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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 is letting Rapid Rewards Members earn a promotional Companion Pass by booking one qualifying round trip by August 6, 2026. The pass lets a friend or family member fly with them for free on later trips.

Register and book by August 6 to qualify

Members must register for the promotion and buy a Southwest revenue flight, either one qualifying round trip or two qualifying one-ways. Payment can be Rapid Rewards points, a mix of cash and points, or another eligible form of payment. Members must complete their travel by November 18, 2026.

Your companion flies for the cost of taxes and fees from January 5 to March 3, 2027

The promotional pass is valid for unlimited use on qualifying flights from January 5 through March 3, 2027. Members designate a Companion, who pays only taxes and fees, starting at $5.60 one-way.

Dallas – October 12, 2026 -- Southwest Airlines is offering up to 40% off base fares on select flights between Oct. 5, 2026, and March 3, 2027, but only if travelers book by Sept. 17 during its Week of WOW sale.

The sale started today and also covers hotels, rental cars and Getaways by Southwest vacation packages. Restrictions, exclusions and blackouts apply, seats, days and markets are limited, and the fare discount requires a 21-day advance purchase.

Five nonstop routes carry the 40% discount

Southwest named these nonstop routes as on sale at up to 40% off base fares on Southwest.com:

• Austin and San Diego
• Nashville and Chicago (Midway)
• Denver and San Diego
• Seattle and Nashville
• Austin and San Jose

The discount is applied before government taxes and fees, and additional fees may apply.

Dallas – October 12, 2026 -- Southwest Airlines is giving Rapid Rewards members a way to turn a cluttered phone screen into free points: upload a screenshot of your homepage notifications and earn between 1,000 and 10,000 points. The offer is part of "Enter Airplane Mode," a new brand campaign aimed at burned-out travelers.

Southwest cites a survey showing 76% of respondents feel burnout

In a Southwest-sponsored survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults aged 18 to 64, conducted in August 2026, 76% said they are experiencing burnout. Another 68% said a trip is one way to regain control of their time. Sabrina Callahan, Southwest's Chief Digital & Marketing Officer, said the campaign encourages customers to turn their "breaking point" into a "booking point."

Orlando, Fla. – September 25, 2026 -- U-wifi will begin offering affordable, and potentially free, home internet plans to consumers starting October 1, 2026, through a new Mobile Virtual Network Operator agreement with T-Mobile.

The partnership targets households left without support after the FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program expired. That program had provided a $30 monthly internet subsidy to 23 million eligible households before it ended, widening the digital divide in low-income communities.

U-wifi will run its service over T-Mobile's nationwide 5G network

The company's patent-pending platform will deliver wireless broadband to underserved communities, low-income households, students, seniors, veterans, and families affected by the loss of ACP benefits. Plans are designed for telehealth users, job seekers, SNAP participants, and other budget-conscious households.