Full Breakdown
Southwest Airlines Revamps Rapid Rewards Loyalty Program
By Drooid · · How we work
Program Overhaul and New Tiers
Southwest Airlines announced that its Rapid Rewards loyalty program will be restructured beginning in 2027. The existing A-List and A-List Preferred tiers will be renamed Silver and Gold, and a new top-tier called Platinum will be added. Platinum members will receive unlimited Companion Pass trips, a benefit previously limited to a single annual pass. The airline also said that all Rapid Rewards credit-cardholders will earn one Tier Qualifying Point for every dollar spent on eligible purchases, accelerating the path to elite status.
Expanded Benefits and Partnerships
In addition to the tier changes, Southwest will introduce “Milestone Rewards,” allowing members to earn benefits before reaching a new status level. Starting in late 2026, members will be able to use points to book rental cars through Southwest’s car-rental platform. Later in 2027, points can be redeemed for seat selection on Southwest-operated flights, including Extra Legroom and Preferred seats. The airline is also adding international loyalty partnerships with Icelandair, China Airlines, and Etihad Airways, enabling members to earn and redeem points on those carriers’ flights.
Official Statement
Southwest’s vice president of Rapid Rewards, Nandika Suri, said the updates respond to member feedback that the program should reward customers more meaningfully throughout their travel experience while preserving the simplicity and value that have defined Rapid Rewards.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Rapid Rewards was built on a simple idea: make it easy for customers to earn and use rewards,” — Nandika Suri, vice president of Rapid Rewards at Southwest Airlines
What’s Next
Southwest plans to roll out the new Platinum tier and the accelerated credit-card earning structure at the start of 2027. After the 2027 seat-selection redemption feature launches, the airline expects members to have broader options for using points across both domestic and international travel.