Southwest Airlines Replaces A-List Tiers With Silver, Gold and Platinum in Rapid Rewards Overhaul Starting January 2027

Southwest Airlines announced a sweeping overhaul of its Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program on October 15, replacing its longtime A-List and A-List Preferred tiers with three new levels: Silver, Gold and Platinum, effective January 1, 2027. The restructuring is the latest step in Southwest's broader transformation away from its no-frills identity, following the earlier elimination of open seating and two free checked bags.

Under the new structure, Silver status requires 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points or 25 qualifying flights, with a boosted points-earning bonus of 40%, up from the 25% offered under A-List. Gold status, which replaces A-List Preferred, drops its TQP threshold slightly to 65,000 from 70,000, or 50 flights, but reduces the earning bonus from 100% to 60%. The new top-tier Platinum level requires 140,000 TQPs or 100 qualifying flights and comes with a 120% earning bonus and unlimited Companion Pass trips. Existing A-List members will be mapped to Silver and A-List Preferred members to Gold when the change takes effect.

The Companion Pass, Southwest's signature perk allowing a designated companion to fly free, is also being restructured. Currently requiring 135,000 qualifying points or 100 one-way flights, it will transition to a TQP or flight-milestone system starting in the 2027 earning year. Members can earn three Companion Pass trips after reaching 95,000 TQPs or 75 qualifying flights, below the Platinum threshold, and Platinum members receive unlimited Companion Pass access. Southwest is also adding mid-tier milestone rewards similar to American Airlines, such as seat upgrade coupons or bonus points at the 20,000-TQP or 15-flight mark.

The changes are part of Southwest's push into premium travel, which also includes plans for airport lounges and upgraded in-flight amenities, as the carrier bets that even value-oriented flyers will keep spending more as fares remain elevated. Southwest shares trade on the NYSE under the ticker LUV, and the airline carries significant weight in the U.S. Global JETS ETF alongside Delta, American and United.