# Southwest Airlines loyalty program and service overhaul > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/southwest-airlines-loyalty-program-and-service-overhaul > Updated: 2026-10-17T17:43:33.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 2. Southwest Airlines has announced a significant restructuring of its Rapid Rewards loyalty program and its broader operating model, scheduled to begin on January 1, 2027. The airline is transitioning from a two-tier system to a three-tier structure, replacing the existing A-List and A-List Preferred statuses with new Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels. Under the new system, Silver status requires 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) or 25 qualifying flights, while Gold status requires 65,000 TQPs. The highest tier, Platinum, will offer enhanced benefits including the ability to use a Companion Pass at no cost for eligible members. To assist customers in reaching these tiers, the airline will allow spending on Southwest co-branded Chase credit cards to contribute directly to status attainment. Beyond the loyalty program, the airline is implementing other operational changes, such as the introduction of assigned seating and the development of Icon lounges. Additionally, Southwest plans to equip its entire Boeing 737 fleet with SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed broadband by fall 2027 to provide free internet to all passengers. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-17: Southwest Airlines overhauls Rapid Rewards loyalty program Southwest Airlines will replace its A-List loyalty tiers with a new three-level Silver, Gold, and Platinum system starting in 2027 as part of a broader operational overhaul. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/southwest-airlines-overhauls-rapid-rewards-loyalty-program ### 2026-10-15: Southwest Airlines announces loyalty program overhaul and Starlink rollout Southwest Airlines is overhauling its Rapid Rewards program for 2027, introducing new elite tiers, tying Companion Pass to Platinum status, and planning a fleetwide rollout of Starlink high-speed Wi-Fi. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/southwest-airlines-to-overhaul-rapid-rewards-loyalty-program-in-2027 --- Cite as: Southwest Airlines loyalty program and service overhaul. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/southwest-airlines-loyalty-program-and-service-overhaul