Your Ultimate Guide to Earning the Coveted Southwest Companion Pass in 2025!
Have you ever dreamt of having a travel buddy fly with you for virtually free on almost every trip you take? Imagine the possibilities! Exploring new cities, visiting family, or simply enjoying a weekend getaway – all with a significant chunk of your travel costs cut in half. This dream can become a reality with the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass, widely regarded as one of the best perks in the world of travel rewards.
It’s not just a pass; it’s a game-changer that lets you bring a designated companion on unlimited Southwest flights for just the cost of taxes and fees (which start at a mere $5.60 one-way for domestic flights). If you're ready to unlock unparalleled travel freedom, then buckle up, because we're about to dive deep into how you can earn this incredible benefit.
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| How To Earn Companion Pass On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Understand the Core Requirements - Are You Ready for Takeoff?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's understand what it takes to qualify. 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 on Southwest Airlines. While certainly achievable for extreme road warriors, for most people, this is a very challenging path.
Earn 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points: This is the most common and often easiest way to earn the Companion Pass for the vast majority of travelers. These aren't just any points; they're specific "Companion Pass qualifying points."
Pro Tip: Timing is everything! The Companion Pass is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which you earn it, PLUS the entire following calendar year. This means if you earn it early in the year, say January 2025, you'll have it for almost two full years (all of 2025 and all of 2026). If you earn it in December 2025, you'll only have it for roughly a year (the remainder of 2025 and all of 2026). Plan your point accumulation accordingly for maximum benefit!
Step 2: Strategize Your Point Accumulation - The Credit Card Advantage
For most individuals, the most efficient and practical way to earn 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points is through Southwest co-branded credit cards issued by Chase. Here's why this is your golden ticket:
Sub-heading: Leveraging Welcome Bonuses
The welcome bonuses offered by Southwest credit cards are a primary driver for earning the Companion Pass. These bonuses typically range from 50,000 to 80,000 points after meeting a certain spending requirement within the first few months of opening the card.
The "Two-Card Strategy": Since Chase generally restricts you from earning a welcome bonus on more than one personal Southwest card within a 24-month period, the most common and effective strategy is to apply for one personal Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card AND one Southwest Rapid Rewards business credit card.
Personal Cards: Options include the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, and Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card.
Business Cards: Consider the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card or the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card.
Why this works: The welcome bonuses from these two cards, combined with the spending required to meet those bonuses, can often get you very close to, or even exceed, the 135,000 point threshold.
QuickTip: Pause when something feels important.
Sub-heading: Understanding Qualifying Points Beyond Welcome Bonuses
While welcome bonuses are crucial, other activities also contribute to your qualifying point total:
Points earned from revenue flights: When you pay for Southwest flights with dollars (or LUV Vouchers, gift cards, or flight credits), the Rapid Rewards points you earn count towards your Companion Pass.
Points earned from spending on Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards: Every point you earn from everyday spending on your Southwest credit cards counts as a Companion Pass qualifying point. This includes category bonuses (e.g., higher earning on Southwest purchases, transit, internet/cable/phone services).
Annual 10,000-point boost: As a Southwest Rapid Rewards Cardmember, you automatically receive a 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each calendar year. This is a significant head start!
Base points earned from Rapid Rewards partners: Points earned through Southwest's partners (like hotel and car rental bookings made through Southwest, or shopping/dining portals) can also count. However, be careful – not all partner points qualify. For example, points transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards do not count towards the Companion Pass, although they are valuable for booking flights.
Referral bonuses: If you refer a friend to a Southwest credit card and they are approved, the bonus points you receive from the referral do count towards your Companion Pass.
What DOESN'T count:
Purchased points
Points transferred between Rapid Rewards Members
Points converted from hotel and car loyalty programs (other than those earned through direct Southwest booking partners)
Tier bonus points (earned from A-List or A-List Preferred status)
Flight bonus points
Points earned from Rapid Rewards program enrollment
Step 3: Execute Your Plan - The Application and Spending Game
Once you've decided on your strategy, it's time for action.
Sub-heading: Applying for Credit Cards
Check Chase's 5/24 Rule: Chase has an unofficial rule that generally restricts approvals for new credit cards if you've opened 5 or more personal credit card accounts across all banks in the past 24 months. This rule applies to Southwest cards. Make sure you are under 5/24 before applying.
Apply for one personal and one business card: If you're going for the two-card strategy, many experts recommend applying for the business card first. Business credit card applications generally don't count towards your personal 5/24 limit.
Space out your applications: While some people apply for both cards on the same day, it's generally safer to wait a month or two between applications to avoid raising red flags with Chase.
Be patient: After approval, it can take a few weeks for the physical card to arrive.
Sub-heading: Meeting Minimum Spending Requirements
This is where the bulk of your qualifying points will come from.
Track your spending: Keep a meticulous record of your spending on each new card to ensure you meet the minimum spend requirement within the specified timeframe (usually 3 months).
Everyday expenses: Put all your regular, budgeted expenses on the new cards – groceries, utilities, gas, dining, etc.
Large purchases: If you have any large, planned expenses coming up (e.g., home repairs, medical bills, tuition), consider putting them on these cards.
Pre-pay bills: You can sometimes pre-pay bills like insurance premiums or subscriptions to meet the spending faster.
Consider manufactured spending (with caution): This involves methods to generate credit card spending without actual purchases, such as buying gift cards or using payment services. However, this carries risks, can violate terms of service, and is generally not recommended for beginners. Stick to legitimate spending.
Step 4: Monitor Your Progress - Watching Your Points Grow
As you spend and earn points, keep a close eye on your Rapid Rewards account.
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
Login to Southwest.com: Your Rapid Rewards account dashboard will display your current qualifying points total.
Understand point posting: Welcome bonuses usually post a few days to a week after your statement closes and the minimum spending requirement has been met. Regular spending points post with your monthly statement.
Timing is critical for two-year Companion Pass: If you're aiming for the maximum validity (nearly two years), ensure all 135,000 qualifying points post to your account within the same calendar year. This means strategically timing when your credit card welcome bonuses hit your account. For example, if you apply for cards in late 2024, ensure the spending for the bonus carries into January 2025 so the points post in 2025.
Step 5: Designate Your Companion - The Fun Part!
Once you hit that magical 135,000 qualifying point mark (or 100 flights), Southwest will recognize your Companion Pass status.
Southwest will notify you: You'll receive a notification (usually via email) that you've earned the Companion Pass.
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account: On Southwest.com, go to your "My Account" section. You'll see a "Choose Your Companion" option.
Enter companion information: Provide your chosen companion's name, date of birth, and Rapid Rewards number (if they have one).
You can change your companion: You are allowed to change your designated companion up to three times each calendar year that you maintain Companion Pass privileges. Keep in mind that any existing reservations with your current companion must be canceled before you can make a change.
Step 6: Enjoy the Benefits - Fly Free (Almost!)
With your Companion Pass in hand, here's how to use it:
Book your flight first: Always book your flight (either with cash or Rapid Rewards points) before adding your companion.
Add your companion: After booking your flight, go to your "My Trips" section online or in the Southwest app. You'll see an "Add Companion" link next to your flight. Click it, confirm the details, and pay the small taxes and fees (starting at $5.60 one-way for domestic flights).
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 certificates.
Unlimited use: Use it as often as you like during its validity period!
Step 7: Maintain and Maximize - Keeping the Companion Pass Dream Alive
Your Companion Pass is a fantastic asset, so make the most of it and plan for its renewal.
Plan future travel: With your companion flying for nearly free, you can travel more frequently or to more distant destinations.
Consider the timing for re-qualification: If you want to keep the Companion Pass going, you'll need to re-qualify each year. Start planning your point accumulation for the next calendar year well in advance.
Utilize existing cards: Continue to use your Southwest credit cards for everyday spending to keep accumulating points. Remember, the 10,000-point boost each year from your card is a great head start.
Earning the Southwest Companion Pass takes a bit of planning and strategic effort, but the payoff in terms of travel savings and flexibility is immense. Happy travels!
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to choose the best Southwest credit cards for Companion Pass?
Tip: Read the whole thing before forming an opinion.
The "best" cards depend on your spending habits and annual fee preference, but generally, a combination of a personal card (like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card for its benefits) and a business card (like the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card for its higher welcome bonus potential) is ideal for earning the Companion Pass via welcome offers.
How to know if my points count towards Companion Pass?
Points earned from revenue flights, Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card spending (including welcome bonuses and the 10,000-point annual boost), and base points from Rapid Rewards partners (e.g., hotels/cars booked through Southwest's portal, shopping/dining portals) count. Points purchased, transferred from other members, or converted from other loyalty programs (like Chase Ultimate Rewards) generally do not count.
How to track my Companion Pass qualifying points?
You can easily track your progress by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com. Your dashboard will show your current year's qualifying points total.
How to maximize the validity period of the Companion Pass?
To get nearly two full years of validity, aim to earn all 135,000 qualifying points as early as possible in a calendar year (ideally January or February). This ensures the pass is valid for the remainder of that year and the entire following calendar year.
How to add a companion to my Southwest flight?
After booking your own flight, log into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com or the Southwest app, go to "My Trips," locate your flight, and click the "Add Companion" link. You'll then enter your companion's details and pay the applicable taxes and fees.
Tip: Look for examples to make points easier to grasp.
How to change my designated companion?
You can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year. To do so, log into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com or the Southwest app, go to the "My Account" section, and follow the instructions under "Manage Companion Pass." Remember to cancel any existing reservations with your current companion first.
How to use the Companion Pass for international flights?
The Companion Pass can be used for international flights, but the taxes and fees for your companion will be higher than the standard $5.60 domestic rate, as they vary by destination and can include various government-imposed taxes.
How to ensure my credit card points post in the correct calendar year?
Pay close attention to your credit card statement closing dates. For welcome bonuses, the points typically post after your statement closes, verifying that you've met the minimum spend. To ensure points count for the next year, aim to complete the minimum spending early in that year so the bonus points hit your account in the desired calendar year.
How to re-qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass?
To re-qualify, you'll need to earn another 135,000 qualifying points or fly 100 qualifying one-way flights in the new calendar year, just as you did the first time. The strategies remain the same!
How to get a promotional Companion Pass?
Southwest occasionally offers limited-time promotional Companion Passes, often requiring fewer flights or points to earn, but these typically have a shorter validity period. Keep an eye on Southwest's promotions page and emails for these offers, as they vary and aren't always available.
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