Southwest Airlines is giving its most loyal passengers a new reason to keep flying. Beginning January 1, 2027, the carrier will introduce Platinum status, its highest Rapid Rewards membership tier, with free extra-legroom seat selection, priority boarding, and unlimited Companion Pass trips.

But those benefits won’t come easily. According to Southwest’s official program details , travelers must earn 140,000 Tier Qualifying Points or complete 100 qualifying one-way flights to reach Platinum. The changes were announced October 15 and reaffirmed in an October 22 SEC filing .

Related: Southwest Airlines Is Making a Major Change to One of Its Most Popular Travel Perks

Southwest’s New Platinum Status Comes With Premium Benefits

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The new membership structure replaces A-List with Silver and A-List Preferred with Gold, adding Platinum above both.

Southwest describes the overhaul as offering “more rewards, more milestones, more ways to earn.” Platinum members can select available Extra…