Southwest Reworks Rapid Rewards and Companion Pass

Southwest will reshape Rapid Rewards on January 1, 2027, adding Silver, Gold and Platinum status while changing how travelers qualify for Companion Pass. The biggest shift is for credit-card users: introductory bonuses, card purchases and several partner activities will no longer produce the points needed for the pass. A special transition applies to customers approved for a Southwest card by December 2, 2026, even if their spending requirement is completed early the following year.

The pass will instead use tier-qualifying points, with two regular earning levels. Travelers can still name one companion at a time, change that person up to three times per year, and use the benefit when a seat is available. The pass cannot be used on partner flights. Existing 2026 passes remain valid through December 31, 2027; a pass earned in early 2027 lasts through 2028.

A-List becomes Silver, while A-List Preferred changes to Gold and requires 25% more qualifying flights. Gold’s points target falls to 65,000, but Southwest is reducing earnings on Choice Preferred and Choice Extra fares by 20% and 28.6%. The airline is also introducing Icon lounges and premium-cabin awards on partner airlines, while elite members receive priority services and same-day standby benefits, including for some Basic bookings.