Southwest Has Just Updated Its Loyalty Program for 2024

Typically, when loyalty programs announce changes, frequent fliers brace for the worst. However, the recent updates to Southwest's Rapid Rewards program are entirely positive.

What sets Rapid Rewards apart from other frequent flier programs is that members earn qualifying flight segments for elite status (known as A-List) and the highly sought-after Companion Pass, which grants a free ticket for a travel companion on every flight.

Starting in 2024, qualifying for A-List and A-List Preferred elite status will become easier through new criteria and credit card incentives. Additionally, Rapid Rewards members can now pay for flights using a mix of cash and points. Southwest will also continue offering a new benefit introduced earlier this year for holders of its cobranded credit cards: an annual 10,000-point boost for the Companion Pass.

Here’s everything you need to know about the recent updates to Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program.

Purchase Southwest flights using both cash and points

In spring 2024 (exact date yet to be announced), Rapid Rewards members will have the option to pay for their own tickets and others' using a mix of cash and points, starting with as little as 1,000 points. Currently, members can choose either points or cash, but not both. When points are used exclusively, their value ranges from 1.3 to 1.45 cents per point for Southwest's lowest “Wanna Get Away” fares. It remains uncertain if this same valuation will apply for combined cash and points fare calculations, but there are no indications suggesting otherwise.

Bookings made with a cash and points combination will not earn Rapid Rewards points, tier qualifying points for A-List or A-List Preferred status, or Companion Pass qualifying points. However, these bookings will count towards the flight segment totals needed for A-List, A-List Preferred, or Companion Pass status.

Achieve elite status with fewer flights

Starting January 1, 2024, attaining Southwest’s two elite statuses, A-List and A-List Preferred, will be easier. Currently, to reach A-List status, members need to complete 25 one-way qualifying flights or earn 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQP), which are based on the fare price and type. In the upcoming year, the requirement for one-way qualifying flights will drop to 20. Similarly, A-List Preferred will now require 40 one-way qualifying flights, reduced from 50, while the 70,000 TQP threshold remains unchanged from 2023.

Here are the key benefits of A-List and A-List Preferred Status.

Accumulate TQP bonuses through credit card purchases

One method to achieve elite status is by collecting flight segments, while the other is by earning Tier Qualifying Points (TQP). These points are primarily earned through flying, with one notable exception: TQP boosts can be gained from spending on specific Southwest cobranded credit cards, including the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier, Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business, Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority, and Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card. Starting January 1, 2024, cardholders will earn 1,500 TQP towards A-List and A-List Preferred for every $5,000 spent, effectively doubling the current earning rate of 1,500 TQP per $10,000 spent.

Enjoy complimentary drinks during flights

Beginning November 6, 2023, A-List Preferred members will receive an additional perk as part of their elite status. They can now enjoy up to two complimentary premium drinks per flight, in addition to all their existing elite benefits.

Receive a boost for your Companion Pass

Southwest’s Companion Pass allows holders to fly for free with a companion (excluding applicable taxes). In summer 2023, Southwest introduced a significant benefit for all its cobranded consumer cards. Holders of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus, Premier, or Priority Credit Cards will earn an annual boost of 10,000 qualifying points towards the Companion Pass each calendar year. This benefit will remain in effect for 2024, and cardholders will see the boost reflected in their account balances at the beginning of the year.

To earn Southwest’s Companion Pass for the current year and the following one, you usually need to accumulate 135,000 qualifying points or complete 100 one-way qualifying flights within a single calendar year. However, with the annual Companion Pass boost from being a cardholder, this requirement is reduced to 125,000 points.

It's important to note that Companion Pass qualifying points differ from the Tier Qualifying Points needed for elite status. While points earned from flying contribute to both, bonus points from credit card welcome offers do not count as TQP but do count towards the Companion Pass. This means you can potentially earn a Companion Pass solely through credit card welcome bonuses and still achieve elite status through paid flights, award flights, and credit card spending.