Southwest isn’t at the top of most business traveler’s flight plans. The lack of first class and assigned seating throws many off. However, there is a lot of value to be found in Southwest’s A-List Preferred and Companion Pass status tiers—especially if you fly with a +1.
In this article, I’ll give you an overview of why Southwest A-List Preferred and Companion Pass status are and aren’t worth it. As always, the true deciding factor on if an airline status is worth it is how often you fly Southwest Airlines and how much you plan to utilize the benefits it gives you.
Why Southwest A-List Preferred and Companion Pass Are Worth It
Here are a few reasons why A-List Preferred and Companion pass are worth it. These reasons range from free companion tickets to additional points earning to priority boarding.
Free Companions (Companion Pass)
Southwest Companion Pass has a huge value to frequent fliers. After achieving Companion Pass status, the Southwest member can immediately choose a flight companion. This companion can travel with the flier for only the cost of taxes on all of the primary fliers flights, no matter if the ticket is paid with cash or Southwest points. However, do keep in mind that the companion only flies free if accompanied by the Companion Pass holder.
Fly-By Priority Lane Access and Check-In (A-List Preferred)
A-List Preferred status members can access Southwest’s Fly-By security and check-in lanes at the airport. These lanes let you skip the general boarding line, something that can be invaluable when you show up late to the airport.
Priority Same-Day Standby (A-List Preferred)
A-List Preferred members are given priority over A-List and standard Southwest fliers when on standby for a flight. The value of this perk depends on how often you plan to fly standby on earlier flights.
Priority Boarding (A-List Preferred)
Priority boarding is a huge perk of being A-List Preferred. Southwest doesn’t assign seats, so seating arrangements are always first-come-first-served. Being A-List Preferred nearly guarantees that you’re able to sit where you want on any Southwest flight (so long as you’re on-time!).
100% Bonus on Points Earning (A-List Preferred)
When flying on paid flights, A-List Preferred members earn a 100% bonus on miles earned. This puts you closer to award tickets with every flight.
Free Wi-Fi Onboard (A-List Preferred)
A-List Preferred members get complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi for the duration of their A-List Preferred membership. This can reap huge money-saving benefits depending on how often you fly Southwest. Typically, Southwest Wi-Fi costs $8 per day.
Note that multiple people can use the same A-List Preferred account on the same Southwest flight. With this in mind, free internet can save a ton of money for families traveling together with multiple tablets, computers and cell phones.
Can Earn with Credit Card Spending
Credit card spend helps your progress towards A-List Preferred and Companion Pass. However, note that only the first $10,000 in spend count as Tier Qualifying Points and all spend count as Companion Pass Qualifying Points.
Why Southwest Status Isn’t Worth It
There’s a lot to love about A-List Preferred and Companion Pass, but it’s not perfect. Here are a few things to consider that negatively impact the value of Southwest status.
Limited Route Network
If you’re a frequent international traveler, you may be disappointed in Southwest’s route network. Currently, the airline only flies within the United States and a limited selection of countries in Central America and the Caribbean.
No Upgrades
Southwest operates one-cabin planes. This means that there are no opportunities to upgrade to better seats unlike a majority of domestic airlines. However, this is likely a non-issue if you’re used to flying Southwest and can frequently score bulkhead or exit row seats after boarding.
Is A-List Preferred and Companion Pass right for you?
If you’re a frequent Southwest flier that focuses on domestic travel, A-List Preferred and Companion Pass can reap huge benefits at the airport and onboard. However, the only way to truly decide if Southwest status is right for you is by carefully examining your travel habits.
What do you think about Southwest’s Companion Pass and A-List Status?
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