Traveling with a companion can be one of the most rewarding experiences, and Southwest Airlines offers an incredible perk that makes it even better: the Companion Pass! This coveted benefit allows you to bring one designated person with you on every single flight you take, paying only the taxes and fees (which are typically just $5.60 one-way for domestic flights!). Imagine the savings, the shared memories, and the sheer joy of experiencing new destinations with your favorite travel buddy by your side.
But how exactly do you unlock this amazing benefit and then use it? Don't worry, we're here to guide you through every step of the process, from earning the pass to booking your companion's seat. Let's get started!
Step 1: Are You Ready to Unlock Unforgettable Journeys?
So, you're dreaming of endless adventures with a travel partner, right? Fantastic! The first step to booking a companion on Southwest Airlines is to actually earn the Southwest Companion Pass. This isn't just a one-time discount; it's a game-changer for frequent flyers.
There are two primary ways to qualify for this incredible perk within a single calendar year:
Fly 100 qualifying one-way flights: This is for the true road warriors! If you find yourself consistently flying with Southwest, racking up 100 one-way segments will earn you the pass.
Earn 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points: For many, this is the more accessible route. These points can be accumulated through various means, including:
Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards: This is often the easiest and fastest way to earn a substantial chunk of points through welcome bonuses and everyday spending. Many travelers strategically open one or more Southwest credit cards to quickly hit the point threshold.
Everyday spending: Using your Southwest credit card for groceries, bills, and other purchases helps you accumulate points.
Southwest partners: Earn points by booking hotels, rental cars, or shopping through Southwest's partners.
Referral bonuses: Refer friends to Southwest credit cards and earn bonus points when they're approved.
Remember, the sooner in the calendar year you earn the Companion Pass, the longer you get to enjoy its benefits! It's valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which you earn it and the entire following calendar year. This means if you earn it in January, you could have nearly two full years of companion travel!
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| How Do You Book A Companion On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Designating Your Chosen Travel Companion
Once you've achieved the magical threshold for the Companion Pass, Southwest will typically send you a congratulatory email. Now comes the exciting part: choosing who will accompany you on your adventures!
Sub-heading 2.1: Logging into Your Rapid Rewards Account
Tip: Reflect on what you just read.
Go to Southwest.com.
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account. This is your central hub for all things Southwest loyalty.
Sub-heading 2.2: Finding the "Choose Your Companion" Section
On your account "Snapshot" or dashboard, look for a section or link titled "Choose Your Companion" or "Enter Companion Info."
Click on this link to begin the designation process.
Sub-heading 2.3: Providing Companion Information
You'll need to enter the following accurate details for your chosen companion, ensuring they match their government-issued ID:
Full Legal Name (First, Middle, Last)
Date of Birth
Gender
Country of Residence
Full Address
Email Address
Phone Number
Double-check all fields before submitting! Once submitted, you generally cannot change this information online. If you make a mistake, you'll need to call Southwest Customer Service.
Sub-heading 2.4: Receiving Confirmation
After successfully submitting the information, you should receive a pop-up confirmation that your Companion Pass has been added and your companion designated.
While you can often start booking immediately, Southwest typically sends a physical Companion Pass card within 21 business days. It's advisable to have this card with you when traveling, just in case.
Important Note: You can change your designated companion up to three times each calendar year that you hold Companion Pass privileges. However, you'll need to cancel any existing reservations with your current companion before making the change, and then call Southwest to update it.
Step 3: Booking Your Flight (the Primary Passenger)
The golden rule of using the Companion Pass is: you must book your flight first before you can add your companion. Your companion cannot fly without you, and their reservation is linked to yours.
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
Sub-heading 3.1: Choosing Your Destination and Dates
Browse Southwest.com for your desired flights.
Select your origin, destination, and travel dates.
You can book with either cash or Rapid Rewards points – the Companion Pass works with both!
Sub-heading 3.2: Completing Your Own Reservation
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Proceed through the booking process as you normally would for a single passenger.
Make sure to include your own Rapid Rewards number so you earn points on your flight (if paying with cash).
Complete the purchase of your ticket. You will receive a confirmation number.
Step 4: Adding Your Companion to Your Reservation
Now that your flight is booked, it's time to add your companion! This is the magical step where their flight becomes (almost) free.
Sub-heading 4.1: Accessing Your Upcoming Trips
Log back into your Southwest Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com or via the Southwest mobile app.
Navigate to the "My Trips" section.
Find your recently booked flight in the "Upcoming Trips" list.
Sub-heading 4.2: Locating the "Add Companion" Link
Next to your flight details, you should see an obvious link or button labeled "Add Companion."
Click on this link.
QuickTip: Read step by step, not all at once.
Sub-heading 4.3: Reviewing Companion Details and Completing Booking
The system will typically pre-fill your designated companion's information.
Carefully review all the details to ensure they are correct.
Click "Continue" to proceed to the payment screen.
Here, you will be prompted to pay the taxes and fees for your companion's flight. For domestic flights within the U.S., this is typically a minimal $5.60 one-way. International flights will have higher taxes and fees.
Complete the payment.
Once the payment is processed, your companion's flight will be confirmed! They will receive a separate confirmation number from your own.
Pro-Tip: It's often best to add your companion immediately after booking your own flight. While Southwest generally allows you to add a companion as long as there's an available seat for sale, waiting too long could mean the flight sells out, and then you won't be able to add your companion.
Step 5: Preparing for Your Companion Pass Journey
You've earned the pass, designated your companion, and booked your flights – you're almost ready for takeoff!
Sub-heading 5.1: Checking In for Your Flight
When it's time to check in for your flight (24 hours before departure), you and your companion will check in separately.
Your companion will receive their own boarding position. Generally, your companion will receive a sequential boarding position to yours, unless you purchased a Business Select fare or added the companion after you had been assigned a boarding position.
Sub-heading 5.2: What to Bring to the Airport
Both you and your companion should bring your respective government-issued IDs that match the names on your reservations.
While not always requested, it's a good idea to keep a copy of your Companion Pass details (or the physical card if you've received it) handy, just in case.
Enjoy your travels with your companion! The Southwest Companion Pass is truly one of the most valuable perks in the travel industry, offering incredible flexibility and savings.
QuickTip: Stop and think when you learn something new.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Booking a Companion on Southwest Airlines
Here are 10 common questions with quick answers to help you navigate the Southwest Companion Pass:
How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass? You can earn the Southwest Companion Pass by flying 100 qualifying one-way flights or accumulating 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points within a single calendar year.
How to Designate My Companion Online? Log into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, find the "Choose Your Companion" section on your dashboard, and follow the instructions to enter your companion's personal details.
How to Change My Designated Companion? You can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year. You must first cancel any existing reservations with your current companion, then call Southwest Customer Service to make the change.
How to Add a Companion to an Existing Flight? After booking your own flight, log into your Rapid Rewards account, go to "My Trips," find your upcoming flight, and click the "Add Companion" link. Follow the prompts to add your designated companion and pay their taxes/fees.
How to Use the Companion Pass with Points Bookings? Yes, the Companion Pass works with flights booked using Rapid Rewards points. You simply book your flight with points, then add your companion for just the taxes and fees.
How to Pay for Companion's Taxes and Fees? When adding your companion to a reservation online, you will be prompted to pay the applicable taxes and fees with a credit card. For domestic flights, this is typically $5.60 one-way.
How to Know if My Companion Pass is Active? Once you've earned the Companion Pass, you'll usually receive a congratulatory email from Southwest. You can also log into your Rapid Rewards account and check your "Snapshot" or Companion Pass status section.
How to Use the Companion Pass for International Flights? Yes, the Companion Pass can be used for international flights, but the taxes and fees for your companion will be higher than domestic flights and vary by destination.
How to Get a Boarding Position for My Companion? When you check in for your flight (starting 24 hours before departure), your companion will receive their own separate boarding position. Their position will often be sequential to yours unless you have A-List status or purchased Business Select.
How to Ensure a Seat is Available for My Companion? The best way to ensure a seat for your companion is to add them to your reservation immediately after you book your own flight, as the Companion Pass is valid as long as there is an open seat for sale on the flight.
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