News about loyalty programs

Starting next year, Southwest is scrapping its A-List and A-List Preferred tiers in favor of Silver, Gold and Platinum levels, with A-List members moving to Silver and A-List Preferred members to Gold. Qualifying thresholds are 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) or 25 flights for Silver, 65,000 TQPs or 50 flights for Gold, and 140,000 TQPs or 100 flights for the new Platinum tier. From the 2027 earning year, Companion Pass benefits will be earned through TQPs, qualifying flights, milestone rewards or Platinum status, replacing the current requirement of 135,000 qualifying points or 100 one-way flights. The airline is also building Icon lounges in four U.S. cities with its credit card partner Chase and adding perks for customers between status tiers.