Southwest Airlines announced major revisions to its Rapid Rewards loyalty program on October 15, 2026. The updates take effect January 1, 2027, and reshape how members earn status and the popular Companion Pass. Frequent flyers now face new earning rules that favor certain spending patterns while limiting others. The changes affect millions of travelers who have relied on the program for years. ([1])
Status Levels Transition Smoothly at First
Members who hold A-List status through the end of 2026 will automatically become Silver members on January 1, 2027. Those with A-List Preferred status will move to Gold. The shift requires no action from customers and preserves most core benefits such as free checked bags and early boarding. Platinum represents the only entirely new tier. It comes with an unlimited Companion Pass, yet no one will enter 2027 already holding it. Travelers must earn the level under the revised rules that begin next year. Existing Silver and Gold members will keep comparable perks through 2027, though earning rates adjust for some.
Earning Bonuses and Milestone Rewards Change
Silver members will receive a 40 percent bonus on qualifying flight purchases, up from the prior 25 percent. Gold members, however, will see their bonus drop from 100 percent to 60 percent after 2027. Southwest will allow those who reach A-List Preferred status in 2026 to keep the higher 100 percent rate through the end of next year as a transition measure. The airline is also adding Milestone Rewards at intermediate spending levels. Members who reach 95,000 Tier Qualifying Points or complete 75 qualifying one-way flights can unlock three Companion Pass trips. Each trip covers a round-trip itinerary. These thresholds sit below the new Platinum requirement and offer limited Companion Pass access without reaching the top tier.
Tier Qualifying Points Replace Older Categories
Southwest is consolidating qualification metrics into Tier Qualifying Points, or TQPs. These points determine both elite status and Companion Pass eligibility. Many previously qualifying activities, including credit card welcome bonuses and partner spending, will no longer count toward these goals after the transition. Qualifying airfare will earn TQPs at different rates depending on fare type. Basic fares generate 2 TQPs per dollar, Choice fares generate 6, Choice Preferred generate 8, and Choice Extra generate 10. Credit card spending on co-branded cards will continue to earn 1 TQP per dollar spent. Other Rapid Rewards points remain available for flight redemptions but will not advance status or Companion Pass qualification.
Companion Pass Window Closes for Most Card Strategies
Travelers who already hold a Companion Pass expiring at the end of 2026 or 2027 can continue using it under current terms. New card applications approved before December 2, 2026, will still allow welcome bonus points to count toward Companion Pass qualification, even if spending requirements finish in early 2027. The resulting pass will remain valid only through December 31, 2027. After January 1, 2027, credit card welcome bonuses will no longer contribute to Companion Pass qualification. The primary remaining path involves earning 140,000 TQPs for Platinum status, which includes the unlimited pass. A 10,000 TQP bonus applies after reaching 130,000. Heavy card spenders may still pursue the pass through $130,000 in annual spending, though the opportunity cost has risen sharply compared with prior methods. Southwest has signaled plans for a new premium co-branded credit card that could include lounge access and other high-end benefits. Details remain limited, yet the card may offer additional pathways to ease Companion Pass earning for top spenders. The overall effect leaves most members seeking new strategies to maintain previous levels of value from the program.
