Southwest Overhauls Rapid Rewards with New Tiers, Companion Pass Changes, and International Partnerships

Key points

• Elite status tiers are renamed: A-List becomes Silver (35,000 TQPs/25 flights), A-List Preferred becomes Gold (65,000 TQPs/50 flights), and a new Platinum tier requires 140,000 TQPs/100 flights.
• The Companion Pass is now tied to Platinum status; existing holders retain benefits until their current term expires, but new passes require hitting Platinum thresholds.
• All Southwest credit cards, including the $99 annual fee Plus card, will earn 1 TQP per dollar spent starting in 2027, replacing previous variable TQP structures.
• Milestone rewards introduce intermediate perks: 20,000 TQPs/15 flights yield bonus points or seat coupons, while 95,000 TQPs/75 flights grant three one-off Companion Pass trips.
• International partner redemptions launch in spring 2027 with Icelandair, Etihad Airways, and China Airlines; Starlink Wi-Fi will cover the entire fleet by fall 2027.

Background

This overhaul follows Southwest’s 2025-2026 strategic shifts, including the end of open seating, the introduction of checked bag fees, and the launch of premium fare classes. The airline has been aligning its customer experience and revenue models with industry standards, moving away from its traditional 'bags fly free' and open-seating policies to compete with legacy carriers.

How outlets are covering it

The Points Guy emphasizes the ease of earning status through credit card spending and the new Platinum tier’s perks. CNBC highlights the shift toward traditional airline status naming and the consolidation of Companion Pass eligibility into the Platinum tier. NerdWallet notes that while the Platinum bar is higher, increased TQP earning rates make elite status more accessible for heavy spenders, and it stresses that credit card welcome offers no longer count toward Companion Pass qualification. All sources agree on the core structural changes but differ in emphasis: The Points Guy focuses on redemption expansion, CNBC on revenue alignment, and NerdWallet on accessibility for cardholders.

Why it matters

These changes redefine how Southwest rewards loyalty, shifting from flight-based metrics to spending-based TQPs and introducing a tiered system that mirrors competitors. The expansion of international redemptions and Starlink Wi-Fi positions Southwest as a more competitive full-service carrier, while the new lounge network and premium credit card aim to capture higher-spending customers. For frequent flyers, the shift requires strategic planning to maximize benefits under the new rules.

What to watch

Southwest will launch international partner redemptions in spring 2027 and open its first Icon Lounges in Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu, and Nashville by late 2027. The airline expects to complete Starlink installation across its entire fleet by fall 2027. Additional partners and lounge locations may be announced as the rollout progresses.