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).
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?
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