Earned Rapid Rewards^® Status or Companion Pass^® in 2026? What to Expect in 2027

Your 2027 Rapid Rewards experience may look different based on what you earned and how you qualified for Rapid Rewards benefits in 2026. In this guide, we lay out the scenarios you might encounter and how you can get the most out of your new Rapid Rewards benefits in 2027.

What should I expect from Rapid Rewards in 2027?

• ✓ I earned A-List status for 2027 based on my 2026 activity
• ✓ I earned A-List Preferred status for 2027 based on my 2026 activity
• ✓ I earned Companion Pass for 2027 under the current program rules
• ✓ I used my Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card to earn tier status for 2027
• ✓ I am still working toward A-List or A-List Preferred in 2026
• ✓ I am still working toward Companion Pass in 2026
• ✓ I participated in the promotional Companion Pass offer with a Rapid Rewards Credit Card in 2026
• ✓ I earned status through a status match or promotion in 2026
• ✓ If I get a Rapid Rewards Credit Card now, can I still qualify for Companion Pass?
• ✓ My tier status expires at the end of 2026
• ✓ My Companion Pass expires at the end of 2026
• ✓ Does my 2026 activity count toward earning a 2027 Milestone Reward?

I earned A-List status for 2027 based on my 2026 activity

Beginning January 1, 2027, Silver will replace A-List in the new Rapid Rewards Tier structure and you'll automatically transition to Silver.

*Silver Members who earned A-List status for 2027 based on their 2026 activity will pay $35 for their second checked bag for flights on or before December 31, 2027.

I earned A-List Preferred status for 2027 based on my 2026 activity

Beginning January 1, 2027, A-List Preferred will transition to Gold under the new Rapid Rewards tier structure, and your status will automatically update.

*Members who earn A-List Preferred status for 2027 based on their 2026 activity will retain their 100% flight-point earning bonus through December 31, 2027. The 60% earning bonus applies to Gold status earned under the new program terms.

I earned Companion Pass for 2027 based on my 2026 activity

If you earned Companion Pass in 2026 through the current program rules, you’ll continue to enjoy unlimited Companion Pass trips through December 31, 2027.

How can I earn Companion Pass benefits going forward?

Starting January 1, 2027, you’ll earn Companion Pass¹¹ benefits the same way you earn tier status and Milestone Rewards: with Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) or qualifying flights.

As you earn more, you can unlock Companion Pass trips in these ways:

• Earn 95,000 TQPs or complete 75 qualifying one-way flights to get three Companion Pass trips.
• Earn 140,000 TQPs or complete 100 qualifying one-way flights to reach Platinum status and get unlimited Companion Pass trips.

Each Companion Pass trip can be used for a one-way or round trip with your Companion. You may also be able to earn Companion Pass benefits through special promotions, when available.

How can my Rapid Rewards Credit Card help me earn Companion Pass benefits faster?

Starting January 1, 2027, you’ll earn Companion Pass benefits the same way you earn tier status and Milestone Rewards: with Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) or qualifying flights.

Starting January 1, 2027, every Rapid Rewards Cardmember will earn 1 Tier Qualifying Point (TQP) for every $1 spent on purchases¹².

This makes card spend a simpler, more rewarding way to work toward tier status, Milestone Rewards, and Companion Pass benefits.

The more you use your Rapid Rewards Credit Card for everyday purchases, the more TQPs you can earn—helping you get closer to the rewards that matter most, including Companion Pass trips.

I used my Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card to earn tier status for 2026

If you earned A-List or A-List Preferred status for 2027 based on your 2026 Rapid Rewards Credit Card purchases, your Rapid Rewards account will automatically transition to either Silver (if you qualified for A-List) or Gold (if you qualified for A-List Preferred) on January 1, 2027.

How will my Rapid Rewards Credit Card help me earn tier status in 2027?

Beginning January 1, 2027, Rapid Rewards Cardmembers, including Plus Cardmembers, will earn 1 TQP per $1 spent¹² on purchases; therefore the Rapid Rewards Credit Card will help you reach tier status more quickly.

And, in 2027, Cardmembers will receive a one-time 10,000 TQP boost¹³ when they earn 130,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) to help them reach Platinum status and unlock unlimited Companion Pass trips.

I am still working toward A-List or A-List Preferred in 2026

If you’re still working to qualify for A-List or A-List Preferred status based on 2026 activity, keep going! You’ll enjoy Silver or Gold benefits in 2027—just keep the following in mind:

• 2026 Rapid Rewards qualification requirements will continue to apply through the end of December 31, 2026.
• If you earn A-List or A-List Preferred status for 2027 based on your 2026 activity, your status will automatically transition to Silver or Gold, respectively, on January 1, 2027.
• 2027 Rapid Rewards qualification requirements will apply starting January 1, 2027.
• On January 1, 2027, Tier Qualifying Points will reset.

I am still working toward Companion Pass in 2026

If you’re still working to earn Companion Pass based on your 2026 activity, you’ll have through December 31, 2026 to earn Companion Pass under the existing benefits Companion Pass qualification rules. Beginning January 1, 2027, Companion Pass benefits can be earned through Milestone Rewards, Platinum, and select promotions can be earned by reaching the second Milestone Reward, earning Platinum status, or through select promotions, when available.

Here are the details to know:

• All Companion Pass qualification activity must post by the end of 2026.
• If you earn Companion Pass for 2027 under the current program rules, you’ll continue to enjoy those benefits through December 31, 2027.
• Companion Pass qualifying points will be retired and no longer be valid after December 31, 2026. Beginning January 1, 2027, TQPs will become the single qualifying-points currency for earning Rapid Rewards Tiers, Milestone Rewards, and Companion Pass benefits.

I participated in the promotional Companion Pass offer with a Rapid Rewards Credit Card in 2026

If you earned a promotional Companion Pass in 2026 through a Rapid Rewards Credit Card Acquisition offer, we'll continue to honor all benefits you've earned according to the promotional terms.

I earned status through a Status Match or promotion in 2026. What happens when Rapid Rewards changes on January 1, 2027?

If you enrolled in a Status Match or promotional status offer in 2026, you'll receive your status and benefits based on the Rapid Rewards program in effect when your status was awarded, extended, or used. Following the launch of the updated Rapid Rewards program on January 1, 2027, promotional status will transition to the corresponding status level in the new program.

If your promotional status challenge extends into 2027, any status, benefits, or qualification requirements associated with that challenge will be based on the Rapid Rewards program terms in effect at the time your benefits are provided or your status is awarded or extended.

Please refer to the Terms and Conditions associated with your promotion for complete details.

If I get a Rapid Rewards Credit Card now, can my points count towards Companion Pass if and when I meet the requirements through the new Cardmember welcome bonus I apply for?

Yes, any Cardmembers who are approved for a Rapid Rewards Credit Card on or before Dec. 2, 2026 and meet the requirements for the new Cardmember welcome bonus will have the opportunity to have those points count as Companion Pass qualifying points, even if the spend threshold is met in early 2027.

My tier status expires at the end of 2026

If your tier status ends December 31, 2026 and you do not earn tier status for 2027, you will begin earning toward earning tier status under the new 2027 rules on January 1, 2027.

My Companion Pass expires at the end of 2026

If your Companion Pass benefits end December 31, 2026, and you have not earned Companion Pass for 2027 under the current program rules, those benefits will end as scheduled. Beginning January 1, 2027, you can earn Companion Pass benefits through the second Milestone Reward, Platinum status, and select promotions, when available.

Does my 2026 activity count toward earning a 2027 Milestone Reward?

No. Earning for Milestone Rewards begins January 1, 2027, when Tier Qualifying Points reset for the new calendar year. Activity completed in 2026 does not count toward earning 2027 Milestone Rewards.

Important information

1. Preferred Seat Selection at Booking: When available, Silver Members will be able to select a Preferred or a Standard seat at the time of booking, or up to 60 minutes prior to a flight’s scheduled local departure time. If no Preferred or Standard seat is available, Silver Members will be assigned a seat in accordance with the fare rules of the ticket purchased. When available, Silver Members will be able to select Preferred or Standard seats for up to 8 additional Passengers on the same reservation as the Silver Member, allowing for a total of 9 Preferred or Standard seats. If the Silver Member is removed from the reservation and there is no Rapid Rewards^® Tier Member or primary Cardmember with the same or greater seating benefits, all seating selections for that reservation will be released and seats will be assigned in accordance with the fare rules of the ticket purchased. Benefits may not apply on itineraries booked with partner airlines. Silver Members should allow up to 14 days for tier status to be updated in their Rapid Rewards account to be eligible for this benefit. Rapid Rewards account and Silver status must be open and in good standing when selecting a Preferred or Standard seat. If your Rapid Rewards account is voluntarily closed or tier status expires before travel, any existing seat selection will be maintained. However, any modification to the reservation made after the account closure/status expiration will result in the loss of the seat assignment. All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply and can be found at Southwest.com/rrterms.

2. Extra Legroom Seat Upgrade at 48 hours: When available, Silver Members will be able to upgrade to an Extra Legroom seat within 48 hours prior to flight departure for themselves and up to 8 additional Passengers on the same reservation, allowing for a total of 9 Extra Legroom seats. If the Silver Member is removed from the reservation and there is no Rapid Rewards^® Tier Member or primary Cardmember with the same or greater seating benefits, all seating selections for that reservation will be released and seats will be assigned in accordance with the fare rules of the ticket purchased. Benefits may not apply to itineraries booked with partner airlines. Silver Members should allow up to 14 days for tier status to be updated in their Rapid Rewards account to be eligible for this benefit. Rapid Rewards account and Silver status must be open and in good standing when selecting a Preferred or Standard seat. If your Rapid Rewards account is voluntarily closed or tier status expires before travel, any existing seat selection will be maintained. However, any modification to the reservation made after the account closure/status expiration will result in the loss of the seat assignment. All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply and can be found at Southwest.com/rrterms.

3. Boarding: Our Rapid Rewards^® Silver, Gold and, Platinum receive a boarding benefit based on seat type and seat location. Platinum members board before Group 1 and Gold members. Gold members board before Group 1. Silver members board with Group 1.

4. Checked Bag Free: Rapid Rewards^® Platinum Members receive three free checked bags. Gold Members receive two free checked bags. Silver Members only receive their first checked bag for free. Checked bag benefits do not apply on flights booked with a partner carrier. Weight and size limits apply. Additional allowances, benefits, and/or exceptions may apply. Learn more.

5. Earning Points: Silver Members will get a 40% earning bonus on every qualifying flight. Gold Members will get a 60% earning bonus on every qualifying flight. Platinum Members will get a 120% earning bonus on every qualifying flight. Qualifying flights include flights booked and flown through Southwest^® and flights paid entirely with dollars, Southwest LUV Vouchers^®, gift cards, vacation travel credits, or flight credits, and with no portion of the purchase price paid for with Rapid Rewards points.

6. Priority and Express Lanes: Priority and Express Lanes, (where available), can be accessed by Choice Extra and Choice Preferred Customers and Platinum, Gold, and Silver Members. Priority Lane is located at Southwest^® check-in counters, and Express Lane is at security checkpoints.

7. Priority Member Support: To receive the benefit, Tier Members must provide their Rapid Rewards account number or phone number associated with their Rapid Rewards account when contacting Southwest.

8. Free same-day change/standby: Same-day change: On the day of travel, you can switch free of airline charges to another flight with space available departing on the same calendar day between the same origin airport and destination airport as your original flight. Free same-day change is only available for Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, or Choice fares. Basic fares and Rapid Rewards^® Platinum, Gold and Silver Members are not eligible for free same-day change unless the Member purchases a qualifying fare. Same-day standby: You can list for same-day standby on an earlier flight via a Southwest^® Customer Service Agent at the airport or the Southwest app or mobile web. You will receive a message based on the contact preference selected during booking if you are cleared on the flight. For both same-day change and same-day standby, you must change your flight or request to be added to the same-day standby list at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your original scheduled flight or the no-show policy will apply. If using the app or mobile web, you must make the change or list your name 60 minutes (for domestic flights) or 90 minutes (for international flights) ahead of the new flight’s scheduled departure. You will be required to pay any government taxes and fees associated with these itinerary changes, but refunds will be provided. Your original seat and boarding group is not guaranteed. Southwest^® Business Customers booked through travel agencies may need to see a Southwest Agent at the airport for both a same-day change or standby listing. See Southwest.com/standby for more details.

9. Extra Legroom Seat Selection at Booking: When available, Gold and Platinum Members will be able to select an Extra Legroom, Preferred or a Standard seat at the time of booking, or up to 60 minutes prior to a flight’s scheduled local departure time. If no Extra Legroom, Preferred or Standard seat is available, Gold and Platinum Members will be assigned a seat in accordance with the fare rules of the ticket purchased. When available, Gold and Platinum Members will be able to select Extra Legroom, Preferred or Standard seats for up to 8 additional Passengers on the same reservation as the Gold Member, allowing for a total of 9 Extra Legroom, Preferred or Standard seats. If the Gold or Platinum Member is removed from the reservation and there is no Rapid Rewards^® Tier Member or primary Cardmember with the same or greater seatings benefits, all seating selections for that reservation will be released and seats will be assigned in accordance with the fare rules of the ticket purchased. Benefits may not apply on itineraries booked with partner airlines. Gold and Platinum Members should allow up to 14 days for card status to be updated in their Rapid Rewards account to be eligible for this benefit. If your Rapid Rewards account is voluntarily closed or tier status expires before travel, any existing seat selection will be maintained. However, any modification to the reservation made after the account closure/status expiration will result in the loss of the seat assignment. All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply and can be found at Southwest.com/rrterms.

10. Complimentary premium drink: Customers in Extra Legroom seats will be offered a complimentary premium snack (on select flights traveling 301 miles or more) and complimentary premium drinks (on select flights traveling 251 miles or more). Platinum and Gold Members seated in Preferred or Standard seats receive up to two complimentary premium drinks per leg. Service may be modified or limited at Southwest's^® discretion. Must be 21 or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Alcohol served onboard must be consumed onboard the aircraft. Excluding Hawaii interisland flights, complimentary snacks are served on select flights 251 miles or more. If you’re flying between Hawaii and the continental U.S., you’ll have more snacks to choose from. Service may also be limited at Southwest's discretion. Alcohol purchased onboard must be consumed onboard. You must be 21 years or older to drink alcoholic beverages. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not drink alcoholic beverages because of the risk of birth defects. Images of the alcoholic beverage product do not reflect how it is actually served. In accordance with FAA regulations, Customers are prohibited from consuming alcoholic beverages onboard that are not served by Southwest Airlines^®. Customers will not receive a beverage with a cap.

11. Companion Pass^®: Companion Pass benefits allow a Member to designate one Companion to fly with the Member on Southwest^®-operated flights. A Companion's reservation must be booked through Southwest. A Companion's reservation is not a purchased flight and cannot be used to book another Companion Pass reservation. A Companion Pass cannot be added to travel booked through Getaways by Southwest^®, Group Travel, charter flights, Interline Itineraries, or nonrevenue travel. Member must first book and purchase their own flight before booking the Companion's flight through Southwest by choosing the Rapid Rewards^® Companion Pass booking option on Southwest.com^®, or by calling our toll-free reservations number at 1-800-248-4377, and notifying the Customer Representative that Rapid Rewards Companion Pass benefits will be used. The Member and the Companion must be booked on the same flights and dates. If the Member cancels, changes, or does not travel on the reservation, the Companion’s reservation will be canceled. The Member and the Companion must check in together and may be required to present Companion Pass documentation at the Southwest Ticket Counter, Skycap podium (where available), or departure gate for the Companion to travel. Valid photo identification for both Member and the Companion is required. The Member and Companion must board with their assigned boarding group(s). An ancillary purchase applies only to the Passenger for whom it is purchased.
The Member is limited to one Companion at any time. After designating a Companion, the Member may receive notification of such designation. The Companion Pass benefit is not transferable. The Member may change their designated Companion up to three (3) times each calendar year. Any reservation with the current designated Companion must be cancelled before changing the designated Companion. Companion changes can be made on Southwest.com, the Southwest app, or by calling 1-800-435-9792. Allow 21 business days for processing the change of Companion. The Member's designated Companion must be an individual. An individual may not travel as both a Member and a Companion on the same flight. Corporations and other entities cannot be designated as Companions.
Companion Pass travel has no blackout dates but is subject to availability. While there are no seat restrictions, a seat must be available on a flight for a Companion. For more information regarding Companion Pass benefits, please visit southwest.com/rapid-rewards/2027/companion-pass-changes/.
Each Companion Pass trip is good for a one-way or round trip. Does not include taxes and fees from $5.60 one-way.

12. Tier Qualifying Points: Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) are earned from revenue flights booked through Southwest Airlines^®. Starting January 1, 2027, you will also earn 1 TQP for each $1 spent on purchases made with your Rapid Rewards Credit Card. Purchases of products and services, minus returns and refunds, are made by using a card by you or an authorized user of the account; however, the following types of transactions won’t count as purchases: balance transfers, cash advances, cash-like transactions including, but not limited to: travelers checks, foreign currency, money orders, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, other similar digital or virtual currency and other similar transactions; lottery tickets, casino gaming chips, race track wagers, or similar offline and online betting transactions; person-to-person money transfers and account funding transactions that transfer currency, any checks that access your account, interest, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, and fees of any kind, including an annual fee, if applicable. TQPs earned will be posted to the primary credit cardmember’s Rapid Rewards^® account after your credit card billing cycle closes. TQPs are accrued on an annual basis. The first year runs from your account open date through your December statement cycle date of that same year. After that, each annual period consists of the 12 billing cycles starting after your December statement cycle date and ending with the following December statement cycle date. Only TQPs posted to your Rapid Rewards account will qualify for loyalty tiers as described in Southwest.com/rrterms

13. Tier qualifying points (TQPs) 10k boost at 130k TQPs: You, as a Southwest Rapid Rewards primary Cardmember, will receive one boost of 10,000 TQPs when your TQPs balance in your Rapid Rewards account is 130,000 by 12/31/2027. The TQP boost will be deposited into your Rapid Rewards account within 30 days after you reach 130,000 TQPs posted to your Rapid Rewards account. The TQP boost will count towards Rapid Rewards tier qualification in 2027 for the remainder of 2027 and through 2028. To receive the TQP boost your credit card account must be open and not in default at the time of fulfillment. Only one credit card account per Southwest Rapid Rewards Member is eligible for one boost of 10,000 TQPs in the year 2027. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. is not responsible for the provision of, or failure to provide, the stated benefits and services.

SOUTHWEST RAPID REWARDS^® PROGRAM INFORMATION
The Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card is brought to you by Southwest Airlines^® and Chase. Southwest Airlines is responsible for the redemption of Rapid Rewards^® points toward benefits and services. The number of points needed for a particular Southwest flight is set by Southwest and will vary depending on destination, time, day of travel, demand, point redemption rate, and other factors and is subject to change. Rapid Rewards points can only be transferred to the primary Cardmember’s Rapid Rewards account. All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply and can be found at Southwest.com/rrterms. Southwest reserves the right to amend, suspend, or change the program and/or program rules at any time without notice. Rapid Rewards Members do not acquire property rights in accrued points.
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