Southwest just updated Rapid Rewards: What to know about the new elite status tiers

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Southwest Airlines is overhauling its Rapid Rewards loyalty program with new elite status tiers, changes to its much-loved Companion Pass benefit, and more.

Starting Jan. 1, 2027, Southwest ( LUV ) will simplify its rewards currencies and replace its A-List and A-List Preferred tiers with Silver, Gold, and Platinum status. Members will also be able to earn new Milestone Rewards and will have new options for scoring a Companion Pass.

This is the latest in a series of big changes the airline has made recently.

Earlier this year, Southwest eliminated its popular "Two bags fly free" policy and introduced assigned seating on flights. Last year, Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards got revamped with higher annual fees and updated benefits. Now, Southwest is transforming the Rapid Rewards program as a whole.

"As our members engage more with Southwest, they've told us they want Rapid Rewards to reward them in more meaningful ways," Nandika Suri, vice president of Rapid Rewards at Southwest Airlines, said in an announcement. "These updates build on that feedback by rewarding Members throughout their Southwest experience, while keeping the simplicity and value that have always set our program apart."

Here are some highlights coming to Rapid Rewards in 2027:

New Southwest Rapid Rewards elite status tiers

The new Southwest Rapid Rewards elite status tiers are Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

Silver replaces A-List status, and Gold replaces A-List Preferred status. Many benefits for existing status members will remain the same, including priority boarding, a free checked bag, seat selection, and more.

One big difference for the new Silver and Gold tiers is how travelers earn status:

Silver status: 35,000 TQPs or 25 qualifying one-way flights That's the same number of TQPs but 5 more qualifying flights than it previously took to earn A-List status.

Silver status: 35,000 TQPs or 25 qualifying one-way flights

That's the same number of TQPs but 5 more qualifying flights than it previously took to earn A-List status.

Gold status: 65,000 TQPs or 50 qualifying one-way flights That's 5,000 fewer TQPs than previously required to earn A-List Preferred status, but 10 additional qualifying flights.

Gold status: 65,000 TQPs or 50 qualifying one-way flights

That's 5,000 fewer TQPs than previously required to earn A-List Preferred status, but 10 additional qualifying flights.

The new Rapid Rewards program will also include a new tier: Platinum . Platinum status requires earning 140,000 TQPs in a calendar year or taking 100 qualifying one-way flights.

Platinum is the most premium Rapid Rewards tier. Its perks include priority boarding before Gold status members and Group 1, three free checked bags, a 120% earning bonus on qualifying flights, and more.

One of the most valuable Platinum perks is unlimited Companion Pass trips. Platinum status holders can bring one designated companion for free (excluding taxes and fees) on any flight.

In addition to new status tiers, Southwest is also introducing Milestone Rewards. Similar to earning status, these rewards apply after reaching a certain number of TQPs or taking a certain number of qualifying flights.

Milestone Rewards are separate from elite status, but they offer additional perks for members working toward status tiers.

There are two Milestone Rewards you can earn in 2027:

First milestone: Earn 20,000 TQPs or take 15 qualifying one-way flights Rapid Rewards members can earn this milestone on their way to Silver status. After qualifying, travelers can choose a reward of either 20,000 Rapid Rewards points to put toward award flights or two Preferred Seat Certificates to use on upcoming flights.

First milestone: Earn 20,000 TQPs or take 15 qualifying one-way flights

Rapid Rewards members can earn this milestone on their way to Silver status. After qualifying, travelers can choose a reward of either 20,000 Rapid Rewards points to put toward award flights or two Preferred Seat Certificates to use on upcoming flights.

Second milestone: Earn 95,000 TQPs or take 75 qualifying one-way flights Rapid Rewards members can earn this milestone after claiming Gold status and before reaching Platinum status. This milestone comes with three Companion Pass trips.

Second milestone: Earn 95,000 TQPs or take 75 qualifying one-way flights

Rapid Rewards members can earn this milestone after claiming Gold status and before reaching Platinum status. This milestone comes with three Companion Pass trips.

Under the new Rapid Rewards program, earning TQPs or taking qualifying flights is the best way to earn a Companion Pass.

To get unlimited Companion Pass trips, travelers will need to earn Platinum elite status. But Gold status members who earn the second Milestone Reward on their way to Platinum can earn three Companion Pass trips.

Previously, Southwest Rapid Rewards members could get Companion Pass after earning 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points or taking 100 qualifying one-way flights.

The new program eliminates Companion Pass qualifying points. Now, travelers earn the same Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) toward Companion Pass and elite status. These points come from taking Southwest flights and Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card spending.

However, some previous strategies to boost qualifying points will no longer count toward qualifying for Companion Pass. That includes credit card welcome bonuses, anniversary points, and bonus rewards on card spending. Instead, for every $1 spent using a Rapid Rewards credit card, members will earn one TQP.

Current Southwest travelers who earn Companion Pass in 2026 under the existing program will still maintain their Companion Pass benefits through the end of 2027.

What the new program means for Southwest flyers

The new program simplifies some aspects of earning status with the airline, while also making it potentially more difficult for some travelers to earn status and Companion Pass.

Rapid Rewards credit cardholders may get the biggest boost. Not every card earns TQPs today, but starting in 2027, every dollar spent on a Rapid Rewards credit card will earn one TQP. That means cardholders may have the fastest path to reaching elite status tiers.

Cardholders will also continue to earn Rapid Rewards points (including bonus points) on their purchases, which they can use toward award flights with the airline.

However, even cardholders may find it more difficult to earn Southwest's coveted Companion Pass. Eliminating Companion Pass qualifying points means that welcome bonuses and anniversary points won't count toward the pass. Only the biggest spenders or most frequent flyers who qualify for Platinum elite status will unlock unlimited Companion Pass trips under the new program.

These rewards program changes are only some of the continued updates Southwest is making in 2027. Later in the year, members will have the option to earn and redeem rewards with partner travel programs (including Icelandair, Etihad Airways, and more) and redeem points for upgraded seats after booking. The airline has also teased upcoming airport lounges and a new premium credit card that offers lounge access.

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