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Register now to earn Southwest elite status faster

Sept. 03, 2021
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3 min read
Southwest 50th Anniversary Celebration Freedom One HOU DAL-35
Register now to earn Southwest elite status faster
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Editor's Note

This post has been updated with new information.

If you've been chasing or are trying to requalify for Southwest elite status, listen up.

In August, we reported that Southwest launched a targeted promotion, giving select elites an easy path to re-qualify for another full year of elite status. Today, Southwest is announcing a new, major promotion that makes it easier for everyone to qualify for status next year — regardless of their current status.

With this promotion, all Rapid Rewards members can earn double tier-qualifying points (TQPs) on all flights through Nov. 30, 2021. Here are all the details you need to know.

Southwest offering double TQPs

At the beginning of the year, Southwest unveiled its Rapid Rewards update for 2021, making it easier for flyers to qualify for status. In addition to extending 2020 status through 2021, Southwest added 15,000 tier qualifying points (TQPs) and 10 qualifying one-way flight segments towards tier status for all members with accounts active as of Dec. 31, 2020.

So, you’ll effectively need to hit the following requirements to earn status for 2022:

Status“Normal” requirements2021 BoostNet effective 2021 requirements
A-List
35,000 TQPs or 25 flights
15,000 TQPs and 10 flights
20,000 TQPs or 15 flights
A-List Preferred
70,000 TQPs or 50 flights
15,000 TQPs and 10 flights
55,000 TQPs or 40 flights

Now, Southwest is making it even easier to meet these requirements by offering double TQPs on all flights from Sept. 3 through Nov. 30, 2021.

In other words, you can effectively reach A-List status by earning just 10,000 TQPs over the next three months.

As mentioned, this promotion is open to all Rapid Rewards members — regardless of status. However, you must register here prior to booking and commencing travel. In other words, existing bookings do not qualify for this promotion.

Southwest double TQPs
(Screenshot courtesy of southwest.com)

Keep in mind, tier-qualifying points are not redeemable for award travel, but they do count toward A-List and A-List Preferred qualifications. There's no maximum number of points you can earn with this promotion.

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Related: All of the elite qualification changes you need to know about this year

Bottom line

Southwest is offering double TQPs for flights through the end of November, making it even easier to earn A-List or A-List Preferred status. This promotion is open to everyone, but advance registration is required. Only new bookings qualify so make sure you're registered before booking any new flights.

Keep in mind, for 2021, cobranded Southwest credit cardholders can also earn 1,500 TQPs for every $10,000 spent using an eligible card.

In late July, Delta announced that it would automatically extend all current elite statuses through Jan. 31, 2023. However, no other U.S. carriers have followed suit yet.

Featured image by DAVID SLOTNICK/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.