Ready to unlock unbeatable travel savings? Imagine being able to fly with a friend, family member, or partner on Southwest Airlines for almost free, every single time you fly. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it's not! It's the highly coveted Southwest Companion Pass, and it's one of the most valuable perks in the travel world. If you're a frequent traveler or simply love the idea of two-for-one flights, then qualifying for the Companion Pass should be high on your list. Let's dive deep into how you can achieve this fantastic travel benefit.
The Ultimate Guide: How to Qualify for a Southwest Companion Pass
The Southwest Companion Pass allows you to choose one person to fly with you for free (you only pay the taxes and fees, which start at just $5.60 one-way) on every flight you take, whether you pay with cash or Rapid Rewards points. This pass is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which you earn it, plus the entire following calendar year. That's potentially nearly two years of incredible savings!
There are two primary ways to qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass:
Step 1: Understand the Qualification Criteria
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's understand the two paths to Companion Pass glory. To qualify, you must achieve one of the following in a single calendar year:
Option A: Fly 100 Qualifying One-Way Flights. This means 100 paid one-way segments on Southwest Airlines. For most casual travelers, this is a very challenging, if not impossible, feat.
Option B: Earn 135,000 Qualifying Rapid Rewards Points. This is the path most people pursue, and it's far more accessible. These aren't just any points; they must be "Companion Pass qualifying points."
Important Note on Timing: The calendar year aspect is crucial. You want to earn your points or flights as early in the year as possible to maximize the duration of your Companion Pass. For instance, if you qualify in January 2026, your Companion Pass is good for all of 2026 and all of 2027! If you qualify in December 2026, it's only good for that month and all of 2027.
Step 2: Strategize Your Points Accumulation
Now that you know the targets, let's focus on the more common and achievable path: earning 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points. Not all Rapid Rewards points count towards the Companion Pass. Here's a breakdown of what does and does not count:
What Counts as Companion Pass Qualifying Points:
Points earned from revenue flights booked through Southwest. This includes the base points you earn on paid flights (excluding taxes and fees).
Points earned from Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards. This is the most popular and effective method. This includes:
Welcome bonuses (sign-up bonuses) from Southwest credit cards. This is a huge accelerator!
Points earned from everyday spending on your Southwest credit cards.
The annual 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost for Southwest Rapid Rewards Cardmembers (this is a key benefit and automatically applies each calendar year if your card account is open and not in default).
Base points earned from Rapid Rewards partners. This can include points from hotel stays, car rentals, Rapid Rewards Shopping portal purchases, and Rapid Rewards Dining.
What DOES NOT Count as Companion Pass Qualifying Points:
Purchased points
Points transferred between Members
Points converted from hotel and car loyalty programs (e.g., Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers to Southwest do not count for Companion Pass qualification, even though they are Rapid Rewards points for redemption)
Points earned from Rapid Rewards program enrollment bonuses (small welcome points for signing up)
Tier bonus points (points earned as an A-List or A-List Preferred member)
Flight bonus points
Points earned from surveys (e-Rewards, Rewards for Opinions)
Points earned from Companion Pass travel (your companion's flight doesn't earn points for you)
Step 3: Leverage Southwest Credit Cards (The Gold Standard)
For the vast majority of people, opening and meeting the spending requirements on Southwest co-branded credit cards is the fastest and easiest way to earn the Companion Pass. Chase issues these cards, and there are typically personal and business versions available.
Sub-heading: Understanding the Credit Card Strategy
The typical strategy involves opening two Southwest credit cards:
One personal Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card.
One Southwest Rapid Rewards business credit card.
Why two? Because the welcome bonuses from a combination of these cards often get you very close to, or even exceed, the 135,000 point threshold. Remember, the points from these welcome bonuses do count towards Companion Pass qualification.
Sub-heading: Types of Southwest Credit Cards to Consider
Chase typically offers a few variations of personal and business Southwest credit cards, each with different annual fees, benefits, and, most importantly for this goal, different welcome bonus offers. Examples include:
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card: Generally the entry-level personal card.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card: A mid-tier personal card.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card: The premium personal card with more travel benefits.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card: A business credit card.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card: A more premium business credit card.
Strategy Tip: Monitor the welcome bonus offers carefully. They change periodically. You want to apply when the bonuses are high to maximize your starting points.
Sub-heading: Important Considerations for Credit Card Applications
Chase's 5/24 Rule: Chase has an unofficial rule that generally denies applications for new credit cards if you've opened 5 or more personal credit cards from any issuer in the past 24 months. Business cards (with some exceptions) typically do not count towards your 5/24 status, but applying for them does count as a new account. This is why many people prioritize getting Southwest personal cards first, then a business card if they are under 5/24.
Staggering Applications: To ensure you meet the spending requirements for each card bonus without overspending or rushing, it's often advisable to stagger your applications. For example, apply for one card, meet its minimum spend, receive the bonus, then apply for the second card.
Business Card Eligibility: Don't assume you don't qualify for a business card! Many small businesses, even side gigs like selling items online, freelancing, or consulting, can qualify for a business credit card. You can often apply as a sole proprietor using your Social Security Number.
Minimum Spend: Be absolutely sure you can meet the minimum spending requirements for each card's welcome bonus within the specified timeframe (usually 3 months). Do not spend money you wouldn't otherwise spend just to earn points.
Step 4: Maximize Other Point-Earning Opportunities
While credit card bonuses are paramount, don't overlook other ways to top off your points balance:
Sub-heading: Flying Southwest Airlines
If you genuinely have a lot of paid Southwest flights planned, these will contribute directly to your 135,000 points. The number of points you earn per dollar spent varies by fare type (e.g., Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select).
Sub-heading: Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal
Shop online through the Rapid Rewards Shopping portal. This is a fantastic way to earn extra points on purchases you already make. Just log in, find your desired retailer, click through the link, and shop as usual. Points are typically credited within a few weeks.
Sub-heading: Rapid Rewards Dining
Sign up for Rapid Rewards Dining and link your credit cards. When you dine at participating restaurants, you'll automatically earn points. There are often bonus points for new members or for specific activities.
Sub-heading: Partner Activities
Southwest partners with various hotels, car rental companies, and other businesses. While converting points from other loyalty programs doesn't count, earning base points directly from these partners often does. Check the Southwest Rapid Rewards partners page for current offers.
Step 5: Monitor Your Progress and Designate Your Companion
As you accumulate points, keep a close eye on your Southwest Rapid Rewards account.
Sub-heading: Tracking Your Points
Log in to your Southwest Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com. Your progress towards Companion Pass qualification is usually displayed on your dashboard.
Remember that points earned from credit card spending will not show up as qualifying points until they post to your Rapid Rewards account, which typically happens after your credit card statement closes. So, don't panic if your balance doesn't immediately reflect recent spending.
Sub-heading: Designating Your Companion
Once you've hit the 135,000 qualifying points (or 100 flights), Southwest will notify you that you've earned the Companion Pass.
You'll then be prompted to designate your Companion online through your Rapid Rewards account or by calling Southwest.
You can change your designated companion up to three times each calendar year that you hold the Companion Pass. This offers incredible flexibility!
Step 6: Enjoy the Benefits!
Congratulations! You've qualified for the Southwest Companion Pass. Now it's time to reap the rewards.
Sub-heading: How to Book with Your Companion Pass
Book your own flight first. Purchase your flight as usual, either with cash or Rapid Rewards points.
Add your companion. After your booking is confirmed, go to the "My Trips" section of your Rapid Rewards account. You'll see an "Add Companion" link next to your flight.
Pay taxes and fees. Your companion's fare will be $0, but you'll need to pay the applicable taxes and fees, which are usually $5.60 one-way for domestic flights. International flights will have higher taxes and fees.
Confirm the companion's reservation. Complete the process, and you'll receive a separate confirmation for your companion's ticket.
Key Benefit: The Companion Pass works even if you book your flight using Rapid Rewards points! This effectively doubles the value of your points, making them incredibly powerful.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to: Earn the Southwest Companion Pass the Fastest Way?
The fastest way is typically by strategically opening two Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards (one personal, one business if eligible) when they offer high welcome bonuses, and meeting their minimum spending requirements.
How to: Track My Progress Towards the Southwest Companion Pass?
You can track your Companion Pass qualifying points by logging into your Southwest Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com. Your dashboard will show your current point balance and your progress toward qualification.
How to: Use the Southwest Companion Pass After I Qualify?
Once you qualify and designate your companion, simply book your own flight (with cash or points), then go to "My Trips" on Southwest.com and click "Add Companion" to book their flight for only the cost of taxes and fees.
How to: Change My Southwest Companion Pass Designee?
You can change your designated Companion up to three times per calendar year. Log in to your Rapid Rewards account or call Southwest Customer Service to make the change.
How to: Make Sure My Credit Card Points Count for the Companion Pass?
Ensure the points are from a Southwest co-branded credit card (Chase) and that they post to your Rapid Rewards account within the same calendar year you are trying to qualify. Welcome bonuses and spending on these cards do count.
How to: Qualify for a Southwest Business Credit Card?
You may qualify for a business credit card even with a small side hustle, freelance work, or an informal business. You can often apply as a sole proprietor using your Social Security Number as your Tax ID.
How to: Maximize My Companion Pass for Travel?
Earn it early in the calendar year to maximize its validity. Then, plan as many trips as possible with your designated companion, taking advantage of the buy-one-get-one-free (plus taxes/fees) benefit.
How to: Know Which Southwest Credit Card is Best for Companion Pass?
The "best" card depends on the current welcome bonus offers. Research the available personal and business cards from Chase and pick the combination that gets you closest to 135,000 points with manageable spending requirements.
How to: Requalify for the Southwest Companion Pass?
To requalify, you'll need to earn another 135,000 qualifying points or fly 100 qualifying one-way flights in the subsequent calendar year. The process is the same as your initial qualification.
How to: Avoid Common Mistakes When Earning the Companion Pass?
Don't transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards or other loyalty programs, as these do not count. Ensure your credit card points post in the correct calendar year. And most importantly, do not spend money you don't have to just earn the pass.
