Southwest is Changing Its Rapid Rewards Program

Southwest Airlines is changing the terms of its program. Starting January 1, 2027, passengers will no longer be able to enjoy the same perks as easily.

The Rapid Rewards program allows travelers to enjoy free flights with the Companion Pass. Considered one of the best rewards programs in U.S. aviation, the program allows travelers to earn up to 135,000 points and bring a designated companion on eligible Southwest flights for free.

However, qualifying for the Companion Pass will become more difficult in 2027. Southwest announced that it will introduce three new membership tiers, changing who qualifies for the coveted reward.

Will Rewards Be Harder to Earn?

In a press release, the airline said, “Southwest Rapid Rewards is becoming even more rewarding with perks and a simpler qualification structure for status and Companion Pass benefits.” 

However, customers are not convinced by the announcement. Southwest will replace its A-List and A-List Preferred tiers with Silver and Gold, respectively, while introducing a new Platinum tier. Under the new structure, A-List members will move to Silver status, while A-List Preferred members will move to Gold.

The catch is that the new Platinum tier will offer unlimited Companion Pass trips. To qualify for the pass, travelers will have to spend more.

Previously, travelers could earn the Companion Pass by accumulating 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. These points could also come from welcome bonuses offered by eligible credit cards.

Once the changes take effect, welcome bonuses will no longer count toward the qualification requirements. Instead, the airline announced that Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card holders will earn one Tier Qualifying Point (TQP) for every dollar spent.

Although the change may simplify how travelers earn points, it could make the program’s perks harder to obtain.

The End of an Era

Current Companion Pass holders can continue enjoying the benefit through December 31, 2026. However, the changes have disappointed some loyal Southwest customers. An X user calls it “the end of an era.” 

According to the post, “RIP to the best deal in travel: Southwest is effectively gutting the Companion Pass – or the best way to earn it, anyway.” 

The post added, “Starting Jan. 1, welcome bonuses on new credit cards no longer count toward earning unlimited BOGO flights. You’ll have to fly Southwest, spend ($140K!) on a Southwest card a year, or some combination of the two.”