"Wanna Get Away" is now "Basic." Open seating is now assigned seating. "Bags Fly Free" is now "Bag fees start at $45."
Anyone who's flown Southwest Airlines in the last two years is used to drastic changes to the experience of flying with the airline. Its newest change involves the earning tiers of its Rapid Rewards program.
The existing A-List and A-List Preferred tier structure will now be replaced with Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers.
The changes are coming after the airline received feedback from customers saying that Rapid Rewards should reward them in more meaningful ways, according to Nandika Suri, Southwest's vice president of Rapid Rewards.
"These updates build on that feedback by rewarding Members throughout their Southwest experience,
while keeping the simplicity and value that have always set our program apart," Suri said.
However, hidden in the airline's FAQ pages about the program changes is that members will earn fewer points on flights booked with Choice Preferred and Choice Extra fares when the changes take effect.
Southwest Airlines operates the second-largest flight capacity at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, after American Airlines. Here's what's changing for Arizona travelers.
When is Southwest Rapid Rewards changing?
Southwest's new Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers for Rapid Rewards will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
What are Southwest's new Rapid Rewards tiers?
Southwest's upcoming updates to Rapid Rewards have three rewards tiers, each with different perks. These are:
Silver: Formerly known as A-List. Southwest Rapid Rewards members can earn Silver status by earning 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TPQs) or flying 25 qualifying one-way flights. Travelers who would qualify for A-List in 2027 will automatically qualify for Silver.
Silver members will get a Standard or Preferred seat at no extra charge when available, upgrade to an Extra Legroom seat for free within 48 hours before departure if available, one free checked bag, Group 1 boarding, a 40% point earning bonus on qualifying flights, Priority Lane and Express Lane access, Priority Member support and free same-day standby even on Basic fares.
Gold: Formerly A-List Preferred. Members can obtain Gold status by earning 65,000 TPQs or flying 50 qualifying one-way flights. Travelers who would qualify for A-List Preferred in 2027 will automatically qualify for Gold.
Gold members can select any seat at booking, including Extra Legroom seats, depending on availability. In addition to the perks of Silver, they will also get two free checked bags, boarding before Group 1, a 60% earning bonus on qualifying flights, two premium drinks on select flights.
Platinum: A new tier for Southwest, Platinum includes unlimited Companion Pass trips among its perks. This new status can be obtained by earning 140,000 TPQs or flying 100 qualifying one-way flights.
Besides Companion Pass and the perks of Silver and Gold tiers, other Platinum rewards include three free checked bags, boarding before Gold and Group 1 and a 120% earning bonus on qualifying flights.
What are Tier Qualifying Points on Southwest Rapid Rewards?
Southwest defines Tier Qualifying Points (TPQs) as points earned through Southwest flight purchases, the cash portion of a cash plus points reservation, qualifying purchases from Rapid Rewards credit cards, Getaways by Southwest purchases and bonus promotions.
Southwest quietly cuts point earnings on highest priced fares
With the changes to the Rapid Rewards program, Southwest customers will continue to earn Rapid Rewards Points at rates of 2x the fare when flying Basic and 6x the fare when flying Choice.
However, Southwest will award fewer points on Choice Preferred and Choice Extra. As of Jan. 1, Choice Preferred flights will earn 8x the fare, down from the current 10x, while Choice Extra flights will earn 10x the fare, down from the current 14x.
The last time Southwest quietly changed Rapid Rewards Points earning, it lowered the amount of points that low-paying customers could earn but increased the amounts that high-paying customers could earn.
What are Milestone Rewards on Southwest Rapid Rewards?
Under Southwest's new Rapid Rewards program, members can earn Milestone Rewards when they're between Silver and Gold, and again when between Gold and Platinum. The rewards are:
Milestone Reward between Silver and Gold: 2,000 Rapid Rewards Points or two Preferred seat certificates. Can be obtained by earning 20,000 TQPs or flying on 15 one-way flights.
Milestone Reward between Gold and Platinum: Three Companion Pass flights. Can be obtained by earning 95,000 TQPs or flying on 75 one-way flights.
Each Milestone Reward can be earned once during the calendar year, according to Southwest.
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Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@usatodayco.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: More changes hit Southwest Airlines. What Arizona flyers can expect
