Changes to Rapid Rewards Program
Southwest Airlines enhances its Rapid Rewards loyalty program for travelers in 2024, consequently simplifying the process to earn status within the program. The airline is lowering the number of required qualifying flights and making point accumulation more efficient.
Earnings Opportunities
Starting January 1, 2024, travelers can achieve A-List status by taking just 20 one-way qualifying flights, a decrease from the previous requirement of 25. Alternatively, earning A-List status can now be done by accruing 35,000 tier qualifying points. To attain A-List Preferred status, the requirement will lower to flying 40 one-way qualifying flights or obtaining 70,000 tier qualifying points, down from 50 flights.
Moreover, holders of a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card from Chase will benefit from an expedited process for earning tier qualifying points—now receiving 1,500 points for every $5,000 spent. This change reduces the previous threshold of $10,000 to achieve the same benefit, applying to various Chase credit cards.
Introduction of New Perks
Additionally, current A-List Preferred status holders will enjoy complimentary premium drinks on flights, with eligibility to receive up to two complimentary drinks per journey. This feature will be integrated into their mobile boarding passes effective November 6.
Southwest Airlines plans to enable all Rapid Rewards members to mix cash and points for future trips, allowing as few as 1,000 points to contribute towards trip payments starting next spring.
While no modifications to the Companion Pass program have been announced, travelers flying with Southwest by November 30 can currently earn double Companion Pass qualifying points on their flights.
These enhancements to the Rapid Rewards program follow announcements from Delta Air Lines regarding stricter status earning requirements. Consequently, competitors like Alaska Airlines and JetBlue have begun matching status levels for Delta customers, highlighting the competitive landscape of airline loyalty programs.
