Southwest Airlines Overhauls Rapid Rewards Program for 2027

The current A-List and A-List Preferred statuses will be rebranded as Silver and Gold, respectively, with the new Platinum tier serving as the top-tier offering, featuring unlimited Companion Pass trips. To reward frequent travelers before they reach formal status, the airline is introducing Milestone Rewards, allowing members to earn points or seat certificates throughout their progress. Additionally, credit card holders will benefit from a faster path to status, earning one Tier Qualifying Point for every dollar spent on purchases.

Beyond status updates, Southwest is broadening the utility of its loyalty points. By spring 2027, members can redeem points for international travel through partnerships with Icelandair, China Airlines, and Etihad Airways. Later that year, the airline will enable members to use points for seat selection on its own flights and rental car bookings. To complement these digital changes, the carrier plans to open its first Southwest Icon Lounge in Nashville by late 2027, accessible via a new premium credit card. Complementing the ground experience, Southwest expects to complete a fleetwide rollout of Starlink high-speed internet by fall 2027.