Imagine traveling with a friend, family member, or partner for almost free every time you fly. This dream becomes a reality with the Southwest Companion Pass, widely regarded as one of the most valuable perks in the world of travel rewards. If you frequently fly with Southwest Airlines, or even if you’re just starting to explore their network, understanding the Southwest Companion Pass can unlock significant savings and incredible travel opportunities.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Southwest Companion Pass, from how to earn it to making the most of its incredible benefits. Get ready to transform your travel plans and enjoy more adventures for less.
Understanding the Southwest Companion Pass
The Southwest Companion Pass is a highly coveted benefit that allows you to choose one person to fly with you for free on any Southwest flight, whether you pay with cash or Rapid Rewards points. The companion only pays the mandatory taxes and fees, which typically start at $5.60 one-way for domestic flights. This pass is valid for an unlimited number of flights with your designated companion.
Once earned, the Southwest Companion Pass is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which you qualify, plus the entire next calendar year. For example, if you qualify in March 2024, your pass will be valid through December 31, 2025. This extended validity makes the Southwest Companion Pass exceptionally powerful.
How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass
Earning the Southwest Companion Pass requires accumulating 135,000 qualifying points within a single calendar year. There are two primary strategies to achieve this goal, often used in combination for maximum efficiency.
Strategy 1: Accumulating 135,000 Qualifying Points
Qualifying points can be earned through various activities, primarily through spending on Southwest credit cards and flying with Southwest. It’s crucial to understand which points count towards the Southwest Companion Pass requirement.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card Spending: Points earned from everyday purchases on eligible Southwest credit cards count towards the 135,000 requirement.
Southwest Flights: Points earned from purchasing tickets on Southwest Airlines also contribute. The number of points varies by fare type.
Rapid Rewards Partners: Points earned through hotel stays, rental cars, and other Rapid Rewards partners typically count.
Rapid Rewards Shopping & Dining: Points from these programs can also help you reach your goal.
Points that generally do not count include purchased points, transferred points from other loyalty programs (like Chase Ultimate Rewards), and points earned from promotional activities not tied to spending or flying.
Strategy 2: Utilizing Southwest Credit Card Welcome Offers
This is often the fastest and most popular way to earn the Southwest Companion Pass. By opening one or more eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards and meeting their spending requirements, you can earn substantial welcome bonuses that count directly towards the 135,000 qualifying points.
Personal Credit Cards: Southwest offers a variety of personal credit cards, each with a welcome offer that can provide a significant boost to your point total.
Business Credit Cards: If you own a small business, a Southwest business credit card can be an excellent option. Business card welcome offers are often very generous and can help you meet the Companion Pass threshold with a single card.
Many travelers strategically apply for one personal and one business Southwest credit card to quickly accumulate the necessary points through their combined welcome offers. Timing is critical: aim to earn the welcome bonuses early in the calendar year to maximize the validity period of your Southwest Companion Pass.
Key Rules and Considerations for Your Companion Pass
Understanding the nuances of the Southwest Companion Pass ensures a smooth experience.
Designating Your Companion: You can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year. This flexibility is useful if your travel plans or preferred companion changes.
Availability: If a seat is available on a Southwest flight, you can book it for your companion. There are no blackout dates or capacity controls specifically for Companion Pass holders.
Booking Process: First, book your own flight (with cash or points). Then, navigate to your reservation and add your companion. It’s a straightforward process on the Southwest website or app.
Cancellation Policy: If you cancel your flight, your companion’s reservation is also canceled. You can rebook both when your plans solidify.
Point Expiration: While your Southwest Companion Pass has a set validity, your Rapid Rewards points generally do not expire as long as you have qualifying activity every 24 months.
Maximizing Your Southwest Companion Pass
Once you have the Southwest Companion Pass, the real fun begins. Here’s how to get the most out of it:
Travel Frequently: The more you fly, the more value you extract from your Companion Pass. Consider weekend getaways or visiting family more often.
Pair with Rapid Rewards Points: The ultimate combination is using your Companion Pass with flights booked using Rapid Rewards points. This means both you and your companion fly for just the cost of taxes and fees, making for incredibly cheap travel.
Consider International Destinations: Southwest flies to various international destinations, including Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. The Companion Pass works on these routes too, though international taxes and fees will be higher.
Plan for Extended Validity: Aim to earn the Companion Pass early in the year to enjoy nearly two full years of benefits. This strategic timing is crucial for maximizing its value.
Monitor Point Balances: Keep an eye on your Rapid Rewards points to ensure you always have enough for your own ticket, allowing your companion to fly free.
Tips for Earning Points Efficiently
Beyond credit card welcome offers and flying, there are other ways to boost your qualifying points for the Southwest Companion Pass:
Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal: Earn extra points by shopping online through the Rapid Rewards portal. Many popular retailers participate.
Rapid Rewards Dining: Link your credit cards to the dining program and earn points automatically when you eat at participating restaurants.
Transfer Partners (with caveats): While transferred points from Chase Ultimate Rewards don’t count towards the Companion Pass, you can use them to book your own flights, thus preserving your directly earned Rapid Rewards points for future Companion Pass qualification or redemptions.
Everyday Spending: Use your Southwest credit card for all your regular purchases to accumulate points consistently.
Common Questions About the Companion Pass
Does the Southwest Companion Pass work on international flights?
Yes, the Southwest Companion Pass is valid for international flights, but the taxes and fees for your companion will be higher than for domestic travel.
Can I use the Companion Pass with points?
Absolutely, and this is one of the most powerful aspects of the Southwest Companion Pass. You can book your flight using Rapid Rewards points, and then add your companion for just the taxes and fees.
How many times can I change my companion?
You can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year. After the third change, you cannot make another change until the next calendar year.
What happens if I cancel my flight?
If you cancel your flight, your companion’s reservation will also be canceled. You will need to rebook both tickets if you wish to travel again.
Conclusion
The Southwest Companion Pass is an extraordinary travel benefit that can significantly reduce your travel costs and open up new possibilities for shared adventures. By understanding the qualification requirements, strategically utilizing Southwest credit cards, and maximizing its use, you can enjoy nearly two years of buy-one-get-one-free travel on Southwest Airlines.
Start planning your strategy today to earn your Southwest Companion Pass and embark on unforgettable journeys with your favorite travel companion for a fraction of the cost.