Southwest Airlines announced significant changes to its Rapid Rewards loyalty program beginning next year, moving away from its distinctive two-tier structure in favor of a three-tier model similar to competitors. The new tiers will be designated as silver, gold, and platinum, representing a departure from the airline’s historical A-List and A-List Preferred classifications.
Under the revised system, customers will earn Tier Qualifying Points, or TQP, at a rate of one point per dollar spent on Southwest co-branded credit cards issued through Chase. The new boarding priority structure will see silver status members boarding in Group 1, gold members boarding before Group 1, and platinum members boarding ahead of both gold members and Group 1. Platinum tier members will also gain access to unlimited Companion Pass trips.
The airline is modifying how travelers can earn the Companion Pass, which allows a designated individual to fly for free minus taxes and fees alongside the pass holder. Existing pass holders may retain their benefits through the end of their current term, but beginning with the 2027 earning year, the pass will be obtainable through accumulated TQPs, qualifying flights, reaching milestone rewards, or attaining platinum status. Currently, earning the pass requires either 135,000 qualifying points or 100 one-way flights.
Southwest is also introducing interim benefits for customers working toward higher status tiers. After earning 20,000 points or taking 15 qualifying flights, members can select either 2,000 additional Rapid Rewards points or two coupons for preferred seating. Additional benefits include three Companion Pass trips available after earning 95,000 points or taking 75 qualifying flights, which falls below the platinum threshold.
As part of its broader transformation, Southwest is building its first airport lounges in partnership with Chase, branding them as Icon lounges. The airline is initially constructing lounges in four U.S. cities with additional locations planned. These changes align with industry-wide trends, as competitors like United Airlines have similarly raised status requirements and modified their frequent flyer programs to emphasize credit card spending over flight segments.
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