Southwest Airlines is revamping its Rapid Rewards loyalty program and adding a new top redemption tier, effective Jan. 1, 2027, the carrier announced Thursday.
Under the new three-tier structure, the current A-List designation will become Silver, A-List Preferred will become Gold, and a new Platinum tier will top the list. Members will be able to earn tier status through Tier Qualifying Points and qualifying flights.
Silver will require 35,000 TQPs or 25 qualifying flights (up from the current 20), with benefits including a preferred or standard seat at booking when available, upgrade to an extra legroom seat within 48 hours of departure when available, Group 1 boarding, one free checked bag, 40 percent earning bonus on qualifying flights, priority lane and express lane access, priority member support and same-day standby, even with basic fares.
Gold will require 65,000 TQPs (down from the current 70,000) or 50 qualifying flights (up from the current 45). Benefits beyond those available in Silver include selection of any seat including extra legroom when available, up to two free checked bags, 60 percent earning bonus on qualifying flights, boarding prior to Group 1 and two complimentary premium drinks per flight.
The new Platinum tier will require 140,000 TQPs or 100 qualifying flights. Additional perks above Gold status include unlimited companion pass trips, boarding prior to Gold members, up to three free checked bags and 120 percent earning bonus on qualifying flights.
Rapid Rewards will continue to include no blackout dates and points that don't expire, according to Southwest.
In addition, beginning in January, Southwest is adding Milestone Rewards prior to reaching their new tier. Prior to reaching Silver, members will be able to select rewards like Rapid Rewards points or seat certificates, according to the carrier. Between Gold and Platinum, members can qualify to receive three companion pass trips.
Also starting in January, every Rapid Rewards credit card member will earn one tier qualifying point for every dollar spent on purchases with a Chase Rapid Rewards credit card.
In spring 2027, members also will be able to earn and redeem Rapid Rewards points for travel through new international airline loyalty partnerships, which to start include Icelandair, China Airlines and Etihad Airways. Later in 2027, members will be able to use points for seat selection on Southwest-operated flights, including extra legroom and preferred seats.
Further, Southwest in September announced its first four lounge locations. Their name will be the Southwest Icon Lounge and access will be for individuals who hold a new Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, launching in 2027. The carrier also noted that it expects to complete Starlink Wi-Fi installations across its entire fleet in fall 2027.