Table of Contents
The Introduction
Southwest Rapid Rewards is getting a major update on January 1, 2027, introducing new elite status tiers, milestone rewards, and additional ways to earn Companion Pass benefits. These changes will reshape how frequent flyers qualify for status and use their rewards, while expanding opportunities to redeem points beyond traditional Southwest flights. Travelers will need to reconsider their earning strategies, credit card spending, and redemption choices as the program evolves. In this guide, we explain the key Southwest Rapid Rewards 2027 changes and how travelers can prepare for the updated program.
The Key Takeaways
- Southwest will replace A-List and A-List Preferred with Silver, Gold, and Platinum status in 2027.
- Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) will become the main qualification currency for elite status and Companion Pass rewards.
- Eligible Southwest credit card purchases will earn one TQP per dollar starting January 1, 2027.
- Milestone Rewards will introduce additional opportunities to earn Rapid Rewards points, seat certificates, and Companion Pass trips.
What Is Changing in the Southwest Rapid Rewards Program in 2027?
Southwest is moving toward a more structured loyalty model that combines elite status, milestone rewards, and Companion Pass benefits. The updated program takes effect on January 1, 2027, although some additional redemption options and premium travel features will arrive later.
The changes introduce three primary status tiers: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Members who earn A-List status based on their 2026 activity will transition to Silver, while A-List Preferred members will transition to Gold. Platinum will become the program’s highest tier, offering enhanced benefits and unlimited Companion Pass trips.
The new structure also standardizes qualification around TQPs and qualifying one-way flights, giving members a more unified way to track progress.
Southwest Rapid Rewards 2027 Status Tiers Explained
The new status structure offers different benefits depending on how frequently members fly and how many qualifying points they earn.
| Status tier | TQPs required | Qualifying flights |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | 35,000 | 25 |
| Gold | 65,000 | 50 |
| Platinum | 140,000 | 100 |
Silver replaces A-List and includes benefits such as complimentary Standard or Preferred seat selection when available, priority access, and one free checked bag under the applicable program terms.
Gold builds on these benefits with access to any available seat at booking, including Extra Legroom seats, two free checked bags, priority boarding ahead of Group 1, and a 60% earning bonus on qualifying flights.
Platinum offers the highest level of recognition, including unlimited Companion Pass trips, up to three free checked bags, premium seat selection, and a 120% earning bonus on qualifying flights.
For travelers evaluating the new Southwest Rapid Rewards benefits, the most useful comparison is not simply the number of perks. It is whether their normal travel frequency makes the qualification requirements worthwhile.
How Southwest Rapid Rewards Points and Milestone Rewards Will Work
The 2027 program introduces Milestone Rewards to recognize progress before members reach the highest status tiers.
At 20,000 TQPs or 15 qualifying one-way flights, members can choose between 2,000 bonus Rapid Rewards points and two Preferred Seat certificates. A later milestone at 95,000 TQPs or 75 qualifying flights provides three Companion Pass trips.
Members who reach Platinum status qualify for unlimited Companion Pass trips under the new structure. These milestones give travelers additional rewards without requiring them to reach the top tier first.
Southwest is also changing how members earn points on qualifying paid fares. The announced earning multipliers are:
- Basic: 2X points per dollar of base fare
- Choice: 6X points
- Choice Preferred: 8X points
- Choice Extra: 10X points
Because fare bundles offer different flexibility and benefits, travelers should compare the additional earning potential with the upfront ticket cost. A more expensive fare is not automatically the better choice.
Companion Pass and Credit Card Changes
The Companion Pass remains a major part of the Southwest Rapid Rewards program, but its qualification rules are changing.
From January 1, 2027, Companion Pass benefits will be incorporated into the TQP and qualifying-flight structure. Members can earn three Companion Pass trips through the second Milestone Reward or receive unlimited trips by reaching Platinum status. Eligible promotional offers may also provide opportunities to earn these benefits.
Credit card welcome bonuses are another important consideration. Southwest states that cardholders who apply for a qualifying Rapid Rewards credit card on or before December 2, 2026, are approved, and meet the offer requirements may have the opportunity to count the welcome bonus toward a Companion Pass valid through December 31, 2027. Eligibility and offer terms apply.
Starting in 2027, eligible purchases on Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards will earn one TQP per dollar. Cardholders who reach 130,000 TQPs during 2027 will also receive a 10,000-TQP boost that can help them qualify for Platinum status.
Travelers comparing card options can explore Flightpoints’ credit card guides and transfer partner information before deciding where their spending fits best.
New Redemption Options and Travel Benefits
Southwest is expanding how members can use Rapid Rewards points. The airline has announced several additions planned for late 2026 and 2027.
International loyalty partner redemptions are expected to begin in spring 2027, initially including Icelandair, China Airlines, and Etihad Airways. These partnerships could give members more options for international travel beyond Southwest’s own network.
Southwest also plans to introduce points-based seat upgrades, including Extra Legroom and Preferred seats, in late 2027. Members will be able to compare dollar and points prices when this feature becomes available, subject to the applicable terms and availability.
The airline has additionally announced plans for its first Icon Lounges, with initial locations expected to open in late 2027. Access will be associated with a new premium Southwest credit card.
As these features roll out, their actual value will depend on availability, redemption pricing, and individual travel needs.
Important Things to Know Before the 2027 Changes
The transition does not mean every benefit changes at once. The new status structure and unified qualification system begin January 1, 2027, while several redemption and premium travel features are scheduled for later in the year.
Members who already hold a Companion Pass should check their account for its existing expiration date. Those still working toward qualification under the current rules should review the December 31, 2026 deadline and the terms of any credit card promotion they intend to use.
It is also important to distinguish Rapid Rewards points from TQPs. Points are used for redemptions, while TQPs track progress toward status and qualifying milestone benefits. Earning points through a transaction does not necessarily mean that the transaction earns TQPs.
For a practical walkthrough of award bookings, read our guide to booking Southwest with points. Travelers can also review what Southwest points are worth before deciding whether a redemption makes sense.
How Flightpoints Helps You Compare Rewards
As the Southwest Rapid Rewards program expands, travelers may need to compare more redemption choices and decide when points offer better value than cash.
The Flightpoints points calculator can help travelers assess their points balances, while the CPP calculator helps estimate cents per point for a redemption.
Travelers weighing cash fares against award bookings can also use the Points or Cash tool. For broader trip planning, Where Can I Go can help explore potential destinations.
These comparisons are particularly relevant as Southwest adds new partner redemptions and points-based seat upgrades. Award availability and final pricing should always be verified with the airline or applicable partner before booking.
The Bottom Line
The Southwest Rapid Rewards 2027 changes introduce a new status hierarchy, milestone-based rewards, revised credit card qualification mechanics, and additional redemption opportunities. Silver, Gold, and Platinum will replace the existing elite tiers, while TQPs become central to qualifying for status and Companion Pass benefits.
The best strategy depends on individual travel patterns, card spending, and redemption goals. Understanding the new qualification requirements and comparing the value of points against cash prices can help travelers make more informed decisions as the program evolves.
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Get Flightpoints ProFAQs
Q. When do the Southwest Rapid Rewards 2027 changes take effect?
A: The main changes, including the new status tiers and qualification structure, take effect January 1, 2027. Additional features are scheduled to launch throughout 2027.
Q. What are the new Southwest Rapid Rewards status tiers?
A: The new tiers are Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Silver replaces A-List, Gold replaces A-List Preferred, and Platinum becomes the highest tier.
Q. Will the Companion Pass still be available in 2027?
A: Yes. Members can earn three Companion Pass trips through a milestone reward, receive unlimited trips through Platinum status, or qualify through eligible promotions.
Q. Can Southwest credit card welcome bonuses count toward Companion Pass qualification?
A: Eligible cardholders who apply on or before December 2, 2026, are approved, and meet the applicable offer requirements may have qualifying welcome bonus points count toward a Companion Pass valid through December 31, 2027. Members should verify the exact terms of their offer.
Q. How can travelers evaluate Southwest Rapid Rewards points?
A: Travelers can compare the cash price of a flight with the points required, accounting for applicable taxes and fees. Flightpoints’ points calculator and points-versus-cash tool can help with these comparisons.
