How to Earn Southwest A-List or A-List Preferred Status
Unlock free checked bags and other valuable perks with Southwest elite status
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A-List Status
Requirements:
- 25 one-way qualifying flights (in a calendar year)
- 35,000 tier qualifying points (in a calendar year)
Benefits:
- 1 free checked bag under the new policy for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation
- Priority boarding (automatically assigned A-List position)
- 25% earning bonus on paid flights
- Same-day standby benefits
- Priority check-in and security lane access
- Dedicated phone line for customer service
A-List Preferred Status
Requirements:
- 50 one-way qualifying flights (in a calendar year)
- 70,000 tier qualifying points (in a calendar year)
Benefits:
- 2 free checked bags under the new policy for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation
- All A-List benefits
- 100% earning bonus on paid flights
- Free in-flight WiFi
How to Earn Qualifying Flights & Points
Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs)
Tier Qualifying Points are earned based on the fare type you purchase:
- Basic: 6 TQPs per dollar spent
- Choice: 8 TQPs per dollar spent
- Choice Preferred: 10 TQPs per dollar spent
- Choice Extra: 12 TQPs per dollar spent
Qualifying Flights
Each one-way revenue flight you take counts as one qualifying flight, regardless of any connections. Round-trip flights count as two qualifying flights.
Shortcuts to Status
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Earn 1,500 tier qualifying points for every $10,000 spent on the card (up to 15,000 TQPs per year)
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
Earn 1,500 tier qualifying points for every $10,000 spent on the card (up to 15,000 TQPs per year)
Status Match or Challenge
Southwest occasionally offers status match opportunities if you have status with another airline
Pro Tips for Earning Status Faster
Book Choice Extra fares when possible
They earn the highest tier qualifying points per dollar spent (12 TQPs), and include 2 free checked bags
Use a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card for everyday spending
To accumulate tier qualifying points through card spend
Focus your travel with Southwest
Consolidating your flights with one airline helps reach status thresholds faster
Look for bonus TQP promotions
Southwest occasionally offers promotions that award bonus tier qualifying points
Important Notes:
- Rapid Rewards® credit-card bag benefit does not stack on top of A-List benefits. If you have both, you'll receive the better of the two benefits (not both).
- Bag benefits are subject to standard weight (50 lbs) and size (62 linear inches) restrictions. Overweight and oversize bags will incur additional fees.
- Active-duty U.S. military personnel with valid military ID can check unlimited bags free of charge (up to 100 lbs and 80 inches per bag).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does A-List status give you free checked bags on Southwest?
Yes. A-List status gives 1 free checked bag per flight. A-List Preferred gives 2 free checked bags per flight. These benefits apply to the status member only, not companions (unless the companion is also a status holder).
How do you earn A-List status on Southwest?
Earn A-List status by flying 25 qualifying one-way flights or earning 35,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year. Earn A-List Preferred with 50 qualifying one-way flights or 70,000 tier qualifying points.
What is the difference between A-List and A-List Preferred?
A-List gives 1 free checked bag, priority boarding, and priority check-in. A-List Preferred gives 2 free checked bags, priority boarding, priority check-in, and 100% bonus Rapid Rewards points on every flight.
Does A-List Preferred status waive overweight or oversize bag fees?
No. A-List and A-List Preferred status waive the base checked bag fee ($35 first bag, $45 second bag) but do 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.
Does A-List status also give free bags to companions on my booking?
No. A-List status free bag benefits apply only to the status member's own ticket. Companions on the same reservation pay standard baggage fees unless they hold their own status or a qualifying Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card.
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.
Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. In no event will the owner of this website be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising out of or in connection with the use of this website.