Key Points
- Southwest replaces A-List and A-List Preferred with silver, gold, and platinum tiers on January 1, 2027, with thresholds of 35,000, 65,000, and 140,000 tier qualifying points, or 25, 50, and 100 qualifying flights.
- Companion passes become a status currency: up to three for members between gold and platinum, unlimited at platinum. Cardholders earn 1 tier qualifying point per dollar spent.
- Lounges arrive through the Southwest Icon Lounge network with Chase, accessed via a new premium card in 2027, starting in Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu, and Nashville.
Summary
Southwest Airlines is rebuilding Rapid Rewards around a three-tier structure — silver, gold, and platinum — replacing A-List and A-List Preferred when the changes take effect January 1, 2027. The new tiers come with benefits that look much like those at Delta, United, and American: free seat selection, extra legroom access, group boarding priority, free checked bags, and earning bonuses of 40% to 120%. Southwest is adding Milestone Rewards between tiers, letting credit cardholders earn one tier qualifying point per dollar spent, and extending companion passes — up to three between gold and platinum, unlimited at platinum. From spring 2027, members can earn and redeem points with partners including Icelandair, China Airlines, and Etihad Airways. The loyalty overhaul lands alongside the Southwest Icon Lounge network, built with Chase and accessed through a new premium Chase credit card launching in 2027, with first lounges planned for Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu, and Nashville. Starlink Wi-Fi will cover the full fleet by fall 2027. Southwest has shed open boarding and free checked bags for all in a push for profitability, and it is among the few U.S. carriers on track to make a profit this year despite rising fuel costs.
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