Southwest to revamp Rapid Rewards with new tiers and international partners in 2027

Southwest Airlines will overhaul its Rapid Rewards loyalty programme in 2027, replacing the A‑List and A‑List Preferred tiers with Silver, Gold and a new Platinum tier effective 1 January 2027. The Platinum tier requires 140,000 Tier Qualifying Points or 100 qualifying flights and offers unlimited Companion Pass trips, while Silver and Gold tiers have lower point and flight thresholds and include benefits such as free checked bags, seat selection and points‑earning bonuses.

From spring 2027 members will be able to earn and redeem points through international partners Icelandair, China Airlines and Etihad Airways, and Icelandair will allow Saga Club members to use Saga Points on Southwest flights. Southwest credit‑card holders will earn one Tier Qualifying Point per dollar on eligible purchases starting January 2027, Rapid Rewards points can be redeemed for rental cars beginning November 2026, the airline will open its first Southwest Icon Lounges in late 2027, and plans to equip its fleet with Starlink Wi‑Fi by fall 2027 with free access for members where available.