What Is The Difference Between Southwest Airlines A-List And A-List Preferred Status? (2024)

Rapid Rewards is the loyalty program of Southwest Airlines. As with most airline loyalty programs, it allows travelers to collect points to use for free flights and awards benefits for frequent fliers.

It is simpler than the loyalty programs of some of the larger alliance-member airlines. Benefits apply only when flying Southwest Airlines and are more limited than those offered elsewhere.

A-list is the lower-level elite status and offers bonus points earning, free same-day changes and standby, and priority airport handling. Going further to A-List Preferred brings more benefits, including increased points earning, free WiFi, and free drinks onboard.

Elite status with Rapid Rewards

There are just two elite status levels in the Rapid Rewards program, earned with increasing levels of flying or other points earning activity. These two levels are called A-List and A-List Preferred.

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Status is earned as follows, based on other qualifying points or the number of flights taken in a year.

Note that qualifying points are different from the total points earned in the program. The following all count as qualifying points:

• Base points earned from flight tickets (not including additional bonuses for elite status).
• Spending on certain Southwest Airlines co-branded credit cards. This differs from standard spend-based points earning. You earn 1,500 qualifying points for every $10,000 in spending.
• Points earned through hotel and car hire partners (but not from shopping or dining portal spending).

It is also sometimes possible to obtain A-List status through a status match. Airlines often offer such promotions to attract passengers in key markets who regularly fly with other airlines. In mid-2024, such an offer was in place to match into lower-level A-List from several US airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Hawaiian Airlines, and Alaska Airlines.

Benefits with A-List status

A-List status offers several benefits when flying with Southwest Airlines. Many of the benefits have a direct value, whereas others are more about convenience and priority treatment.

As the airline is not a member of any of the main airline alliances, there are no shared benefits offered when traveling with other airlines. This is different from the main US legacy carriers, all of which offer extensive benefits globally through their respective alliance memberships.

Read more about airline alliances and the benefits that they offer.

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The benefits of A-List include:

• A 25% bonus on points earned from flights. These are standard points and are not elite qualifying.
• Priority check-in and security express lane (where offered at the airport). This includes the use of Priority Lane for check-in and Express Lane for security.
• Priority boarding. An earlier boarding position is assigned 36 hours in advance. This is very useful as Southwest Airlines has unassigned seating.
• Free same-day flight change and same-day standby. With status, this is also available for lower Wanna Get Away fares.
• Dedicated telephone support.

Benefits with A-List Preferred status

The higher level of A-List Preferred adds more tangible benefits. However, it is worth noting that there are no flagship or highly valuable benefits such as airport lounge access or complimentary upgrades. Still, it remains a good and rewarding program for a low-cost airline.

The additional benefits of A-List Preferred include:

• A 100% bonus on points earned from flights (again, these are not elite qualifying).
• Free inflight WiFi (where available).
• Complimentary drinks. Members receive two complimentary premium drinks (including alcoholic drinks) on all flights over 176 miles.

Don't forget the benefits of the Companion Pass

As well as these two elite status levels, Southwest Airlines offers the Companion Pass. This is where some of the best value and perks for frequent flyers can be found. This pass gives one free ticket for a named companion when you buy a cash or points ticket. If used correctly, this offers some of the best value in the loyalty market and is a great alternative to the attractive free upgrading of other airlines.

There are a few key terms, including:

• The pass is valid for a full year. Once earned, it is valid for the remainder of that year and the full next year.
• It is valid for one free companion on all paid fares and all flights purchased with points.
• The companion can be changed up to three times per year.
• Taxes and fees must still be paid for the companion ticket (starting at $5.60 one-way for US domestic flights).

Photo:Markus Mainka | Shutterstock

The Companion Pass is not linked to elite status but is awarded with further qualifying points earning. It requires 100 flight segments or 135.000 qualifying points. Eligible earnings here are wider than those for elite status, including all points earned from credit card spending. There is also a 10,000 point bonus for cardholders (effectively reducing the requirement to 125,000 points).

Do you have A-List or A-List Preferred status with Rapid Rewards? In the comments section below, feel free to discuss your experiences and the program benefits.