Southwest announces major loyalty shake-up, new elite tiers
Southwest Airlines is replacing its A-List and A-List Preferred status levels with three new elite tiers: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Effective January 1, 2027, the airline will tie unlimited Companion Pass benefits to the new top-tier Platinum status. The revamp includes expanded redemption options, new travel perks, and the introduction of partner airline awards. These changes are part of a broader premium push that includes the unveiling of new lounges, such as a location in Austin, and fleetwide Starlink connectivity.
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- ✓ The new Rapid Rewards loyalty program takes effect on January 1, 2027.
- ✓ Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers will replace the existing A-List and A-List Preferred status.
- ✓ The new Platinum tier includes unlimited Companion Pass benefits.
- ✓ Southwest is introducing new lounges, including a location in Austin.
What changed
Southwest is replacing A-List and A-List Preferred with Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers while integrating the Companion Pass into the Platinum level.
Live updates
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Southwest to Overhaul Rapid Rewards Loyalty Program in 2027
Southwest Airlines is replacing its A-List and A-List Preferred status levels with three new elite tiers: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Effective January 1, 2027, the airline will tie unlimited Companion Pass benefits to the new top-tier Platinum status. The revamp includes expanded redemption options, new travel perks, and the introduction of partner airline awards. These changes are part of a broader premium push that includes the unveiling of new lounges, such as a location in Austin, and fleetwide Starlink connectivity.
Why it matters
This shift marks a departure from Southwest's traditional loyalty structure to a more tiered system common among major carriers. The move coincides with a larger transformation strategy to enhance customer experience as fares increase. It also signals a shift in how the highly valued Companion Pass is earned.
What is confirmed
- The new Rapid Rewards loyalty program takes effect on January 1, 2027.
- Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers will replace the existing A-List and A-List Preferred status.
- The new Platinum tier includes unlimited Companion Pass benefits.
- Southwest is introducing new lounges, including a location in Austin.
- The airline is implementing fleetwide Starlink connectivity.
- The overhaul introduces partner airline awards.
Still unconfirmed
- The credit card Companion Pass will be eliminated.
What to watch next
- Official announcement of specific spending or flight requirements for Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers
- Confirmation of the final date for credit card applications to earn the current Companion Pass
- Opening dates for the new Austin lounge and other premium facilities
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (20)
- www.nerdwallet.com — Compare Today's Mortgage Interest Rates - NerdWallet | Sunday, October 11, 2026
- CNBC — Southwest is overhauling its frequent flyer program. Here's what's changing
- The Points Guy — Southwest announces major loyalty shake-up, new elite tiers
- NerdWallet — Southwest to Tie Companion Pass to New Top Tier, Add Perks
- Dallas News — Southwest Airlines overhauls Rapid Rewards with new loyalty tiers
- Reuters — Southwest revamps loyalty program with new premium tiers
- PR Newswire — MORE TO LOVE FROM RAPID REWARDS: SOUTHWEST AIRLINES EXPANDS REWARDS, REDEMPTION, AND MEMBER BENEFITS
- Bloomberg.com — Southwest Adds Perks, Bets Flyers Keep Spending as Fares Soar
- Austin American-Statesman — Southwest unveils Austin lounge details amid 'premium' push
- NerdWallet — First Look: Inside Southwest's New Lounges
- The Business Journals — Southwest revamps rapid rewards program, unveils lounge look
- WFAA — Southwest Airlines announces major overhaul to its Rapid Rewards loyalty program
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