It's fantastic that you're looking to elevate your travel experience with Southwest Airlines' A-List status! It truly unlocks a host of benefits that can make your journeys much smoother and more rewarding. Let's dive deep into how you can achieve this coveted status and make the most of it. Are you ready to transform your Southwest travels? Let's get started!
Achieving A-List Status on Southwest Airlines: Your Comprehensive Guide
Southwest's Rapid Rewards A-List status is designed to reward frequent flyers with perks that enhance their travel. From priority boarding to bonus points, the benefits are well worth the effort. There are two tiers of elite status: A-List and the higher A-List Preferred. We'll cover both.
 |
| How Do You Get A List Status On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Understand the A-List Tiers and Their Requirements
Before you embark on your journey to A-List, it's crucial to know what you're aiming for. Southwest's elite status is earned on a calendar year basis (January 1st to December 31st).
A. A-List Status Requirements:
To qualify for A-List status, you need to meet one of the following criteria within a single calendar year:
-
Fly 20 qualifying one-way flights: These must be flights operated by Southwest Airlines and paid entirely with dollars, Southwest LUV Vouchers, gift cards, flight credits, or Cash + Points (points are earned only on the dollar portion for Cash + Points bookings).
-
Earn 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs): TQPs are different from regular Rapid Rewards points. They are earned from revenue flights and through spending on eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards.
B. A-List Preferred Status Requirements:
For those who travel even more frequently, A-List Preferred status offers even greater benefits. To qualify, you need to meet one of these within a calendar year:
-
Fly 40 qualifying one-way flights: Similar to A-List, these must be paid, qualifying Southwest-operated flights.
-
Earn 70,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs): Again, these are earned from revenue flights and eligible credit card spending.
Remember: Once you earn A-List or A-List Preferred, you'll enjoy the benefits for the remainder of the calendar year in which you qualified, and for the entire following calendar year.
Step 2: Strategize Your Qualification Path
Now that you know the requirements, let's look at the different avenues to earn your A-List status.
Tip: Reread if it feels confusing.
A. Earning Through Flights (The Most Common Path)
This is the most straightforward way for many frequent flyers. Every qualifying one-way flight you take on Southwest Airlines brings you closer to your goal.
-
Focus on Revenue Flights: Only flights paid for with cash, Southwest LUV Vouchers, gift cards, flight credits, or Cash + Points count towards your qualifying flights. Flights booked entirely with Rapid Rewards points do not count towards A-List or A-List Preferred qualification.
-
Consider Short-Haul vs. Long-Haul: The number of flights is key here, not the distance. So, if you're close to the flight segment requirement, a few shorter, cheaper flights could push you over the edge.
-
Business Travel Advantage: If your job involves frequent travel, leverage your business trips to rack up those qualifying flights. Many companies use Southwest for domestic travel due to its extensive network and value.
B. Earning Through Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs)
TQPs offer an alternative, especially if you spend a significant amount on Southwest flights or through their co-branded credit cards.
-
Flight Spending: TQPs are earned based on the fare type you purchase:
-
Business Select: Earns the highest TQPs per dollar.
-
Anytime: Earns a good amount of TQPs per dollar.
-
Wanna Get Away Plus: Earns TQPs at a lower rate.
-
Basic: Earns the lowest TQPs per dollar.
-
Note: For flights booked on or after May 28, 2025, Southwest has introduced new fare types: Choice Extra (formerly Business Select), Choice Preferred (formerly Anytime), and Choice (formerly Wanna Get Away Plus).
-
-
Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards: This is a powerful way to earn TQPs without even flying. Eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase allow you to earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points for every $5,000 spent on purchases annually. There is no cap on the number of TQPs you can earn through credit card spending. This can be incredibly beneficial for topping off your TQP balance, especially if you're just short of the target.
-
Check your specific card's benefits, as the earning rate for TQPs from spending can sometimes vary or be updated.
-
C. Southwest Status Match
Are you an elite member with another U.S.-based airline? Southwest may offer a status match program! This is a fantastic opportunity to gain A-List status quickly.
-
How it Works: You typically submit proof of your current elite status with a competitor airline. If approved, Southwest will grant you promotional A-List status for a limited period (e.g., 90 days).
-
Extending Your Status: To extend this promotional A-List status for a longer period (e.g., an additional 12 months), you'll usually need to complete a certain number of qualifying flights within that initial promotional period (e.g., three round trip or six one-way qualifying flights).
-
Where to Find It: Look for "Southwest Status Match" on the Southwest Airlines website or in their Rapid Rewards promotions section.
D. Promotional Opportunities
Keep a keen eye out for special promotions from Southwest Airlines. They occasionally run offers that can accelerate your path to A-List.
-
Double or Triple TQPs: Sometimes Southwest offers promotions where you can earn double or even triple Tier Qualifying Points on certain flights or bookings.
-
Bonus TQPs for Credit Card Spending: They might offer limited-time bonuses for reaching certain spending thresholds on your Southwest credit card.
-
Check Your Email and Southwest.com: These promotions are often advertised directly to Rapid Rewards members via email or prominently displayed on the Southwest website. Don't miss out on these chances!
Step 3: Track Your Progress Diligently
Once you start accumulating qualifying flights or TQPs, it's essential to monitor your progress to ensure you're on track to achieve A-List status.
Tip: Keep the flow, don’t jump randomly.
A. Logging into Your Rapid Rewards Account
The easiest way to track your progress is through your Southwest Rapid Rewards account online.
-
Visit Southwest.com: Go to the official Southwest Airlines website.
-
Log In: Enter your Rapid Rewards number or username and password.
-
Navigate to Your Account Snapshot: Once logged in, look for a section like "My Account," "Rapid Rewards," or "Account Snapshot."
-
Locate Tier & Companion Pass Status: On your account page, you should see a clear display of your progress towards A-List, A-List Preferred, and Companion Pass. This will show you how many qualifying flights or TQPs you've accumulated and how many more you need.
 |
B. Understanding Your Statement
While the online dashboard is most convenient, you can also review your Rapid Rewards statements for a detailed breakdown of your earning activity.
-
Monthly Statements: Rapid Rewards statements often provide a summary of your TQPs and qualifying flights for the calendar year.
-
Transaction History: You can also delve into your transaction history within your online account to see individual flight and credit card TQP accruals.
Step 4: Enjoy the Perks of A-List Status!
Once you've achieved A-List status, it's time to reap the rewards!
A. A-List Benefits (Standard)
-
Priority Boarding (Automatically Reserved): This is arguably one of the most valuable benefits on Southwest, which operates with open seating. You and everyone on your reservation will automatically receive an earlier boarding position (A1-A15 for Business Select, or generally earlier positions for other fares) up to 36 hours prior to the flight. No more rushing to check-in exactly 24 hours before!
-
One Free Checked Bag (for you and up to 8 additional passengers on the same reservation, for flights booked on or after May 28, 2025): This can save you a significant amount in baggage fees. Prior to May 28, 2025, Southwest generally allowed two free checked bags for all customers. A-List members now get one free checked bag.
-
25% Earning Bonus: You'll earn 25% more Rapid Rewards points on every qualifying flight, helping you earn free flights even faster.
-
Same-Day Standby (Taxes and fees may apply): If your plans change, you can standby for an earlier flight on the same day without a fare difference, even if you purchased a Basic fare. This offers incredible flexibility.
-
Priority Lane and Express Lane Access: Enjoy dedicated lanes at Southwest check-in counters and airport security checkpoints where available, speeding up your airport experience.
-
Dedicated A-List Member Phone Line: Get direct access to a Customer Representative via a special phone line, reducing hold times.
-
Seat Selection (Coming Soon): As of May 28, 2025, A-List Members will be able to select Preferred and Standard seats at the time of booking, and upgrade to Extra Legroom seats within 48 hours of departure, if available.
B. A-List Preferred Benefits (All A-List Benefits, Plus More!)
-
Two Free Checked Bags (for you and up to 8 additional passengers on the same reservation, for flights booked on or after May 28, 2025): An upgrade from the one free bag for A-List.
-
100% Earning Bonus: Earn double the Rapid Rewards points on every qualifying flight, accelerating your point accumulation even more.
-
Free Inflight Internet: Surf the web or send emails at no charge during your flight. A fantastic perk for productivity or entertainment.
-
Dedicated A-List Preferred Member Phone Line: Even more specialized support.
-
Up to Two Premium Drinks: Enjoy up to two complimentary premium drinks (including alcoholic beverages) on select flights over 250 miles. Cheers to that!
-
Enhanced Seat Selection (Coming Soon): A-List Preferred Members will be able to select any available seats, including Extra Legroom, at the time of booking, at no additional cost.
Step 5: Maintain Your A-List Status
To continue enjoying the benefits, you'll need to re-qualify for A-List or A-List Preferred status each calendar year. The requirements remain the same. Keep flying, keep earning TQPs, and keep an eye on those promotions!
QuickTip: Skim slowly, read deeply.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about Southwest A-List status, with quick answers:
How to check my current Southwest A-List status progress?
You can easily check your progress by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com and navigating to the "My Account" or "Rapid Rewards" section, where you'll find your "Tier & Companion Pass Status."
How to qualify for Southwest A-List status with flights?
To qualify for A-List, you need to fly 20 qualifying one-way flights within a calendar year on Southwest Airlines.
How to earn Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) for Southwest A-List status?
TQPs are earned from revenue flights you purchase on Southwest (with varying rates based on fare type) and by spending on eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards (1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent).
How to use my Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card to help earn A-List status?
Eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards allow you to earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points for every $5,000 spent on purchases, which directly contributes to your A-List or A-List Preferred TQP requirement.
How to get A-List status if I have elite status with another airline?
QuickTip: Read again with fresh eyes.
Southwest often offers a "Status Match" program where you can submit proof of your current elite status with another U.S.-based airline to receive promotional A-List status. You'll then need to meet certain flight requirements to extend it.
How to activate my A-List benefits once I qualify?
A-List benefits are typically activated automatically within 72 hours of you qualifying. You'll receive a confirmation email, and your status will be reflected in your Rapid Rewards account.
How to ensure I get priority boarding as an A-List member?
Your priority boarding position is automatically reserved for you and others on your reservation 36 hours prior to the flight. You still need to check in within 24 hours to retrieve your boarding passes.
How to utilize the same-day standby benefit as an A-List member?
On the day of travel, you can speak with a Customer Service Agent at the airport to be added to the standby list for an earlier flight between the same city pairs, or use the Southwest app/mobile web.
How to know if my flight will earn Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs)?
Only revenue flights (paid with cash, LUV Vouchers, gift cards, flight credits, or Cash + Points where points are earned only on the dollar portion) operated by Southwest Airlines earn TQPs. Flights booked entirely with Rapid Rewards points do not.
How to re-qualify for Southwest A-List status for the next year?
To maintain your A-List status, you'll need to meet the same qualification requirements (20 qualifying one-way flights or 35,000 TQPs for A-List; 40 qualifying one-way flights or 70,000 TQPs for A-List Preferred) within each calendar year.
 |
