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Stuart Varney and Ashley Webster discuss why Gen Z and millennial travelers are arriving hours early at airports. Ashley Webster highlights a shift toward using credit card perks to access airport lounges for free drinks, meals and Wi-Fi.
Southwest Airlines is overhauling its loyalty program, adding a new top-tier status with unlimited Companion Pass trips and giving travelers more ways to earn and redeem points.
Starting Jan. 1, 2027, Southwest’s current A-List status will become Silver and A-List Preferred will become Gold. The airline is also introducing a new Platinum tier above both, according to a Thursday news release.
Platinum members will receive unlimited Companion Pass trips, allowing them to bring a designated companion on Southwest-operated flights.
Travelers will also be able to unlock perks as they work toward a higher status level.
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Starting Jan. 1, 2027, Southwest’s current A-List status will become Silver and A-List Preferred will become Gold. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
Members working toward Silver can choose rewards such as Rapid Rewards points or seat certificates, while those between Gold and Platinum can earn three Companion Pass trips, according to Southwest.
Southwest credit card holders will also get a faster path to status.
Beginning in January, Rapid Rewards credit card holders will earn one Tier Qualifying Point for every dollar spent on eligible purchases.
The airline is also expanding how travelers can use their Rapid Rewards points.
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Platinum members will receive unlimited Companion Pass trips, allowing them to bring a designated companion on Southwest-operated flights. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Starting in spring 2027, members will be able to earn and redeem points for travel through new partnerships with Icelandair, China Airlines and Etihad Airways.
Later in 2027, travelers will be able to use points to pay for seat selections on Southwest flights, including Extra Legroom and Preferred seats.
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LUV | SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. | 40.83 | +1.49 | +3.79% |
Members will also be able to redeem points for rental cars beginning in November 2026.
The changes come amid a broader effort by Southwest to offer more premium perks.
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The airline announced last month that it plans to open its first network of airport lounges. (Southwest Airlines)
Southwest announced last month it plans to launch its first network of airport lounges, called Southwest Icon Lounges, beginning in late 2027 through a partnership with Chase.
Access will be available through a new premium Southwest credit card launching in 2027.
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Southwest also plans to bring Starlink Wi-Fi to its entire fleet by fall 2027, with free Wi-Fi available to Rapid Rewards members where offered.
