Southwest A-List Preferred Benefits (2026)
A-List Preferred is Southwest's top elite status tier. It unlocks 2 free checked bags, complimentary WiFi, priority boarding, and the highest points earning rate. Here's everything it includes.
A-List Preferred vs A-List: Full Comparison
| Benefit | A-List | A-List Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| Free checked bags | 1 per flight | 2 per flight |
| Complimentary WiFi | ✗ | ✓ Free |
| Rapid Rewards points bonus | 25% | 100% |
| Priority check-in | ✓ | ✓ |
| Priority boarding (A1–A15) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Standby & same-day change priority | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dedicated phone line | ✗ | ✓ |
| Qualifying flights/points required | 25 flights or 35,000 TQPs | 50 flights or 70,000 TQPs |
A-List Preferred Benefits in Detail
2 free checked bags
Save $80 each way ($160 round trip) vs. no status. At 50 flights per year, that's up to $8,000 in annual bag savings for a heavy packer.
Complimentary WiFi
Available on all Southwest flights with WiFi. At $8–$12 per flight, 50 flights per year means $400–$600 in WiFi savings annually.
100% points bonus
Double the base Rapid Rewards points on every paid flight. At $200 average fare × 50 flights, you're earning 100,000+ bonus points per year.
Priority boarding (A1–A15)
Board in the first 15 positions on every flight — you always get an aisle or window seat near the front. No more scrambling for overhead bin space.
How to Earn A-List Preferred
Within a single calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31), reach either threshold:
50
qualifying one-way flights
70,000
tier qualifying points (TQPs)
TQPs are earned on paid fares only (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra). Award travel does not earn TQPs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many free bags does A-List Preferred get?
2 free checked bags per flight. Standard bag fees are $35 (first) and $45 (second), so this saves $80 each way.
Does A-List Preferred include free WiFi?
Yes — the only Southwest status tier that does. Free WiFi applies on all Southwest flights that offer WiFi service.
Do companion bags count as free with A-List Preferred?
No. Free bags apply to the status member's ticket only. Companions need their own status or a qualifying Southwest credit card to get free bags.
How does A-List Preferred differ from A-List?
A-List Preferred requires double the flights (50 vs 25) and adds: a second free checked bag, complimentary WiFi, 100% points bonus (vs 25%), and a dedicated customer service phone line.
Does A-List Preferred status waive overweight or oversize bag fees?
No. A-List Preferred waives standard checked bag fees ($35 for the first bag, $45 for the second) but does NOT waive overweight surcharges ($100 for 51–70 lbs, $200 for 71–100 lbs) or the $200 oversize surcharge for bags 63–80 linear inches.
Related: A-List status guide · Credit card bag perks · Carry-on rules · All free bag options · Avoid baggage fees · All fee types
All information provided is for general informational purposes only and is based on publicly available data. Fee information was last verified against official Southwest baggage policy in March 2026. While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information contained on this website.
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