Southwest Airlines in 2024 will lower the number of flights or points required to earn preferred status in its Rapid Rewards loyalty program, the carrier announced Monday.
Effective Jan. 1, Southwest will require program members to fly on 20 one-way flights, down from the current 25. They also can attain such status by compiling 35,000 tier qualifying points. Additionally, travelers next year can attain A-List Preferred status by flying 40 one-way flights, down from the current 50, or compiling 70,000 tier qualifying points.
Program members in 2024 also can receive 1,500 tier qualifying points for every $5,000 spent on applicable Chase credit cards, down from the current $10,000.
Southwest’s move stands in contrast to some carriers taking steps to tighten their loyalty programs. Delta Air Lines, notably, last month said it would revamp its SkyMiles program and restrict access to its airport lounges due to increasing demand, but subsequently promised to modify its plans amid negative traveler feedback.
