# Southwest folds Companion Pass into the 2027 elite ladder

_Oct 21 15:58_

Tags: Southwest, airline

Type: Program change

## Summary

View from the Wing reports a leaked Southwest employee briefing that Rapid Rewards will replace A-List with Silver at 35,000 tier qualifying points or 25 qualifying one-way flights on January 1, 2027. Gold replaces A-List Preferred at 65,000 tier qualifying points or 50 flights.

Platinum at 140,000 tier qualifying points or 100 flights includes unlimited Companion Pass trips. Three Companion Pass trips require 95,000 tier qualifying points or 75 flights. Members will qualify with either tier qualifying points or qualifying one-way flights. Everyday card spend will earn one tier qualifying point per dollar. Southwest card welcome bonuses will no longer count toward status.

Executives said some customers hit A-List Preferred and then cut spend. COO Andrew Watterson called it a pay more to get more model similar to other airlines. Qualify for 2027 status and Companion Pass with flights and everyday card spend, not welcome bonuses.

## Key facts

- **Starts**: Jan 1, 2027
- **Numbers**:
  - 20,000 tier qualifying points: threshold for 2,000 points or two Preferred Seat Certificates
  - 15 qualifying one-way flights: threshold for 2,000 points or two Preferred Seat Certificates
  - 35,000 tier qualifying points: Silver status, replacing A-List
  - 25 qualifying one-way flights: Silver status, replacing A-List
  - 65,000 tier qualifying points: Gold status, replacing A-List Preferred
  - 50 qualifying one-way flights: Gold status, replacing A-List Preferred
  - 95,000 tier qualifying points: three Companion Pass trips
  - 75 qualifying one-way flights: three Companion Pass trips
  - 140,000 tier qualifying points: Platinum status with unlimited Companion Pass trips
  - 100 qualifying one-way flights: Platinum status with unlimited Companion Pass trips
- **Who qualifies**: Rapid Rewards members who meet 2027 thresholds with tier qualifying points or qualifying one-way flights
- **Takeaway**: If you chase Southwest status or Companion Pass, plan 2027 qualification around flights and ordinary spend rather than card bonuses, and weigh whether Platinum is worth the extra activity.

## Sources cited

- [View from the Wing](https://viewfromthewing.com/southwest-says-flyers-hit-top-status-and-stopped-spending-leaked-briefing-explains-its-loyalty-overhaul) — Southwest Says Flyers Hit Top Status And Stopped Spending—Leaked Briefing Explains Its Loyalty Overhaul

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