What A List gives you on Southwest Airlines

A List is Southwest's frequent flyer tier that sits between their base Rapid Rewards program and their top tier, A List Preferred. You reach A List by flying 25 may have access to one-way segments (or spending $1,500 in base fares) in a calendar year. Once you're in, you get priority boarding, free checked bags, and a companion pass that lets one person fly free when you buy a ticket — but the specifics matter, because the pass has real limits.

The tier runs on a calendar year, so your benefits reset January 1. If you hit A List in March, you keep the status through December 31 of that same year, then lose it unless you re-may have access to. Southwest doesn't grandfather you into the next year automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • A List requires 25 may have access to one-way segments or $1,500 in base fares during a calendar year, and the status expires December 31 if you don't re-may have access to.
  • Your main benefits are priority boarding (you board in the A group instead of B or C), two free checked bags per flight, and a companion pass valid through the following year.
  • The companion pass lets one person fly free on any Southwest flight you book, but they must travel with you and the pass expires at the end of the year after you earned it.
  • A List Preferred (the next tier up) adds things like priority customer service and extra Rapid Rewards points, but costs significantly more to reach.
  • Your status is tied to your Rapid Rewards account number, so you need to provide that when booking to receive your benefits.

Priority boarding and what it actually means

When you have A List status, you board in the A group instead of B or C. Southwest doesn't assign seats — you pick your spot when you board — so A group boarding means you get first choice of the middle seats, aisle seats, and window seats before the B and C groups arrive. On a full flight, this is the difference between getting a window seat and getting a middle seat in the back.

The A group typically boards first after Southwest's special needs and active military passengers. If you're flying with someone who doesn't have A List status, they board in the B or C group even if you're traveling together. You can board together if you want, but you'll be giving up your spot in line.

Free checked bags and how they work

A List members get two free checked bags per flight. This applies to every Southwest flight you take, as long as your Rapid Rewards account number is attached to your reservation. The bags must meet Southwest's size and weight limits — currently 62 inches (length plus width plus height) and 50 pounds each.

The two free bags are a real savings if you travel more than a couple of times a year. Most airlines charge $30 to $35 per checked bag on domestic flights, so two free bags per trip adds up quickly. If you're traveling with a companion using your companion pass, they also get two free checked bags on that flight.

The companion pass: how to use it and when it expires

Your A List companion pass lets one person fly free on any Southwest flight you book. You must be on the flight together — the companion can't use the pass to fly alone. When you book, you'll add the companion's name and date of birth, and Southwest will charge you the full price for your ticket but nothing for theirs (except taxes and fees, which are usually $5 to $15 per flight).

The companion pass is valid through December 31 of the year after you earned it. If you reach A List in June 2024, your companion pass works through December 31, 2025. After that date, it expires and you can't use it. You can't extend it or transfer it to someone else.

You can use the pass on as many flights as you want during its validity period, but only one companion per flight. If you want to bring two people, you'd need to buy a ticket for the second person at the normal price.

A List versus A List Preferred: what changes at the higher tier

A List Preferred is Southwest's top tier, reached by flying 70 may have access to one-way segments or spending $10,000 in base fares during a calendar year. The jump in requirements is steep, but the added benefits are real if you fly frequently.

A List Preferred members get everything A List members get, plus priority customer service (a dedicated phone line), a $75 Southwest gift card each year, and bonus Rapid Rewards points on every flight. They also board in the A group but with priority within that group — they board before regular A List members. If you're flying 70+ segments a year, the extra perks may justify the effort; if you're at 25 segments, A List is probably the right tier for you.

How to track your progress toward A List

Your Rapid Rewards account shows your segment count and spending toward the next tier in real time. Log into your Southwest account online or in the app, go to your profile, and look for "Tier Status" or "Progress to Next Tier." You'll see exactly how many segments you've flown and how much you need to reach A List or A List Preferred.

Segments count when you fly Southwest directly — not when you book through a third party or use points. Flights booked with cash or a credit card both count. If you're close to A List near the end of the year, you can plan a short trip to push yourself over the threshold and lock in status for the following year.

What doesn't come with A List

A List does not include priority check-in, early boarding for flights you book far in advance, or bonus points on every flight. You earn Rapid Rewards points at the standard rate (1 point per dollar spent on base fare), but A List Preferred members earn extra points. You also don't get lounge access, seat upgrades, or standby privileges.

If you're comparing Southwest to other airlines' frequent flyer programs, remember that Southwest's main value comes from free checked bags and the companion pass. Other airlines might offer more points or lounge access, but they charge for checked bags and don't have a companion pass equivalent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my companion pass if I'm not traveling with the person?

No. The companion must travel on the same flight as you. You can't book them on a separate flight or have them travel alone. Both of you need to be on the same reservation and the same aircraft.

Do I lose A List status if I don't fly enough the next year?

Yes. A List status is only good for the calendar year you earned it. On January 1, your status resets to the base Rapid Rewards level unless you've already hit 25 segments or $1,500 in spending during the new year. You have to re-may have access to every year to keep the benefits.

What if I book a flight but don't fly it — does the segment still count?

No. You have to actually fly the segment for it to count toward A List. Cancelled flights or no-shows don't count. Only completed flights count toward your tier.

Can I give my companion pass to someone else if I don't use it?

No. The companion pass is tied to your Rapid Rewards account and can only be used by you when you're on the flight. You can't transfer it, sell it, or give it to a family member to use without you.

Do I need to do anything to set up my A List benefits?

No. Once you hit 25 segments or $1,500 in spending, your benefits are automatic. Make sure your Rapid Rewards account number is on your reservation so Southwest knows to give you priority boarding and free checked bags. The companion pass will appear in your account once you've may have access to.