Is Southwest A-List Preferred Status Worth It?
-
Written by
Lee Huffman
-
Edited by
Emily Gadd, CCC™
-
Reviewed by
Jasmin Baron, CCC™
Southwest Airlines has undergone massive changes in the way it sells tickets, operates flights and runs its loyalty program. With the introduction of assigned seating, checked bag fees and other changes, many travelers are re-evaluating Southwest Rapid Rewards elite status tiers and benefits.
A-List Preferred is the airline’s top-tier elite status, and while Southwest doesn’t offer first-class seats or airport lounges, its top-tier passengers receive substantial benefits when they fly.
The big question is: Is Southwest A-List Preferred worth it? Learn what perks you’ll receive with this status, how to qualify and who should aim for earning A-List Preferred.
400+ Credit Cards
Analyzed independently across 50+ data points in 30+ product categories
Reviewed
By a team of credit card experts with an average of 9+ years of experience
Trusted by
More than one million monthly readers seeking unbiased credit card guidance
CardCritics™ editorial team is dedicated to providing unbiased credit card reviews, advice and comprehensive comparisons. Our team of credit card experts uses rigorous data-driven methodologies to evaluate every card feature, fee structure and rewards program. In most instances, our experts are longtime members or holders of the very programs and cards they review, so they have firsthand experience maximizing them. We maintain complete editorial independence — our ratings and recommendations are never influenced by advertiser relationships or affiliate partnerships. You can learn more about our editorial standards, transparent review process and how we make money to understand how we help you make informed financial decisions.
What Is Southwest A-List Preferred Status?
A-List Preferred is the highest elite status tier you can earn with Southwest Airlines. When you reach this level, you’ll receive numerous benefits that enhance your travel, boost your earning power and save money on flights.
Southwest Rapid Rewards was one of the best airline loyalty programs before its recent updates. Now, travelers are trying to absorb the changes to see if it is still worth it. Here are the major benefits you can expect to receive when flying Southwest as an A-List Preferred member.
- No-cost upgrades when booking: On all flights departing on or after Jan. 27, 2026, you can select any available seat, including extra-legroom options, for no additional charge.
- Early boarding: You will board no later than Group 2 on all flights departing on or after Jan. 27, 2026.
- Free checked bags: A-List Preferred members receive two free checked bags on Southwest, while A-List and Southwest credit card holders receive just one.
- 100% bonus points: You’ll receive double points on every qualifying flight with Southwest.
- Complimentary in-flight drinks: Receive up to two premium drinks for free on select flights over 250 miles.
- Same-day standby: Take advantage of same-day standby to change flights the same day as your originally scheduled flight.
- Priority check-in and security: Enjoy a dedicated lane at Southwest check-in counters and airport security checkpoints (where available).
- Priority phone support: Get a human faster when calling Southwest from the phone linked to your Rapid Rewards account.
How Do You Earn A-List Preferred Status With Southwest?
In order to become an A-List Preferred member, you need to take 40 qualifying one-way flights or earn 70,000 tier qualifying points (TQPs) within one calendar year. Many of us don’t take 20 round-trip flights in a year, so you’ll need to be creative to earn A-List Preferred status.
Take Qualifying Flights
The easiest and most straightforward way to earn A-List Preferred status is to fly on Southwest. To earn this top-tier elite status, you need to take 40 one-way flights, which is equivalent to 20 round-trip flights.
Earn Tier Qualifying Points
There are two ways to earn the 70,000 TQPs necessary for A-List Preferred status.
- Paid qualifying flights: You’ll earn TQPs on flights paid in cash, Southwest LUV vouchers, gift cards, vacation travel credits or flight credits. If you book a Cash + Points flight, only the cash portion earns TQPs. Points earned per dollar range from 2x to 14x, depending on fare class and amount paid (minus taxes and fees).
- Credit card spending: The best Southwest credit cards earn up to 2,500 TQPs for every $5,000 you spend each year. There is no limit to the number of TQPs you can earn, so big spenders could achieve A-List Preferred status purely on their spending. For example, it would take $140,000 in spending on the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card to qualify.
You can earn A-List Preferred status with a mix of paid flights and credit card spending. Since the Southwest Priority Card is one of my favorites, that’s the approach I would take to reach this status level.
How Much Are Southwest Points Worth?
Southwest Rapid Rewards points have different redemption values based on how they are used. Even when redeeming points for flights, the value of your points may vary due to Southwest’s dynamic pricing. On average, Southwest points are worth around 1.3 cents each. This means 50,000 points are roughly $650 in flight value.
Learn more about earning and redeeming points in our in-depth Southwest Rapid Rewards guide.
Who Should Go After Southwest A-List Preferred Status?
Southwest A-List Preferred elite status isn’t for everyone. With a high threshold to earn the status and specific benefits given to members, here’s how to tell if Southwest A-List Preferred status is worth it.
- You’re a frequent traveler: Earning A-List Preferred requires travelers to average more than 1.5 round-trip flights per month.
- You want to avoid seat fees: With Southwest charging extra for some seats, A-List Preferred status saves you money by allowing free seat selection at booking.
- You often book higher-fare tickets: You’ll earn 14x points on the base fare with Choice Extra tickets. This multiplier not only helps you earn status quickly, but with the 100% bonus, you’ll maximize your rewards toward future free flights.
- You’re a big spender: Eligible Southwest credit cards earn up to 2,500 TQPs for every $5,000 you spend on the card. This significantly reduces the number of flights you need to take to earn A-List Preferred status.
- You desire flexibility: Travelers with frequently changing schedules can benefit from free same-day standby instead of paying the fare difference or waiting longer at the airport.
- You hate waiting in line: A-List Preferred members have a dedicated lane at airport check-in, so they don’t have to wait in line with other travelers. You’ll also board in Group 2 and be among the first passengers on the plane.
When I traveled for work, I would book cheap fares to stay within company policy. Then, I would pay the out-of-pocket cash difference to secure a higher multiple, making it easier to qualify for A-List Preferred status and the Companion Pass.
Who Shouldn’t Go After Southwest A-List Preferred Status?
While A-List Preferred offers numerous benefits, earning this elite status may not be worth it. Here’s why you may want to skip A-List Preferred:
- You prefer to book award flights: Redeeming points for flights won’t earn flight credits or TQPs toward elite status.
- You have a Southwest credit card: Cardholders receive one free checked bag for up to nine people, complimentary seat selection within 48 hours of departure and board with Group 5. These benefits are similar to what you receive with A-List Preferred without the hassle of qualifying.
- You prefer flying first class: While Southwest is reconfiguring planes to add extra legroom, it won’t offer a true first-class experience.
- You’re an occasional Southwest flyer: If you only travel on Southwest a few times a year, it will be difficult to earn A-List Preferred status, and you won’t have many opportunities to use the benefits.
Although I see a lot of value in A-List Preferred, I’m not focused on earning it because most of my flights are booked with points earned from spending on my Southwest credit cards. Instead, I’ll just use one of the best airline credit cards to get free checked bags and priority boarding when I fly.
The information related to the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card was collected by CardCritics™ and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardCritics™ does not receive a commission for this product.
Frequently Asked Questions About Southwest Status
Is A-List Preferred worth it over A-List?
For travelers who can qualify, the A-List Preferred perks are definitely worth it. The most valuable benefits include a 100% bonus on paid flights, up from 25% with A-List, and two free checked bags instead of one.
What does A-List Preferred get you?
A-List Preferred includes numerous benefits to save time and money, increase earning power and provide more flexibility. These perks include two free checked bags, same-day standby, a 100% earning bonus and up to two free premium drinks per flight.
What is the 10-minute rule for Southwest?
Southwest has a generous cancellation policy for both cash and points tickets. However, passengers must cancel reservations at least 10 minutes before the flight’s originally scheduled departure time to avoid forfeiting the ticket value.
Does A-List Preferred get free drinks on Southwest?
Yes, as an A-List Preferred member, you’ll receive up to two complimentary premium drinks on select flights over 250 miles.
What will 50,000 Southwest points get you?
Point values vary because Southwest uses dynamic pricing, but we value Rapid Rewards points at an average of 1.3 cents each. That means 50,000 points is worth about $650 in travel.
