS apps, even after deleting those apps and reinstalling them. IHG support is utterly clueless.
  17. [R28] IHG One Rewards 1/5 · US It might be good?: But who knows because it won’t let me sign in…even though I’m already a member. What a garbage app!
  18. [R49] IHG One Rewards 1/5 · US Vette70: Terrible app…on the phone with customer service for 20 minutes and still unable to get into my account. Guess I’ll stick with Hilton and Marriott.
  19. [R61] Southwest Airlines 1/5 · US Suckie seats on Southwest!!!: I used to love this airline. Now they have the worst seating just like every other nickel and dime airline. Hello late stage capitalism!
  20. [R66] Southwest Airlines 3/5 · US Changes: I heard when southwest decided to make these current changes that you “listened” to what us customers wanted and gave it to us. Well, I personally and know many more that feel the same, do NOT like the new process. I do not like being assigned a seat or being forced to purchase one to avoid that assignment. Simply put, you could have continued to fill your planes the old way, but the
  21. [R76] Southwest Airlines 1/5 · US Seat selection: I shouldn't have to pay to get an aisle seat. I should be able to select it without an additional fee
  22. [R79] Southwest Airlines 2/5 · US SW HAS REALLY CHANGED FOR THE WORST!: We have been longtime SW flyers, enjoyed the perks of being credit card holders and using our points for free flights. All that changed in January! Now only my husband can get the free bag because he is the primary name on the account even though we have joint everything and o have a card with my name on it for the same account! They now have so many levels fo
  23. [R45] IHG One Rewards 1/5 · US App not allowing me to use points and money: I’ve been a loyal IHG member for years. I have been pretty pleased with it for years until lately. I have been trying to book rooms for a while now but this app will not allow me to book with points and money. When I try to get an answer to why it’s not working I’m told our management is working on it. I’m also told just use your points with no explanat
  24. [R69] Southwest Airlines 3/5 · US Typing in confirmation number: I booked our flights online, but I have to enter the confirmation number every time I look at the app. Is there a way to save so this isn’t necessary?
  25. [R84] Southwest Airlines 3/5 · US Need some improvements: The app is just ok to track you flight. I think in 2026 the app should remember who you are from your device. Even after entering all your data and if you log out then log back in, you have to start from scratch again, crazy work. Other airline apps work better and remember who you are.
  26. [R85] Southwest Airlines 1/5 · US Worst airline app: This app is a nightmare. Never saves my flights. Impossible to change seats. So slow. Whoever is in charge of this app should be embarrassed and fired. United’s app was more advanced than this 20 years ago!! Southwest needs to restart this from scratch
  27. [R93] Southwest Airlines 3/5 · US Not as good as it should be: I used the app to purchase a ticket no matter how many times I tried to get a trip to remain on the app, I had to refer to the confirmation code in my email to do anything related to the trip until I checked in. Sad

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store