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Southwest Announces Major Loyalty Shake-up, New Elite Tiers
The airline is adding Tier Qualifying Points and new lounge access as it shifts rewards toward higher-spending customers, executives said.
- On Thursday, Southwest Airlines announced it will replace its "A-List" and "A-List Preferred" Rapid Rewards tiers with "Silver," "Gold," and "Platinum" levels, effective January 1, 2027.
- The carrier is overhauling its loyalty program to align with traditional airline models and increase revenue by better rewarding affluent travelers with a conventional tiered structure.
- Platinum members will receive a 120% points bonus on qualifying flights, while all Rapid Rewards credit card holders will earn 1 TQP per dollar spent on eligible purchases beginning in 2027.
- The airline is introducing Milestone Rewards for members between status tiers, while the unlimited Companion Pass will now be tied to achieving Platinum status or hitting specific TQP milestones.
- By late 2027, Southwest plans to open Icon Lounges in four cities and roll out fleetwide Starlink connectivity, alongside new international redemption partnerships with Icelandair, China Airlines, and Etihad Airways.
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MORE TO LOVE FROM RAPID REWARDS: SOUTHWEST AIRLINES EXPANDS REWARDS, REDEMPTION, AND MEMBER BENEFITS
/PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) announced today the next evolution of its award-winning Rapid Rewards® program, making the loyalty program...
·Chicago, United States
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Southwest Overhauls Rapid Rewards With New Platinum Status, Companion Pass, and More - The Bulkhead Seat
Southwest Airlines is making huge changes to its Rapid Rewards loyalty program by introducing a new elite status structure, expanded Companion Pass benefits, international airline partnerships, and its first airport lounges. The changes will begin rolling out in January 2027 and represent one of the most significant transformations of Southwest's frequent flyer program in recent years.
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Total News Sources10
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution83% Center
Bias Distribution
- 83% of the sources are Center
83% Center
L 17%
C 83%
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