Southwest overhauls Rapid Rewards loyalty program, previews new lounges
Starting January 1, 2027, the airline's rewards scheme gains new elite tiers and a revised way to earn its Companion Pass.
By Standard Topic. AI-generated from the reporting listed under Coverage. Published . Updated .
This story is no longer being updated. It reflects reporting up to .
What happened
Southwest Airlines unveiled revisions to the Rapid Rewards loyalty scheme on October 15, 2026. The changes include new elite status tiers and qualification requirements, faster ways to earn Tier Qualifying Points, and a revised way to earn a Companion Pass. The airline also gave a first look at its forthcoming Icon Lounges.
Why it matters
The Companion Pass change is described as bad news for customers. The revisions also alter perks and rules across various parts of the program.
Timeline
- Oct 15, 2026: Southwest Airlines unveils changes to Rapid Rewards, including new elite tiers and a first look at Icon Lounges.
- January 1, 2027: The Rapid Rewards changes begin to roll out, with new terminology to follow soon.
Coverage
- Commonly asked questions about Southwest's recent Rapid Rewards reboot and Companion Pass changes (thepointsguy.com)
- Southwest is changing how you earn a Companion Pass, and there's some bad news (thepointsguy.com)
- Southwest Airlines Overhauls Loyalty Program, Gives First Look of New Lounges (skift.com)
- Southwest overhauls Rapid Rewards with new elite tiers, credit card changes and companion passes (thepointsguy.com)
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