So, you're looking to elevate your Southwest Airlines travel experience and unlock those coveted A-List or A-List Preferred benefits? Excellent choice! Earning Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) is your golden ticket. It might seem a bit complex at first, but with a clear, step-by-step approach, you'll be well on your way to enjoying priority boarding, bonus points, and even free inflight Wi-Fi. Let's dive in!
Understanding Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs)
Before we get into how to earn them, let's clarify what TQPs are. Tier Qualifying Points are a specific type of Rapid Rewards points that count towards achieving A-List and A-List Preferred status with Southwest Airlines. They are distinct from the redeemable Rapid Rewards points you earn for flights or everyday spending, which you use to book award travel. TQPs are solely for status qualification.
There are two primary ways to earn TQPs: flying with Southwest and spending on eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards.
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| How Do You Earn Tier Qualifying Points On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Join the Rapid Rewards Program (If You Haven't Already!)
Are you already a Rapid Rewards member? If so, fantastic! You're one step ahead. If not, your very first move is to enroll in the Southwest Rapid Rewards program. It's completely free and essential for tracking your TQPs and unlocking all the benefits.
How to Join:
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Visit the Southwest Airlines Website: Go to Southwest.com and navigate to the Rapid Rewards section.
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Sign Up: Look for the "Enroll" or "Sign Up" button and follow the prompts. You'll need to provide some basic personal information.
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Get Your Account Number: Once registered, you'll receive a Rapid Rewards account number. Keep this handy, as you'll need it for all your TQP-earning activities.
Step 2: Earn TQPs Through Southwest Flights
This is arguably the most straightforward way to earn TQPs: by flying! The number of TQPs you earn per dollar spent on a Southwest flight depends on the fare type you purchase.
Understanding Fare Types and TQP Earning Rates:
Southwest offers various fare types, and each one earns a different amount of Rapid Rewards points and TQPs per dollar spent on the base fare. As of January 1, 2024, the TQP earning rates are as follows:
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Business Select: Earn 28 TQPs per dollar spent. This is the fastest way to accrue TQPs through flights due to its premium earning rate.
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Anytime: Earn 20 TQPs per dollar spent. A solid option for earning TQPs while maintaining some flexibility.
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Wanna Get Away Plus: Earn 12 TQPs per dollar spent. A good balance between affordability and TQP earning.
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Wanna Get Away: Earn 4 TQPs per dollar spent. While the most budget-friendly, it earns the fewest TQPs.
Important Considerations for Flight-Based TQPs:
Tip: Read carefully — skimming skips meaning.
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Qualifying Flights: TQPs are earned on flights operated by Southwest Airlines and paid entirely with dollars, Southwest LUV Vouchers, gift cards, or flight credits.
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Cash + Points Bookings: If you book a flight using a combination of cash and points, you will only earn TQPs on the portion of the base fare that is paid with dollars.
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Exclusions: Reward flights (booked entirely with points), charter flights, nonrevenue travel, and Companion Pass travel do not count towards earning TQPs.
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Base Fare Only: TQPs are calculated based on the base fare of your ticket, excluding taxes and fees.
Step 3: Accelerate TQP Earning with Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards
This is a game-changer for many seeking elite status. Eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards, issued by Chase, allow you to earn TQPs through your everyday spending.
Eligible Credit Cards and Earning Rates:
As of January 1, 2024, the TQP earning rate on eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards has been enhanced:
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You'll earn 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 in purchases you make on eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards.
This applies to the following consumer and business cards:
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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
Key Details for Credit Card TQPs:
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Unlimited TQPs: There's no cap on the number of TQPs you can earn through credit card spending, making it an incredibly powerful tool for status qualification.
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Annual Calculation: TQPs earned from credit card spending are calculated "annually." This means the year beginning with your account open date through the first December statement date of that same year, and each 12 billing cycles starting after your December statement date through the following December statement dat
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Posting Time: TQPs earned during a billing cycle will post to your Rapid Rewards account after your statement closes. Factor this in if you're close to a qualification deadline.
Step 4: Understand the A-List and A-List Preferred Qualification Requirements
Now that you know how to earn TQPs, let's look at the targets you're aiming for. Southwest offers two elite tiers: A-List and A-List Preferred.
A-List Status Qualification:
To achieve A-List status in a calendar year, you need to meet one of the following criteria:
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20 qualifying one-way flights
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35,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs)
A-List Preferred Status Qualification:
Tip: Focus on clarity, not speed.
To achieve A-List Preferred status in a calendar year, you need to meet one of the following criteria:
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40 qualifying one-way flights
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70,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs)
Once you qualify for a tier, you'll enjoy the benefits for the remainder of the current calendar year and the entire following calendar year.
Step 5: Strategize Your TQP Earning
This is where the planning comes in! Consider your travel patterns and spending habits to develop the most efficient strategy for earning TQPs.
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Scenario 1: The Frequent Flyer
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If you travel frequently for work or pleasure on Southwest, focus on booking higher fare classes like Business Select or Anytime when your budget allows. The higher TQP earning rate per dollar will get you to status faster.
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Maximize every flight: Always ensure your Rapid Rewards number is attached to your booking.
Scenario 2: The Credit Card Power User
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If you're a high spender on credit cards, leveraging a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card can be incredibly effective. Every $5,000 in spending gets you 1,500 TQPs, which adds up quickly.
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Concentrate spending: Direct as much of your everyday spending as possible to your eligible Southwest credit card. Think groceries, utilities, and large purchases.
Scenario 3: The Hybrid Approach
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For many, a combination of flying and credit card spending is the most realistic path. For example, if you have a few Southwest flights planned, the TQPs earned from those flights can be supplemented significantly by TQPs from your credit card spending.
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Monitor your progress: Regularly check your Rapid Rewards account online to track your TQP accumulation. This helps you adjust your strategy throughout the year.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Elite Benefits!
Once you've hit the TQP (or flight segment) thresholds, congratulations! You'll automatically be upgraded to A-List or A-List Preferred status. Here's a glimpse of the fantastic benefits you'll enjoy:
A-List Benefits:
QuickTip: Reread for hidden meaning.
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Priority Boarding (A1-A15): Automatically reserved boarding positions 36 hours before departure, helping you get your preferred seat and overhead bin space.
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25% Earning Bonus: Earn 25% more Rapid Rewards points on qualifying flights.
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Free Same-Day Standby and Same-Day Change: More flexibility to switch to an earlier flight without paying a fare difference (taxes and fees may still apply).
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Priority Lane and Express Lane Access: Speed through check-in and security at participating airports.
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Dedicated A-List Member Phone Line: Quicker access to customer service.
A-List Preferred Benefits (All A-List Benefits, Plus!):
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100% Earning Bonus: Earn double the Rapid Rewards points on qualifying flights compared to a regular member!
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Free Inflight Wi-Fi: Stay connected on your flights without the extra cost.
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Higher Priority for Same-Day Standby: Even greater chance of getting on that earlier flight.
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Complimentary Premium Drinks: Enjoy up to two complimentary premium drinks on every flight (on flights over 250 miles).
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about earning Tier Qualifying Points on Southwest Airlines, with quick answers:
How to track my Tier Qualifying Points on Southwest?
You can track your Tier Qualifying Points by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com. Your progress towards A-List and A-List Preferred status will be displayed in your account dashboard.
How to know which flights count for Tier Qualifying Points?
Qualifying flights are those operated by Southwest Airlines and paid for entirely with dollars, Southwest LUV Vouchers, gift cards, or flight credits. Flights booked with Rapid Rewards points do not count.
How to get more Tier Qualifying Points from my Southwest credit card?
To earn more TQPs from your Southwest credit card, simply increase your spending on the eligible card. You'll earn 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 in purchases annually.
How to combine TQPs from flights and credit card spending?
Tip: Pause if your attention drifts.
TQPs from flights and eligible credit card spending automatically combine in your Rapid Rewards account to count towards your annual status qualification. There's no special action required to combine them.
How to reach A-List status faster on Southwest?
To reach A-List status faster, focus on booking Business Select or Anytime fares when flying, as they offer higher TQP earning rates per dollar, and maximize your spending on an eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card.
How to maintain A-List or A-List Preferred status for next year?
To maintain your status, you must meet the respective flight segment or TQP requirements again within each calendar year. The status you earn in one year is valid for the rest of that year and all of the next.
How to use my A-List or A-List Preferred benefits?
Most benefits, like priority boarding and earning bonuses, are automatically applied when your Rapid Rewards number is linked to your reservation. For same-day changes/standby, you can utilize the Southwest app or speak with an agent.
How to get Companion Pass with Tier Qualifying Points?
Companion Pass qualifying points are separate from TQPs for A-List/A-List Preferred. To earn Companion Pass, you need 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points in a calendar year (or 100 qualifying one-way flights). Points earned from revenue flights, eligible credit card spending, and base points from Rapid Rewards partners count towards Companion Pass.
How to know if my purchased points count towards TQPs?
No, points purchased, gifted, or transferred do not count towards earning Tier Qualifying Points (or Companion Pass qualifying points). TQPs are earned only through flights or eligible credit card spending.
How to find out which Southwest credit cards earn TQPs?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier, Priority, Premier Business, and Performance Business Credit Cards from Chase are eligible for earning Tier Qualifying Points through spending. Check the Chase and Southwest websites for the most current card offerings and benefits.
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