Becoming "A-List Preferred" on Southwest Airlines is about unlocking a whole new level of convenience, comfort, and rewards for frequent flyers. It's their top-tier elite status, offering an array of benefits that truly enhance your travel experience. If you're a loyal Southwest customer or aspire to be, achieving A-List Preferred status is a fantastic goal.
So, are you ready to elevate your Southwest travel? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide on how to become A-List Preferred!
The Ultimate Guide to Becoming Southwest A-List Preferred
Achieving A-List Preferred status requires a commitment to flying with Southwest or strategically using their co-branded credit cards. The qualification period is a calendar year, meaning you need to meet the requirements between January 1st and December 31st. Once earned, your A-List Preferred status is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which you qualified, and for the entire following calendar year.
There are two primary pathways to A-List Preferred:
Step 1: Understand the Qualification Paths – Which Way Will You Go?
This is where your journey begins! Before you start strategizing, you need to know the targets. Southwest offers two main ways to earn A-List Preferred status:
Path A: The Flight Segment Route
To qualify via flight segments, you need to fly 40 qualifying one-way flights within a single calendar year.
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. Even Cash + Points bookings count for the flight segment, though points are only earned on the dollar portion.
Path B: The Tier Qualifying Points (TQP) Route
To qualify via Tier Qualifying Points, you need to earn 70,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) within a single calendar year.
What are TQPs? TQPs are essentially points that count specifically towards your elite status. They are earned primarily through revenue flights and eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card spending. Points earned through other Rapid Rewards partners, bonus points, or promotional points typically do not count as TQPs.
Take a moment to consider your current travel habits and spending. Do you fly Southwest frequently for work or leisure? Do you prefer to maximize credit card rewards? Your answers will help you decide which path, or combination of paths, makes the most sense for you.
Step 2: Strategize Your Approach – Maximizing Your Qualification Efforts
Once you know the targets, it's time to build your game plan. This step is all about making your efforts count!
Sub-heading: Focus on Revenue Flights
The most straightforward way to earn A-List Preferred is by flying Southwest.
Fly Frequently: This is the most direct method. If your job requires frequent travel, actively choose Southwest whenever possible.
Opt for Higher Fare Classes: While all qualifying flights count towards the 40-segment requirement, purchasing higher fare classes (like Anytime or Business Select) will earn you more TQPs per dollar spent.
Wanna Get Away fares earn 6 points per dollar.
Wanna Get Away Plus fares earn 8 points per dollar.
Anytime fares earn 10 points per dollar.
Business Select fares earn 12 points per dollar.
Remember: These points are base points that contribute to your TQPs. If you're aiming for the 70,000 TQP target, spending more on higher fares will get you there faster.
Consider Shorter, More Frequent Trips: If you're going for the 40-segment route, a series of shorter, one-way flights can add up quickly. For example, two short round-trip flights in a month could contribute four segments to your goal.
Sub-heading: Leverage Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards
Co-branded credit cards can be a powerful tool for earning TQPs without even stepping on a plane.
Eligible Credit Cards: Certain Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase allow you to earn TQPs through spending. As of recent updates, you can earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points for every $5,000 spent on eligible cards like the Rapid Rewards Premier, Priority, Premier Business, and Performance Business Credit Cards.
Track Your Spending: If you're relying on credit card spending, make sure you're tracking your purchases to ensure you hit the TQP targets. These points usually post to your Rapid Rewards account within 30 days of your statement closing date.
Combine and Conquer: Many successful A-List Preferred members use a combination of flying and credit card spending. For example, if you're a few flights short but have significant expenses coming up, putting them on your Southwest credit card could push you over the TQP threshold.
Sub-heading: Watch for Promotions
Southwest occasionally offers promotions that can accelerate your path to A-List Preferred status.
Double TQP Promotions: Keep an eye out for promotions where you can earn double Tier Qualifying Points on flights for a limited time. These can significantly boost your progress.
Credit Card Spending Bonuses: Sometimes, credit card promotions might offer extra TQPs for meeting specific spending tiers within a certain period.
Partner Earning Opportunities: While most partner earnings don't count as TQPs, there have been limited-time promotions where certain Rapid Rewards partner activities (like hotel stays or car rentals) have counted towards TQPs, up to a maximum. Always read the fine print of any promotion!
Step 3: Monitor Your Progress – Stay on Track!
Once you've started your journey, it's crucial to keep tabs on your progress.
Log In to Your Rapid Rewards Account: Your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com is your central hub for tracking your elite status progress. You'll see your current number of qualifying flights and Tier Qualifying Points.
Understand the Calendar Year: Remember, qualification resets every calendar year. Don't let your efforts from late in the year go to waste if you're close to a tier.
Adjust Your Strategy: If you're falling behind on your preferred path, don't be afraid to adjust. Maybe you need to book an extra flight, or perhaps put more everyday spending on your Southwest credit card.
Step 4: Enjoy the Benefits – Reaping the Rewards of A-List Preferred!
Congratulations! Once you've met the requirements, Southwest will typically update your status within 72 hours. Now it's time to savor the perks of being an A-List Preferred member. These benefits truly enhance your travel experience:
Sub-heading: Priority Boarding
Automatic Boarding Positions (A1-A15): You and everyone on your reservation will automatically receive an earlier boarding position (A1-A15) 36 hours prior to the flight's scheduled departure. This is a huge advantage on Southwest, as it means you're almost guaranteed a prime seat and overhead bin space. You still need to check in within 24 hours to retrieve your boarding pass.
No more scrambling for a good spot in the boarding line!
Sub-heading: Enhanced Earning Bonuses
100% Earning Bonus: Earn points even faster! A-List Preferred members receive a 100% earning bonus on every qualifying flight. This means you essentially double the base points you earn on your flights, getting you closer to your next free flight even quicker.
Sub-heading: Free Inflight Internet
Stay Connected: Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi on your flights. Whether you need to catch up on work, stream entertainment, or just browse, this is a fantastic perk that can save you money on longer flights.
Sub-heading: Dedicated Customer Service
A-List Preferred Member Phone Line: Say goodbye to long wait times! You'll have access to a dedicated phone line for A-List Preferred members, connecting you directly with a customer representative for faster and more personalized service.
Sub-heading: Priority Lanes at the Airport
Fly By® Access: Speed through check-in and security with dedicated A-List Preferred lanes where available. This can be a lifesaver during busy travel times, saving you precious minutes.
Sub-heading: Same-Day Standby
Flexibility on Travel Day: As an A-List Preferred member, you can take advantage of same-day standby, even with Basic fares (though taxes and fees may still apply). This means if you finish your meeting early or your plans change, you can try to get on an earlier flight without a fare difference. You can list yourself via the Southwest app, mobile web, or at the gate.
Sub-heading: Complimentary Premium Drinks
Up to Two Free Drinks: On select flights over 250 miles, you'll receive up to two complimentary premium drinks (beer, wine, or spirits). It's a nice touch to relax and enjoy your flight.
Step 5: Re-Qualification – Keep the Perks Coming!
To maintain your A-List Preferred status, you'll need to re-qualify each calendar year by meeting the same thresholds: 40 qualifying one-way flights or 70,000 Tier Qualifying Points. Since your status is valid for the remainder of the year it's earned and the entire next calendar year, you have a good window to maintain it.
Stay Consistent: The best way to re-qualify is to maintain consistent travel patterns with Southwest or continue to leverage your eligible credit cards.
Leverage Your Bonus Earning: Remember that 100% earning bonus you get as an A-List Preferred member? That extra point earning can help you reach the TQP threshold for re-qualification more easily!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about Southwest A-List Preferred status, with quick answers:
How to check my A-List Preferred progress?
You can easily check your A-List Preferred progress by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com. Your account dashboard will display your current qualifying flights and Tier Qualifying Points.
How to ensure my flights count towards A-List Preferred?
Ensure your Rapid Rewards account number is added to your reservation when booking. Only flights operated by Southwest and paid with dollars, LUV Vouchers, gift cards, or flight credits (including Cash + Points for segments) count.
How to use my free inflight internet as an A-List Preferred member?
Once onboard, connect to the Southwest Wi-Fi network and follow the prompts. Your A-List Preferred status should be recognized, granting you complimentary access.
How to get my priority boarding position with A-List Preferred?
Southwest will automatically reserve an A1-A15 boarding position for you and others on your reservation 36 hours before departure. You still need to check in within 24 hours to retrieve your boarding pass.
How to use the dedicated A-List Preferred phone line?
Look for the specific phone number listed for A-List Preferred members on the Southwest website or within your Rapid Rewards account. Have your Rapid Rewards number ready.
How to utilize same-day standby as an A-List Preferred member?
On the day of travel, you can request to be added to the same-day standby list via the Southwest app, mobile web, or by speaking with a Customer Service Agent at the airport.
How to know if a flight is eligible for complimentary premium drinks?
Complimentary premium drinks for A-List Preferred members are typically offered on select flights over 250 miles. Ask a flight attendant for details onboard.
How to maintain A-List Preferred status after earning it?
To maintain A-List Preferred status, you must re-qualify each calendar year by flying 40 qualifying one-way flights or earning 70,000 Tier Qualifying Points.
How to use my Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card for A-List Preferred qualification?
Use an eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card (Premier, Priority, Premier Business, Performance Business) for your everyday spending. You'll earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points for every $5,000 spent.
How to deal with points expiring if I don't fly often?
Good news! Southwest Rapid Rewards points do not expire. However, your A-List Preferred status does require annual re-qualification.
