Southwest's 2027 Rewards overhaul raises Platinum, Companion Pass bar
Southwest Airlines will overhaul its Rapid Rewards program in 2027, introducing a new Platinum tier and ending credit card signup bonuses from counting toward elite status and the coveted Companion Pass.
Southwest Airlines announced changes to its Rapid Rewards loyalty program on Thursday. The overhaul, effective January 1, 2027, will replace the existing A-List tiers with three new elite levels: Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
Beginning in 2027, Southwest credit card signup bonuses will no longer count toward earning Companion Pass. This eliminates the most efficient strategy frequent flyers have used to obtain unlimited companion travel.
New Platinum status and Companion Pass requirements
Southwest is introducing a new top-tier Platinum status in 2027. Achieving Platinum status, which includes an unlimited Companion Pass, will require 140,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) or 100 flights. This is an increase from the current A-List Preferred threshold of 135,000 TQPs. The existing A-List tier will become Silver, requiring 35,000 TQPs or 25 flights, while A-List Preferred will transition to Gold, requiring 65,000 TQPs or 50 flights.
| Status Tier (2027) | Tier Qualifying Points Required | Flight Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | 35,000 | 25 flights |
| Gold | 65,000 | 50 flights |
| Platinum | 140,000 | 100 flights |
Credit card spending changes eliminate shortcuts to elite status
A fundamental shift comes in how credit card activity contributes to status. Starting in 2027, all Southwest-branded credit cards will earn holders 1 TQP per dollar spent, with no cap. This includes lower-tier cards like the Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, which currently offers no TQPs. However, credit card signup bonuses, referral bonuses, anniversary points, bonus category spending points, and points from hotel and rental car partners will no longer earn any Tier Qualifying Points.
One observer noted, "Southwest didn’t kill Companion Pass. They killed the best way to earn it."
Impact on Companion Pass qualification via credit cards
The removal of bonuses from the status calculation dramatically increases the spending needed to earn the Companion Pass through credit cards alone. Under current rules, a 100,000-point signup bonus after a $5,000 spend yields approximately 105,000 points that count toward the pass. Under the 2027 rules, only the $5,000 spend would count, earning just 5,000 TQPs. Earning the Companion Pass entirely through credit card spending in 2027 would now require approximately $130,000 in spend on a Southwest card.
To help bridge the gap, Southwest will offer a one-time 10,000-TQP boost upon reaching 130,000 TQPs in 2027 for members with a cobranded credit card.
Enhanced benefits and milestone rewards
Confirmed benefits for the new Platinum status are substantial. They include the unlimited Companion Pass, access to Extra Legroom seats at booking when available, priority boarding, three free checked bags, a 120% bonus on points earned from qualifying flights, two complimentary premium drinks per flight, and priority access to security lanes and customer service.
The program will also introduce milestone rewards at specific TQP or flight thresholds.
| Milestone (TQPs or Flights) | Reward Choice |
|---|---|
| 20,000 TQPs or 15 flights | 2,000 Rapid Rewards points or two Preferred Seat certificates |
| 95,000 TQPs or 75 flights | Three Companion Pass trips |
| 140,000 TQPs or 100 flights | Platinum status with unlimited Companion Pass |
Transitional window for existing credit card bonuses
Southwest has outlined a transitional window for those hoping to use current card bonuses under the old rules. The airline states that if a member is approved for a Rapid Rewards credit card on or before December 2, 2026, the welcome bonus can still count toward Companion Pass qualification even if the required spending is completed in early 2027.
Travelers seeking to maximize current benefits should consider applying for a Southwest credit card before December 2, 2026, to lock in bonus eligibility under the old rules.
