The Southwest Airlines Companion Pass is widely considered one of the most valuable perks in the world of travel. Imagine taking your favorite person with you on nearly every Southwest flight you take, paying only taxes and fees (which start at just $5.60 one-way) for their ticket! This isn't a one-time deal; it's an unlimited benefit that can save you thousands if you travel frequently.
If you're ready to unlock this incredible travel hack, you're in the right place. This lengthy, step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know about earning and using the Southwest Companion Pass.
Step 1: Are You Ready to Embark on This Journey? Understanding the Southwest Companion Pass
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's make sure you understand what the Companion Pass is and why it's such a game-changer.
The Southwest Companion Pass allows you to designate one person to fly with you for free (excluding taxes and fees) on any Southwest flight you purchase, whether with cash or Rapid Rewards points. This means if you buy a ticket, your companion flies for next to nothing. If you redeem points for your ticket, your companion still flies for next to nothing. It's like a perpetual "buy one, get one free" offer!
Key Benefits:
Unlimited Usage: There's no limit to how many times you can use the Companion Pass while it's valid.
Flexibility: You can use it on any Southwest flight, including international destinations (where Southwest flies) and flights booked with points.
Significant Savings: This benefit can drastically cut your travel costs, especially if you fly often with a travel partner.
Long Validity: Once earned, the Companion Pass is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which you earned it, plus the entire following calendar year. Earning it early in a year can give you almost two full years of this incredible perk!
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| How To Book Southwest Airlines Companion Pass |
Step 2: The Path to Earning: How to Qualify for the Companion Pass
To earn the Southwest Companion Pass, you need to meet one of two criteria within a single calendar year (January 1st to December 31st):
Fly 100 qualifying one-way flights: This means 100 individual flight segments. Most people find this method more challenging unless they're extremely frequent business travelers.
Earn 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points. This is the most popular and often easiest method for the vast majority of travelers.
Let's focus on earning those 135,000 qualifying points. Not all Rapid Rewards points count towards the Companion Pass. Here's a breakdown of what does and does not count:
Sub-heading: Points That DO Count Towards the Companion Pass:
Points earned from Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards: This is the gold standard for earning the Companion Pass quickly. This includes:
Sign-up bonuses from new Southwest credit cards.
Points earned from everyday spending on these cards.
The annual 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost that Southwest Rapid Rewards Cardmembers receive each calendar year.
Points earned from revenue flights on Southwest Airlines: When you pay cash for Southwest flights, you earn Rapid Rewards points based on the fare type. These points count.
Base points earned from Rapid Rewards partners: This includes points earned through:
Rapid Rewards Shopping portal purchases.
Rapid Rewards Dining program.
Stays booked through SouthwestHotels.com.
Car rentals with Southwest partners.
Other home and lifestyle partners.
Sub-heading: Points That DO NOT Count Towards the Companion Pass:
Purchased points.
Points transferred between Rapid Rewards Members.
Points converted from hotel and car loyalty programs (e.g., Chase Ultimate Rewards transferred to Southwest).
Points earned from Rapid Rewards program enrollment.
Tier bonus points (A-List, A-List Preferred bonuses).
Flight bonus points.
Points from promotional offers unless explicitly stated they count towards Companion Pass.
Step 3: The Fastest Lane: Leveraging Southwest Credit Cards
Tip: Highlight sentences that answer your questions.
For most people, the quickest and most efficient way to earn the 135,000 qualifying points is by strategically utilizing Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards. Chase issues these co-branded cards.
Sub-heading: The Strategy: Two-Card Approach (Typically)
The most common and effective strategy involves applying for two Southwest credit cards:
One personal Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card.
One Southwest Rapid Rewards business credit card.
Why two cards? Because you can typically only hold one personal Southwest credit card at a time, but you can hold multiple business cards (though usually only one will count for a welcome bonus per 24 months, check Chase's rules). By combining the generous sign-up bonuses from both a personal and a business card, you can often get most, if not all, of the 135,000 points you need.
Important Considerations for Credit Card Applications:
Chase's 5/24 Rule: Chase has an unofficial rule that generally denies applications if you've opened 5 or more personal credit cards from any bank in the last 24 months. Business cards (that don't report to your personal credit) generally don't count towards this limit. Be mindful of this before applying.
Minimum Spend Requirements: Each credit card will have a minimum spending requirement that you need to meet within a specific timeframe (e.g., $1,000 in the first 3 months) to earn the sign-up bonus. Make sure you can comfortably meet these.
Timing is Key! To maximize your Companion Pass validity, aim to earn the 135,000 points early in a calendar year. If you earn it in February 2026, it's valid for the rest of 2026 AND all of 2027. If you earn it in December 2026, it's only valid for a tiny bit of 2026 and all of 2027. Plan your credit card applications and spending accordingly! This often involves signing up for cards in late fall/early winter, and then waiting until January 1st of the new year to meet the minimum spend requirements so the bonus points post in the new calendar year.
Step 4: Monitoring Your Progress: Tracking Your Companion Pass Qualifying Points
Once you start earning points, you'll want to keep a close eye on your progress towards the 135,000-point goal.
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account: Go to Southwest.com and log in to your Rapid Rewards account.
Check your "Snapshot" or "My Account" section: You should find a clear tracker showing your progress towards A-List, A-List Preferred, and most importantly, your Companion Pass qualifying points. This tracker updates as points post to your account.
Be Patient: It can take a few days for points, especially sign-up bonuses from credit cards, to post to your Rapid Rewards account after your statement closes.
Step 5: Designating Your Companion: Making It Official
Once you've hit the magical 135,000 qualifying points (or 100 qualifying flights), Southwest will officially recognize you as a Companion Pass holder.
Southwest Notification: Southwest will typically send you an email notifying you that you've earned the Companion Pass.
Log in and Designate: Follow the instructions in the email or log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com. Navigate to your "Snapshot" or "My Account" page, and you should see an option to "Choose Your Companion" or "Enter Companion Info."
Information Needed: You'll need the following details for your chosen companion:
Full legal name (as it appears on their ID)
Date of birth
Gender
Street address
Email address
Phone number
Confirmation: Once you've entered the information, confirm it. Your Companion Pass status should update almost instantly in your account. Southwest might send you a physical Companion Pass card, but you don't need it to book.
Sub-heading: Changing Your Companion
Southwest allows you to change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year. This is a fantastic feature if your travel plans or primary travel partner changes.
How to Change: To change your companion, you'll typically need to call Southwest Airlines directly at 1-800-435-9792. While online options for this exist, calling is often the most reliable method.
Processing Time: While the change often reflects in your account quickly, Southwest advises allowing up to 21 business days for processing and, if applicable, mailing a replacement card. However, in practice, it's usually much faster.
Tip: Be mindful — one idea at a time.
Step 6: Booking Your Flights: Flying with Your Companion
Now for the fun part: using your Companion Pass!
Sub-heading: Booking Your Flight First
Always book your flight first. Whether you're paying with cash or redeeming Rapid Rewards points, your flight must be confirmed before you can add your companion.
Search for one passenger: When searching for flights on Southwest.com, only select "1 Passenger" initially, even if you intend to add your companion.
Ensure Availability: While there are no blackout dates for the Companion Pass, a seat must be available on the flight you choose. If a flight is completely sold out, you won't be able to add your companion. This is rarely an issue on less popular routes or during off-peak times, but for popular routes or peak travel, book as far in advance as possible.
Complete Your Booking: Proceed with booking and purchasing your flight as you normally would.
Sub-heading: Adding Your Companion to the Flight
Once your flight is booked and confirmed:
Go to "My Trips": Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com and navigate to the "My Trips" section.
Find Your Upcoming Trip: Locate the flight you just booked in your "Upcoming Trips."
Click "Add Companion": You should see a prominent "Add Companion" link next to your flight details.
Verify Companion Information: The system will display your designated companion's information. Double-check that it's correct.
Confirm and Purchase: Review the details, and then click "Continue" or "Purchase." You will be charged the nominal taxes and fees (starting at $5.60 one-way for domestic flights).
Receive Confirmation: You'll receive a separate confirmation email for your companion's ticket. Both you and your companion will then have separate confirmation numbers for the same flight.
Sub-heading: What if I Booked with Points?
The process is exactly the same! Book your flight with points, then follow the steps above to add your companion for just the taxes and fees. This is where the Companion Pass truly shines, as it effectively doubles the value of your Rapid Rewards points.
Sub-heading: Boarding Positions
Your Boarding Position: Your boarding position will be assigned based on your fare type, check-in time, or A-List/A-List Preferred status.
Companion's Boarding Position: Your companion will receive a sequential boarding position to yours if you book them at the same time as yourself (i.e., immediately after booking your flight). If you add them later, their boarding position will be based on their check-in time, unless you both have A-List/A-List Preferred status, in which case you will both receive reserved positions. For Business Select fares, only the purchaser receives A1-A15; the companion's position is separate.
Step 7: Enjoy Your Travel!
Congratulations! You've successfully booked a flight with your Southwest Companion Pass. Enjoy the significant savings and the joy of exploring new destinations with your chosen companion by your side. Remember to check in 24 hours before your flight for the best boarding positions.
Tip: The middle often holds the main point.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my Companion Pass progress?
You can check your progress towards the Companion Pass by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com and navigating to the "My Account" or "Snapshot" section. You'll see a tracker displaying your qualifying points or flights.
How to add a companion to an existing Southwest flight booking?
After booking your own flight, log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, go to "My Trips," find your upcoming flight, and click the "Add Companion" link. Follow the prompts to add your designated companion for taxes and fees.
How to change my designated Southwest Companion Pass companion?
You can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year. The most reliable way to do this is by calling Southwest Airlines Customer Relations at 1-800-435-9792.
How to use the Companion Pass if I booked my flight with Rapid Rewards points?
The process is the same as booking with cash. First, book your flight using your Rapid Rewards points. Then, go to "My Trips" and add your companion to that booking for only the taxes and fees.
How to deal with flight changes or cancellations when using the Companion Pass?
If your flight is changed or canceled by Southwest, both your and your companion's reservations will be affected. If you cancel your flight, both tickets will be canceled. Your points will be redeposited, and any taxes/fees paid for the companion will be refunded. You can then rebook both if you wish.
QuickTip: Absorb ideas one at a time.
How to ensure my companion gets a good boarding position?
Book your companion immediately after you book your own flight. If you have A-List or A-List Preferred status, you and your companion will both receive priority boarding positions when you check in.
How to know what counts as Companion Pass qualifying points?
Points earned from Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards (including sign-up bonuses and annual boosts), revenue flights on Southwest, and base points from Rapid Rewards partners (shopping, dining, hotels, car rentals) count. Points transferred from other loyalty programs or purchased points generally do not count.
How to maximize the validity period of my Companion Pass?
Aim to earn the 135,000 qualifying points early in a calendar year. If you hit the requirement in January, your pass will be valid for the rest of that year and the entire following year, giving you almost two full years of benefit.
How to use the Companion Pass for international flights?
Yes, you can use the Companion Pass for international flights that Southwest operates. The process is the same: book your flight, then add your companion for the applicable international taxes and fees, which will be higher than the standard $5.60 for domestic flights.
How to re-qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass after it expires?
To re-qualify, you'll need to meet the same requirements (100 qualifying one-way flights or 135,000 qualifying points) within a new calendar year. Many people repeat the credit card strategy by waiting until their current Companion Pass expires or is about to expire, then applying for new Southwest credit cards in the subsequent calendar year.
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