Southwest Overhauls Loyalty Program, Retiring A-List Tiers

Southwest Airlines is replacing its A-List and A-List Preferred loyalty tiers with silver, gold and platinum levels starting Jan. 1, as the carrier continues a broader overhaul aimed at boosting revenue and rewarding its biggest spenders.

A-List members will move to Silver status, while A-List Preferred customers will receive Gold. A new Platinum tier will recognize Southwest's "most engaged" customers.

Silver requires 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points or 25 qualifying flights, with a points-earning bonus rising from 25% to 40%. Gold needs 65,000 TQPs or 50 flights, and its bonus shifts from 100% to 60%. Platinum requires 140,000 TQPs or 100 flights, with a 120% bonus and unlimited Companion Pass trips.

Boarding also changes: Silver members board in Group 1, Gold before Group 1, and Platinum ahead of both. Southwest is also expanding international partnerships and building its first airport lounges, named Icon, in four U.S. cities with Chase.

Chief customer and brand officer Tony Roach said the refresh reflects changes to seating and new experiences, noting the airline no longer has boarding groups A, B and C.