Register now to earn Southwest elite status faster
Editor's Note
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.
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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” requirements | 2021 Boost | Net 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.
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.
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.