A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 airplane departs from San Diego International Airport on May 27, 2026. Kevin Carter | Getty Images News | Getty Images Goodbye, A-List and A-List Preferred.
Southwest Airlines is scrapping its two-tier loyalty program and introducing three new status levels: silver, gold, and platinum. This change aims to increase revenue and reward the airline's biggest spenders. The move is part of the airline's efforts to modernize its loyalty program and provide more benefits to its customers.
The new status levels will be based on the number of Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) earned, with the highest level, platinum, offering the most benefits. Platinum members will board before both gold members and group 1, while gold members will board before group 1. Silver members will board in group 1.
Southwest is also changing the way its Companion Pass benefits are earned. Starting with the 2027 earning year, Companion Pass benefits will be earned through TQPs or qualifying flights, by hitting a milestone reward or with platinum status. Currently, a Rapid Rewards member needs to earn at least 135,000 qualifying points or 100 one-way flights to qualify for the pass.
The airline is expanding its partnerships with international airlines and building its first airport lounges. Southwest is building Icon lounges in four cities around the US, with others in the works. The carrier is also adding benefits for customers in between status tiers, similar to what American Airlines offers.
For example, after earning 20,000 points or taking 15 qualifying flights, customers can choose between 2,000 more Rapid Rewards points or two coupons to select a preferred seat. Customers will also get three Companion Pass trips after earning 95,000 points or taking 75 qualifying flights, which is below the platinum threshold.
Airlines overall have consistently raised the requirements to earn status, requiring more spending, and have made similar changes to enter their airport lounges. United Airlines has also raised the requirements to reach Premier 1K, its highest frequent flyer tier, to 32,000 qualifying points, up from 28,000 this year.