Southwest and United Airlines are implementing significant updates to their frequent-flier programs, altering how travelers earn rewards and elite status. These shifts aim to prioritize spending and premium services, though they may increase the hurdles for longtime loyalists.

What are the Southwest loyalty changes?

Southwest is overhauling its Rapid Rewards program to include Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers. The airline is also developing new airport lounges in partnership with Chase, the first of which is named "Icon Lounge" and is expected to open in Nashville late next year.

However, the new structure may make the popular Companion Pass more difficult to obtain. According to reports from frequentmiler.com, the changes remove several ways to earn points, such as specific card bonuses and shopping activity. For example, a traveler who previously used a new-card bonus to bridge a gap might now require significant additional credit card spending to reach the same goals.

Key details of the Southwest overhaul include:

  • New Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers.
  • Milestone Rewards and expanded international partnerships.
  • Fleetwide Starlink connectivity.
  • A quicker tier path for co-branded credit cardholders starting in 2027.

How will United change its status requirements?

United Airlines is also adjusting its MileagePlus program, moving toward a system that favors spending over flight frequency. Starting in 2027, the airline will eliminate the ability to use Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) to supplement Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) for status.

While thresholds for Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers will remain at 6,000, 12,000, and 18,000 PQPs respectively, the requirements for 1K status are increasing. The PQP requirement for 1K will jump from 28,000 to 32,000. United's president of MileagePlus, Jarad Fisher, stated the move "is basically doubling down on the way most people were earning status."

FAQ

When do the United Airlines changes take effect?

The changes to United's status calculation requirements are scheduled to begin in 2027.

Where will the first Southwest Icon Lounge open?

The first Icon Lounge is expected to open in Nashville late next year.