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 loved one for nearly free, every single time you fly Southwest! It sounds too good to be true, but it's a reality for those who qualify. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about booking a Companion Fare on Southwest Airlines, from earning the coveted Pass to making your first booking.
The Ultimate Guide to Booking Your Southwest Companion Fare
So, you've heard about the legendary Southwest Companion Pass and you're ready to unlock its incredible value? Excellent choice! This pass allows you to bring one designated person along with you on every Southwest flight you take, for only the cost of taxes and fees (which are typically a mere $5.60 one-way for domestic flights). It's essentially a "buy one, get one free" deal on an unlimited number of flights.
Let's dive into the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Are You Ready to Fly for (Almost) Free? Confirming Your Companion Pass Status
Before you can even think about booking a companion fare, you need to ensure you actually have the Southwest Companion Pass. Don't worry if you're not there yet; we'll touch on how to earn it briefly.
How to Check Your Status:
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account: Head over to Southwest.com and sign in with your Rapid Rewards number and password.
Navigate to "My Account": Once logged in, look for the "My Account" section, usually at the top right of the page.
Find your "Snapshot" or "Companion Pass Tracker": On your account page, you should see a section dedicated to your Rapid Rewards status and, if applicable, your Companion Pass progress or active status. It might be labeled "Choose Your Companion" or "Companion Pass Tracker."
If you don't have the Companion Pass yet, you'll need to earn it first. The two primary ways are:
Earning 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year: This is the most common method and includes points earned from flying, using Southwest co-branded credit cards (including sign-up bonuses and everyday spending), and through Rapid Rewards partners (like hotels, car rentals, and shopping portals).
Flying 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year: For the truly frequent flyers!
Pro Tip: Many people earn the Companion Pass primarily through Southwest co-branded credit card sign-up bonuses. Timing your credit card applications can allow you to earn the pass early in a calendar year, maximizing its validity for almost two full years!
Step 2: Your Wing-Person Awaits! Designating Your Companion
Once you've earned the Companion Pass, the next crucial step is to designate your companion. This is the person who will be flying with you for free.
Designating Your Initial Companion Online:
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account: As in Step 1.
Go to "My Account" and "Snapshot": Look for the "Choose Your Companion" or "Enter Companion Info" link.
Enter Companion Details: You'll need to provide your companion's full legal name (as it appears on their ID), birthdate, gender, street address, email address, and phone number. Accuracy is key here, as it must match their government-issued ID for travel.
Confirm and Submit: Review the information carefully and submit. Southwest will then process your designation.
Changing Your Designated Companion:
Southwest allows you to change your designated companion up to three times each calendar year, in addition to your initial designation. This offers fantastic flexibility!
The process for changing is similar to designating: log into your account, go to "My Account," and look for the "Change Companion" option. Any existing reservations for your current companion must be canceled before you can change your designated companion. You can typically book travel with your new companion the same day you make the change.
Step 3: Your Journey Begins! Booking Your Flight
This is a critical step. You must book your own flight first before you can add your companion.
Booking Your Flight (Cash or Points):
Go to Southwest.com or use the Southwest mobile app.
Search for your desired flight: Enter your departure and arrival cities, dates, and select one passenger (yourself).
Choose your fare: Select your preferred fare type (e.g., Wanna Get Away, Anytime, Business Select). The Companion Pass works regardless of whether you pay with cash or Rapid Rewards points.
Complete your booking: Proceed through the booking process, enter your payment details (cash or points), and confirm your reservation. You will receive a confirmation number for your flight.
Important Considerations:
Seat Availability: While there are no blackout dates for Companion Pass travel, your companion can only be added if there is a seat available for purchase on your chosen flight. If a flight is completely sold out, you won't be able to add your companion. It's generally best to book your flight and then add your companion as soon as possible, especially for popular routes or times.
Separate Confirmation Numbers: Your companion will have their own separate confirmation number once added, even though their fare is tied to yours.
Step 4: Bringing Your Plus One! Adding Your Companion to Your Reservation
Now that your flight is booked, it's time to add your designated companion. This is where the magic happens!
Adding Your Companion Online:
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account.
Go to "My Trips": On your account dashboard, find the "My Trips" section.
Locate your upcoming flight: Find the flight you just booked in your list of upcoming trips.
Click "Add Companion": You should see an option or link next to your flight details that says "Add Companion." Click on it.
Review Companion Information: The system will typically pre-fill your designated companion's information. Double-check that it is correct.
Pay Taxes and Fees: You will be prompted to pay the applicable taxes and fees for your companion's ticket. For domestic flights, this is usually $5.60 per one-way flight. International flights will have higher taxes and fees.
Confirm Purchase: Complete the payment process to confirm your companion's reservation. You will receive a separate confirmation for your companion's ticket.
Adding Your Companion by Phone:
If you prefer, or if you encounter any issues online, you can call Southwest Airlines Customer Service at 1-800-248-4377 and inform the representative that you'd like to add a Companion Pass holder to your existing reservation. Have your confirmation number and your companion's Rapid Rewards number (if they have one) ready.
Step 5: Smooth Sailing! Pre-Flight and Boarding Tips
You've done it! Both you and your companion are booked. Here are a few things to keep in mind as your travel date approaches:
Check-in: You and your companion should check in for your flights as you normally would. While you're on the same itinerary, you'll still go through the standard check-in process.
Boarding Positions: Unless you purchased a Business Select fare or added your companion after you received your boarding position, you and your companion will typically receive sequential boarding positions. If you or your companion have A-List or A-List Preferred status, you will both receive reserved boarding positions.
Bags: Remember Southwest's updated bag policy. For flights booked on or after May 28, 2025, checked bag fees may apply for Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Basic fares. Business Select still includes two free checked bags. Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members get two free checked bags, and A-List members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers get their first checked bag free. Always check the latest policy on Southwest's website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Booking a Southwest Companion Fare
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about the Southwest Companion Pass, with quick answers:
How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass? You can earn it by accumulating 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points or by flying 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year. Many people achieve this through a combination of Southwest credit card sign-up bonuses and everyday spending.
How to Designate My Initial Companion on Southwest? Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, go to "My Account," find the "Choose Your Companion" or "Enter Companion Info" link, and follow the instructions to enter your chosen companion's details.
How to Change My Designated Companion? You can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year. Log in to your Southwest account, go to "My Account," and look for the "Change Companion" option. Remember to cancel any existing reservations for your current companion before making the change.
How to Book My Flight First When Using the Companion Pass? Simply go to Southwest.com or the mobile app, search for your desired flight as a single passenger, and complete your booking with either cash or Rapid Rewards points.
How to Add My Companion After Booking My Flight? After booking your flight, log into your Southwest account, go to "My Trips," locate your upcoming flight, and click the "Add Companion" link. Follow the prompts to confirm your companion's details and pay the required taxes and fees.
How to Know if My Companion Can Be Added to a Flight? Your companion can only be added if there is at least one seat available for purchase on your flight. If the flight is sold out, you won't be able to add them.
How to Pay for My Companion's Fare? You will only pay for the government-imposed taxes and fees for your companion's ticket. For domestic flights, this is typically $5.60 per one-way. These are paid at the time you add your companion to your reservation.
How to Use the Companion Pass for International Flights? Yes, the Companion Pass is valid for international flights! The process is the same: book your flight first, then add your companion. Be aware that taxes and fees for international flights will be higher than domestic flights.
How to Check My Companion Pass Expiration Date? Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com and navigate to "My Account." Your Companion Pass status and expiration date should be displayed in your "Snapshot" or Companion Pass tracker section.
How to Get Boarding Positions for My Companion? When you add your companion, they will typically receive sequential boarding positions with you. If you have A-List or A-List Preferred status, both of you will receive preferred boarding positions. For Business Select, only the primary purchaser gets A1-A15.