Southwest Airlines announced:
Southwest Airlines announced on October 15, 2026 the next evolution of its award-winning Rapid Rewards® program, making the loyalty program more rewarding for Customers throughout the travel journey.
Beginning January 1, 2027, Members will see a new lineup of Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers, new Milestone Rewards to earn along the way to status, more opportunities for Companion Pass® trips, and a faster path to tier status for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers. Additional enhancements will give Members new ways to earn and redeem points through international loyalty partners and to enjoy using points for seat selection and rental cars.
More Rewards Along the Way
Rapid Rewards will continue to offer the hallmark benefits that Members value, including no blackout dates, points that don’t expire, and flexible options to earn tier status through both Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) and qualifying flights. The airline is introducing new enhancements to build on that foundation, including:
- New Platinum status, with Unlimited Companion Pass
Southwest® is introducing a new three-tier structure to give Members more opportunities that unlock valuable benefits as their engagement grows.
Beginning in January 2027, A-List will become Silver and A-List Preferred will become Gold. In addition, Southwest is introducing a new tier to its program—Platinum. Platinum status will sit above Silver and Gold and will include unlimited Companion Pass trips1. - New Milestone Rewards; Reach First Reward Before Reaching Silver Status
Starting in January 2027, Members will no longer have to wait until reaching a new tier to receive rewards. Southwest is adding Milestone Rewards along a Member’s tier journey2.- Before Members reach Silver, they’ll be able to select rewards like Rapid Rewards points or seat certificates.
- Between Gold and Platinum, Members can qualify to receive three Companion Pass trips.
- A Faster Path to Tier Status
Beginning in January 2027, every Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember, including Plus Cardmembers, will earn one TQP for every dollar spent on purchases with a Rapid Rewards® Credit Card from Chase3. This change gives every Cardmember a simpler, faster path to tier status.
More Ways to Use Rapid Rewards Points
- New International Redemptions
In Spring 2027, Members will be able to earn and redeem Rapid Rewards points for travel through new international airline loyalty partnerships, initially with Icelandair, China Airlines, and Etihad Airways. These partnerships will give Customers access to popular destinations from Reykjavik to Paris, Taipei to Tokyo, and Abu Dhabi to Johannesburg. - Use Points for Seats and Rental Cars
Later in 2027, Rapid Rewards Members will also be able to use points for seat selection on Southwest-operated flights, including Extra Legroom and Preferred seats4. Beginning in November 2026, Members can redeem Rapid Rewards points for rental cars across all participating car rental partners directly through cars.southwest.com.
A More Rewarding Travel Experience
In addition to new program rewards, Southwest is introducing new travel experiences:
- Southwest Icon Lounge™ – A New Way to Experience Southwest Hospitality
The airline is bringing its Hospitality to a new part of the journey in late 2027 with the Southwest Icon Lounge™ network, in partnership with Chase. The lounges will combine premium amenities, thoughtful and local design, and the warmth of Southwest’s culture to create distinctive spaces where Customers can relax, get work done, or simply enjoy the lounge before they travel.
The Southwest Icon name celebrates Southwest’s 55-year legacy—from Herb Kelleher’s people-first philosophy to the Customers and Employees who continue to shape its story.
Access to the Southwest Icon Lounge network will be available through a new, premium, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card, issued by Chase, launching in 2027.
- Fleetwide Starlink Connectivity in 2027
Southwest is bringing the fastest WiFi in the sky, powered by Starlink, to its entire fleet. In fall 2027, Southwest expects to become the first major U.S. airline to complete a fleetwide rollout of Starlink, providing access to high-speed connectivity from takeoff to landing.
WiFi is available free to Rapid Rewards Members, thanks to T-Mobile®5.
Additional details on tiers, Companion Pass, Rapid Rewards points redemption, international loyalty partnerships, and more can be found at southwest.com/rapid-rewards/2027/.