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# Southwest Overhauls Rapid Rewards: No More Easy Companion Pass
- URL: https://www.pnm.now/southwest-rapid-rewards-overhaul-companion-pass/
- Published: 2026-10-15T18:40:23.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-15T18:40:23.000Z
- Description: Southwest is replacing A-List with Silver, Gold, and Platinum in 2027, and unlimited Companion Pass moves to the new Platinum tier.
- Author: Andrew Kunesh
- Tags: airlines, verified

Southwest is overhauling Rapid Rewards next year — and for many travelers, the changes aren't pretty.

A-List becomes Silver (35,000 tier qualifying points or 25 flights), A-List Preferred becomes Gold (65,000 TQPs or 50 flights), and a new Platinum tier requires 140,000 TQPs or 100 flights. Southwest credit cards will earn 1 TQP per dollar spent.

The biggest change is to Companion Pass. Southwest is retiring Companion Pass qualifying points on Dec. 31, 2026, and folding unlimited companion trips into Platinum. TQPs come only from Southwest flights, co-branded card spending, and a handful of other Southwest purchases, so welcome bonuses, bonus-category points, and partner earning no longer count.

That puts the card-only path at a huge $140,000 in spending, or $130,000 in 2027 thanks to a one-time 10,000-TQP boost for cardmembers.

Southwest is also adding two milestone rewards: 2,000 points or two Preferred Seat Certificates at 20,000 TQPs or 15 flights, and three Companion Pass trips at 95,000 TQPs or 75 flights.

Current Companion Pass holders keep theirs through its original end date. Starting in spring 2027, you'll also be able to earn and redeem Rapid Rewards points with China Airlines, Etihad Airways, and Icelandair, and use points for seat selection.

Andrew's Take 

![Andrew Kunesh](https://www.pnm.now/assets/built/ak-headshot.png) 

These Companion Pass changes sting. Under the current rules, a welcome bonus or two covered most of the 135,000 qualifying points you needed; next year, the card route takes $140,000 in actual spending. On the bright side, partner awards are a cool addition, but Southwest hasn't shared pricing yet.

Source: [Southwest Airlines](https://www.swamedia.com/news-and-stories/news-release/more-to-love-from-rapid-rewards-southwest-airlines-expands-rewards-redemption-an-MCKCBGY5Z2SNF7DJLTVF253RMDIU?ref=pnm.now)