So, you're looking to elevate your Southwest Airlines travel experience and become an A-List member? Fantastic choice! A-List status unlocks a world of perks that can make your journeys smoother, more convenient, and even more rewarding. Forget the hassle of scrambling for good boarding positions or worrying about standby fees. With A-List, you're a step ahead.
But how exactly do you achieve this coveted status? It's not about magic, but about strategic flying and smart spending. Let's break it down, step by step, so you can start enjoying those sweet A-List benefits!
The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Southwest A-List Member
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| How To Become An A List Member On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Are You Ready to Elevate Your Travel? Understanding A-List Benefits
Before we dive into the "how," let's truly appreciate the "why." Becoming an A-List member isn't just a title; it's a gateway to a significantly enhanced travel experience with Southwest.
Priority Boarding: This is arguably the most valuable perk. As an A-List member, you (and everyone on your reservation) will automatically receive an earlier boarding position (A1-A15, when available) 36 hours before your flight. No more frantic checking in at T-24 hours! This means you'll have first access to overhead bin space and your preferred seat.
1 Free Checked Bag: While Southwest famously allows two free checked bags for everyone, A-List members are guaranteed their first checked bag free, even with the new fare structure changes.
25% Earning Bonus: You'll earn Rapid Rewards points 25% faster on every qualifying flight. This means you'll get to your next reward flight sooner!
Same-Day Standby (Taxes and Fees May Apply): Need to catch an earlier flight? As an A-List member, you can list for same-day standby without paying any fare difference (though government taxes and fees may apply). This offers incredible flexibility.
Priority Lane and Express Lane Access: Breeze through check-in and security at select airports with dedicated A-List lanes.
Dedicated A-List Member Phone Line: Say goodbye to long wait times. You'll have a special phone line for direct access to Customer Representatives.
Intrigued? Good. Now let's get to the nitty-gritty of achieving this status.
Step 2: Grasping the Qualification Criteria – The Two Paths to A-List
Southwest offers two primary ways to qualify for A-List status within a calendar year (January 1st to December 31st):
Sub-heading 2.1: The Flight Path – Flying Your Way to Status
This is the most straightforward path for frequent flyers. You need to complete:
20 qualifying one-way flights booked through Southwest Airlines.
What counts as a qualifying flight?
Flights operated by Southwest Airlines.
Flights paid entirely with dollars, Southwest LUV Vouchers, gift cards, or flight credits.
Flights paid with Cash + Points (though points are only earned on the dollar portion of the base fare).
What doesn't count?
Reward flights booked entirely with Rapid Rewards points.
Charter flights.
Non-revenue travel.
Companion Pass travel.
So, if you're a regular on Southwest, tracking your one-way flight segments is crucial! A round trip counts as two one-way flights.
Sub-heading 2.2: The Tier Qualifying Points (TQP) Path – Earning Points Strategically
Reminder: Reading twice often makes things clearer.
If you don't fly quite as frequently but spend a good amount on Southwest or through their credit cards, this path might be for you. You need to earn:
35,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) in a calendar year.
How do you earn TQPs?
Revenue Flights: The primary way to earn TQPs is by flying on Southwest. The number of TQPs you earn per flight depends on the fare type you purchase:
Wanna Get Away: 6 TQPs per dollar spent on base fare.
Wanna Get Away Plus: 10 TQPs per dollar spent on base fare.
Anytime: 12 TQPs per dollar spent on base fare.
Business Select: 12 TQPs per dollar spent on base fare. (Note: These TQP earning rates are subject to change by Southwest, so always check the latest Rapid Rewards terms and conditions.)
Eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase: This is a powerful way to boost your TQPs without even flying! You can earn 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent on eligible purchases annually with certain Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards. This means you could potentially earn A-List solely through credit card spending, though it would require substantial spending.
What doesn't count toward TQPs?
Points earned from Rapid Rewards program enrollment.
Rapid Rewards reward flights.
Rapid Rewards Companion Pass travel.
Most Rapid Rewards partner points (unless explicitly stated as TQP-eligible, like certain credit card spending).
Welcome bonuses from credit cards.
Points earned through the Rapid Rewards Shopping portal or Rapid Rewards Dining.
Step 3: Strategizing Your Path – Which Method is Right for You?
Now that you know the criteria, it's time to create your game plan. Consider your travel habits and spending patterns:
Sub-heading 3.1: The Frequent Flyer Focus
If you're constantly on Southwest flights for business or pleasure, focusing on the 20 qualifying one-way flights is likely your most efficient route.
Maximize your one-way segments: Instead of booking round trips as single itineraries, consider booking them as two separate one-way flights if it makes sense for your travel needs (though this won't change how Southwest counts them for qualification if they are part of the same itinerary).
Consider short-haul trips: Even quick, inexpensive flights can help you rack up those segments.
Consolidate your travel: If you have flexibility, try to fly Southwest exclusively to maximize your segment count.
Sub-heading 3.2: The Smart Spender & Occasional Flyer Approach
For those who fly less but spend a lot, or want to supplement their flight activity, leveraging a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card is key.
Get an eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card: Cards like the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier, Priority, or Performance Business Credit Cards typically offer TQP earning on spending. Do your research to find the card that best fits your financial habits and offers the most valuable perks for you.
Use your card for everyday purchases: From groceries to bills, put all your regular spending on your Southwest card to accumulate those TQPs. Remember, it's 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent.
Monitor your spending: Keep an eye on your credit card statement and your Rapid Rewards account to track your TQP progress.
Sub-heading 3.3: The Hybrid Approach – The Best of Both Worlds
For many, a combination of flying and credit card spending will be the most effective strategy.
Track both: Keep a close watch on both your qualifying flights and your TQPs earned from flying and credit card spending. Southwest's Rapid Rewards portal makes this easy.
Fill the gaps: If you're close to the flight requirement but not quite there, consider if a few more flights are feasible. If you're short on TQPs, a concentrated period of credit card spending could push you over the edge.
Plan ahead: Look at your upcoming travel plans. Can you shift some bookings to Southwest? Can you make a large purchase that would push you towards a TQP threshold?
Step 4: Monitoring Your Progress and Enjoying Your Status
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Once you're actively working towards A-List, consistent monitoring is essential.
Tip: Focus more on ideas, less on words.
Sub-heading 4.1: Checking Your Rapid Rewards Account
Log in regularly: Your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com is your best friend. It provides a clear breakdown of your qualifying flights and Tier Qualifying Points earned for the current calendar year.
Understand the calendar year: Remember, qualification is based on a calendar year. Your progress resets on January 1st.
Look for promotions: Southwest occasionally offers promotions that can accelerate your TQP earning or provide bonus segments. Keep an eye on your email and the Rapid Rewards website.
Sub-heading 4.2: When Does Status Activate?
Once you meet the A-List requirements, your status will typically activate within 72 hours. You'll receive a confirmation email, and your Rapid Rewards account will reflect your new A-List status.
Sub-heading 4.3: Maintaining Your Status
Your A-List status is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which you earned it, and for the entire calendar year immediately following. To continue enjoying the benefits, you must re-qualify each calendar year. So, if you earn A-List in July 2025, it's valid until December 31, 2026.
Step 5: Advanced Strategies and Considerations
Sub-heading 5.1: A-List Preferred – The Next Level
If you're a super frequent flyer, you might even aim for A-List Preferred status. This requires:
40 qualifying one-way flights OR
70,000 Tier Qualifying Points in a calendar year.
A-List Preferred members enjoy all A-List benefits PLUS:
Free Inflight Internet: Stay connected above the clouds!
100% Earning Bonus: Double the points on every qualifying flight.
Up to Two Complimentary Premium Drinks: On select flights over 250 miles.
Dedicated A-List Preferred Member Phone Line: Even more exclusive access.
Sub-heading 5.2: The Companion Pass – A Different Beast
It's important to differentiate A-List status from the highly coveted Southwest Companion Pass. While both are loyalty perks, they have different qualification requirements and benefits.
Companion Pass Requirement: 100 qualifying one-way flights OR 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points in a calendar year.
Key Difference: Companion Pass qualifying points can be earned from a much wider range of activities, including credit card welcome bonuses and purchases through shopping and dining partners. These often do not count toward A-List TQPs.
While you can earn both, focus on one at a time if your travel patterns don't naturally align with both simultaneously.
Tip: Share one insight from this post with a friend.
Step 6: Leveraging Your Status – Making the Most of A-List
Once you're an A-List member, make sure you're taking full advantage of your perks!
Enjoy priority boarding: Arrive at the gate knowing you have an excellent boarding position reserved.
Utilize the priority lanes: Save time at check-in and security.
Plan same-day changes: If your schedule is flexible, don't hesitate to check for earlier flights.
Watch your points grow: The 25% earning bonus means your next reward flight is closer than ever.
Don't forget your free checked bag: Even with the new fare structure, A-Listers get this benefit.
Becoming an A-List member on Southwest Airlines is a rewarding endeavor for frequent flyers. By understanding the two qualification paths, strategically planning your travel and spending, and diligently monitoring your progress, you'll be enjoying those valuable elite benefits in no time. Happy flying!
10 Related FAQ Questions: How to Become an A-List Member on Southwest Airlines
How to check my A-List progress?
You can check your A-List progress by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com. Your "My Rapid Rewards" dashboard will display your qualifying flights and Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) earned for the current calendar year.
How to earn Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) faster?
You can earn TQPs faster by flying on higher fare classes (Anytime or Business Select fares earn more TQPs per dollar spent than Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus). Additionally, using an eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card from Chase for everyday purchases can earn you 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent.
How to qualify for A-List without flying?
While primarily designed for flyers, you can theoretically qualify for A-List solely through credit card spending by earning 35,000 TQPs. This would require spending approximately $115,000 on an eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card within a calendar year (35,000 TQPs / 1,500 TQPs per $5,000 = ~23.33 x $5,000).
How to maintain A-List status?
To maintain A-List status, you must re-qualify each calendar year by meeting the criteria of 20 qualifying one-way flights or 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points between January 1st and December 31st.
QuickTip: Stop to think as you go.
How to know if my flight counts as a qualifying flight?
A qualifying flight is a one-way flight operated by Southwest Airlines, paid entirely with dollars, Southwest LUV Vouchers, gift cards, flight credits, or with Cash + Points. Reward flights booked with points do not count.
How to get priority boarding with A-List?
As an A-List member, Southwest automatically reserves a priority boarding position (typically A1-A15, if available) for you and passengers on your reservation 36 hours prior to the flight. You still need to check in within 24 hours to retrieve your boarding pass.
How to use the dedicated A-List phone line?
The dedicated A-List phone line number is usually provided in your A-List welcome email or can be found by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com under your A-List benefits section.
How to differentiate A-List from Companion Pass?
A-List is an elite status tier earned by flying or TQPs, offering perks like priority boarding. The Companion Pass allows you to bring a designated companion with you on any flight (paid or reward) for just the cost of taxes and fees, and has higher, different qualification requirements (100 flights or 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points).
How to get A-List Preferred status?
A-List Preferred status requires 40 qualifying one-way flights or 70,000 Tier Qualifying Points in a calendar year. It includes all A-List benefits plus free inflight Wi-Fi, a 100% earning bonus, and complimentary premium drinks.
How to leverage Southwest credit cards for A-List?
Certain Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase allow you to earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points for every $5,000 spent on eligible purchases annually, which directly contributes to your A-List qualification.
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