# Southwest Airlines Overhauls Rapid Rewards Loyalty Program

> Southwest Airlines introduces new elite tiers, credit card rewards, and international partner awards for Rapid Rewards in 2027.
- Title: Southwest Airlines Overhauls Rapid Rewards Loyalty Program
- Summary: Southwest Airlines introduces new elite tiers, credit card rewards, and international partner awards for Rapid Rewards in 2027. Southwest Airlines launches…
- Keywords: southwest airlines, rapid rewards, companion pass, platinum tier, silver tier, gold tier, credit card points, international redemptions, starlink wifi, icon lounges, business, finance
- Source: The Points Guy — https://thepointsguy.com/news/southwest-airlines-rapid-rewards-overhaul
- Author: Sean Cudahy
- Published: 2026-10-15T14:25:33+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: southwest airlines, rapid rewards, companion pass, platinum tier, silver tier, gold tier, credit card points, international redemptions, starlink wifi, icon lounges, business, finance
## Southwest Announces Rapid Rewards Overhaul
Southwest Airlines will introduce new elite status tiers and credit card rewards for its Rapid Rewards loyalty program starting in 2027.
## New Elite Tiers Replace A-List
A-List and A-List Preferred will become Silver and Gold, with a new Platinum tier offering unlimited Companion Pass access.
## Credit Card Points Increase
All Southwest credit card holders will earn 1 tier qualifying point per dollar spent starting January 1, 2027.
## Companion Pass Changes
The Companion Pass will require 100 qualifying flights to unlock, with a new TQP threshold of 140,000 points in 2027.
## Phasing Out Companion Pass Shortcut
Credit card sign-up bonuses no longer count toward earning the Companion Pass starting in 2027.
## Milestone Rewards for Members
Rapid Rewards members can earn 2,000 bonus points or two preferred seat coupons after 15 flights or 20,000 TQPs.
## New International Redemptions
Southwest will launch partner redemptions on Icelandair, Etihad Airways, and China Airlines starting in 2027.
## Starlink Wi-Fi Expansion
Southwest plans to install Starlink Wi-Fi on its entire fleet by fall 2027, becoming the first U.S. airline to do so.
## Icon Lounges Launch
Southwest will open Icon Lounges in Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu, and Nashville starting in late 2027.
## Points Earning Changes
Choice Preferred fares will earn 8 points per dollar spent, Choice Extra will earn 10 points per dollar spent in 2027.
## Gold Members Get Reduced Bonus
Gold members will earn a 60% points bonus on flights, down from the current 100% bonus for A-List Preferred members.
## Platinum Tier Benefits
Platinum members get 120% points bonus on flights and unlimited Companion Pass access with up to three free checked bags.
## 2027 Status Qualification
Silver requires 25 flights or 35,000 TQPs; Gold requires 50 flights or 65,000 TQPs; Platinum requires 100 flights or 140,000 TQPs.
## Event Date
Southwest Airlines will implement all changes starting January 1, 2027.
## Key takeaway

Southwest Airlines launches Silver, Gold, and Platinum loyalty tiers in 2027 with updated credit card points, Companion Pass access, and international redemption options.