Surprise! Check your account for unexpected Southwest elite status
Editor's Note
Editor's note: This post has been updated with confirmation from Southwest that the promotional A-List status some flyers are receiving is legitimate and not a glitch.
While this month can be a downer for those who didn't qualify for airline elite status last year, some flyers are receiving a very welcome New Year's gift in the form of Southwest A-List elite status.
TPG reader Megan McGuire emailed us to report she'd been awarded Southwest A-List status through June 30, 2020. And she's not the only one — I've got it on my account too, as do TPG Points and Miles reporter Joseph Hostetler and numerous readers in the TPG Lounge Facebook group.
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A Southwest representative on FlyerTalk verified the promotion is not a glitch: "A select group of Chase Cardmember Customers were targeted for promotional A-List status that was automatically granted through June 30, 2020."
Many who are targeted opened a Chase Southwest credit card in 2019 during the limited-time (no longer available) promotion that awarded a Southwest Companion Pass through Dec. 31, 2019 after completing minimum spending requirements. Some who received the status (including myself) had few to no paid segments on Southwest last year.
Normally, to earn A-List status, you'd need 25 qualifying one-way flights or 35,000 TQPs in a calendar year. While this promotional status is only valid for six months, it's nothing to sniff at, especially if you fly Southwest often. TPG Points Lab Senior Editor Nick Ewen values Southwest A-List elite status at $685, assuming you fly a moderate amount with Southwest.
Related: What is Southwest elite status worth?
Southwest A-List elite perks include:
- Priority Boarding: You'll get a boarding position 36 hours before your flight (compared to checking in and receiving a spot 24 hours prior). While higher-tier elites and Business Select ticket holders will still board before you, you should hopefully get a spot in the A boarding group.
- 25% point bonus: A-List members earn 25% more points than regular flyers.
- Free same-day standby: You can also standby on an earlier flight at no charge as an A-List member. This is only available for flights between the same cities before your originally scheduled departure time and on the same date of travel (and note that free standby is also provided for Anytime and Business Select fares, so this perk only offers tangible value on Wanna Get Away tickets). For flights outside this window, you’re still given priority over non-elites, but must pay a fare difference if a seat opens up.
- Priority check-in and security: This is especially beneficial if you’re checking bags, because Southwest’s policy of free checked bags for all passengers tends to create longer check-in lines than other airlines.
- Priority phone line: Southwest offers a priority phone line to elite members, which can be a nice perk when major weather events hit.
This is especially timely for those who fell short of earning Southwest elite status in 2019. In the age of airlines tightening up their elite status qualification rules, this goodwill from Southwest is certainly welcome news.
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There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
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4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
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Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and 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, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees