Are you ready to unlock a whole new level of convenience and perks with Southwest Airlines? Becoming an A-List member is a game-changer for frequent flyers, offering a smoother, more rewarding travel experience. Let's dive into everything you need to know to achieve this coveted status!
Your Path to Southwest A-List Membership: A Comprehensive Guide
Southwest Airlines' Rapid Rewards program is designed to reward its loyal customers, and A-List status is one of its most desirable tiers. This status provides tangible benefits that make your journey more enjoyable, from boarding first to dedicated support. Let's break down how you can earn it.
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| How Do You Become A Southwest Airlines A List Member |
Step 1: Understand the Core Requirements - Are You Ready to Elevate Your Travel?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it's crucial to understand what Southwest requires to grant you A-List status. This status is earned on a calendar year basis, meaning your progress resets on January 1st each year. To qualify for A-List, you need to meet one of the following criteria:
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Fly 20 qualifying one-way flights: This means 20 individual segments you fly with Southwest. A flight from Dallas to Seattle with a layover in Phoenix counts as one qualifying one-way flight, not two, for the purpose of A-List qualification.
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Earn 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs): These points are different from the redeemable Rapid Rewards points you use for free flights. TQPs are specifically designed to track your progress towards elite status.
Important Note on Qualifying Flights and TQPs:
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Only flights paid for with dollars, Southwest LUV Vouchers, gift cards, or flight credits count.
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Flights booked with Rapid Rewards points do not count towards A-List qualification.
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For flights booked with "Cash + Points," only the dollar portion of the base fare earns points.
Step 2: Strategize Your Flight Activity - Maximizing Your Miles
For many, the most straightforward path to A-List status is through flying. Here's how to make your flights count:
Sub-heading: Consistent Flying is Key
If you fly frequently for business or leisure, hitting 20 one-way flights might be easier than you think. Consider these scenarios:
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Monthly Round Trips: If you take one round-trip flight per month, you'll be well on your way to A-List. A round-trip usually consists of two one-way segments.
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Connecting Flights: While a connecting flight from origin to destination counts as one segment, if you have two separate one-way tickets on the same itinerary (e.g., Dallas to Phoenix, then a separate ticket Phoenix to Seattle), these might count as two separate qualifying flights. Always double-check the exact booking details.
Sub-heading: Understanding Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) from Flights
The number of TQPs you earn from a flight depends on the fare type you purchase:
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Business Select: Earns the most TQPs per dollar spent. This is ideal if your company pays for your flights or if you need maximum flexibility.
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Anytime: Offers a good balance of flexibility and TQP earning.
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Wanna Get Away Plus: Also earns TQPs, though at a lower rate than Anytime or Business Select.
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Basic: This new fare class (introduced May 28, 2025) generally earns the least TQPs per dollar.
To maximize your TQP earnings from flights, aim for higher fare classes when feasible.
Step 3: Leverage Southwest Credit Cards - Supercharge Your Status
Tip: Every word counts — don’t skip too much.
Southwest Airlines offers co-branded credit cards through Chase that can significantly accelerate your path to A-List status. This is often the fastest way to earn TQPs without solely relying on extensive flying.
Sub-heading: Earning TQPs Through Credit Card Spending
Several eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards allow you to earn TQPs:
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You earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points for every $5,000 spent on eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards (this was updated in 2024; previously it was $10,000).
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There's typically a maximum number of TQPs you can earn from credit card spending in a calendar year (e.g., 15,000 TQPs from $50,000 in spending, though this can vary by card and year). Always check the specific terms of your card.
This means if you're a big spender, or can put business expenses on your card, you can earn a significant chunk of your 35,000 TQPs without stepping foot on a plane.
Sub-heading: Which Cards Qualify?
Look for these personal and business Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards:
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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
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Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
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Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
If you're close to reaching A-List through flights, or if you have a lot of large purchases coming up, utilizing a Southwest credit card can be a game-changer.
Step 4: Monitor Your Progress - Stay on Track
Southwest makes it easy to track your A-List progress through your Rapid Rewards account.
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Online Account: Log in to your Southwest Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com. You'll find a dedicated section showing your current tier status, qualifying flights flown, and TQPs earned.
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Mobile App: The Southwest mobile app also provides a convenient way to check your progress on the go.
Regularly checking your status will help you adjust your strategy if needed, ensuring you don't miss out on A-List.
Step 5: Enjoy the Benefits - What A-List Status Means for You
Once you achieve A-List status, you'll immediately start enjoying a host of valuable benefits.
Sub-heading: Priority Boarding (A Group)
This is arguably the most sought-after A-List perk.
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
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You and everyone on your reservation get an earlier boarding position, often in the A group.
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Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours prior to your flight, securing your boarding position. You still need to check in within 24 hours to retrieve your boarding pass.
Sub-heading: 25% Earning Bonus
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You'll earn 25% more Rapid Rewards points on every qualifying flight. This helps you accumulate points faster for future reward travel.
Sub-heading: Free Same-Day Standby
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You can take advantage of same-day standby on an earlier flight without paying extra. This offers incredible flexibility if your plans change or you want to get to your destination sooner. Taxes and fees may still apply.
Sub-heading: Priority Lane and Express Lane Access
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Enjoy faster check-in at Southwest counters and expedited security checkpoints (where available).
Sub-heading: Dedicated A-List Member Phone Line
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Get direct access to a dedicated customer service representative, saving you time and hassle.
Sub-heading: Free Checked Bag
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You receive your first checked bag free. (Note: As of May 28, 2025, for certain fare types, a second checked bag may incur a fee, even for A-List, while A-List Preferred still gets two free).
Step 6: Consider A-List Preferred - For the Ultimate Flyer
If you find yourself flying Southwest even more frequently, you might want to aim for A-List Preferred status. This is the highest tier in the Rapid Rewards program and offers even more enhanced benefits.
Sub-heading: A-List Preferred Qualification
To achieve A-List Preferred, you need to:
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Fly 40 qualifying one-way flights in one calendar year.
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OR Earn 70,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) in one calendar year.
Sub-heading: A-List Preferred Additional Benefits
A-List Preferred members receive all the benefits of A-List, plus:
Tip: Read at your own pace, not too fast.
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Free Inflight Internet: Stay connected throughout your flight at no charge.
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100% Earning Bonus: Earn double the Rapid Rewards points on every qualifying flight, accelerating your rewards even faster.
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Two Free Checked Bags: You'll get your first and second checked bags free of charge (for reservations booked and ticketed on or after May 28, 2025, A-List Preferred continues to receive two free checked bags).
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Up to Two Complimentary Premium Drinks: Enjoy up to two free alcoholic beverages on select flights over 250 miles.
A-List Preferred is truly for the most loyal Southwest flyers and can significantly enhance your travel experience.
Step 7: Maintain Your Status - Re-qualifying Each Year
Once you earn A-List or A-List Preferred status, you'll enjoy it for the remainder of the calendar year in which you qualified and for the entire calendar year immediately following. To continue enjoying the benefits, you must re-qualify each calendar year by meeting the flight or TQP requirements.
Keep an eye on your progress throughout the year, especially as you approach the end of the calendar, to ensure you meet the re-qualification criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are 10 common questions about becoming a Southwest A-List member:
How to check my current Southwest A-List progress?
You can easily check your current A-List progress by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com or through the Southwest Airlines mobile app. Your account dashboard will display your qualifying flights and Tier Qualifying Points earned.
How to earn Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) quickly?
The fastest way to earn a significant number of TQPs is through a combination of flying on higher fare classes (Anytime or Business Select) and by spending on an eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card. Credit card spending can earn you 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent.
How to know if a flight counts as a "qualifying flight" for A-List?
A qualifying flight is a one-way flight operated by Southwest Airlines and paid entirely with dollars, Southwest LUV Vouchers, gift cards, or flight credits. Flights booked with Rapid Rewards points do not count.
How to get priority boarding as an A-List member?
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As an A-List member, Southwest automatically reserves an earlier boarding position for you and others on your reservation 36 hours prior to the flight. You still need to check in within 24 hours of departure to retrieve your boarding pass.
How to use the free same-day standby benefit?
A-List members can request same-day standby for an earlier flight at the airport with a Southwest Customer Service Gate Agent, or via the Southwest app or mobile web. You must request it at least 10 minutes prior to your original flight's scheduled departure.
How to get free checked bags as an A-List member?
A-List members automatically receive their first checked bag free of charge. For reservations booked and ticketed on or after May 28, 2025, a second checked bag may incur a fee unless you are A-List Preferred.
How to differentiate between A-List and A-List Preferred benefits?
A-List offers priority boarding, 25% bonus points, free same-day standby, priority lanes, and a dedicated phone line. A-List Preferred includes all A-List benefits plus free inflight Wi-Fi, a 100% earning bonus, two free checked bags, and complimentary premium drinks on select flights.
How to ensure my credit card spending earns TQPs?
Make sure you are using an eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card issued by Chase. TQPs are typically earned at a rate of 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 in qualifying purchases. Check your card's specific terms for any maximum TQP earning limits.
How to maintain my A-List status for the next year?
To maintain your A-List status, you must re-qualify each calendar year by meeting the requirements of 20 qualifying one-way flights or 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points within that calendar year.
How to contact the dedicated A-List member phone line?
Once you achieve A-List status, you will be provided with the dedicated phone number in your Rapid Rewards account information or via communications from Southwest Airlines.
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