You Can Now Earn Southwest A-List Status While Lounging on the Couch

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Chase is teaming up with Southwest Airlines to make reaching the airline’s elite A-List status easier than ever without having to go anywhere. That’s right, there’s no travel necessary.

The airline is giving existing Southwest Premier Consumer, Premier Business, Priority and Performance Rapid Rewards cardholders new options to get rewards. For the first time ever, there’s no cap on tier qualifying points (TQPs) earned with these cards. Additionally, Southwest will double the number of TQPs earned from 1,500 to 3,000 for every $10,000 spent in eligible net purchases on the cards listed above. Note: This double points offer will only apply for up to 15,000 TQPs per year.

"We want to give our Cardmembers new options to earn rewards for how they are spending now, so I’m excited to share more good news that will help Rapid Rewards Cardmembers spend their way all the way to A-List status for the first time ever. Cardmembers who previously earned 1,500 tier qualifying points (TQPs) for every $10,000 in eligible net purchases on their card (up to 15,000 TQPs per year) are automatically enrolled in the new offer. This offer will accelerate TQPs earned and eliminate the 15,000 cap," Clarissa Carlucci with JP Morgan told Slickdeals via email.

With the coronavirus pandemic putting a hold on travel plans, companies are adjusting to ensure customers can still make the most out of the available loyalty programs. Last week, Chase announced that for a limited time, you can earn up to 5X points for supermarket spending with certain credit cards.

Southwest A-List Promotion Details

If a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card is your go-to swipe for most purchases, you’ll be surprised at how quickly you qualify for the airline’s top status. You only need 35,000 TQPs for A-List, 70,000 TQPs for A-List Preferred and 135,000 TQPs to receive the coveted Companion Pass — which allows one person to fly with you for free. Other benefits that are included with either elite status are priority boarding, a dedicated member line, 25% earning bonus and so much more.

This promotion requires no activation and begins on the first day of your May billing cycle. It concludes on the final day of your December 2020 billing cycle. Additionally, It's important to note, that the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card is not included in this promotion.

Last thing to note, A-List and A-List Preferred qualification are determined per calendar year and members can immediately begin enjoying the benefits. However, since 2020 is almost over and you may not be traveling anytime soon, know that not only will these rewards be automatically applied for the remainder of the calendar year in which the status was earned, more importantly, you’ll also have them for the year after. In short, you’ll be set for 2020 and 2021 if you gain status and decide to fly with Southwest.

Southwest A-List Benefits

High-volume travelers love Southwest's A-List Status for the added comfort and perks from a budget airline that typically opts for value over amenities.

A-List Flight Benefits

Southwest's A-List Status is designed to make getting to your destination even faster and easier. Simply fly 25 qualifying one-way flights or earn 35,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year.

A-List Preferred Flight Benefits

As an A-List Preferred member, you will receive all of the standard A-List benefits and the added benefits listed below. Simply fly 50 qualifying one-way flights or earn 70,000 tier qualifying points in one calendar year.

* Where available
† On or before December 31, 2020, A-List and A-List Preferred Members will have free same-day standby benefits. Beginning January 1, 2021, A-List and A-List Preferred Members will have same-day standby benefits free of airline charges, but will be required to pay any additional government taxes and fees associated with changes in their itinerary.
‡ Available only on WiFi-enabled aircraft.