Southwest Airlines is one of the most popular airlines in the United States, known for its affordable fares and excellent customer service. If you are a frequent flyer with Southwest, you may be interested in earning tier qualifying points to achieve elite status. In this article, we will discuss what tier qualifying points are, how to earn them, and the benefits of achieving elite status with Southwest.

What are Tier Qualifying Points?

Tier qualifying points (TQPs) are points that you earn by flying with Southwest Airlines or by using a Southwest Airlines credit card. These points are used to determine your elite status with the airline. There are three tiers of elite status with Southwest: A-List, A-List Preferred, and Companion Pass.

How to Earn Tier Qualifying Points

There are several ways to earn tier qualifying points with Southwest Airlines. The most obvious way is by flying with the airline. You earn TQPs based on the fare you purchase and the distance you fly. For example, you earn 6 TQPs per dollar spent on a Wanna Get Away fare, 10 TQPs per dollar spent on a Anytime fare, and 12 TQPs per dollar spent on a Business Select fare. You also earn TQPs based on the distance you fly, with a minimum of 6 TQPs per flight segment.

Another way to earn TQPs is by using a Southwest Airlines credit card. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card both offer 1,500 TQPs for every $10,000 spent on the card, up to a maximum of 15,000 TQPs per year.

Benefits of Achieving Elite Status

There are several benefits to achieving elite status with Southwest Airlines. A-List members receive priority boarding, priority check-in, and a 25% bonus on Rapid Rewards points earned from flights. A-List Preferred members receive all the benefits of A-List, plus a 100% bonus on Rapid Rewards points earned from flights, free in-flight Wi-Fi, and free same-day standby. Companion Pass holders can bring a companion with them on any Southwest flight for free (excluding taxes and fees) for the remainder of the year in which they earn the pass and the following year.

Conclusion

If you are a frequent flyer with Southwest Airlines, earning tier qualifying points can help you achieve elite status and enjoy a range of benefits. Whether you earn TQPs by flying with the airline or using a Southwest Airlines credit card, the rewards are well worth the effort. So start earning those TQPs today and enjoy the perks of elite status with Southwest Airlines!