Southwest Airlines has recently introduced a series of upgrades to its acclaimed Rapid Reward program. It aims at rewarding loyal members and making it more convenient for travelers to earn tier status. This initiative also extends perks like complimentary premium drinks and flexible payment options for Southwest flights.

“Enhancing our award-winning Rapid Rewards program is a way to strengthen our loyalty offering, making it easier for members to enjoy the program’s benefits,” said Jonathan Clarkson, Vice President of Marketing at Southwest Airlines. in a press release.

“By reducing tier requirements and doubling the credit card spend counting towards tier status, we aim to enhance engagement with our brand and co-branded credit cards while preserving the core values our customers appreciate, such as unlimited reward seats, no blackout dates, and points that never expire.”

Earning A-List and A-List Preferred Status Faster

Starting from January 1, 2024, Southwest Rapid Rewards members will need to complete 20 qualifying one-way flights or accumulate 35,000 tier-qualifying points to achieve A-List status, down from the previous requirement of 25 flights.

For A-List Preferred status, members must complete 40 qualifying one-way flights. Another option is to earn 70,000 tier-qualifying points from January 1, 2024, compared to the previous requirement of 50 flights.

Faster Tier Qualifying Points with Southwest Rapid Reward Credit Cards from Chase

As of January 1, 2024, Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will receive 1,500 tier-qualifying points for every $5,000 spent on purchases, as opposed to the previous threshold of $10,000. This applies to the Rapid Rewards Premier, Premier Business, Priority, or Performance Business Credit Cards from Chase.

New Perk for Southwest’s A-List Preferred Members

Effective from November 6, 2023, A-List Preferred Members can enjoy up to two complimentary premium drinks per flight. They will be added directly to their mobile boarding passes. This enhancement adds an extra touch of comfort for travelers.

Redeem with Cash and Points

In the spring of 2024, Rapid Rewards Members will gain the option to combine cash and points to pay for their flights. This flexible payment method allows travelers to get started with as few as 1,000 points.

Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program revolves around a straightforward concept: making reward flights more accessible. The program ensures every seat is a potential reward seat, with no blackout dates and points that never expire. Travelers can create a Rapid Rewards account on Southwest’s website to become a member.

Rewards and Loyalty