Southwest Airlines Revamps Loyalty Program With New Companion Pass Policy
WHO:
Fast Company - Southwest Airlines is revamping its loyalty program.
IJR - Southwest Airlines will introduce a new top Platinum tier in its loyalty program.
WHAT:
Fast Company - Southwest Airlines will introduce three elite status levels: Silver, Gold, and Platinum, with Platinum including unlimited Companion Pass trips.
Fast Company - Starting January 1, 2027, every Rapid Rewards credit cardholder will earn one Tier Qualifying Point for every dollar spent on eligible Southwest Chase credit cards.
Fast Company - Starting in the spring of next year, members will be able to earn and redeem Rapid Rewards points through new international airline loyalty partnerships, including Icelandair, China Airlines, and Etihad Airways.
Fast Company - Members will be able to redeem points for rental cars through participating rental car companies starting in November.
Fast Company - Later in 2027, members will be able to use points to select seats on Southwest-operated flights, including Preferred and Extra Legroom seats.
Fast Company - Southwest plans to equip its entire fleet with Starlink satellite internet by fall 2027, offering high-speed WiFi from takeoff to landing.
Fast Company - Southwest Airlines announced unlimited Companion Pass trips for customers in the new Platinum loyalty tier.
Fast Company - The airline will also introduce new Milestone Rewards allowing customers to earn up to three Companion Pass trips before reaching Platinum status.
IJR - The overhaul will award one Tier Qualifying Point for every dollar spent on eligible Southwest Chase credit cards.
Fast Company - Starting in November, members will be able to redeem points for rental cars through participating rental car companies.
Fast Company - Later in 2027, members will be able to use points to select seats on Southwest-operated flights, including Preferred and Extra Legroom seats.
Fast Company - Southwest plans to equip its entire fleet with Starlink satellite internet by fall 2027.
WHERE:
Fast Company - The announcement was made during a press event in Texas.
WHEN:
IJR - The new loyalty program structure will begin in January 2027.
Fast Company - The ability to redeem points for rental cars will start in November.
Fast Company - The rollout of Starlink WiFi is expected to be completed by fall 2027.
WHY:
Fast Company - The changes are intended to reward members throughout their loyalty journey and to better compete with airlines like United, Delta, and American Airlines.
Fast Company - Nandika Suri, vice president of Rapid Rewards at Southwest Airlines, stated that the updates are based on customer feedback for more meaningful rewards.
HOW:
Fast Company - Customers can qualify for loyalty tiers through flights or Tier Qualifying Points earned from spending on eligible Southwest Chase credit cards.
Fast Company - The new program will allow members to earn and redeem Rapid Rewards points through new international airline partnerships, including Icelandair, China Airlines, and Etihad Airways.
(UPDATED October 15, 2026 22:00 UTC)
Southwest Airlines is set to introduce three elite status levels: Silver, Gold, and Platinum, with the Platinum tier featuring unlimited Companion Pass trips. Starting January 1, 2027, Rapid Rewards credit cardholders will earn one Tier Qualifying Point for every dollar spent on eligible Southwest Chase credit cards, and in the spring, members can earn and redeem points through new international airline partnerships. Additionally, members will be able to redeem points for rental cars starting in November, and later in 2027, they can use points to select seats on Southwest flights, while the airline plans to equip its fleet with Starlink satellite internet by fall 2027 for high-speed WiFi throughout the flight.
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(UPDATED October 15, 2026 21:03 UTC)
Southwest Airlines is revamping its loyalty program, introducing a new top Platinum tier that will offer unlimited Companion Pass trips for customers. Starting in November, members will also be able to redeem points for rental cars, and the new program structure will officially begin in January 2027, allowing customers to earn Tier Qualifying Points through eligible spending on Southwest Chase credit cards. Additionally, by fall 2027, Southwest plans to equip its entire fleet with Starlink satellite internet and enable members to use points for seat selections on flights.