Hello there, fellow traveler! Are you ready to elevate your Southwest Airlines experience from "Wanna Get Away" to "A-List"? Then you've come to the right place. Becoming an A-List member with Southwest can truly transform your travel, offering perks that make flying more comfortable, convenient, and rewarding. Let's dive in and unlock the secrets to achieving this coveted status!
The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Southwest Airlines A-List Member
A-List status isn't just a fancy title; it's your ticket to a significantly improved Southwest travel experience. Think priority boarding, faster check-in, and bonus points that get you closer to your next free flight. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, step-by-step.
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| How Do I Become An A List Member On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Understand What A-List Status Is (And Why You Want It!)
Before we embark on this journey, let's make sure you're clear on what A-List status means and the fantastic benefits it brings.
What is Southwest A-List?
Southwest Airlines' Rapid Rewards program offers two elite tiers: A-List and A-List Preferred. A-List is the first rung on the ladder, providing a solid foundation of benefits that significantly enhance your travel. A-List Preferred offers even more perks, but for now, let's focus on A-List!
Why Aim for A-List? The Perks!
Priority Boarding (The Big One!): This is arguably the most valuable A-List perk. Southwest's open seating policy means that earlier boarders get their pick of seats. As an A-List member, Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours before your flight, all but guaranteeing you an A boarding group. No more rushing to check-in exactly 24 hours prior!
One Free Checked Bag (for you and up to 8 others on your reservation): While Southwest generally has a generous checked bag policy, A-List status ensures your first checked bag is free.
25% Earning Bonus on Points: You'll earn Rapid Rewards points faster on every qualifying Southwest flight, getting you to your next reward flight sooner.
Same-Day Standby (Taxes and fees may apply): Have a change of plans? As an A-List member, you can take advantage of same-day standby, even with Basic fares, by speaking with a Customer Service Gate Agent at the airport.
Priority Lane and Express Lane Access: Enjoy dedicated lanes at Southwest check-in counters and airport security checkpoints (where available) for a quicker, smoother experience.
Dedicated A-List Member Phone Line: No more long waits on hold! You'll have a special phone line that connects you directly with a Customer Representative.
These benefits combine to create a much less stressful and more enjoyable travel experience, especially for frequent flyers.
Tip: Read once for flow, once for detail.
Step 2: Know the Qualification Requirements for A-List Status
To become an A-List member, you need to meet one of two criteria within a calendar year (January 1 to December 31):
Option A: Fly Qualifying One-Way Flights
20 qualifying one-way flights
What constitutes a "qualifying one-way flight"?
It must be a flight operated by Southwest Airlines.
It must be paid for entirely with dollars, Southwest LUV Vouchers, gift cards, or flight credits.
Flights paid with Cash + Points also count, with points earned on the dollar portion of the base fare.
Important Note: Flights booked solely with Rapid Rewards points do not count towards A-List qualification.
A "one-way flight" refers to your entire itinerary from origin to destination, even if it includes layovers. For example, Dallas to Seattle with a stop in Phoenix counts as one qualifying one-way flight.
Option B: Earn Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs)
35,000 Tier Qualifying Points
Tier Qualifying Points are different from the regular Rapid Rewards points you earn for free flights. Here's how you earn them:
Flying Southwest: This is the primary way to earn TQPs. The number of TQPs you earn per dollar spent on a Southwest flight depends on the fare type:
Basic (formerly Wanna Get Away): 2 TQPs per dollar
Wanna Get Away Plus: 6 TQPs per dollar
Anytime: 10 TQPs per dollar
Business Select: 14 TQPs per dollar
Only the base fare counts for TQP earning, not taxes and fees.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards: Certain Chase-issued Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards allow you to earn TQPs through spending.
You can earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points for every $5,000 spent on eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards.
Eligible cards include: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card, and Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card.
Note: There used to be a cap on the maximum TQPs you could earn from credit card spending, but this has changed.
Step 3: Strategize Your Path to A-List
Now that you know the requirements, it's time to strategize your approach. Which method is best for you?
Strategy 1: The "Frequent Flyer" Approach (Flights-Based)
QuickTip: Note key words you want to remember.
Best for: Those who regularly fly Southwest, especially for shorter, direct routes.
How it works: Simply book and fly 20 one-way qualifying flights within a calendar year. If you fly frequently for business or leisure, this can add up quickly. For instance, 10 round trips will get you there.
Tips:
Consolidate your travel: Try to book all your flights with Southwest if you're close to the threshold.
Consider shorter trips: Even quick, inexpensive flights count as a qualifying segment.
Don't forget layovers: Remember that a single itinerary with a layover still counts as one qualifying one-way flight.
Strategy 2: The "Points Powerhouse" Approach (TQP-Based)
Best for: Travelers who spend a fair amount on Southwest flights or those with eligible Southwest credit cards and significant spending.
How it works: Accumulate 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points through flying, credit card spending, or a combination of both.
Tips:
Prioritize higher fare classes: If your travel budget allows, booking Anytime or Business Select fares will earn you TQPs much faster per dollar spent.
Leverage your Southwest credit card: If you have one of the eligible cards, funnel your everyday spending through it. Remember, $5,000 in spending gets you 1,500 TQPs. While you could theoretically earn A-List solely through credit card spending, it would require substantial expenditure ($116,667 to be exact, for 35,000 TQPs). It's most effective as a supplement to flight-based TQPs.
Monitor your TQP earnings: Keep an eye on your Rapid Rewards account to track your progress throughout the year.
Strategy 3: The "Combination Conqueror" Approach
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Best for: Most people! A blend of flying and credit card spending often provides the most flexible and achievable path to A-List.
How it works: Fly as much as you can on qualifying Southwest flights, and then use your Southwest credit card spending to make up any TQP deficit.
Example: If you fly 10 one-way flights (earning 20,000 TQPs on Anytime fares, for instance), you'd only need another 15,000 TQPs. This could be achieved by spending $50,000 on your Southwest credit card (1,500 TQPs per $5,000 spent).
Step 4: Track Your Progress and Maintain Your Status
Once you start earning towards A-List, it's crucial to keep track of your progress.
Monitor Your Rapid Rewards Account: Log in to your Southwest Rapid Rewards account frequently. Your dashboard will clearly display your current flight segments and Tier Qualifying Points earned for the calendar year.
Status Qualification Period: Remember, qualification is based on a calendar year. If you qualify for A-List status, your status will be valid for the remainder of the current calendar year and the entirety of the following calendar year. For example, if you qualify in October 2025, your A-List status is valid through December 31, 2026.
Re-qualify Annually: To maintain your A-List status, you'll need to meet the qualification requirements again in the subsequent calendar year.
Step 5: Maximize Your A-List Benefits (Once You've Got Them!)
Congratulations, A-Lister! Now it's time to fully enjoy your hard-earned benefits.
Enjoy Priority Boarding: You'll be automatically checked in, so you won't need to set alarms. Just retrieve your boarding pass when you're ready.
Utilize Priority Lanes: Look for the "Fly By" or "Priority Lane" signs at check-in and security.
Don't Forget Your Free Checked Bag: One less thing to worry about.
Experience Same-Day Standby: If your plans change, head to the gate agent to inquire about earlier flights.
Call the Dedicated Phone Line: For any customer service needs, use your exclusive A-List phone number for faster assistance.
Watch Your Points Grow: Enjoy that 25% earning bonus on all your future Southwest flights!
Step 6: Consider A-List Preferred (The Next Level Up!)
If you find yourself flying Southwest even more frequently, you might set your sights on A-List Preferred status. The requirements are double those of A-List:
QuickTip: Compare this post with what you already know.
40 qualifying one-way flights OR
70,000 Tier Qualifying Points
A-List Preferred offers all A-List benefits, plus:
Two Free Checked Bags
Free Inflight Internet (where available)
100% Earning Bonus (double points on qualifying flights!)
Up to two complimentary premium drinks on select flights over 250 miles.
This level provides a truly premium experience for the most loyal Southwest flyers.
The Road Ahead: Adapting to Changes
Southwest Airlines is constantly evolving its Rapid Rewards program and fare structures. Keep an eye on official Southwest communications for any updates to qualification requirements, benefits, or fare classes, especially as we move into 2026 and beyond with new assigned seating policies rolling out. For instance, some of the specific checked bag benefits and seating options for A-List members are undergoing adjustments in 2025 and 2026.
Becoming an A-List member is a rewarding goal for any frequent Southwest traveler. With a clear understanding of the requirements and a smart strategy, you'll be enjoying those priority boarding positions and extra perks in no time!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my current Southwest A-List progress?
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com or the Southwest Airlines app. Your dashboard will display your current Tier Qualifying Flights and Tier Qualifying Points earned for the calendar year.
How to ensure my flights count towards A-List status?
Book your flights directly through Southwest Airlines (Southwest.com, app, or phone) and ensure they are paid with dollars, LUV Vouchers, gift cards, or flight credits. Flights booked with Rapid Rewards points do not count.
QuickTip: Short pauses improve understanding.
How to earn Tier Qualifying Points faster?
Fly on higher fare classes like Anytime or Business Select, as they earn more TQPs per dollar spent. Also, use an eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card for your spending to earn 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent.
How to utilize my A-List priority boarding benefit?
You don't need to do anything special! Southwest automatically checks in A-List members 36 hours before their flight, assigning them an early boarding position (typically A1-A15). Just retrieve your boarding pass.
How to use the dedicated A-List phone line?
Once you achieve A-List status, Southwest will provide you with the dedicated A-List member phone number. Use this number for quicker assistance with reservations, changes, or other inquiries.
How to get a free checked bag as an A-List member?
As an A-List member, your first checked bag is automatically free. This benefit also extends to up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation. Simply check your bags as usual, and the fee will be waived.
How to use the same-day standby benefit?
If you wish to fly on an earlier flight on the same day as your original booking, speak with a Southwest Customer Service Gate Agent at the airport. They can add you to the standby list for an earlier flight.
How to re-qualify for Southwest A-List status?
You must meet the A-List qualification requirements (20 qualifying one-way flights or 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points) again within each calendar year to maintain your status for the following year.
How to know if my Southwest credit card earns Tier Qualifying Points?
Check the benefits of your specific Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card. Generally, the Premier, Priority, Premier Business, and Performance Business cards offer the ability to earn TQPs through spending.
How to upgrade from A-List to A-List Preferred?
To upgrade to A-List Preferred, you need to meet the higher qualification criteria of 40 qualifying one-way flights or 70,000 Tier Qualifying Points within a calendar year. Once you reach these thresholds, your status will automatically upgrade.
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