Southwest Milestone Rewards are a new benefit introduced in 2027, that provide some extra perks as you earn your way toward higher levels of frequent flyer status.
You earn the Southwest Milestone Rewards in the same way you earn Southwest frequent flyer status, by earning Tier Qualifying Points (TQP) or completing qualifying flights on Southwest.
Southwest Milestone Rewards in 2027
In 2027, Southwest offers two different Milestone Rewards:
- One choice benefit of 2,000 Rapid Rewards points or two preferred seat certificates after earning 20,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQP) or 15 qualifying flights.
- Three Companion Pass® trips after earning 95,000 TQP or 75 qualifying flights.
Here’s the progression through the milestone rewards and status levels in 2027. I’ve highlighted the major additive benefits at each status level.
| 20,000 TQP or 15 qualifying flights | Choose one benefit: 2,000 Rapid Rewards Points or Two Preferred Seat Certificates |
| 35,000 TQP or 25 qualifying flights | Rapid Rewards Silver status First checked bag free, Preferred or Standard seats at booking with no additional cost, Same day standby, including on Basic fares. |
| 65,000 TQP or 50 qualifying flights | Rapid Rewards Gold status First and second checked bags free, Extra Legroom seats at booking with no additional cost, two premium drinks per flight. |
| 95,000 TQP or 75 qualifying flights | Three Companion Pass® trips, valid for a one-way or round-trip itinerary |
| 140,000 TQP or 100 qualifying flights | Rapid Rewards Platinum status First, second, and third checked bags free, Unlimited Companion Pass trips. |
Quick take: A good add that awards members incrementally
Aaron Hurd
Executive Editor of Cards and Points
I am quite a fan of the milestone reward concept, because it allows programs to award people incrementally as they work toward earning higher status. I get plenty of value out of Hyatt’s milestone rewards and, while Southwest’s milestone rewards aren’t nearly as rewarding at Hyatt’s, this is likely to be a first iteration.
The 2,000 Rapid Rewards points or the Preferred seating certificates that you get as the first milestone reward don’t really excite me, but the three companion trips after 95,000 tier qualifying points could be pretty compelling, especially for people who previously got the Companion Pass and then only took a few round-trips each year.
There are a lot of things that Southwest has done over the past few years that I’ve found to be questionable choices. But I’m 100% on board with this—I don’t see any way to see this except as a positive change to the Rapid Rewards program.
