New Tiers and Companion Pass Expansion
Southwest Airlines announced a comprehensive restructuring of its Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program, introducing a new top-tier Platinum level, renaming legacy elite statuses, and revamping how travelers qualify for benefits. According to Fox Business, the carrier’s traditional A-List status will become Silver, while A-List Preferred will transition to Gold when the changes take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
Under the updated structure reported by Travelbinger, the brand-new Platinum tier sits at the top of the program and comes with unlimited Companion Pass trips, allowing members to bring a designated companion on Southwest-operated flights. Reaching Silver will require 35,000 qualifying points or 25 qualifying one-way flights. Gold status demands 65,000 points or 50 flights, while the new Platinum level requires 140,000 points or 100 flights.
Credit Card Spending and Partner Redemptions
As The Points Guy details, everyday spending on co-branded cards will play a significantly larger role in status qualification. Beginning in January 2027, every Southwest-branded credit card will award one tier qualifying point for each dollar spent, expanding elite access even to cardholders using entry-level products like the Rapid Rewards Plus card.
Alongside elite tiers and credit card earning updates, Southwest is expanding its redemption network. Starting in spring 2027, Rapid Rewards members will be able to earn and redeem points for travel through new partnerships with Icelandair, China Airlines, and Etihad Airways.
The overhaul reflects a broader modernization effort by the Dallas-based airline as it transitions away from open seating and adapts to evolving industry standards. With the phasing out of Companion Pass Qualifying Points, sign-up bonuses from credit cards will no longer count toward the two-for-one pass, forcing flyers to rely strictly on tier-qualifying points or flight segments. Members eyeing the top tier can utilize a one-time 10,000-point boost upon hitting 130,000 tier-qualifying points during 2027 to make Platinum more attainable.
In addition to status adjustments, the airline is introducing milestone rewards for intermediate travelers. Members reaching 15 qualifying flights or 20,000 tier-qualifying points can select between 2,000 bonus points or two preferred seat coupons, while those hitting 75 flights or 95,000 tier-qualifying points will earn three one-time Companion Pass trips.