Southwest to overhaul Rapid Rewards tiers in 2027

Southwest Airlines plans to retire its A-List frequent flyer tiers and change how members qualify for Companion Pass benefits in 2027, the carrier announced on October 15, 2026. The programme changes also open up international travel as a use for Rapid Rewards points.

Under the new structure, A-List becomes Silver and A-List Preferred becomes Gold. A Platinum tier is being added, offering unlimited Companion Pass trips, earlier boarding and up to three free checked bags.

Qualification thresholds differ by level. Silver requires 35,000 qualifying points or 25 qualifying one-way flights; Gold requires 65,000 points or 50 flights; Platinum requires 140,000 points or 100 flights. Southwest will close its separate Companion Pass points system at the end of 2026, so members will qualify for status and Companion Pass travel through tier qualifying points or qualifying flights instead.

Benefits also change. Silver members get one free checked bag and booking access to preferred or standard seats when available. Gold adds up to two free checked bags and extra-legroom seat selection at booking when available. Platinum includes those seating privileges and boarding ahead of Gold members.

Members can collect some rewards before reaching the next tier. At 95,000 qualifying points or 75 qualifying flights, they receive three Companion Pass trips, each valid for a one-way or round-trip itinerary. Reaching Platinum makes those trips unlimited.

Travelers who earn Companion Pass under the existing rules in 2026 keep unlimited trips through December 31, 2027. Southwest said credit card spending will carry more weight in earning status, with changes taking effect January 1.