Big changes are coming for Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program starting next year.
The airline is introducing a new program structure beginning Jan. 1, 2027, with Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers replacing A-List and A-List Preferred.
A-List will become Silver and A-List Preferred will become Gold. The new level, Platinum, will have unlimited Companion Pass trips.
With the introduction of Milestone Rewards, members will no longer have to wait to reach a new tier to receive certain benefits. Before members reach Silver, they will be able to select rewards like points or seat certificates, and between Gold and Platinum, members can qualify to receive three Companion Pass trips.
In the spring of 2027, members can earn and redeem points for travel through partner airlines Icelandair, Etihad Airways, and China Airlines.
Customers with a Rapid Rewards Credit Card will earn one TQP for every dollar spent on purchases starting in January. Later in the year, members will be able to use points for seat selection on Southwest flights.
In November of this year, members will be able to redeem points for rental cars through rental car partners.
Lounge Update
Southwest plans to open airport lounges next year in Nashville, Austin, Baltimore, and Honolulu, in partnership with Chase.
On Thursday, the airline announced the network will be known as the Southwest Icon Lounge network.
“Our approach to these lounges is really to try to meet the needs of what customers really want in these lounge experiences now,” said Tony Roach, chief customer and brand officer.
Each lounge will have a local feel to it.
“It was important to us to have things that were staples in each lounge, but then also localize it with local flare, a local element,” Roach said.
Access to the lounges will be available through a new credit card issued by Chase next year.