On January 1, 2024, the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards program underwent various changes. The updates mainly impacted earning Southwest elite status and the devaluation of Rapid Rewards points. However, all these changes were announced several months prior to their implementation, so there shouldn’t be surprises for the customers.
Earning A-List Status
The requirement to earn A-List status with Southwest is now either flying 20 one-way qualifying flights or earning 35,000 tier qualifying points.
A-List elite status includes the following benefits:
- Priority boarding
- 25% earning bonus on qualifying flights
- Same-day change
- Same-day standby
- Priority check-in and security lane access
- Dedicated Member phone line
Earning A-List Preferred Status
To become A-List Preferred with Southwest, the requirements are now flying 40 one-way qualifying flights or earning 70,000 tier qualifying points. A-List Preferred members receive these additional benefits from A-List:
- 100% earning bonus on qualifying flights
- Free Inflight Internet
Free Drinks for A-List Preferred Members
A newly added benefit for A-List Preferred members is up to two complimentary premium drinks per flight. Instead of paper coupons, the vouchers will show up on the mobile boarding pass. The free drink vouchers expire at the end of a flight. Drinks are only served on flights longer than 175 miles. There will be no compensation if drink service is not available due to turbulence.
Earn 2X More Tier Qualifying Points With Southwest Credit Cards
Rapid Rewards members will earn 1,500 tier qualifying points (TQP) for each $5,000 spent with the Rapid Rewards Premier, Premier Business, Priority, or Performance Business Credit Card. Previously it required spending $10,000 to get 1,500 TQP.
There is no cap to the number of TQP you can earn with co-brand card spend.
Rapid Rewards Points Devalued by 4%
There is one piece of information missing from Southwest’s website regarding the changes for 2024. Rapid Rewards points are now worth 4% less than their previous value.
If you’ve already booked travel, this doesn’t affect you unless you need to change your flight. The new point value will be in place for any reservations made after January 1st, even if it’s changing the day or time of a flight.
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