Southwest Airlines Loyalty Program Analysis: An evaluation of the Rapid Rewards scheme by Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines, known for its affordable flights to destinations such as Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, also offers a rewarding loyalty program: Southwest Rapid Rewards. This programme allows travellers to earn points through various means, including branded and partnered credit cards, revenue flights, and partner hotel and car rentals.
One of the key benefits of the Southwest Rapid Rewards programme is its elite statuses, A-List and A-List Preferred. These statuses offer a range of perks to frequent flyers, with A-List Preferred providing significantly enhanced benefits.
Requirements and Key Benefits of A-List
To achieve A-List status, travellers need to complete 20 qualifying one-way flights or accumulate 35,000 tier qualifying points (TQPs) in a calendar year. Key benefits of A-List include:
- One free checked bag per passenger (plus the standard second bag fee applies)
- Priority boarding, boarding no later than Group 5
- Preferred seat selection at booking and free Extra Legroom seat upgrades 48 hours prior to departure
- Priority check-in and security lane access (where available)
- A 25% bonus on Rapid Rewards points earned from Southwest flights
- Free same-day standby
- Dedicated A-List phone line
- Benefits extend to up to 8 additional passengers on the same reservation
Key Additional Benefits of A-List Preferred
Achieving A-List Preferred status requires 40 qualifying one-way flights or 70,000 TQPs in a calendar year—roughly double that of A-List. In addition to the benefits of A-List, A-List Preferred offers:
- Two free checked bags per passenger (an extra bag over A-List)
- Priority boarding at no later than Group 2, giving a better chance at preferred seating
- Free in-flight Wi-Fi
- Double Rapid Rewards points on flights (100% bonus versus 25% for A-List)
- Dedicated A-List Preferred phone line (separate and more personalized support)
- Free selection of any available seats including Extra Legroom at booking (a new benefit starting in 2026)
- Two free premium alcoholic beverages on eligible flights over 250 miles
- Same benefits apply to up to 8 additional travelers on the same reservation
A Comparison of Features
| Feature | A-List | A-List Preferred | |-------------------------------|--------------------------------|---------------------------------| | Flights or Points Required | 20 one-way / 35,000 TQPs | 40 one-way / 70,000 TQPs | | Checked Bags | 1 free | 2 free | | Priority Boarding | Boards by Group 5 | Boards by Group 2 | | Points Bonus | 25% bonus points | 100% bonus points | | Seat Selection | Preferred & Standard at booking; Extra Legroom upgrade 48 hrs prior | Any seats at booking including Extra Legroom (from 2026) | | In-flight Wi-Fi | No | Yes | | Premium Drinks | No | 2 free on eligible flights | | Dedicated Phone Line | Yes | Yes, with dedicated A-List Preferred line |
Overall, while A-List Preferred requires roughly twice the flights or points, the enhanced benefits—especially in points earning, baggage allowance, boarding position, and in-flight perks—make it a more premium choice for frequent Southwest travelers.
Accessing Your Account and Earning More Points
To manage your account, view trips, points, promotions, and progress toward elite status, log in and click on "My Account". To join Southwest Rapid Rewards, visit the Southwest website and click "Create account".
Travellers can earn additional Rapid Rewards points with A-List and A-List Preferred status through hotel partners, car rentals, shopping, dining, and specialty partners. For those looking to transfer points, Chase Ultimate Rewards credit cards can be used, with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card making it easy to earn unlimited points and qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass.
Southwest offers five co-branded credit cards, including the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card. The value of Rapid Rewards elite status lies in priority boarding, which allows for better seat selection and reduces the need for EarlyBird Check-In. Rapid Rewards points do not expire if your account is open and in good standing.
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