Southwest Airlines is discontinuing its A-List and A-List Preferred loyalty tiers, effective January 1, and introducing a new three-tier system: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. This change reflects a broader strategy to boost revenue and reward high-spending customers.
The new Silver status will require 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) or 25 qualifying flights, while Gold will require 65,000 TQPs or 50 flights, and Platinum will require 140,000 TQPs or 100 flights. Notably, the points-earning bonuses have been adjusted, with Silver members receiving a 40% bonus on flights, Gold members a 60% bonus, and Platinum members a 120% bonus.
Additionally, the Companion Pass, which allows a designated person to fly for free, will now be earned through TQPs or qualifying flights starting in 2027. Southwest is also expanding its partnerships with international airlines and building new airport lounges named Icon in several U.S. cities.
This overhaul is part of a trend in the airline industry where companies are raising the bar for loyalty program participation, as seen with United Airlines recently increasing its requirements for status in its Mileage Plus program