Southwest’s evolution is set to continue in 2027 with some big changes to the Rapid Rewards program, elite tiers, and Companion Pass eligibility.
About the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Changes:
Starting on January 1st of next year, Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards will see a number of updates. First, the carrier’s elite status tiers will be overhauled to introduce Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers. The current A-List will become Silver, with A-List Preferred converting to Gold. Platinum will be a new top-tier status that features unlimited Companion Pass trips.
To earn status, flyers will accumulate Tier Qualifying Points. Alternatively, status can still be attained based on the number of flights taken. Here’s how the tiers look, along with how the requirements compare to the previous:
- Silver: 35,000 TQP or 25 qualifying flights (A-List was 35,000 points or 20 qualifying flights)
- Gold: 65,000 TQP or 50 qualifying flights (A-List Preferred was 70,000 points or 40 qualifying flights)
- Platinum: 140,000 TQP or 100 qualifying flights (Previous Companion Pass required 135,000 points or 100 qualifying flights)
In addition to these tiers, Southwest will also offer two Milestone Rewards. Specifically, this will be unlocked between base membership and Silver status as well as between Gold and Platinum status. For the earlier Reward, members will be able to choose between points or seat certificates. As for the latter, flyers will receive three Companion Pass trips.
Later next year, members will also be able to earn and redeem Rapid Rewards with partner airlines. The initial line-up includes Icelandair, China Airlines, and Etihad Airways. Partner earnings and redemptions are expected to launch in Spring 2027.
Turning to Southwest’s credit card, starting next year, Rapid Rewards co-branded cards will earn one Tier Qualifying Point for every dollar spent. However, points earned through welcome bonuses and credit card category multipliers won’t count toward earning a Companion Pass. However, Southwest states that those who are approved for a card by December 2nd, 2026 will have a chance to earn a pass through the previous means.
What They’re Saying:
Commenting on the updated Rapid Rewards program, the VP of Rapid Rewards at Southwest Nandika Suri said, “Rapid Rewards was built on a simple idea: make it easy for Customers to earn and use rewards. As our Members engage more with Southwest, they’ve told us they want Rapid Rewards to reward them in more meaningful ways, whether they’re working toward status or using the points they’ve earned. These updates build on that feedback by rewarding Members throughout their Southwest experience, while keeping the simplicity and value that have always set our program apart.”
My Thoughts:
Obviously this is just more of the same-ification of Southwest. I suppose A-List doesn’t make a ton of sense anymore since they no longer have Group A boarding — but they couldn’t have come up with something a bit more creative than the standard precious metals theme? It’s starting to feel as though the airline is now allergic to standing out.
Meanwhile, the news that you can no longer unlock a Companion Pass via credit card bonuses will certainly put a damper on enthusiasts. Then again, just because points earned from credit card bonuses won’t count, I can imagine Southwest might still make limited-time Companion Passes part of their co-branded credit card promotions on special occasions. Ahead of these changes, though, those who want to try to get a Companion Pass via Southwest’s credit cards will need to apply before December 2nd.
