Southwest unveils new perks for flyers in rewards program shake-up
Southwest Airlines is replacing its A-List and A-List Preferred status levels with a three-tier system effective January 1, 2027. The updated program introduces a top-tier Platinum status that grants members unlimited Companion Pass trips. Under the new structure, current A-List members will move to Silver status, while A-List Preferred members will transition to Gold. The airline is also expanding the methods passengers can use to earn and redeem Rapid Rewards points and introducing new travel perks, including the addition of lounges.
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- ✓ Southwest is replacing A-List and A-List Preferred with three new status tiers.
- ✓ Starting January 1, 2027, A-List status becomes Silver and A-List Preferred becomes Gold.
- ✓ A new Platinum tier is being introduced above Silver and Gold.
- ✓ The new top-tier status includes unlimited Companion Pass trips.
What changed
Southwest is replacing A-List and A-List Preferred with Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers starting January 1, 2027.
Live updates
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Southwest Overhauls Rapid Rewards with New Status Tiers and Perks
Southwest Airlines is replacing its A-List and A-List Preferred status levels with a three-tier system effective January 1, 2027. The updated program introduces a top-tier Platinum status that grants members unlimited Companion Pass trips. Under the new structure, current A-List members will move to Silver status, while A-List Preferred members will transition to Gold. The airline is also expanding the methods passengers can use to earn and redeem Rapid Rewards points and introducing new travel perks, including the addition of lounges.
Why it matters
This restructuring marks a significant shift in how Southwest rewards loyalty compared to its previous A-List system. The move coincides with similar program changes at other major carriers like United. These updates aim to increase the value of elite status through expanded travel benefits.
What is confirmed
- Southwest is replacing A-List and A-List Preferred with three new status tiers.
- Starting January 1, 2027, A-List status becomes Silver and A-List Preferred becomes Gold.
- A new Platinum tier is being introduced above Silver and Gold.
- The new top-tier status includes unlimited Companion Pass trips.
- The airline is providing more ways to earn and use Rapid Rewards points.
Still unconfirmed
- Southwest is introducing new lounges for travelers.
What to watch next
- Specific qualification requirements for the new Platinum, Gold, and Silver tiers
- Official announcement of new point-earning methods
- Opening dates and locations for new lounges
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (12)
- www.foxbusiness.com — Great Business Leaders in America & Around the World | Fox Business
- CNBC — Southwest is overhauling its frequent flyer program. Here's what's changing
- NerdWallet — First Look: Inside Southwest's New Lounges
- www.cnbc.com — Southwest is overhauling its frequent flyer program. Here's what's changing
- Fox Business — Southwest unveils new perks for flyers in rewards program shake-up
- WSJ — Southwest, United Shake Up Their Frequent-Flier Programs
- Fast Company — Southwest Airlines is introducing unlimited Companion Pass trips as part of a major loyalty overhaul
- USA Today — Bye bye A-List. Southwest is overhauling its Rapid Rewards
- Yahoo Finance — Southwest just updated Rapid Rewards: What to know about the new elite status tiers
- www.foxbusiness.com — Southwest unveils new perks for flyers in rewards program ...
- lgmcorp.com — Southwest unveils new perks for flyers in rewards program ...
- thenyledger.com — Southwest unveils new perks for flyers in rewards program ...
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