Southwest Is Giving Its Cheapest Fares Something Rivals Won’t

Southwest Airlines is rebuilding its elite program for 2027, and one feature stands out against American, Delta and United: elite seating benefits will still apply on Southwest’s cheapest fares. The other three withhold most elite perks from basic economy tickets. The new structure takes effect January 1, 2027.

There are three tiers. Silver replaces A-List and requires 35,000 tier qualifying points or 25 one-way flights; it brings extra-legroom seats 48 hours before departure and a 40 percent earning bonus. Gold replaces A-List Preferred at 65,000 points or 50 flights, with the best available seats at booking, two free checked bags, early boarding and two premium drinks on eligible flights.

The new top rung is Platinum, at 140,000 points or 100 flights. It adds a third free checked bag, boarding ahead of Gold members and an unlimited Companion Pass, with the companion paying only taxes and fees starting at $5.60 each way. Credit card spending counts at one point per dollar, which works out to about $65,000 for Gold and $130,000 for Platinum in 2027.

There are trade-offs. Some earning rates are falling, and Southwest still offers no complimentary premium-cabin upgrades, no announced lounge access and no alliance elite recognition, because it has no first class cabin. Members who earn A-List Preferred through 2026 keep a 100 percent bonus through the end of 2027, but the lower base earning rates still apply.

Sources: View from the Wing