Southwest Is Making Big Changes to Rapid Rewards. Here's What Flyers Stand to Lose
Southwest Airlines is overhauling Rapid Rewards on Jan. 1, 2027, adding a new top status tier and changing how travelers qualify for a Companion Pass. The biggest loss is for cardholders who rely on welcome bonuses to earn the perk, which lets a chosen companion fly for free.
Three tiers replace two
Southwest is replacing A-List and A-List Preferred with Silver and Gold, automatically moving existing members into their corresponding tiers.
Silver will require 35K tier qualifying points or 25 qualifying flights, while Gold will take 65K points or 50 flights. The new Platinum tier raises that threshold to 140K points or 100 flights.
Platinum comes with unlimited Companion Pass trips, three free checked bags, priority boarding, and a 120% points bonus on qualifying flights. Gold members, however, will see their earnings bonus fall from 100% to 60%.
Southwest Rapid Rewards levels starting Jan. 1, 2027
Tier qualifying points (TQPs) or qualifying flights per year
| Level | Qualifies with | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Milestone Reward | 20K TQPs or 15 flights | 2K bonus points or two preferred seat coupons |
| Silver (was A-List) | 35K TQPs or 25 flights | Existing A-List members move up automatically |
| Gold (was A-List Preferred) | 65K TQPs or 50 flights | 60% points bonus, down from 100% |
| Milestone Reward | 95K TQPs or 75 flights | Three Companion Pass trips |
| Platinum (new) | 140K TQPs or 100 flights | Unlimited Companion Pass trips, 120% earnings bonus, three free checked bags, priority boarding |
Why Companion Passes get harder to earn
Under today's rules, travelers can earn a Companion Pass with 100 qualifying flights or 135K qualifying points. Starting in 2027, the unlimited benefit will instead require Platinum status.
The biggest change concerns which points count. Credit card welcome bonuses, referrals, anniversary bonuses, and extra points earned through spending categories or travel partners won't count toward tier qualification.
Instead, Southwest credit cards will earn one tier qualifying point per dollar spent. That makes reaching Platinum more dependent on regular spending and flying rather than a large sign-up bonus.
Southwest will offer some relief in 2027, with a one-time 10K-point boost for members who reach 130K tier qualifying points.
What to do before December 31
Travelers who qualify for a Companion Pass under the existing rules in 2026 can keep it through the end of 2027. Credit card welcome bonuses will still count toward the current 135K-point requirement until Dec. 31.
If you're already close to qualifying, check your progress and whether an eligible bonus could get you across the line. Review the spending deadlines and offer terms before applying for another card, since bonuses aren't necessarily awarded immediately.
Existing Companion Pass holders won't lose their benefits early. Those who miss Platinum in 2027 can still earn three Companion Pass trips by reaching 95K tier qualifying points or 75 flights.
Southwest is also introducing smaller rewards earlier. Members who complete 15 flights or earn 20K tier qualifying points can choose between 2K bonus points and two preferred seat coupons.
More ways to use your points
Not every change makes the program harder to use. Southwest will expand redemptions to rental cars in November 2026, partner airlines in spring 2027, and seat selection later that year.
Its airline partners include Icelandair, Etihad Airways, and China Airlines, giving members more options for international travel.
Southwest is also entering the airport lounge business. Its first four Icon Lounges are planned for Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu, and Nashville, with at least 11 locations envisioned.
A new premium Chase Rapid Rewards credit card launching in 2027 will offer lounge access. Southwest hasn't confirmed whether elite members or travelers purchasing day passes will also qualify.
The airline also plans to bring free Starlink Wi-Fi to its entire fleet by fall 2027 for Rapid Rewards members.
For frequent flyers, the immediate priority is the Companion Pass deadline. Check how close you are to qualifying under today's rules before the credit card bonus shortcut disappears.
