It's fantastic that you're looking into the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass! It's truly one of the most powerful perks in the travel world, offering incredible value for anyone who loves to travel with a chosen companion. Imagine practically cutting your flight costs in half for up to two years – that's the magic of the Companion Pass.
Are you ready to unlock this amazing travel benefit and start exploring with your favorite person by your side? Let's dive in!
The Ultimate Guide to the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass
The Southwest Airlines Companion Pass is a highly coveted benefit within the Southwest Rapid Rewards program. It allows you to designate one person to fly with you for free on any Southwest flight, for an unlimited number of times, after you purchase or redeem points for your own flight. The only cost for your companion is the applicable taxes and fees, which are often as low as $5.60 one-way for domestic flights.
This isn't just a discount; it's essentially a buy-one-get-one-free deal on every single Southwest flight you take!
Step 1: Understanding the Core of the Companion Pass
Before we get into the "how," let's truly grasp what the Companion Pass is and why it's so valuable.
Your Personal BOGO Ticket: Think of it as a golden ticket that lets you bring someone along for almost nothing. You book your flight, whether with cash or Rapid Rewards points, and then you add your designated companion to that same flight for just the cost of their taxes and fees.
Unlimited Usage: This isn't a one-time thing. Once you earn the Companion Pass, you can use it for every single flight you take with Southwest during its validity period. This is where the massive savings come in, especially for frequent travelers.
Flexibility with Companions: While you designate one primary companion, Southwest allows you to change your designated companion up to three times each calendar year. This means you're not locked into traveling with the same person every time, offering fantastic flexibility if you travel with different friends or family members.
Validity Period: This is crucial. The Companion Pass is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which you earn it, PLUS the entire following calendar year. This is why timing your earning strategy is so important – earn it early in the year, and you get nearly two full years of this incredible perk!
Step 2: Earning Your Southwest Companion Pass – The Two Paths
There are two primary ways to qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass within a calendar year. You only need to meet one of these criteria:
Option A: The Flight Enthusiast Path
Fly 100 Qualifying One-Way Flights: This means you need to complete 100 paid, one-way flights with Southwest Airlines within a single calendar year (January 1st to December 31st). While possible for business travelers, this path can be quite challenging for most individuals.
Consider this if: You're a very frequent flyer with Southwest for work or personal reasons and consistently take many trips.
Option B: The Points Powerhouse Path (Most Popular and Recommended)
Earn 135,000 Rapid Rewards Qualifying Points: This is the path most people pursue due to its accessibility. These points need to be earned within a calendar year.
What counts as "qualifying points"?
Points earned from revenue flights booked directly through Southwest.
Points earned from Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards (this is often the fastest way, especially with welcome bonuses!).
Base points earned from Rapid Rewards partners (e.g., hotel stays, car rentals, Rapid Rewards Shopping portal, Rapid Rewards Dining).
Important Note for Credit Cardholders: Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers also receive an annual 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each calendar year, effectively lowering the target for cardholders to 125,000 points.
What DOESN'T count as qualifying points?
Purchased, gifted, or transferred points.
Points transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards or other loyalty programs.
A-List or A-List Preferred tier bonus points.
Most promotional bonus points (unless explicitly stated as Companion Pass qualifying).
Why is this the best path? Credit card welcome bonuses can provide a significant chunk of the required points very quickly. By strategically applying for and meeting the spending requirements on one or two Southwest co-branded credit cards, you can often reach the 135,000 point threshold with relative ease.
Step 3: Strategic Credit Card Application for Maximum Value
This is where the magic truly happens for most aspiring Companion Pass holders. The key is timing and choosing the right cards.
Sub-heading: The "Two-Card" Strategy
Many successful Companion Pass earners utilize a "two-card" strategy, typically involving one personal Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card and one Southwest Rapid Rewards Business credit card.
Why two cards?
Most personal Southwest credit cards have a rule that you cannot earn a new cardmember bonus if you currently have a Southwest personal card or have received a new cardmember bonus on a personal Southwest card in the last 24 months.
Business cards have separate eligibility rules, meaning you can often hold a personal and a business card (or even two business cards) simultaneously and earn bonuses on both.
The combined welcome bonuses from two cards can often get you very close to, or even exceed, the 135,000 qualifying points needed.
Types of Southwest Credit Cards (Personal and Business):
Personal Cards: Southwest offers several personal credit cards with varying annual fees and benefits (e.g., Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus, Premier, Priority). Look for those with attractive welcome bonuses.
Business Cards: Southwest also offers business credit cards (e.g., Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business, Performance Business). Even if you have a small side hustle, freelance work, or simply sell items online, you might qualify for a business card as a sole proprietor using your Social Security Number (SSN).
Sub-heading: Timing is Everything!
To maximize the validity of your Companion Pass, you want to earn it as early in a calendar year as possible.
The Ideal Scenario: Earn in January/February
If you earn 135,000 qualifying points in January 2026, your Companion Pass will be valid for the rest of 2026 and all of 2027. That's nearly two full years of free companion travel!
Strategy for this: Apply for your credit cards towards the end of the previous calendar year (e.g., October/November 2025) but strategically time your spending so that the welcome bonus points post to your Rapid Rewards account in January 2026. This often means meeting the minimum spending requirement after your December credit card statement closes, or simply waiting until January 1st of the new year to make the final purchases that trigger the bonus.
Avoid Earning Too Late in the Year
If you earn the Companion Pass in December 2026, it will only be valid for the remainder of December 2026 and all of 2027. While still valuable, you miss out on almost a full year of usage compared to earning it earlier.
Step 4: Activating and Using Your Companion Pass
Once you've met the qualifying criteria, congratulations! Here's what comes next:
Confirmation Email: Southwest will usually send you a congratulatory email confirming your Companion Pass qualification within a few days.
Designate Your Companion:
Log in to your Southwest Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com.
Navigate to your "Snapshot" or "My Account" section. You should see a prompt to "Choose Your Companion" or "Enter Companion Info."
Follow the instructions to provide your designated companion's legal name (as it appears on their government-issued ID), date of birth, gender, and contact information.
Double-check everything! While you can change your companion later, it's a process, and getting it right the first time avoids hassle.
You can also call Southwest Airlines customer service if you prefer to designate your companion over the phone.
Booking Flights with Your Companion Pass:
Book your flight first. You must book your own flight (either with cash or Rapid Rewards points) before you can add your companion.
Once your flight is booked, go to the "My Trips" section of your Southwest account.
Find your upcoming flight and you should see an "Add Companion" link.
Click the link and follow the prompts. Your companion's information should pre-fill if you've already designated them.
Review the details and proceed to the payment screen for your companion's taxes and fees.
Confirm the companion's reservation. Your companion will receive their own confirmation number, separate from yours.
Sub-heading: Important Considerations for Using the Pass
Seat Availability: Your companion can only be added to a flight if there is still a seat available for purchase. While Southwest doesn't have blackout dates for Companion Pass usage, if a flight is completely sold out, you won't be able to add your companion. It's generally best to add your companion immediately after booking your own flight, especially for popular routes or peak travel times.
Changing Your Companion: You can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year. To do so, you'll typically need to call Southwest Customer Service. Note that any existing reservations with the current companion must be canceled or completed before you can change your companion. Allow some processing time (up to 21 business days) for the change to take effect.
International Travel: The Companion Pass also works for international flights! However, the taxes and fees for international travel will be higher than the standard $5.60 domestic fee, as they include various international departure and arrival taxes.
Points Earning for Companion: Your designated companion does not earn Rapid Rewards points for flights taken using the Companion Pass. Only the primary Companion Pass holder earns points on their purchased flight.
Step 5: Maximizing the Value of Your Companion Pass
You've earned it, now make it work for you!
Plan Ahead: Since the pass is valid for nearly two years if earned early, start planning those trips! Think about weekend getaways, family visits, or even dream vacations you've been putting off.
Combine with Points: One of the most powerful aspects is using your Rapid Rewards points to book your own flight, and then adding your companion for free. This means two people flying for almost no cost beyond minimal taxes and fees.
Utilize Southwest's Route Network: Southwest serves a vast network of domestic and increasingly international destinations. Explore new cities and beaches, knowing a significant portion of your airfare is covered.
Consider Referral Bonuses: If you have friends or family interested in getting a Southwest credit card, you can often earn referral bonuses (Rapid Rewards points) by referring them, further boosting your own point balance for future travel or even helping you requalify for the Companion Pass in future years.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on Southwest's promotions and new routes to take full advantage of your pass.
The Southwest Airlines Companion Pass is truly a game-changer for budget-conscious travelers and those who love sharing their adventures. By understanding the earning requirements and strategically planning, you can unlock years of incredibly affordable travel with your chosen companion!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass?
You can qualify by either flying 100 qualifying one-way flights or earning 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points within a single calendar year.
How to earn 135,000 qualifying points for the Companion Pass?
The most common way is through Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card welcome bonuses and spending, coupled with points earned from paid Southwest flights and activities with Rapid Rewards partners (shopping, dining, hotels, car rentals).
How to choose or change my designated Southwest Companion?
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, go to your "Snapshot" or "My Account," and follow the instructions to designate or change your companion. You can change your companion up to three times per calendar year by calling Southwest.
How to add my Companion to a booked Southwest flight?
First, book your own flight. Then, go to "My Trips" in your Southwest account, find your booked flight, and click the "Add Companion" link. Follow the prompts to complete the companion's reservation by paying their taxes and fees.
How to maximize the validity period of the Southwest Companion Pass?
Aim to earn the Companion Pass as early as possible in a calendar year (ideally January or February). This will make it valid for the remainder of that year and the entire following calendar year, giving you almost two full years of usage.
How to use the Companion Pass for international flights?
The Companion Pass works for international flights, but be aware that the taxes and fees for your companion will be higher than for domestic flights due to international departure and arrival taxes.
How to know if my points are "Companion Pass qualifying"?
Points earned from revenue flights on Southwest, points from Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards (including welcome bonuses and regular spending), and base points from Rapid Rewards partners generally count. Points transferred from other loyalty programs or purchased points typically do not.
How to ensure my companion gets a seat on my flight?
Book your own flight and add your companion as soon as possible after booking. While Southwest doesn't have blackout dates, if a flight is completely sold out, you won't be able to add your companion.
How to find out my current Companion Pass qualifying points balance?
Log in to your Southwest Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com. Your current progress towards the Companion Pass (including qualifying points) is usually displayed on your account dashboard or in the "My Rapid Rewards" section.
How to renew the Southwest Companion Pass for subsequent years?
To continue enjoying the Companion Pass, you must re-qualify by either flying 100 qualifying one-way flights or earning 135,000 qualifying points in the new calendar year, just as you did the first time.