Hey there, frequent flyer! Ever dreamt of gliding through the airport, boarding early, and feeling like a true VIP on your Southwest flights? If so, then earning Southwest Airlines A-List status is your ticket to a more seamless and rewarding travel experience. It's more than just a shiny card; it's a suite of benefits designed to make your journey smoother and your loyalty truly appreciated. Ready to unlock those perks? Let's dive in!
The Ultimate Guide to Earning Southwest Airlines A-List Status in 2025
Achieving A-List status with Southwest Airlines is a fantastic goal for anyone who regularly flies with them. It signifies a level of loyalty that the airline generously rewards with tangible benefits. This guide will walk you through the various pathways to A-List, offering a step-by-step approach to help you reach this coveted tier.
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| How To Get Southwest Airlines A List |
Understanding Southwest A-List Status: What's the Big Deal?
Before we get into the "how-to," let's briefly touch upon why A-List is so desirable. As an A-List member, you'll enjoy:
Priority Boarding: This is arguably the most sought-after benefit! You and everyone on your reservation get an earlier boarding position, often in the coveted A group, ensuring you get a better choice of seats and overhead bin space.
Free Checked Bag: For flights booked on or after May 28, 2025, A-List members still get their first checked bag free. This is a significant saving compared to the new baggage fees for other fare types.
25% Earning Bonus: You'll earn Rapid Rewards points 25% faster on every qualifying flight, helping you get to your next reward flight sooner.
Same-Day Standby: The flexibility to hop on an earlier flight on the day of travel, even with Basic fares (though taxes and fees may apply).
Priority Lane and Express Lane Access: Breeze through check-in counters and airport security where available.
Dedicated A-List Member Phone Line: Get quicker access to customer service when you need assistance.
Now that you know what's in it for you, let's explore the pathways to achieving this status!
Step 1: Join the Rapid Rewards Program (If You Haven't Already!)
This might seem obvious, but it's the absolute first and most crucial step. You cannot earn A-List status without being a member of Southwest's free Rapid Rewards loyalty program.
Sub-heading: How to Enroll
Visit the Southwest Airlines Website: Head to Southwest.com and look for the "Rapid Rewards" section.
Sign Up: Fill out the simple enrollment form with your personal details. It takes just a few minutes.
Confirm Your Account: You'll likely receive an email to confirm your new Rapid Rewards account. Make sure to click the confirmation link.
Pro Tip: Even if you're just considering flying Southwest, sign up for Rapid Rewards. It's free, and you'll start accumulating points and flight segments from your very first flight, putting you on the path to A-List.
Step 2: Understand the A-List Qualification Requirements for 2025
Southwest A-List status is typically earned based on your flight activity or the accumulation of Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) within a calendar year (January 1st to December 31st). For 2025, the requirements are:
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
Fly 20 Qualifying One-Way Flights: This means 20 individual flight segments booked through Southwest. A round trip with a direct flight counts as two one-way flights. A flight with a layover (e.g., Dallas to Seattle with a layover in Phoenix) still counts as one one-way flight for qualification purposes.
OR Earn 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs): These points are different from redeemable Rapid Rewards points. They are specifically designed to track your progress towards elite status.
Sub-heading: What Counts as a "Qualifying Flight"?
A "qualifying flight" is a flight operated by Southwest Airlines and paid entirely with dollars, Southwest LUV Vouchers, gift cards, or flight credits. For flights completed on or after January 1, 2025, Cash + Points bookings will earn Rapid Rewards points and Tier Qualifying Points on the portion of the base fare paid with dollars. Flights booked entirely with Rapid Rewards points generally do not count towards A-List qualification.
Sub-heading: How Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) are Earned
TQPs are earned based on the type of fare you purchase:
Business Select: Earns the most TQPs per dollar spent.
Anytime: Earns a good number of TQPs per dollar.
Wanna Get Away Plus: Earns TQPs at a lower rate than Anytime.
Basic (replacing Wanna Get Away from May 28, 2025): Earns the fewest TQPs per dollar.
The more expensive the fare, the more TQPs you'll earn per dollar spent, making it quicker to reach the 35,000 TQP threshold if you're flying on higher fare classes.
Step 3: Strategize Your Path to A-List
Now that you know the targets, let's explore the most common strategies to hit them.
Sub-heading: Strategy 1: The Frequent Flier Approach (20 Qualifying Flights)
This is the most straightforward method. If your travel involves many short, direct Southwest flights, this might be your easiest path.
Break it Down: To reach 20 one-way flights, you need approximately 10 round trips in a year. This could be one round trip almost every month, or several shorter trips.
Maximize Connections (Carefully!): While a flight with a layover only counts as one one-way segment for qualification, if you have flexibility, sometimes breaking up a single trip into multiple one-way segments on different days (even with a slight layover) could help you accrue more segments if your goal is primarily segments over TQPs. However, be mindful of the cost and time implications.
Business Travel Advantage: If your job requires frequent domestic travel, ensure your company books you on Southwest flights, and always include your Rapid Rewards number!
Sub-heading: Strategy 2: The Tier Qualifying Point (TQP) Accumulator (35,000 TQPs)
This strategy is ideal for those who take fewer flights but spend more on each ticket, or for those who can leverage Southwest's co-branded credit cards.
QuickTip: Stop and think when you learn something new.
Choose Higher Fare Classes: When possible, booking Anytime or Business Select fares will significantly increase the TQPs you earn per dollar spent, accelerating your path to A-List.
Leverage Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards: This is a powerful way to earn TQPs without even flying!
Spend your way to status: Eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points for every $5,000 spent annually. This is a game-changer.
Calculate Your Spending: To earn 35,000 TQPs solely through credit card spending, you'd need to spend approximately $116,667 ($35,000 / 1500 * $5,000). While this is a substantial amount, it's a viable option for high-spenders, or as a supplement to flight activity.
Combine and Conquer: The most effective strategy often involves a combination of flying and credit card spending. For example, if you earn 20,000 TQPs from flights, you'd only need an additional 15,000 TQPs, which you could get by spending $50,000 on an eligible Southwest credit card ($15,000 / 1500 * $5,000).
Sub-heading: Strategy 3: Status Match Opportunities
Did you know you might already qualify? Southwest sometimes offers status match promotions where they will grant you A-List status if you hold elite status with another qualifying U.S.-based airline.
How it Works: You typically need to provide proof of your current elite status with another airline. Southwest will then grant you promotional A-List status for a limited period (often 90 days).
Extend Your Status: To extend your A-List status for a full calendar year (or longer, depending on the promotion), you'll need to meet a reduced flight or TQP requirement within that promotional period. For example, you might need to fly 3 round-trip qualifying flights or 6 one-way qualifying flights.
Keep an Eye Out: These promotions aren't always active, so it's worth checking the Southwest Airlines website's Rapid Rewards section or subscribing to their email updates. You can only do this status match promotion if you have not received A-List status in any other promotion in the last 12 months.
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Sub-heading: Strategy 4: Promotional Opportunities
Southwest occasionally runs promotions that make it easier to earn A-List status. These can include:
Double or Triple TQPs: Earning bonus TQPs on flights, especially for specific routes or during certain periods.
_Bonus TQPs for Credit Card Spending:__ Enhanced TQP earning rates for a limited time on credit card purchases.
Reward Travel Counting: In rare instances, promotional periods might allow flights booked with Rapid Rewards points to count towards A-List qualification.
Stay Informed: Sign up for Southwest's Rapid Rewards emails and regularly check the "Promotions" section of their website to ensure you don't miss out on these valuable opportunities.
Step 4: Track Your Progress and Stay Organized
Once you've started flying and/or spending, it's crucial to keep tabs on your progress.
Your Rapid Rewards Account: Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on the Southwest Airlines website or through their mobile app. You'll find a dedicated section showing your current tier status and how many qualifying flights or TQPs you've earned toward the next tier.
Credit Card Statements: If you're leveraging a Southwest co-branded credit card, keep an eye on your monthly statements. Tier Qualifying Points from credit card spending usually post to your Rapid Rewards account within 30 days of your statement closing date.
Set Reminders: If you're aiming for a specific number of flights or TQPs, especially towards the end of the year, set reminders to ensure you reach your goal before December 31st.
Step 5: Enjoy Your A-List Benefits!
Once you've met the requirements, your A-List status will typically be activated within a few days. You'll usually receive an email confirmation.
Automatic Boarding: Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours prior to your flight and assign you a priority boarding position. While not always A1-A15, it will be an A group position (usually A16-A30) that ensures you board before general boarding.
Use Priority Lanes: Look for designated A-List or Priority lanes at check-in and security checkpoints.
Confirm Benefits: When checking in, ensure your Rapid Rewards number is linked to your reservation to automatically receive your A-List benefits like priority boarding and free checked bags.
A-List Preferred: The Next Level
If you find yourself easily reaching A-List, consider aiming for A-List Preferred status. This higher tier offers even more benefits, including:
40 Qualifying One-Way Flights OR 70,000 Tier Qualifying Points in a calendar year.
Two Free Checked Bags (for flights booked on or after May 28, 2025).
100% Earning Bonus on Rapid Rewards points (double the points!).
Free Inflight Internet.
Up to two complimentary premium drinks on select flights over 250 miles.
Dedicated A-List Preferred member phone line.
The strategies for earning A-List Preferred are similar to A-List, just with higher thresholds.
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to frequently asked questions about earning Southwest A-List status:
How to check my A-List progress?
You can check your A-List progress by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on the Southwest Airlines website or mobile app. Your dashboard will display your current tier status and how many qualifying flights or Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) you have accumulated.
How to ensure my flights count towards A-List?
Always ensure your Rapid Rewards account number is linked to your reservation before you fly. Only flights paid entirely with dollars, Southwest LUV Vouchers, gift cards, or flight credits, and for Cash + Points bookings (on the dollar portion) count as qualifying flights. Flights redeemed solely with Rapid Rewards points do not count.
How to earn Tier Qualifying Points faster?
Earn TQPs faster by booking higher fare classes like Anytime or Business Select, as they yield more TQPs per dollar spent. Additionally, using an eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card to make purchases can earn you TQPs (1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent).
How to utilize a Southwest credit card for A-List?
Apply for an eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card from Chase. Every $5,000 you spend on the card earns you 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points, which directly contribute to your A-List qualification.
Tip: Read at your natural pace.
How to status match to Southwest A-List?
Keep an eye out for Southwest's status match promotions. When available, you can email proof of your current elite status with another qualifying U.S. airline to Southwest, and they may grant you promotional A-List status. You'll then need to meet a reduced flight requirement to extend it.
How to get A-List with business travel?
If you travel for business, always ensure your Rapid Rewards number is included in your booking. Advocate for your company to book flights on Southwest when possible, as business travel can quickly accumulate the necessary qualifying flights or TQPs.
How to take advantage of A-List benefits on the day of travel?
Your priority boarding is automatically assigned 36 hours before your flight. Utilize the dedicated Priority Lanes at check-in and Express Lanes at security where available. For same-day standby, request it from a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the airport or through the app/mobile web.
How to qualify for A-List Preferred?
To qualify for A-List Preferred, you need to fly 40 qualifying one-way flights or earn 70,000 Tier Qualifying Points within a calendar year. The strategies are similar to A-List, but with higher thresholds.
How to renew Southwest A-List status?
To maintain your A-List status, you must meet the same qualification requirements (20 qualifying one-way flights or 35,000 TQPs) in the subsequent calendar year. Your status is valid through December 31st of the year following the year you qualify.
How to ensure my credit card TQPs post correctly?
Tier Qualifying Points from your Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card spending are typically posted to your Rapid Rewards account within 30 days of your credit card statement closing date. Check your credit card statements and your Rapid Rewards account regularly to ensure they are accurately reflected.
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