Ready to unlock a world of perks and make your Southwest travels even smoother? Getting on the A-List with Southwest Airlines is a fantastic goal for frequent flyers, offering benefits that can truly enhance your journey. It's not just about getting on the plane faster; it's about making your entire travel experience more efficient and enjoyable. Let's dive into exactly how you can achieve this coveted status!
Your Comprehensive Guide to Southwest Airlines A-List Status
Southwest's Rapid Rewards program is designed to reward its loyal customers, and A-List status is the first tier of elite benefits. It's all about recognizing and appreciating those who choose Southwest consistently.
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| How Do I Get A List On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Are You Ready to Get on the A-List? Understand What A-List Status Is!
Before we delve into the "how," let's clarify what A-List status means for you. Imagine breezing through security, getting a better boarding position without paying extra, and earning points faster. That's the essence of A-List!
What is A-List Status? Southwest Airlines A-List status is the airline's initial elite tier in its Rapid Rewards program. It grants you a host of valuable perks designed to make your travel experience more convenient and rewarding. There's also a higher tier, A-List Preferred, which offers even more benefits.
Key Benefits of A-List Status:
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Priority Boarding: This is often considered the most significant perk. You and everyone on your reservation get an earlier boarding position (usually in the A group, after A1-A15 which are reserved for Business Select fares and purchased Upgraded Boarding). This means more overhead bin space and a better choice of seats on Southwest's open-seating flights.
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25% Earning Bonus: You'll earn Rapid Rewards points 25% faster on every qualifying flight. This helps you accumulate points for free flights even more quickly.
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Dedicated A-List Member Phone Line: No more waiting on hold for ages! You get a special phone line for quicker customer service.
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Priority Lane and Express Lane Access: Enjoy dedicated lanes at Southwest check-in counters and airport security checkpoints, speeding up your airport experience.
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Same-Day Standby: You can take advantage of same-day standby, even with Basic fares, without paying airline charges (though taxes and fees may apply). This is great for flexibility if your plans change.
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One Free Checked Bag: As of changes in 2025, A-List members will receive their first checked bag for free on reservations booked on or after May 28, 2025. This is a significant saving for many travelers! (Note: Prior to May 28, 2025, two checked bags were generally free for all passengers).
Step 2: The Pathways to A-List: Choosing Your Earning Strategy
There are two primary ways to earn Southwest A-List status within a calendar year (January 1st to December 31st):
Option 2.1: Flying Your Way to A-List
This is the most direct method for many frequent flyers.
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Requirement: Complete 20 qualifying one-way flights within a calendar year.
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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 paid solely with Rapid Rewards points do not count towards A-List qualification (though this may change for cash+points bookings for flights completed after January 1, 2025, where the cash portion will count).
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One-way vs. Round-trip: A one-way flight is a segment from an origin to a destination, even if it includes stops or connections on Southwest. A round-trip ticket typically counts as two one-way qualifying flights.
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QuickTip: Read again with fresh eyes.
Option 2.2: Earning Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs)
If you don't fly quite as frequently but spend more on your flights or with Southwest partners, this method might be for you.
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Requirement: Earn 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) within a calendar year.
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How to Earn TQPs from Flights: The number of TQPs you earn from flights depends on the fare type you purchase:
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Business Select: 14 TQPs per dollar spent on base airfare.
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Anytime: 10 TQPs per dollar spent on base airfare.
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Wanna Get Away Plus: 6 TQPs per dollar spent on base airfare.
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Basic: 2 TQPs per dollar spent on base airfare (for bookings on or after May 28, 2025).
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How to Earn TQPs from Credit Card Spending: Certain Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase allow you to earn TQPs through your spending. Generally, you can earn 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent on eligible purchases annually. This is a fantastic way to boost your TQP count without even flying!
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Eligible Cards: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card, and Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card.
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Important Note: Purchased points, points transferred between members, and points converted from other loyalty programs (like hotel or car rental partners) typically do not count towards A-List or A-List Preferred status.
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Step 3: Accelerate Your Progress! Smart Strategies for Reaching A-List
Now that you know the two main paths, let's explore some strategies to get you there faster.
Strategy 3.1: Maximize Your Flight Earnings
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Choose Higher Fare Classes: If your budget allows, opting for "Anytime" or "Business Select" fares will earn you TQPs much faster per dollar spent compared to "Wanna Get Away Plus" or "Basic" fares.
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Book Direct with Southwest: Ensure your flights are booked directly through Southwest Airlines to guarantee they count towards your qualifying flights and TQPs.
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Consider Frequent Short Trips: If you have flexibility, taking more frequent, shorter one-way flights can sometimes be a quicker way to hit the 20-flight requirement than fewer long-haul trips.
Strategy 3.2: Leverage Southwest Credit Cards
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Strategic Spending: If you have a Southwest credit card, direct as much of your everyday spending as possible to that card to accumulate TQPs. Remember, it's 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent. While you won't earn A-List solely through credit card spending easily (you'd need to spend $240,000 for 35,000 TQPs if relying entirely on card spend), it's excellent for topping off your TQPs if you're close to the goal.
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Welcome Bonuses (for Companion Pass, but indirectly helpful): While welcome bonuses on Southwest credit cards don't count towards A-List TQPs, they do count towards the Companion Pass. Earning the Companion Pass often leads to earning A-List Preferred because the Companion Pass requires a higher threshold of qualifying flights or points. If you're aiming for the Companion Pass, A-List status might come as a natural byproduct.
Strategy 3.3: Explore Status Match Opportunities
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Check for Promotions: Southwest Airlines occasionally offers status match promotions. If you hold elite status with another U.S. airline, you might be able to fast-track your way to A-List. Keep an eye on Southwest's promotions page or sign up for their email updates.
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Typically, a status match will grant you A-List status for a trial period (e.g., 90 days), and you'll need to complete a certain number of qualifying flights within that period to extend it for a full year.
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Strategy 3.4: Look Out for Special Promotions
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Rapid Rewards Promotions: Southwest sometimes runs special promotions that offer bonus TQPs on flights, or even count reward travel as qualifying flights for a limited time. Stay informed by checking the Rapid Rewards section of the Southwest website and your email from Southwest.
Step 4: Tracking Your Progress: Staying on Top of Your A-List Journey
QuickTip: Revisit this post tomorrow — it’ll feel new.
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You don't want to fly all those segments or earn all those points only to realize you fell short!
Sub-heading 4.1: Logging into Your Rapid Rewards Account
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Online Access: The easiest way to track your A-List progress is by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on the official Southwest Airlines website (Southwest.com).
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Mobile App: The Southwest Airlines mobile app also provides a convenient way to check your status on the go.
Sub-heading 4.2: Locating Your Tier Status Tracker
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Once logged in, navigate to your "My Account" or "Rapid Rewards" section. You should see a clear progress bar or summary indicating your current tier status and how many qualifying flights or TQPs you still need to earn for A-List (and A-List Preferred) status.
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Keep in mind that it may take up to 72 hours for flights and points to post to your account.
Step 5: Enjoying Your A-List Benefits!
Once you've met the requirements, your A-List status will generally activate within 72 hours. You'll then enjoy your benefits for the remainder of the calendar year in which you earned it, and for the entire following calendar year.
Sub-heading 5.1: Automatic Boarding Position
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One of the best benefits is that Southwest will automatically reserve a priority boarding position for you and other passengers on your reservation 36 hours prior to the flight. You'll still need to check in within 24 hours of departure to retrieve your boarding passes, but your prime position will be secured.
Sub-heading 5.2: Maximizing Your Perks
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Use the Priority Lanes: Don't forget to look for and utilize the dedicated A-List/A-List Preferred lanes at check-in and security where available.
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Call the Dedicated Line: If you need to speak with customer service, use the dedicated A-List phone line for expedited service.
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Enjoy the Bonus Points: Watch your Rapid Rewards point balance grow faster with that 25% earning bonus!
Conclusion: Is A-List Worth It for You?
For frequent Southwest flyers, A-List status offers tangible benefits that can make a real difference in your travel experience. From priority boarding to faster point accumulation and dedicated customer service, it's a worthwhile goal for anyone who regularly flies with Southwest. Evaluate your travel patterns and spending habits to determine the best path for you to achieve this valuable elite status!
QuickTip: Repetition signals what matters most.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about Southwest A-List status, with quick answers:
How to check my Southwest A-List progress?
You can check your progress by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com or via the Southwest mobile app. Navigate to your "My Account" or "Rapid Rewards" section, and you'll see a tracker for your tier status.
How to qualify for Southwest A-List status?
You qualify for Southwest A-List status by completing 20 qualifying one-way flights or earning 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) within a calendar year (January 1st to December 31st).
How to earn Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) for Southwest A-List?
TQPs can be earned from paid Southwest flights (the amount varies by fare type) and through spending on eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards (1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent).
How to get A-List Preferred status on Southwest?
A-List Preferred status requires 40 qualifying one-way flights or 70,000 Tier Qualifying Points within a calendar year. It offers enhanced benefits over standard A-List.
Tip: Use the structure of the text to guide you.
How to use Southwest A-List priority boarding?
As an A-List member, Southwest automatically reserves an earlier boarding position for you and passengers on your reservation 36 hours before the flight. You still need to check in within 24 hours to retrieve your boarding pass.
How to get two free checked bags with Southwest A-List?
Starting May 28, 2025, A-List members will receive their first checked bag free. Only A-List Preferred members and Business Select passengers will receive two free checked bags on flights booked on or after this date.
How to get free Wi-Fi with Southwest A-List?
Free inflight Wi-Fi is a benefit only for A-List Preferred members, not for standard A-List members.
How to status match to Southwest A-List?
Southwest occasionally offers status match promotions. To inquire or apply, you typically need to email Southwest proof of your current elite status with another U.S. airline. Requirements to extend status vary by promotion.
How to renew Southwest A-List status?
To maintain A-List status, you must re-qualify each calendar year by meeting the flight or TQP requirements (20 qualifying one-way flights or 35,000 TQPs).
How to compare Southwest A-List vs. Companion Pass?
A-List is an elite status tier with benefits like priority boarding and bonus points. The Companion Pass allows you to bring a designated companion with you for free (plus taxes/fees) on unlimited flights for up to two years. Earning the Companion Pass often leads to earning A-List Preferred status as a byproduct due to the higher earning requirements.
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