Are you dreaming of traveling the world (or at least the U.S. and beyond) with a loved one by your side, essentially for free? Imagine all the adventures you could have, without the burden of paying for two airfares! If that sounds like music to your ears, then you've come to the right place. The Southwest Airlines Companion Pass is widely considered one of the most valuable perks in the travel industry, and for good reason. It allows you to designate one person to fly with you on any Southwest flight, as many times as you want, for almost no additional cost – just taxes and fees, which typically start at a mere $5.60 one-way.
Getting this coveted pass requires a strategic approach, but with proper planning, it's entirely achievable. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring you're well-equipped to unlock this incredible travel benefit.
The Ultimate Guide to Earning the Southwest Companion Pass
The Southwest Companion Pass is truly a game-changer for frequent travelers or anyone looking to maximize their travel budget. Let's dive into how you can earn it.
Step 1: Understand the Earning Requirements - Are You Ready to Commit?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's understand what it takes to earn the Companion Pass. Southwest offers two primary ways to qualify within a single calendar year (January 1st to December 31st):
Fly 100 qualifying one-way flights: This option is pretty straightforward but can be quite challenging for most people unless you're a serious road warrior.
Earn 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points: This is by far the most popular and achievable method for the vast majority of aspiring Companion Pass holders. Our guide will focus primarily on this strategy.
Important Note on Timing: The validity of your Companion Pass depends heavily on when you earn it. If you earn the 135,000 points early in a calendar year, your Companion Pass will be valid for the remainder of that year and the entire following calendar year. This means you could potentially enjoy nearly two full years of unlimited companion travel! For example, if you earn it in February 2025, it will be valid for the rest of 2025 and all of 2026. This timing aspect is crucial for maximizing the value of the pass.
Step 2: The Cornerstone - Strategic Credit Card Applications
This is where the magic happens for most people. The fastest and most efficient way to accumulate 135,000 qualifying points is through Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card welcome offers.
Sub-heading 2.1: The "Two-Card Strategy"
Chase issues Southwest's co-branded credit cards. The key to quickly racking up points is to apply for two Southwest credit cards. However, there's a catch: Chase generally has rules preventing you from earning the welcome bonus on more than one personal Southwest card within a specific timeframe (typically 24 months). This leads us to the highly effective "two-card strategy":
One Personal Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card: Choose from options like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, or Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card. Each has different annual fees and benefits, so pick the one that aligns with your travel habits.
One Southwest Rapid Rewards Business Credit Card: If you have any kind of small business (even a side hustle like freelancing, selling items online, or consulting), you may qualify for a business credit card. Options include the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card or the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card. Business cards often offer higher welcome bonuses, making them ideal for accelerating your points accumulation.
Why this works: The points earned from the welcome bonuses on both a personal and a business Southwest credit card count directly towards the 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points. By timing your applications correctly, you can hit a significant portion, if not all, of the required points just from these bonuses and the spending needed to earn them.
Sub-heading 2.2: Navigating Chase's 5/24 Rule
Chase has an unwritten rule, often referred to as the "5/24 rule." This means if you've opened 5 or more new credit card accounts (from any issuer, not just Chase) in the last 24 months, you're unlikely to be approved for a new Chase credit card.
Check your 5/24 status: Before applying, it's crucial to know where you stand. You can check your credit reports from all three bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) to see how many new accounts you've opened.
Prioritize business cards: If you are at 4/24, it's generally recommended to apply for the business card first. Chase business cards often do not add to your personal 5/24 count.
Step 3: Accumulating the Remaining Points - Beyond Credit Card Bonuses
While credit card welcome bonuses are the primary driver, you might need to earn additional points to reach the 135,000 threshold. Here are several ways to do so:
Sub-heading 3.1: Everyday Spending on Southwest Credit Cards
All points earned through regular spending on your Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards contribute to Companion Pass qualification. Focus your spending on categories that offer bonus points, such as Southwest purchases, local transit, rideshares, and internet/cable/phone services, depending on your specific card.
Sub-heading 3.2: Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal
Southwest has an online shopping portal where you can earn bonus Rapid Rewards points for purchases made at hundreds of online retailers. Always check the portal before making any online purchases, as the points earned here also count towards the Companion Pass.
Sub-heading 3.3: Rapid Rewards Dining Program
Link your credit cards to the Rapid Rewards Dining program and earn points automatically when you dine at participating restaurants. These points also count towards your Companion Pass.
Sub-heading 3.4: Southwest Hotel and Car Rental Partners
When booking hotels or car rentals, consider doing so through Southwest's partners. Points earned from these bookings can help you reach your goal. Be mindful of current promotions which can significantly boost earnings.
Sub-heading 3.5: Flying Southwest
Naturally, flying on paid Southwest flights earns you Rapid Rewards points, which contribute to your Companion Pass. The number of points you earn per dollar spent varies by fare type (Wanna Get Away, Anytime, Business Select).
Sub-heading 3.6: Annual Anniversary Points (from Credit Cards)
Many Southwest credit cards offer bonus points each year on your cardmember anniversary. These points also count towards Companion Pass qualification.
What DOESN'T Count: It's important to know what points don't count towards the Companion Pass:
Points purchased from Southwest.
Points transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards or other loyalty programs.
Transferred points from other Rapid Rewards members.
Points from promotional offers (unless explicitly stated that they are Companion Pass qualifying).
Bonus points from limited-time promotional Companion Pass offers (these often provide a temporary Companion Pass, but the points themselves don't contribute to the 135,000 requirement for the full pass).
Step 4: Tracking Your Progress and Timing Your Points
Keeping a close eye on your Rapid Rewards point balance is crucial.
Monitor your Rapid Rewards account: Log in regularly to your Southwest Rapid Rewards account to see your current qualifying point total.
Time your spending: If you're close to the 135,000 points towards the end of the year, make sure that any final spending that pushes you over the threshold posts to your Rapid Rewards account before December 31st. Points typically post to your account after your credit card statement closes. This might mean strategically holding off on meeting a minimum spending requirement until early in the year you want the pass to be valid for.
Step 5: Designating Your Companion
Once you've reached 135,000 qualifying points, Southwest will notify you that you've earned the Companion Pass.
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account: On your "Snapshot" tab, you'll find a "Choose Your Companion" section.
Enter Companion Information: Follow the instructions to designate your chosen companion. You'll need their name and Rapid Rewards account number (they can quickly sign up for one if they don't have one).
Changing your Companion: You can change your designated companion up to three times each calendar year that you hold Companion Pass privileges. This offers incredible flexibility if you travel with different people throughout the year. Any existing reservations with your current companion must be canceled before you can change your designated companion.
Step 6: Booking Travel with Your Companion Pass
Using your Companion Pass is straightforward:
Book your flight first: Purchase your Southwest 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 account. Find your flight and click the "Add Companion" link. Follow the prompts to add your designated companion. You will only pay the applicable taxes and fees (starting at $5.60 one-way) for your companion's ticket.
No blackout dates or seat restrictions: As long as there's a seat available on the flight, you can add your companion. This is a huge advantage over many other airline companion programs.
FAQs: Your Quick Answers to Common Companion Pass Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about the Southwest Companion Pass:
How to get a Companion Pass quickly?
The quickest way is generally through strategically applying for and meeting the welcome bonus requirements on two Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards (one personal and one business) within the same calendar year.
How to ensure my credit card points count towards the Companion Pass?
Only points earned from Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card spending (including welcome bonuses) and base points earned from revenue flights and Rapid Rewards partners (shopping, dining, hotel/car partners) count. Purchased points, transferred points from other programs, and promotional Companion Pass offers typically do not count towards the 135,000 point requirement.
How to know when my Companion Pass will expire?
Your Companion Pass is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which you earn it, plus the entire next calendar year. For example, if you earn it in June 2025, it's valid through December 31, 2026.
How to change my designated Companion?
You can change your designated companion up to three times each calendar year. Log in to your Rapid Rewards account, go to "My Account," and find the "Choose Your Companion" section to make the change. Remember to cancel any existing bookings for your current companion first.
How to book a flight for my companion after I book my own?
After you book your flight (either with cash or points), log in to your Rapid Rewards account, go to "My Trips," find your flight, and click "Add Companion." You'll then pay the taxes and fees for their ticket.
How to use the Companion Pass for international flights?
Yes, the Southwest Companion Pass can be used for international flights operated by Southwest Airlines to their eligible destinations, just like domestic flights. You will only pay the taxes and fees for your companion.
How to qualify for a Southwest Business Credit Card for the Companion Pass?
You typically need to have a legitimate business or side hustle, even if it's small (e.g., freelancing, selling goods online, consulting). You don't need a formal business entity; you can apply as a sole proprietor using your Social Security Number.
How to minimize the annual fees associated with the credit cards?
While annual fees exist for Southwest credit cards, the value of the Companion Pass often far outweighs these fees, especially if you maximize its use. Some cards also offer anniversary points or travel credits that can offset the fee.
How to use the Companion Pass with points bookings?
Absolutely! The Companion Pass works whether you pay for your own flight with cash or Rapid Rewards points. If you book your flight with points, your companion still only pays the taxes and fees.
How to extend the validity of my Companion Pass?
The Companion Pass is earned annually based on the calendar year. To maintain it beyond its initial validity period, you will need to re-qualify by earning 135,000 qualifying points or flying 100 qualifying one-way flights in the subsequent calendar year.
