Tier Qualifying Points on Southwest Airlines are points earned that help you achieve or maintain your A-List or A-List Preferred status within the Rapid Rewards program.
These points are not the same as regular Rapid Rewards points, which you earn for flights and can redeem for travel. Tier qualifying points specifically relate to your status level in the loyalty program.
To earn tier qualifying points, you typically gain 1 point for every dollar spent on Southwest flights. This includes the base fare and carrier-imposed fees, but does not include taxes or other fees.
Purchasing Southwest products and services, like EarlyBird Check-In or upgraded boarding, also contributes to your total.
The more tier qualifying points you accumulate, the closer you get to elite status benefits, like priority boarding, free in-flight wifi, and more.
Reaching A-List status requires you to earn either 35 tier qualifying points in a calendar year or take 25 one-way flights. A-List Preferred status requires 70 tier qualifying points or 50 one-way flights.
Once you reach these thresholds, you enjoy perks that enhance your travel experience. These include priority security lanes, bonus points on flights, and access to complimentary inflight drinks.
Maintaining your status is crucial, as it needs to be renewed every year based on your tier qualifying points or flights.
Keep in mind, tier qualifying points reset at the end of the calendar year, so it’s essential to plan your travel accordingly to maintain your elite status.
What are the benefits of A-List status?
Benefits of A-List status include priority boarding, bonus points on flights, and access to dedicated check-in and security lanes.
How many tier qualifying points do I need for A-List?
You need 35 tier qualifying points or 25 one-way flights to achieve A-List status.
Do tier qualifying points expire?
Yes, tier qualifying points reset at the end of each calendar year.
Can I earn tier qualifying points on partner flights?
No, tier qualifying points can only be earned on Southwest flights and not on partner airlines.
What happens if I don’t reach the required tier qualifying points?
If you don’t reach the required tier qualifying points for your desired status, you’ll lose that status at the end of the year.