Southwest Airlines is giving its most loyal passengers a new reason to keep flying. Beginning January 1, 2027, the carrier will introduce Platinum status, its highest Rapid Rewards membership tier, with free extra-legroom seat selection, priority boarding, and unlimited Companion Pass trips.
But those benefits won’t come easily. According to Southwest’s official program details, travelers must earn 140,000 Tier Qualifying Points or complete 100 qualifying one-way flights to reach Platinum. The changes were announced October 15 and reaffirmed in an October 22 SEC filing.
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Southwest’s New Platinum Status Comes With Premium Benefits
The new membership structure replaces A-List with Silver and A-List Preferred with Gold, adding Platinum above both.
Southwest describes the overhaul as offering “more rewards, more milestones, more ways to earn.” Platinum members can select available Extra Legroom seats when booking, board ahead of Gold members, check three bags without additional charges, and receive a 120% points-earning bonus on qualifying flights.
The airline also promises “unlimited Companion Pass trips,” allowing eligible members to bring a designated companion on qualifying Southwest-operated flights, subject to availability and applicable taxes and fees.
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Southwest Travelers Have Another Way to Earn Rewards
Platinum isn’t the only change. Southwest is introducing Milestone Rewards before passengers reach its highest membership level.
At 20,000 qualifying points or 15 flights, members can choose between 2,000 Rapid Rewards points and two Preferred seat certificates.
At 95,000 points or 75 flights, they qualify for three Companion Pass trips.
The airline says members will also gain “more ways to use your points” in 2027. These include redemptions for international partner flights and, later in the year, Preferred and Extra Legroom seat selection.
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What Southwest Members Should Check Before January
Existing Companion Pass holders will retain their benefits through their original expiration dates.
Meanwhile, Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cardholders will earn one Tier Qualifying Point per eligible dollar spent beginning January 1, 2027.
For frequent travelers, the decision is straightforward: review your current status, compare the new qualification thresholds, and determine whether the premium seating and companion benefits justify pursuing Platinum.
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