Southwest Airlines revamps Rapid Rewards with new Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers
Written by AI from 8 reports listed below. Not checked by a person before publication. How we use AI
Starting Jan 1 2027 Southwest will replace A‑List and A‑List Preferred with Silver, Gold and Platinum elite tiers, add Milestone Rewards and expand Companion Pass benefits, while introducing new partner award options and lounge plans.
New elite tiers
Southwest will replace A‑List and A‑List Preferred with Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers beginning Jan 1 2027. Silver tier will receive one free checked bag and a 40% earning bonus. Gold tier will receive two free checked bags and a 60% earning bonus. Platinum tier will receive three free checked bags, complimentary Extra Legroom seating at booking when available, and a 120% points bonus.
Milestone Rewards
The program will introduce Milestone Rewards that allow members to earn rewards before reaching Silver and qualify for three Companion Pass trips between Gold and Platinum.
Companion Pass
Platinum tier will offer unlimited Companion Pass trips. Starting Jan 1 2027 the Companion Pass qualifying points will be eliminated and tier qualifying points will be used for both status and Companion Pass, with an exception for credit‑card approvals on or before Dec 2 2026 allowing an initial bonus to count as Companion Pass qualifying points. A Companion Pass earned in 2026 remains unlimited through Dec 31 2027, and a Companion Pass earned at the start of 2027 is valid through 2028.
Partner awards and redemption
Members will be able to earn and redeem points for travel on partner airlines Icelandair, Etihad Airways and China Airlines beginning spring 2027. Points can be redeemed for rental cars through rental‑car partners in November 2026 and for seat selection on Southwest flights later in 2027.
Lounges
Southwest plans to open airport lounges in Nashville, Austin, Baltimore and Honolulu next year in partnership with Chase.
Analysed 8 reports from 8 publishers
Used in this story
- prnewswire.com
- investors.southwest.com
- airlinegeeks.com
- simpleflying.com
- worldairlinenews.com
- viewfromthewing.com
- skift.com
- thepointsguy.com