Southwest announced major changes to its Rapid Rewards loyalty program, effective January 1, 2027. We already covered the change with credit card signup bonuses no longer counting toward Companion Pass. Here are some of the other key changes:
- Southwest is using Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) for both elite status and Companion Pass qualification (previously Companion Pass had its own tracking system).
- After earning 140,000 TQPs or taking 100 flights you get Platinum tier which includes the unlimited Companion Pass and other benefits.
- For 2027 only, they’re giving a 10,000 TQP bonus after reaching 130,000. So basically you just need to get 130,000 TQPs for 2027.
- There is also Silver and Gold tier elite status: Silver after 35,000 TQPs or 25 flights and Gold after 65,000 TQPs or 50 flights. Silver replaces A-List and Gold replaces A-List Preferred.
- There is a new lower tier Companion Pass: after earning 95,000 TQPs or taking 75 qualifying flights you’ll get a free Companion Pass for three flights (one-way or round-trip).
- All Southwest credit card spend will earn 1 TQP per $1 spent. Multiplier categories (like 2x or 3x) will still earn just 1x TQP per dollar.
- As discussed prior, credit card signup bonuses, referral bonuses, shopping portal rewards, and anniversary bonuses will not earn TQP and will not count toward Companion Pass.
- Choice Preferred fares will earn 8x points instead of 10x, and Choice Extra fares will earn 10x instead of 14x.
- Starting spring 2027, Southwest points will be redeemable on Icelandair, China Airlines, and Etihad, including premium cabins.
