The Southwest Airlines Companion Pass is arguably one of the most valuable perks in the world of travel. Imagine flying with a friend, family member, or even a colleague for nearly free, every single time you fly Southwest! It's like a buy-one-get-one-free deal on flights, and for frequent travelers, the savings can be astronomical.
Are you ready to unlock this incredible travel hack and embark on countless adventures with your chosen companion? Let's dive in!
The Ultimate Guide: How to Get the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass
Getting the Southwest Companion Pass requires a strategic approach, but with proper planning, it's absolutely achievable. The pass allows you to designate one person to fly with you on any Southwest flight for just the cost of taxes and fees (which start at a mere $5.60 one-way for domestic flights), for the entire remainder of the year you earn it, plus the entire following calendar year! This means if you earn it early in the year, you could enjoy nearly two full years of incredible savings.
Step 1: Understand the Requirements – What Does It Take?
Before we strategize, let's get clear on the two primary ways to earn the Southwest Companion Pass. You need to meet one of the following criteria within a single calendar year (January 1st to December 31st):
Fly 100 qualifying one-way flights: This means 100 individual flight segments on Southwest Airlines. For most leisure travelers, this is a very difficult feat.
Earn 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points: This is the most common and accessible path for the majority of people. These aren't just any Rapid Rewards points; they are specifically "qualifying points."
Important Note on Qualifying Points: Not all Rapid Rewards points count towards the Companion Pass. Points that do count include:
Points earned from revenue flights booked through Southwest.
Points earned from Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards (including sign-up bonuses and regular spending).
Base points earned from Rapid Rewards partners (e.g., hotel stays, car rentals booked through partners, Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal, Rapid Rewards Dining).
The annual 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost for Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers.
Points that do not count include:
Points transferred from other loyalty programs (like Chase Ultimate Rewards).
Purchased points.
Points earned from promotional bonuses (unless explicitly stated they are Companion Pass qualifying).
Engage the User: Before we go any further, take a moment to consider which path seems more feasible for you. Are you a road warrior who flies Southwest almost weekly, or does the idea of racking up points through credit cards and everyday spending appeal more? Understanding your travel habits and financial approach will help tailor your strategy.
Step 2: Choose Your Path – The Credit Card Strategy (Most Recommended)
For the vast majority of people, the most efficient and practical way to earn the Southwest Companion Pass is through a combination of Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card sign-up bonuses and strategic spending.
Sub-heading: The Power of Credit Card Welcome Offers
Southwest offers several co-branded credit cards issued by Chase. These cards often come with generous sign-up bonuses that can provide a significant chunk of the 135,000 qualifying points you need.
Personal Southwest Credit Cards: Chase offers a few personal Southwest cards, such as the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus, Premier, and Priority Credit Cards. Each comes with its own annual fee and benefits, but critically, they all offer valuable sign-up bonuses after meeting a specific spending requirement within a certain timeframe.
Southwest Business Credit Cards: Don't dismiss the business cards! Many people are eligible for a business credit card even if they don't have a traditional "business" with employees. If you freelance, sell items online, or even do some gig work, you might qualify as a sole proprietor using your Social Security Number (SSN). Business cards like the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card also come with substantial welcome offers.
Sub-heading: The "Two-Card" Strategy for Maximum Impact
This is often considered the fastest and most popular method. The idea is to apply for:
One personal Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card.
One Southwest Rapid Rewards business credit card.
By strategically timing your applications and meeting the spending requirements for both cards, the combined welcome bonuses can often get you very close to, or even exceed, the 135,000 qualifying points needed.
Timing is Key: To maximize the duration of your Companion Pass, aim to earn the required points early in a calendar year (January or February). This way, you'll have the pass for the remainder of that year and the entire following calendar year. If you hit the target in December, you only get the pass for December and the next full year.
Pro Tip: Apply for the cards towards the end of the year (e.g., October-December), but ensure you don't meet the minimum spending requirements until January of the following year. This ensures the bonus points post in the new calendar year, giving you nearly two full years of Companion Pass enjoyment. Always double-check the terms and conditions for bonus point posting dates.
Step 3: Accumulate Remaining Points – Diverse Earning Strategies
Even with two credit card bonuses, you might need to earn some additional points to reach the 135,000 threshold. Here's how:
Sub-heading: Everyday Spending on Your Southwest Credit Cards
Once you have your Southwest credit cards, make them your primary cards for all your everyday purchases. Every dollar spent on these cards earns Rapid Rewards points that do count towards the Companion Pass. Look out for bonus categories on your specific card (e.g., Southwest purchases, local transit, internet/cable/phone services) to accelerate your earning.
Sub-heading: Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal
Before making any online purchases, always check the Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal. You can earn bonus points per dollar spent at hundreds of popular retailers by simply clicking through the portal before you shop. These points are Companion Pass qualifying!
Sub-heading: Rapid Rewards Dining
Link your credit cards to Rapid Rewards Dining. When you dine at participating restaurants, you'll automatically earn Rapid Rewards points. Again, these count towards your Companion Pass goal.
Sub-heading: Hotel and Car Rental Partners
If you book hotels or car rentals, consider using Southwest's partners. You can earn Rapid Rewards points for these bookings, and those points will contribute to your Companion Pass progress.
Sub-heading: Flying Southwest (if applicable)
If you're already flying Southwest for business or leisure, every revenue flight (paid with cash, LUV Vouchers, gift cards, or travel funds – not points) earns Companion Pass qualifying points. Higher fare classes like Business Select and Anytime earn more points per dollar.
Step 4: Track Your Progress and Designate Your Companion
Once you start accumulating points, it's crucial to monitor your progress.
Sub-heading: Monitoring Your Point Accumulation
Log in to your Southwest Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com.
On your "Snapshot" tab or in the "My Account" section, you'll find a tracker showing your progress towards the Companion Pass. Keep an eye on this regularly!
Sub-heading: Designating Your Companion
Once you hit 135,000 qualifying points (or 100 flights), Southwest will notify you. This usually happens within a few days of reaching the threshold.
You'll then be prompted to designate your companion. You'll need their full name (as it appears on their ID), birthdate, gender, address, email, and phone number.
You can designate your companion online through your Rapid Rewards account or by calling Southwest Airlines.
Flexibility: You can change your designated companion up to three times each calendar year that you hold the Companion Pass. This is a huge benefit if your travel plans or preferred companion change.
Step 5: How to Use Your Southwest Companion Pass
Congratulations! You've earned the coveted Companion Pass. Now, let's learn how to use it.
Sub-heading: Booking Your Flights
Book Your Flight First: You must always book your own flight before you can add your companion.
Log In and Find Your Trip: Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com. Go to the "My Trips" section and find your upcoming flight.
Add Your Companion: You'll see an "Add Companion" link next to your booked flight. Click on it.
Confirm Details and Pay Taxes/Fees: Review your companion's information. You will then be prompted to pay the mandatory government taxes and fees (starting at $5.60 one-way for domestic flights).
Confirm Booking: Complete the process, and your companion will be confirmed on the same flight!
Sub-heading: Important Considerations When Using the Pass
Availability: While there are no blackout dates for Companion Pass travel, your companion's seat is subject to availability. This means if there's only one seat left on a flight, you can't add a companion. It's best to book your flight as far in advance as possible to ensure companion availability, especially on popular routes or during peak travel times.
Paid Fares and Points Redemptions: The Companion Pass works whether you pay for your flight with cash or redeem Rapid Rewards points. This is a major advantage, as it effectively doubles the value of your Rapid Rewards points!
Boarding Positions: When you check in, you and your companion will typically receive sequential boarding positions unless you purchased a Business Select fare or added your companion after you had already been assigned a boarding position.
International Travel: Yes, the Companion Pass can be used for international flights offered by Southwest Airlines. However, the taxes and fees for international flights will be higher than the $5.60 for domestic flights.
Non-Transferable: The Companion Pass itself is not transferable to another person. Only the designated companion can fly with the pass holder.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Southwest Companion Pass
Here are 10 common questions about the Southwest Companion Pass, with quick answers:
How to get the Southwest Companion Pass quickly?
The quickest way is usually by opening two Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards (one personal and one business) and earning their sign-up bonuses in the same calendar year, aiming for early in the year to maximize duration.
How to track my Southwest Companion Pass progress?
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com and navigate to the "My Account" or "Snapshot" section. Your Companion Pass progress will be clearly displayed there.
How to use the Southwest Companion Pass for international flights?
Book your own international flight first, then go to "My Trips" on Southwest.com and click "Add Companion." You will pay the applicable international taxes and fees for your companion.
How to change my designated Southwest Companion?
You can change your companion up to three times per calendar year. Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com or call Southwest Airlines to make the change. Any existing reservations with your current companion must be canceled first.
How to know if my Rapid Rewards points count towards the Companion Pass?
Points earned from Southwest revenue flights, Southwest credit card spending (including sign-up bonuses), and base points from Rapid Rewards partners (shopping, dining, hotels/cars) count. Points transferred from other programs or purchased generally do not.
How to ensure my credit card bonus points count for the Companion Pass in the desired year?
If applying late in the year, make sure you meet the minimum spending requirement so that the bonus points post to your Rapid Rewards account in January of the following year. Confirm the credit card statement closing date to time this correctly.
How to book a flight for my companion after I've booked mine?
After you book your flight, log in to your Southwest Rapid Rewards account, go to "My Trips," find your upcoming flight, and click the "Add Companion" link. Follow the prompts to add your companion and pay the taxes/fees.
How to deal with limited companion availability on full flights?
While there are no blackout dates, companion travel is subject to seat availability. Book your own flight as far in advance as possible, especially for popular routes, to increase the chances of an open seat for your companion.
How to leverage the Companion Pass for maximum value?
The Companion Pass is most valuable when you plan to travel frequently with one person. Combine it with using your Rapid Rewards points for your own flights to essentially get two tickets for the price of just the taxes and fees on a points redemption.
How to qualify for a Southwest Business Credit Card for the Companion Pass?
You don't necessarily need a large, formal business. Many self-employed individuals, freelancers, or those with side gigs can qualify as a sole proprietor using their Social Security Number. It's worth exploring if you have any independent income-generating activities.