Southwest Airlines elite status tiers
The gist
Southwest is replacing A-List and A-List Preferred with Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers in 2027.
The change decides how frequent flyers earn perks and Companion Pass trips.
How it unfolded
- Oct 9, 2026AwardWallet publishes an article on Southwest elite status and how to earn and maximize it.
- Oct 14, 2026NerdWallet reports Southwest is overhauling Rapid Rewards starting Jan. 1, 2027, with new Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers, a single points currency and new Icon airport lounges.
- Oct 15, 2026Southwest announces the revamp, introducing Silver, Gold and a top-tier Platinum with unlimited Companion Pass trips, and says it is scrapping its two-tier program and the A-List and A-List Preferred names.