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Dallas -- Starting January 1, 2027, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards members get a new Platinum tier with unlimited Companion Pass trips, a faster route to status for credit cardholders, and points that work for seats and rental cars. The airline also plans a fleetwide Starlink WiFi rollout and a branded lounge network.

Platinum joins a renamed tier lineup in January 2027

A-List becomes Silver and A-List Preferred becomes Gold. Platinum sits above both and includes unlimited Companion Pass trips. Rapid Rewards keeps its no-blackout-dates policy and points that don't expire. Members can still earn tier status through Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) or qualifying flights.

Dallas – October 12, 2026 -- Southwest Airlines will open its first-ever airport lounges in late 2027, starting at four U.S. airports, with access tied to a new premium credit card.

Four airports get lounges first, with seven more to follow

Construction has begun on the first four lounges. They are located at Austin-Bergstrom International, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, Daniel K. Inouye (Honolulu) International, and Nashville International.

Southwest says at least seven more lounges are planned over the next several years. They will open in high-demand business and leisure markets, though the airline has not named those locations.