5 Changes Coming to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Program

Along with checking two free bags for all passengers, Southwest Airlines is looking to add even more value for members of its loyalty program.

Southwest recently announced some major changes to its Rapid Rewards program that will make it easier for its most loyal customers to get status with the airline.

Among the many changes, Southwest is allowing fliers to fly less to earn more, which is a good thing considering the recent pattern of major airlines and their loyalty programs.

Big Changes Coming To Southwest Rapid Rewards Program

The changes for Southwest, which the airline says will mainly take effect on January 1, 2024, come as Delta Air Lines copes with backlash after announcing a tightening of some of its policies around Medallion status and Sky Club lounge access.

Let’s take a look at five ways Southwest is changing the Rapid Rewards program for the new year.

1. Fewer Flights To Score A-List Status

Instead of having to fly 25 annual one-way flights, Southwest says Rapid Rewards members will soon be able to reach A-List status with only 20 such flights. Members can also earn A-list status with 35,000 tier qualifying points in one calendar year.

To qualify, the flights need to be revenue flights, “purchased and flown,” it says on the Southwest website.

According to Southwest, A-List status fliers get the following benefits:

• Priority boarding
• Priority Lane and Express Lane
• Dedicated phone line
• Same-day change/standby
• 25% earning bonus on qualifying flights

2. Earn Preferred Status Faster

Instead of having to fly 50 one-way qualifying flights, Rapid Rewards members can now earn A-List Preferred status with just 40 flights. Members can also earn this status with 70,000 tier-qualifying points in one calendar year.

According to Southwest, A-List Preferred fliers get the following benefits:

• Priority boarding
• 100% earning bonus
• Free inflight internet
• Priority Lane and Express Lane
• Same-day change/standby
• Dedicated A-List phone line
• Up to 2 free premium drinks

3. Earn Points Faster With Your Southwest Credit Card

Southwest is cutting in half — from $10,000 to $5,000 — the amount you need to spend to receive 1,500 tier qualifying points on purchases using select credit cards.

The eligible credit cards are:

• card_name
• card_name
• card_name — which makes our list of best travel credit cards
• card_name

4. Free Premium Drinks

As an all-new perk, Rapid Rewards members with A-List Preferred status will receive up to two complimentary premium drinks per flight. The beverages will be added to fliers’ mobile boarding passes, according to Southwest.

5. Mix Cash With Points

Southwest says you’ll be able to pay for your flights with a mixture of cash and points. This feature doesn’t take effect until spring of 2024, the airline says.

Final Thoughts

As a recap, Southwest is adding value to its Rapid Rewards program in five ways:

• Get A-List Status Faster
• Get Preferred Status Faster
• Earn Chase Credit Card Points Faster
• Get Up to 2 Free Premium Drinks
• Mix Cash With Points

Want to learn more about one of the most popular U.S. airlines? Read our guide on how to save with Southwest Airlines.