Airlines of course do everything they can to monetize their loyalty programs, since it’s the highest margin part of their business. Along those lines, Southwest Airlines has introduced a noteworthy promotion, though the value proposition is questionable (thanks to oceanbreeez for flagging this).
In this post:
Buy Southwest Airlines A-List elite status
At the moment, Southwest Airlines is selling its A-List elite status. Or more accurately, the airline is selling Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs), which are the metric by which you can earn elite status in the Rapid Rewards program.
This promotion is valid through August 22, 2024, and the TQPs that you purchase can earn you status through December 31, 2025. In order to take advantage of this offer, you need to have earned at least 3,000 TQPs in the program so far this year.
So, how much does it cost to buy TQPs? The cost starts at $175 for 1,000 TQPs, while you can buy a maximum of 35,000 TQPs for $2,190. For context, A-List status requires 35,000 TQPs in a year, while A-List Preferred status requires earning 70,000 TQPs in a year.
While we sometimes see loyalty programs with buy-up offers for elite status at the end of the year for those who just missed a certain elite tier, just outright selling TQPs in late July is a bit unusual for Southwest. But I suppose Southwest is doing whatever it can to generate revenue.
Is Southwest A-List elite status worth it?
What are Southwest A-List status perks like?
- Priority boarding for you and everyone on your reservation (you’ll automatically be given a priority boarding position 36 hours in advance)
- 25% bonus points for every qualifying flight
- Complimentary same-day standby
- Priority check-in & security lane access
- Same day changes and standby
- Dedicated A-List phone number
As you can tell, the elite perks are somewhat limited compared to other US airlines. That’s because Southwest doesn’t have first class, and already offers all passengers two free checked bags. But you do get priority boarding, bonus points, and some airport benefits, which are better than nothing when flying Southwest.
However, I can’t imagine actually spending the amount of money that Southwest is asking for in order to buy this status. I suppose it’s one thing if you’re 1,000 TQPs from earning status, and spending $175 would unlock A-List status for you. But absolutely no one should be spending hundreds (or thousands) of dollars to take advantage of this, in my opinion.
Bottom line
Southwest Airlines is outright selling Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs), which are the metric by which you can earn A-List and A-List Preferred status. It’s interesting to see the airline selling these in the middle of the year in such large quantities.
Unless you’re just a small number of TQPs from earning status, this offer almost certainly isn’t worth it.
What do you make of this Southwest A-List elite status opportunity?
The same people you see in a wheelchair boarding early with their entourage to Vegas then see them hours later walking around the casino!
The pre-boarding process has gotten out of hand. People can be observed abusing this designation on every flight. In my opinion it devalues the option of purchasing early boarding and/or business select.
They need to verify disability if a passenger claims disability. Look for those that get that treatment when they deplane and observe them when they pick up their bags. You will see what I have and continue to see at airports.
Just like the handicap card that hangs for your rear view mirror, have those claiming early boarding wear their handicap card on a lanyard prior to boarding.
This would weed out the "wannabes"!! ==:-)
Don’t like the assigned seating!!!!!! Also many people are taking advantage pretending they are disabled!!
Anyone have any idea how the new seating policy will affect the Companion Pass, A-List and A-List Preferred programs/benefits?
I would rather save my $2200 and send it direct to Ed Bastian as a personal thank you for remaining Premium™ during the outage (which was solely the fault of CrowdStrike). Knowing that I've done the right thing with my dollars is worth far more than status on a non-Premium airline.
They just announced they will be assigning seats and adding an extra legroom section.
Big big transformation
And yet they'll sell you a status where one of the big perks goes away with assigned seating.