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Southwest Airlines just announced multiple changes to its Rapid Rewards program for 2024. They are all positive changes that will help customers earn elite status faster, have more flexibility with payment, and enjoy extra perks during flights. These changes go into effect in phases over the next few months. Let's take a look at each in turn.
Lower Spending for Earning Elite Status
Starting January 1, 2024, the spending requirement for tier-qualifying points will be cut in half — from $10,000 to $5,000. This means that every $5,000 you spend on select Southwest Airlines credit cards will earn 1,500 tier-qualifying points, including these:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
It's important to note that tier-qualifying points earned from credit card spending will count toward status once they post to your account, not when you spend the money. Points typically post in the next billing cycle.
Fewer Flights for A-List Status
Starting January 1, 2024, Rapid Rewards Members will only need 20 one-way qualifying flights (down from 25) or 35,000 tier-qualifying points in a calendar year to earn A-List status. All revenue flights count toward status, including flights booked with a LUV voucher. Points bookings and Companion Pass bookings will not count.
A-List benefits include:
- Priority boarding
- Priority check-in counter and express security screening (where available)
- 25% bonus points earnings
- Dedicated A-list phone line
- Same-day standby
- Same-day confirmed change (with no fare difference)
Fewer Flights for A-List Preferred Status
Starting January 1, 2024, Rapid Rewards Members will only need 40 one-way qualifying flights (down from 50) or 70,000 tier-qualifying points in a calendar year to earn A-List Preferred status.
A-List Preferred benefits include all of the benefits listed under A-List, plus the following additional benefits:
- 100% bonus points earning
- Dedicated A-list Preferred phone line
- Free inflight Wi-Fi
Related: A Complete Guide to Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
Free Premium Drinks for A-List Preferred Members
Starting November 6, 2023, A-List Preferred Members will receive two complimentary premium drinks per flight. These drink coupons will be automatically added to your mobile boarding pass. Premium drinks include things like wine, beer, spirits, and seltzers. Note that flights less than 175 miles have water service only, so premium drinks are not offered.
Also, customers on Business Select fares can't receive three drinks (two from the A-List Preferred benefit, one from the fare class). There's a maximum of two premium drinks per customer.
Cash + Points Payments Coming Soon
Finally, and maybe the most beneficial to customers, starting in Spring 2024, Rapid Rewards members will be able to use a combination of cash and points to book flights. Cash + Points bookings will start as low as 1,000 Rapid Rewards points per flight. Southwest plans to roll out this feature to Rapid Rewards members in phases, so some people may see this sooner than others.
While Cash + Points bookings will count toward the flights needed for Companion Pass, A-List, or A-List Preferred, these bookings won't earn any points (not even on the part paid for with cash). And this option will be available for flights only, not Southwest Vacation packages.
Wrapping Up
Easier ways to reach elite status, flexibility with how to pay, and bonus perks for A-Plus Preferred members are all exciting changes for Rapid Rewards members. With airlines like American and Delta recently making less-than-stellar changes to their award programs, it's refreshing to see an airline that truly seems to be putting the customer first.
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