Dreaming of those sweet perks that come with elite airline status? Southwest Airlines offers a fantastic loyalty program called Rapid Rewards, and within that, there are two elite tiers: A-List and A-List Preferred. While A-List is great, becoming an A-List Preferred member truly elevates your travel experience with Southwest.
Ready to unlock priority boarding, free inflight Wi-Fi, and bonus points that make your next trip even closer? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide on how to achieve Southwest A-List Preferred status!
Step 1: Are You Already a Rapid Rewards Member?
Before we even think about elite status, let's address the most fundamental question: Are you already enrolled in the Southwest Rapid Rewards program? If not, your journey to A-List Preferred starts right here. It's completely free to join, and you can sign up on the Southwest Airlines website. This is your essential first step, as all your qualifying activities will be tracked through your Rapid Rewards account. Don't skip this, or all your efforts will be in vain!
Step 2: Understanding the A-List Preferred Qualification Paths
Southwest offers two primary ways to earn A-List Preferred status within a single calendar year (January 1st to December 31st). You only need to meet one of these criteria:
Sub-heading 2.1: The Flight Segment Path
This path is straightforward: you need to fly a certain number of qualifying one-way flights.
The Requirement: You must complete 40 qualifying one-way flights within a calendar year.
What counts as a "qualifying one-way flight"? These are flights operated by Southwest Airlines and paid entirely with dollars, Southwest LUV Vouchers, gift cards, or flight credits. Flights booked using Rapid Rewards points (reward flights) or Companion Pass travel do not count towards this requirement. Even if you have a layover, a one-way flight is considered from your origin city to your destination city.
Sub-heading 2.2: The Tier Qualifying Points (TQP) Path
This path is all about how much you spend with Southwest, either on flights or through certain co-branded credit cards.
The Requirement: You must earn 70,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) within a calendar year.
How do you earn TQPs? TQPs are earned from:
Paid Flights: The number of TQPs you earn per dollar spent on Southwest flights varies by fare type:
Basic: 2 TQPs per dollar
Wanna Get Away Plus: 6 TQPs per dollar
Anytime: 10 TQPs per dollar
Business Select: 14 TQPs per dollar
Pro Tip: Business Select fares are the quickest way to rack up TQPs through flying due to their higher earning rate.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards (Eligible Cards): Several Chase co-branded Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards allow you to earn TQPs through spending. Generally, you can earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points for every $5,000 spent on eligible purchases with these cards. This is a significant way to boost your TQP balance, especially if you're a high spender. Note: Not all Southwest credit cards offer TQPs from spending, so check the terms of your specific card. Purchased, gifted, or transferred points do not count as TQPs.
Step 3: Strategizing Your Path to A-List Preferred
Now that you know the requirements, it's time to create a plan.
Sub-heading 3.1: Analyze Your Travel Habits
Frequent Flyer? If you're consistently flying Southwest for work or leisure, the 40 qualifying one-way flights might be your most natural route. Keep a tally of your segments.
High Spender? If you frequently purchase Anytime or Business Select fares, or if you plan to put significant spending on an eligible Southwest credit card, the 70,000 TQPs could be more achievable.
Sub-heading 3.2: Maximizing Your TQP Earnings (If Applicable)
Choose Higher Fare Classes: When booking flights, consider if upgrading to a Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fare makes sense for your travel needs and budget. The increased TQP earning rate can help you reach the goal faster.
Leverage Southwest Credit Cards: If you have an eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, prioritize using it for your everyday spending. Every $5,000 spent gets you closer to those 70,000 TQPs. Keep an eye on your credit card statements to see when TQPs post to your Rapid Rewards account (this usually happens within 30 days of your statement closing date).
Consider a "Mileage Run" (Flight Segment/TQP Boost): If you're close to qualifying towards the end of the year, a strategic short trip, especially on a Business Select fare, could be the push you need. However, always weigh the cost against the value of the elite status for your individual situation.
Step 4: Monitoring Your Progress
Staying on top of your qualification is key!
Log In to Your Rapid Rewards Account: The Southwest Airlines website and mobile app provide a dashboard where you can track your current progress towards A-List and A-List Preferred status. Regularly check your qualifying flights and TQPs.
Calendar Year Mindset: Remember, qualification is based on a calendar year (January 1st to December 31st). Any flights or TQPs earned after December 31st will count towards the next year's qualification.
Step 5: Enjoying Your A-List Preferred Benefits!
Once you achieve A-List Preferred status, you'll be automatically elevated and can start enjoying a host of valuable benefits for the remainder of the calendar year in which you qualified, plus the entire following calendar year.
Sub-heading 5.1: The Perks of Being A-List Preferred
Priority Boarding (A1-A15): This is perhaps the most sought-after benefit on Southwest. You and everyone on your reservation will automatically receive an earlier boarding position (A1-A15), ensuring you get your preferred seat and overhead bin space.
Two Free Checked Bags: While Southwest already allows two free checked bags for all passengers, A-List Preferred members are specifically guaranteed this, even with Basic fares (which now have bag fees for non-elite members on bookings made after May 28, 2025).
Free Inflight Internet: Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi on board, a fantastic perk for business travelers or anyone who loves to surf the web in the sky.
100% Earning Bonus on Points: You'll earn Rapid Rewards points twice as fast on every qualifying flight. This means your future reward flights come even quicker!
Dedicated A-List Preferred Member Phone Line: Experience shorter wait times and more personalized service when you need to contact Southwest customer service.
Priority Lane and Express Lane Access: Speed through check-in and security at participating airports with dedicated lanes.
Same-Day Standby (Taxes and Fees May Apply): Enjoy the flexibility to hop on an earlier flight the same day, even with Basic fares. You can add your name to the standby list at the airport or via the Southwest app/mobile web.
Up to Two Complimentary Premium Drinks: On select flights over 250 miles, you can enjoy up to two free alcoholic beverages. Cheers to that!
Step 6: Maintaining Your A-List Preferred Status
To continue enjoying these benefits, you'll need to re-qualify each calendar year by meeting the flight segment or TQP requirements. Your status will typically be valid through December 31st of the following year after you qualify. So, if you qualify in July 2025, your A-List Preferred status will be valid through December 31, 2026.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my current Southwest Rapid Rewards status?
Simply log in to your Rapid Rewards account on the Southwest Airlines website or mobile app. Your current status and progress towards elite tiers will be displayed on your dashboard.
How to earn Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) quickly with Southwest?
Focus on booking higher fare classes like Business Select or Anytime, as they earn more TQPs per dollar. Additionally, utilize an eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card for all your spending to earn TQPs through purchases.
How to tell if a flight will count as a "qualifying flight" for A-List Preferred?
A qualifying flight is a one-way flight operated by Southwest Airlines and paid for with dollars, Southwest LUV Vouchers, gift cards, or flight credits. Flights booked with Rapid Rewards points do not count.
How to get free inflight Wi-Fi as a Southwest A-List Preferred member?
Once you're A-List Preferred, simply log in to your Rapid Rewards account on the Southwest Wi-Fi portal during your flight, and the Wi-Fi charge will be waived.
How to utilize the priority boarding benefit as an A-List Preferred member?
Southwest will automatically assign you and anyone on your reservation an A1-A15 boarding position 36 hours before your flight. You still need to check in within 24 hours of departure to retrieve your boarding pass.
How to use the dedicated A-List Preferred member phone line?
The phone number for the dedicated A-List Preferred line is usually found on the back of your Rapid Rewards credit card (if you have one) or within your Rapid Rewards account details online.
How to get complimentary premium drinks on Southwest as A-List Preferred?
On eligible flights (typically over 250 miles), simply present your A-List Preferred boarding pass or inform the flight attendant of your status, and you can receive up to two free premium beverages.
How to combine points or flights with other Rapid Rewards members to achieve A-List Preferred?
Unfortunately, Rapid Rewards is an individual program. You cannot pool or combine points or qualifying flights with other members to achieve A-List Preferred status. Each member must qualify individually.
How to re-qualify for Southwest A-List Preferred status each year?
You must meet the flight segment (40 one-way flights) or TQP (70,000 TQPs) requirements again within each calendar year to maintain your status for the following year.
How to leverage Southwest credit cards to help with A-List Preferred qualification?
Certain Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards allow you to earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points for every $5,000 spent. This can significantly reduce the number of flights you need to take to reach 70,000 TQPs.
