Do you often find yourself dreaming of a smoother, more rewarding travel experience with Southwest Airlines? Imagine breezing through security, boarding early, and even enjoying complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi. This isn't just a fantasy – it's the reality for Southwest's A-List Preferred members! If you're ready to elevate your travel game and unlock a host of exclusive perks, then you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of how to achieve Southwest A-List Preferred status, turning your travel dreams into a tangible reality.
Let's dive in and transform your Southwest journeys!
The Ultimate Guide to Achieving Southwest A-List Preferred Status
Southwest's Rapid Rewards program offers tiered benefits, with A-List Preferred being the pinnacle. It's designed for their most loyal flyers, offering substantial advantages that make a significant difference to your travel comfort and convenience.
Understanding A-List Preferred Status
Before we delve into the "how-to," let's clarify what A-List Preferred status actually is and why it's so desirable. It's Southwest's highest elite tier, offering an enhanced travel experience beyond what standard Rapid Rewards members receive.
Key Benefits of A-List Preferred Status:
Priority Boarding (A1-A15): This is arguably one of the most coveted perks on Southwest. You and everyone on your reservation get an earlier boarding position, often within the highly desired A1-A15 group, giving you first pick of seats and overhead bin space.
Two Free Checked Bags: While Southwest already allows two free checked bags for all passengers, A-List Preferred ensures this benefit, regardless of fare type or credit card status.
Free Inflight Internet: Stay connected above the clouds! Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi on your flights, perfect for work, entertainment, or just staying in touch.
100% Earning Bonus: Earn Rapid Rewards points twice as fast! For every qualifying flight, you'll earn 100% more points, accelerating your path to free flights.
Dedicated A-List Preferred Member Phone Line: Skip the long waits and get direct access to a dedicated customer service representative.
Priority Lane and Express Lane Access: Breeze through check-in and security with dedicated lanes, saving you valuable time at the airport.
Same-Day Standby: Need to catch an earlier flight? As an A-List Preferred member, you can list for same-day standby, even with Basic fares (though taxes and fees may apply). You'll have higher priority than A-List members and other customers.
Up to Two Complimentary Premium Drinks: On select flights over 250 miles, enjoy up to two free alcoholic beverages or premium drinks per leg.
Step 1: Are You Ready to Commit to the Southwest Skies?
Before embarking on this journey, ask yourself if Southwest Airlines is truly your preferred carrier. A-List Preferred status is incredibly rewarding, but it requires a significant commitment to flying with Southwest. If you frequently fly other airlines, the effort might not be worth it.
Consider your travel patterns:
Do you mostly fly domestic routes within the US? Southwest has an extensive domestic network.
Are you comfortable with Southwest's open-seating policy?
Do their destinations align with your travel needs for the coming year?
If the answer to these questions is a resounding yes, then let's move on!
Step 2: Understanding the Qualification Requirements
There are two primary ways to earn Southwest A-List Preferred status within a calendar year (January 1st to December 31st):
Sub-heading 2.1: By Qualifying One-Way Flights
To achieve A-List Preferred status through flights, you need to complete 40 qualifying one-way flight segments.
What counts as a qualifying flight? These are flights operated by Southwest Airlines and paid entirely with dollars, Southwest LUV Vouchers, gift cards, or flight credits. Even "Cash + Points" bookings will count towards qualifying flights, though points are earned only on the dollar portion of the base fare.
What doesn't count? Rapid Rewards reward flights (those booked entirely with points), Rapid Rewards Companion Pass travel, and Rapid Rewards partner points (except for Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) earned on eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards) do not count towards qualification.
Sub-heading 2.2: By Earning Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs)
Alternatively, you can earn A-List Preferred status by accumulating 70,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) within a calendar year.
What are TQPs? TQPs are Rapid Rewards points that specifically count toward A-List or A-List Preferred status.
How do you earn TQPs?
Flying Southwest: You earn TQPs based on the type of fare purchased:
Business Select: 12 TQPs per dollar spent
Anytime: 10 TQPs per dollar spent
Wanna Get Away Plus: 6 TQPs per dollar spent
Basic (formerly Wanna Get Away): 2 TQPs per dollar spent
Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards (from Chase): This is a powerful way to earn TQPs without flying. You can earn 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent on eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier, Priority, Premier Business, or Performance Business Credit Cards. There is no cap on the number of TQPs you can earn this way.
Tip: A combination of flying and credit card spending can be the fastest path for many!
Step 3: Strategizing Your Path to A-List Preferred
Now that you understand the requirements, let's craft a strategy.
Sub-heading 3.1: The "Road Warrior" Approach (Primarily Flights)
If your job or lifestyle involves frequent travel, focusing on qualifying flights might be your most straightforward path.
Book all your eligible flights with Southwest. Even if another airline offers a slightly cheaper fare, consider the long-term benefit of those qualifying segments.
Opt for higher fare types when possible. While Basic fares earn TQPs, Anytime and Business Select fares earn them at a much faster rate. If your budget allows, this can significantly reduce the number of flights or overall spend needed.
Monitor your progress. Regularly check your Rapid Rewards account to see how many qualifying flights or TQPs you've accumulated.
Sub-heading 3.2: The "Credit Card Power User" Approach (Primarily TQPs)
For those who don't fly as frequently but have significant everyday spending, leveraging a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card can be a game-changer.
Apply for an eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier, Priority, Premier Business, or Performance Business Credit Cards are key.
Put all your spending on this card. From groceries and utilities to dining out and online shopping, maximize your TQP earning by making this your primary payment method.
Be mindful of the $5,000 spending increments. You earn TQPs in blocks, so try to reach those thresholds consistently throughout the year.
Sub-heading 3.3: The Hybrid Approach (Flights + Credit Card)
This is often the most efficient and recommended strategy for many aspiring A-List Preferred members.
Fly Southwest for your necessary travel. Every qualifying flight and dollar spent helps.
Supplement with credit card spending. Use your Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card to bridge the gap in TQPs. For example, if you're a few thousand TQPs short at the end of the year, strategic credit card spending can push you over the edge.
Look for sign-up bonuses: Many Southwest credit cards offer generous sign-up bonuses that can provide a substantial boost in Rapid Rewards points, which, while not directly TQPs, can be used for reward flights, saving you cash for qualifying paid flights.
Step 4: Tracking Your Progress and Staying on Track
Consistency and monitoring are crucial.
Regularly log into your Rapid Rewards account. Southwest's website and mobile app provide a clear overview of your progress towards A-List and A-List Preferred status. You'll see your current TQPs and qualifying flight segments.
Set reminders. If you're aiming for a specific number of flights or TQPs by a certain date, set calendar reminders to keep yourself accountable.
Utilize promotions. Keep an eye out for any special promotions from Southwest or Chase that might offer bonus TQPs or accelerate your earning. These are often announced via email or on the Southwest website.
Consider a status match. If you hold elite status with another domestic airline, Southwest sometimes offers a status match challenge. While this typically grants A-List status initially, it can give you a head start, and completing a certain number of flights within a promotional period can extend that status or help you qualify for A-List Preferred faster. Note: Status match offers are not always available and terms may vary.
Step 5: Enjoying Your A-List Preferred Benefits!
Once you've achieved A-List Preferred status, the hard work pays off. Your benefits will typically activate shortly after you qualify and last for the remainder of the calendar year in which you qualified, plus the entire following calendar year.
Make sure your Rapid Rewards number is on every reservation. This is essential for your benefits to be recognized and applied automatically.
Take advantage of priority boarding. Be at the gate early to line up in your assigned A group.
Use the dedicated phone line. For any customer service needs, this line is a significant time-saver.
Embrace the free Wi-Fi. Stream, browse, and stay productive.
Enjoy your complimentary drinks. A nice perk to enhance your flight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to further assist you on your journey to Southwest A-List Preferred status:
How to check my current Southwest A-List Preferred progress?
You can easily check your progress by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on the Southwest Airlines website or through their mobile app. Your account dashboard will display your current Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) and qualifying flight segments for the calendar year.
How to use the free in-flight Wi-Fi as an A-List Preferred member?
Once onboard a Wi-Fi enabled flight, connect to the Southwest Airlines Wi-Fi network. When prompted to purchase Wi-Fi, simply select the option for A-List Preferred members, and it should recognize your status and allow complimentary access.
How to get priority boarding with A-List Preferred status?
Your boarding position (usually A1-A15) will be automatically assigned and reflected on your boarding pass when you check in for your flight (or up to 36 hours prior if your reservation was booked at least 36 hours in advance). Simply proceed to the boarding area at your assigned group and position.
How to utilize the dedicated A-List Preferred phone line?
The phone number for the dedicated A-List Preferred member phone line can typically be found on your Rapid Rewards account page or by searching the Southwest Airlines website for "A-List Preferred phone number."
How to earn Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) with a Southwest credit card?
You earn 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 you spend on an eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier, Priority, Premier Business, or Performance Business Credit Card from Chase. These TQPs are automatically credited to your Rapid Rewards account.
How to make a same-day standby change as an A-List Preferred member?
You can request to be added to the same-day standby list via a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the airport (ticket counter or gate) or through the Southwest app or mobile web. You must list yourself at least 10 minutes prior to your original flight's scheduled departure (30 minutes if using the app/mobile web). A-List Preferred members qualify for same-day standby even with Basic fares.
How to get complimentary premium drinks with A-List Preferred status?
On select flights that are 251 miles or more, A-List Preferred members can receive up to two complimentary premium drinks per leg. Simply show your boarding pass or inform the flight attendant of your A-List Preferred status.
How to maintain Southwest A-List Preferred status?
To maintain your A-List Preferred status for the following calendar year, you must re-qualify by either flying 40 qualifying one-way flights or earning 70,000 Tier Qualifying Points within the current calendar year.
How to understand the difference between A-List and A-List Preferred?
A-List Preferred offers all the benefits of A-List, plus enhanced perks like free inflight internet, a 100% earning bonus (vs. 25% for A-List), higher priority for same-day standby, and complimentary premium drinks.
How to get a status match to Southwest A-List Preferred?
Southwest occasionally offers status match promotions, usually for A-List status initially, to elite members of other domestic airlines. To inquire about a current status match offer, you would typically need to email Southwest Airlines with proof of your current elite status with another airline, your name, and your Rapid Rewards account number. The terms and availability of such promotions can vary.
