Southwest A-List vs. A-List Preferred: Elite Status Benefits Guide (U.S. Travelers)
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Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards program offers two elite status tiers for frequent flyers: A-List and A-List Preferred. These statuses come with special benefits that make flying Southwest more convenient and rewarding – from priority boarding to free Wi-Fi – especially for travelers within the United States. This comprehensive guide breaks down what A-List and A-List Preferred are, the benefits of each status, how to qualify, and strategies to fast-track your status.
What Are Southwest A-List and A-List Preferred?
Southwest A-List and A-List Preferred are the airline’s elite status levels in Rapid Rewards. They reward frequent flyers with perks that improve their travel experience. Unlike some airlines’ programs, Southwest’s elite statuses do not include first-class upgrades (Southwest has open seating and one class of service), but they still offer valuable benefits for loyal customers.
- A-List is the entry-level elite status. Think of it as the “silver” tier of Southwest, earned by flying frequently or accruing enough points in a calendar year.
- A-List Preferred is the higher, premium tier (akin to a “gold” status) for Southwest’s most frequent flyers. It includes all A-List perks plus additional enhancements for an even better travel experience.
Companion Pass: Separately, Southwest also has the famous Companion Pass, which isn’t an elite tier but a benefit that allows one person to fly with you nearly free. It requires 100 one-way flights or 135,000 points in a year (which far exceeds A-List Preferred). If you do fly enough to earn Companion Pass through flights, you’ll have earned A-List Preferred status on the way (since 100 flights > 40).
Qualification Requirements: How to Earn A-List and A-List Preferred
To qualify for Southwest A-List or A-List Preferred, you need to meet either a flight segment requirement or a points requirement within a calendar year (January 1 – December 31):
- A-List: Fly 20 one-way qualifying flight segments or earn 35,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year.
- A-List Preferred: Fly 40 one-way qualifying flight segments or earn 70,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year.
“One-way flight” means a single journey from origin to destination. Note that if you have a connection, it still counts as one one-way (e.g. flying A→B→C on one reservation counts as one one-way flight). Only paid, revenue flights count – reward flights booked with points do not count toward status.
Once you earn A-List or A-List Preferred, you enjoy the benefits immediately, and the status is good for the rest of that year and the entire next calendar year. (For example, qualify in June 2025 and you keep status through December 31, 2026.) You’ll need to re-qualify each calendar year to maintain it after that.
Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs)
Southwest often refers to status points as Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs), which are earned from flying (1 Rapid Rewards base point = 1 Tier Qualifying Point (TQP), the amount varies by fare price and fare type, taxes/fees don’t earn) or via certain credit card spend, as explained later.
Current earn rates are tied to the new fare bundles:
- Basic: 2 base point/$
- Choice: 6 base point/$
- Choice Preferred: 10 base point/$
- Choice Extra: 14 base point/$
TQPs are earned on the cash base fare only; if you use Cash + Points, only the cash portion earns TQPs. Elite bonuses (+25% for A-List, +100% for Preferred) do not count toward TQPs.
Posting timing TQP: Flight-earned TQPs typically post within ~72 hours after you complete the trip; credit-card TQPs post after your statement and only count for the year they hit your Rapid Rewards account.
Qualification examples: 20 one-way flights could be 10 round-trips. 35,000 TQPs might roughly correspond to about $5,000–$7,000 of Southwest tickets in a year (exact spending depends on fare type, since Business Select fares earn more points per dollar than Wanna Get Away fares).
Reaching 70,000 TQPs for A-List Preferred could require roughly double that flying spend if relying purely on points. Many travelers qualify on segments if they take lots of short flights, while others qualify on points if their flights are pricier. You don’t need to do both – either hitting the flight threshold or the points threshold will earn the status.
A-List Status Benefits
Once you’re an A-List member, Southwest provides a suite of benefits to make your trips smoother and save you money. A-List is the lower-tier status, but it still includes a number of valuable perks:
Priority Boarding
Perhaps the most popular perk – A-List members get a better boarding position. Southwest automatically reserves your boarding position 36 hours before the flight, ahead of general check-in. This virtually guarantees an earlier boarding group (often in the A-group) so you can choose better seats and find overhead bin space. Having an A-List means you won’t need to buy EarlyBird Check-In (which costs $15–$25 each way) because you’re already prioritized.
Starting in 2026, Southwest is shifting to assigned seating and numbered boarding groups. At that time, A-List members will be guaranteed to board no later than Group 5 in the new system – still a priority position. They’ll also be able to select certain seats in advance (more on that below in “Upcoming Changes”).
Free Checked Bags
Historically, Southwest has allowed all passengers two free checked bags. But with new fare types introduced in 2025, bag fees apply on the lowest fares. As an A-List member, you get one free checked bag on any fare (your 2nd bag would cost $35 on the Basic fare). Essentially, A-List status preserves the free baggage allowance even if you book a discounted fare that would otherwise charge for bags. (If you purchase mid-tier or higher fares, you already get bags included.)
Same-Day Flight Changes
A-List flyers enjoy more flexibility if travel plans change. You can get free same-day standby on an earlier flight to your destination (no fare difference charged, just any taxes) when available. In practice, this means if you arrive at the airport early, you can hop on an earlier flight without paying change fees – a nice perk for business travelers.
Be aware that after mid-2025, free same-day confirmed changes require certain fare classes (Choice fares) or status; standby remains free for A-List on any fare .
25% Earning Bonus
When you fly Southwest, A-List members earn 25% more Rapid Rewards points on their paid flights . This is a bonus on top of the base points everyone earns (which are 6, 10, or 12 points per dollar depending on fare type). For example, if a flight normally earns 1,000 points, an A-Lister would get 1,250 total. This accelerates your ability to earn free flights. (Note: these bonus points do not count as tier-qualifying for status – they’re just reward points.)
Priority Check-In and Security Lane Access
At many airports, Southwest offers a “Fly By” priority check-in counter and security lane. A-List members can use the priority check-in desks and security lines (where available) to save time at the airport. This is especially handy at busy airports – less time waiting in line means a smoother start to your trip.
Dedicated A-List Phone Line
As an A-List member, you get access to a special priority customer service line. When you call Southwest, your call is routed to agents who specialize in assisting A-List flyers, often resulting in shorter hold times and quick help with reservations or issues.
Seat Perks (Coming Soon)
With Southwest moving to assigned seating in 2025–2026, A-List members will get some seat selection benefits. Starting January 2026, A-List will be able to select “Preferred” seats at booking when available (these are likely desirable seats toward the front) and will have the ability to upgrade to extra-legroom seats 48 hours before departure if those are open.
A-List Preferred Status Benefits
A-List Preferred is Southwest’s top-tier elite status, and it includes all the benefits of A-List – plus several significant upgrades. The biggest differences at this level are that you earn points twice as fast and enjoy in-flight perks like free Wi-Fi and drinks. Here are the extra benefits A-List Preferred members get on top of all the A-List perks:
100% Point Earning Bonus
A-List Preferred travelers receive a 100% bonus on Rapid Rewards points earned from flights. This means you double the points you’d normally get. For example, a flight that earns 1,000 base points would yield 2,000 points for an A-List Preferred member. This hefty bonus makes it much quicker to accumulate points for free flights (or even to earn the Companion Pass). It’s a major jump from the 25% bonus at regular A-List.
Free In-Flight Wi-Fi
If you’re A-List Preferred, Southwest’s in-flight Wi-Fi is free on Wi-Fi equipped planes. Normally, Wi-Fi costs $8 per device per flight. With this status, you can stay connected or get work done without paying extra. For frequent flyers, this perk alone can save quite a bit – e.g. a traveler who takes 2 round-trips per month could save around $192–$384 a year in Wi-Fi fees. (Southwest gives A-List Preferred a special code or automatically recognizes your status for internet access.)
Two Free Checked Bags
A-List Preferred members get two checked bags free on all fares . This mirrors the traditional Southwest allowance, so even with new Basic fares that normally charge for baggage, as A-List Preferred, you and even your companion (if you have the Companion Pass) still get the first two bags free. Essentially, top-tier status ensures you never pay luggage fees on Southwest-operated flights.
Priority Boarding (Even Earlier)
Just like A-List, Preferred members have priority boarding – but in the new 2026 boarding scheme, they will board even sooner. Southwest has said A-List Preferred will board no later than Group 2 once groups replace the old A/B/C lineup . That’s a very early boarding group (Group 1 might be Business Select or military pre-board, so Group 2 is right up front). In current practice (2025), A-List Preferred also gets automatic check-in 36 hours ahead, and while they line up with other A-Listers at the gate, they may have a slight edge in processing. (Some frequent flyers report A-List Preferred often gets slightly better boarding positions than regular A-List when the system assigns them, especially if booking last minute, but officially they share the same 36-hour automatic check-in perk.) Regardless, as A-List Preferred, you will board among the first passengers, virtually guaranteeing a prime seat and overhead space.
Premium Drink Vouchers
Southwest rewards A-List Preferred flyers with complimentary premium beverages on board. You’ll get up to two (2) free drinks (beer, wine, or liquor) on each flight of 250+ miles. Simply show your A-List Preferred status (often noted on your mobile boarding pass), and the flight attendant will credit you for free drinks. Enjoying a cocktail or beer on the house is a nice little perk – roughly a $6-$7 value per drink, which can add up over the year. (Note: You must be 21+, of course.) Regular A-List does not include free drinks, so this is a fun Preferred-only benefit .
Dedicated A-List Preferred Phone Line
Preferred members likely have an even more exclusive customer service line. Southwest doesn’t publicly list a different number, but mentions a “Dedicated A-List Preferred member phone line”. In practice, you’ll get top priority routing when calling for support, which can mean faster resolution for changes or issues.
Best Seat Selection Perks
When Southwest transitions to assigned seating, A-List Preferred will have the highest seating priority. Preferred members will be able to select any available seat (including extra-legroom seats) at the time of booking for free. You won’t have to wait until 48 hours prior for extra-legroom – you get first crack at those desirable seats as soon as you book, ahead of regular A-Listers. Also, if you have a Companion Pass, your companion will get the same seating benefits as you when flying together.
Strategies to Get Status Faster (U.S.-Based Travelers)
Earning 35,000 or 70,000 points, or flying 20–40 segments, in one year is a challenge for some travelers. Fortunately, there are ways to accelerate your path to A-List or A-List Preferred.
Here are some strategies:
1. Southwest Credit Cards (Tier Qualifying Points)
Southwest’s co-branded Chase Rapid Rewards credit cards can help you earn status through regular spending. Certain cards award Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) for every $5,000 you spend on the card, which count toward A-List qualification.
| Card | TQPs earned per $5,000 in purchases |
|---|---|
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority (personal) | 2,500 TQPs |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier (personal) | 1,500 TQPs |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business | 2,500 TQPs |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business | 2,000 TQPs |
Each of these cards lets you “spend your way” toward status. For example, using the Priority Card, $10,000 spent would yield 5,000 TQPs – that’s 1/7 of the way to A-List’s 35k requirement. There is no stated limit to how many TQPs you can earn via card spending annually. However, practically, it would require very high spend (tens of thousands of dollars) to fully earn status purely on credit card points. Most find this useful to top off their flight earnings.
2. Status Match Challenge
If you already have elite status with another U.S. airline, Southwest offers a status match challenge that can jump-start you to A-List. You can request a 90-day promotional A-List status by proving your status on another domestic carrier . During those 90 days, you’ll enjoy A-List benefits, and if you fly 3 round-trip flights (or 6 one-ways) in 90 days, Southwest will extend your A-List status for a full 12 months. This is a fantastic shortcut if you qualify. For example, a frequent Delta, United, or American flyer can match into Southwest A-List, then just complete 3 round trips on Southwest in the next few months to lock in status for the year.
The status match must be started by enrolling in the promotion (currently offered through end of 2025) and you cannot have done a Southwest status match in the last 12 months. There’s also a separate Corporate Status Match for employees of certain companies, granting 120 days of status if your company has a corporate travel agreement with Southwest.
4. Leverage Promotions and Accelerators
Keep an eye out for Southwest promotions that make earning status easier. In some years, Southwest has offered double tier-qualifying points promotions or gave A-List status for a short trial period to targeted members. Additionally, if you’re just shy of qualification in December, Southwest sometimes allows purchase of a few extra TQPs or flights to push you over the threshold – though this isn’t guaranteed.
5. Plan Segment Runs vs. Point Runs
Because Southwest offers two paths (flights or points), choose the one that fits your travel pattern:
If you take many short, inexpensive trips, aim for 20 or 40 one-way segments. Even short hops count as much as long flights. (Note: booking non-stop legs separately can help count each as a segment, since a one-way with a connection only counts once . Just be mindful of layover logistics.)
If you fly infrequently but on pricier fares (or long-haul flights), you might hit the points requirement before the flight count. Business travelers buying Anytime or Business Select fares rack up TQPs quickly – you earn 10 or 12 points per dollar on those fares, which accelerates hitting 35k/70k points . In that case, you may reach A-List on points even with fewer than 20 flights.
Some flyers will do a “tier point run” – taking a trip purely to gain points or segments if they’re near the cutoff at year-end. Since Southwest has no first class, these runs are usually about finding a cheap fare to add one or two segments to reach 20/40, or using the credit card spend trick above for points.
6. Utilize Credit Card Perks in Lieu of Status
If you find you can’t quite get A-List, note that some credit card perks can substitute for status benefits. For example, the Southwest Performance Business Card gives you 365 free Wi-Fi credits per year and 4 upgraded boarding passes per year – effectively covering in-flight Wi-Fi and occasional priority boarding purchases without having A-List Preferred . The Southwest Priority Card annually gives 4 free upgraded boardings (to A1-15 position) as well. While not a direct way to earn status, these card benefits can ease the pain if you fall short of A-List – you can still board early a few times or get free Wi-Fi via card perks. Keep this in mind when valuing the effort to chase status; sometimes holding the right card might be enough if you’re an infrequent Southwest traveler.
By combining some of the strategies above – e.g. sign up for a status match and use a Southwest credit card for your everyday spending – you can substantially reduce the flying needed to reach A-List status. Always consider your own travel frequency and whether the perks of status justify any extra effort or cost.
Bottom
Focus on elite status if you’re a frequent Southwest flyer in the U.S. – you’ll enjoy priority treatment and significant perks every time you fly. Use the tips above to fast-track your A-List or A-List Preferred status, and you’ll quickly see why many consider Southwest’s elite program worth it, especially with the latest enhancements.
Safe travels and happy flying on Southwest!
