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 significant other on nearly every Southwest flight you take, for practically free! You only pay the taxes and fees, which are typically just $5.60 each way for domestic flights. If you love to travel and have a go-to travel buddy, this pass can save you thousands of rupees (or dollars, if you're outside India!) on flights over almost two years.
Are you ready to unlock this incredible travel benefit? Let's dive in!
The Ultimate Guide to Earning the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass
Earning the Southwest Companion Pass requires a bit of strategy and planning, but the rewards are absolutely worth it. You need to earn 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points in a single calendar year or fly 100 qualifying one-way flights. While flying 100 segments might be feasible for frequent business travelers, the vast majority of people earn the Companion Pass through accumulating points, primarily via Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards.
Here's your step-by-step guide to making that happen:
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| How Do You Get A Southwest Airlines Companion Pass |
Step 1: Are You Ready to Commit to the Companion Pass Journey?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, ask yourself:
Do you frequently travel with a companion? The Companion Pass's value is maximized when you consistently fly with someone. If you mostly travel solo, its benefits will be limited.
Are you comfortable with credit card applications and managing spending? A significant portion of earning the Companion Pass involves strategic credit card sign-up bonuses and meeting minimum spend requirements.
Can you manage your spending responsibly? It's crucial to only spend what you can afford to pay off to avoid interest charges, which would negate any travel savings.
If you answered "yes" to these questions, then let's get started on your path to virtually free flights for two!
Step 2: Understand the Companion Pass Basics and Timing is Key
The Southwest Companion Pass is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which you earn it, plus the entire following calendar year. This is a crucial detail for maximizing its value.
Sub-heading: Why Timing Your Earning Matters
Earn Early in the Year for Maximum Benefit: If you earn the Companion Pass in January 2026, it will be valid for all of 2026 and all of 2027. That's nearly two full years of buy-one-get-one flights!
Earn Late in the Year (Less Optimal): If you earn it in December 2026, it will be valid for the remaining few weeks of 2026 and all of 2027. While still great, you miss out on almost a full year of benefits compared to earning it early.
This is why many people aim to have their qualifying points post to their Southwest Rapid Rewards account early in the calendar year, ideally in January or February. This often means applying for credit cards in late November or December, but carefully timing your spending so the sign-up bonuses hit after January 1st of the new year.
Sub-heading: The 135,000 Qualifying Points Requirement
To earn the pass via points, you need 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. These points can come from several sources:
QuickTip: Reading carefully once is better than rushing twice.
Points earned from Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards: This is the easiest and fastest way to accumulate points, primarily through welcome offers (sign-up bonuses) and everyday spending.
Base points earned from revenue flights booked through Southwest: Points earned from flights you actually pay for with money.
Base points earned from Rapid Rewards partners: This includes hotel stays, car rentals booked through Southwest partners, and Rapid Rewards Shopping and Dining portals.
Annual 10,000 Companion Pass Qualifying Points Boost: Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card holders receive a 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each calendar year. This is a significant head start!
What DOES NOT count: Purchased points, transferred points from other members, points converted from hotel and car loyalty programs (except sometimes for specific, temporary promotions), and points from program enrollment or tier bonuses.
Step 3: Choose Your Credit Card Strategy
This is where the magic largely happens. Since Chase issues Southwest credit cards, you'll need to be aware of Chase's "5/24 rule." This rule generally states that if you've opened 5 or more personal credit cards from any bank in the last 24 months, you'll likely be denied for new Chase cards. Plan accordingly!
The most common and effective strategy involves applying for two Southwest credit cards:
One Personal Southwest Credit Card
One Southwest Business Credit Card
You cannot hold two personal Southwest credit cards at the same time and receive sign-up bonuses on both within a short period. However, you can hold both a personal and a business card.
Sub-heading: Popular Southwest Personal Credit Cards
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: Often comes with a solid welcome offer. It has a lower annual fee but fewer ongoing benefits.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card: A slightly higher annual fee but offers more anniversary points and potentially more earning categories.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: The highest annual fee among personal cards, but it comes with the best perks like an annual Southwest travel credit, upgraded boardings, and more anniversary points.
Remember to check current sign-up bonus offers as they vary throughout the year. Look for offers that provide a significant chunk of the 135,000 points.
Sub-heading: Popular Southwest Business Credit Cards
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card: A good option for small business owners.
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card: The premium business card with higher earning rates and additional benefits like Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit and inflight Wi-Fi credits.
Don't have a "traditional" business? Many people qualify for a business credit card as a sole proprietor. If you sell items online, freelance, consult, or even drive for a rideshare service, you likely have a "business." You can use your Social Security Number (SSN) if you don't have an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
Sub-heading: The Two-Card Strategy in Action
The typical strategy is to:
Apply for a Southwest personal card.
Apply for a Southwest business card.
The combined welcome bonuses from these two cards, along with the spending required to meet those bonuses, are usually enough to get you very close to or exceed the 135,000 qualifying points. Remember to factor in the 10,000-point annual boost from each card (if you're a cardmember) if it applies to your situation.
Step 4: Strategize Your Spending
Tip: Take your time with each sentence.
Once approved for your cards, the clock starts ticking to meet the minimum spending requirements for the welcome bonuses.
Sub-heading: Timing Your Bonus Points to Post
This is where the "earning early in the year" strategy comes into play.
If you apply in late November or December of the current year (e.g., late 2025):
Meet most of your spending requirements by the end of December 2025.
Crucially, ensure the final portion of spending that pushes you over the minimum (and thus triggers the bonus) occurs in early January 2026.
This ensures the large welcome bonus points post to your Rapid Rewards account in January 2026, giving you the Companion Pass for the rest of 2026 and all of 2027.
If you apply in early January of the current year (e.g., early 2026):
Meet the minimum spending requirements on both cards as quickly as possible.
Once the bonus points post to your account, you will earn the Companion Pass for the remainder of 2026 and all of 2027. This is often the simplest approach for many.
Important Note on Statement Closing Dates: Points from credit card spending and bonuses typically post to your Rapid Rewards account after your credit card statement closes. Be mindful of your statement closing dates to ensure your points land in the desired calendar year.
Sub-heading: Meeting Minimum Spend Responsibly
Everyday Expenses: Use your new Southwest cards for all your regular spending – groceries, utilities, fuel, dining out, online shopping.
Planned Large Purchases: If you have any significant purchases coming up (e.g., home repairs, new appliances, tuition), consider putting them on these cards.
Pay Your Bill in Full: To reiterate, always pay your credit card balance in full and on time to avoid interest charges. The goal is free travel, not debt!
Step 5: Monitor Your Rapid Rewards Points and Await Qualification
Keep a close eye on your Southwest Rapid Rewards account online. As you earn points from spending and once your credit card welcome bonuses post, you'll see your qualifying points tally increase.
Once you hit the 135,000 qualifying points threshold (or 100 qualifying flights), Southwest will notify you, and your Companion Pass will be activated!
Step 6: Designate Your Companion
Congratulations, you've earned the Companion Pass! The next step is to designate your companion.
Sub-heading: How to Designate Your Companion Online
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com.
On your "Snapshot" tab, look for the "Choose Your Companion" section.
Click "Enter Companion Info" and follow the instructions.
You'll need your companion's full name, date of birth, gender, and contact information. Double-check all details carefully!
Sub-heading: Important Companion Pass Rules
QuickTip: Pause after each section to reflect.
One Companion at a Time: You can only have one designated companion at any given time.
Changing Your Companion: You can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year. If you need to change, you must first cancel any existing reservations with your current companion, then call Southwest or manage it online.
Booking Companion Travel: You must book your flight first, then add your companion. After booking your flight, go to the "My Trips" section of your account, find your flight, and click the "Add Companion" link. You'll pay the applicable taxes and fees (starting at $5.60 one-way domestically).
No Blackout Dates: If there's an open seat on a Southwest flight you're on, your companion can fly with you!
Step 7: Enjoy the Benefits of the Southwest Companion Pass!
You've done it! Now, it's time to reap the rewards. Whether it's a weekend getaway with your partner, a family vacation with your child, or a trip with a friend, your Companion Pass makes every Southwest flight a two-for-one deal.
Travel often, travel smart, and enjoy those BOGO flights!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to calculate Southwest Companion Pass qualifying points?
You earn 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points through a combination of points earned from Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card spending (including welcome bonuses), base points from revenue flights booked directly with Southwest, and base points from Rapid Rewards partners.
How to time Southwest credit card applications for maximum Companion Pass validity?
To maximize validity, aim for your credit card welcome bonuses to post to your Rapid Rewards account in early January of the desired qualification year. This means applying in late November/December and meeting minimum spend in early January, or applying in January and meeting spend quickly.
How to use the Southwest Companion Pass after earning it?
First, designate your companion online through your Rapid Rewards account. Then, when booking a flight for yourself, after your reservation is confirmed, go to "My Trips" and use the "Add Companion" link to book their ticket for just the taxes and fees.
How to change your designated Southwest Companion Pass companion?
You can change your companion up to three times per calendar year. You must first cancel any existing reservations with your current companion. Then, you can change your companion online through your Rapid Rewards account or by calling Southwest Airlines.
QuickTip: Read line by line if it’s complex.
How to combine points from different sources for the Southwest Companion Pass?
Points from Southwest credit cards (including welcome bonuses), paid flights, and Rapid Rewards partners automatically combine in your Rapid Rewards account to count towards the 135,000 qualifying points. Purchased points or points transferred from other members generally do not count.
How to maintain Southwest Companion Pass status in subsequent years?
To maintain the Companion Pass, you must re-qualify each calendar year by earning 135,000 qualifying points or flying 100 qualifying one-way flights. The process is the same as your initial qualification.
How to get a Southwest Business credit card without a traditional business?
You can often qualify as a sole proprietor if you have any side income or freelance work (e.g., selling items online, consulting, rideshare driving). You'll typically apply using your Social Security Number (SSN) as your tax ID.
How to ensure my credit card points count towards the Companion Pass in the correct year?
Points typically post to your Rapid Rewards account after your credit card statement closes. To ensure points count for a specific year, make sure the transactions (especially those for sign-up bonuses) are reflected on a statement that closes within that calendar year.
How to know if a Southwest promotional offer includes the Companion Pass?
Southwest occasionally offers promotional Companion Passes directly as part of a credit card welcome bonus. These will be explicitly stated in the offer terms. They might have a shorter validity period (e.g., through February of the following year) compared to the standard earned Companion Pass.
How to maximize Companion Pass value for family travel?
If you're a couple, one partner can earn the Companion Pass one year, and the other partner can earn it the following year. This strategy can provide a continuous Companion Pass for nearly four years of travel, essentially covering two travelers for almost free.
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