Have you ever dreamt of having a travel buddy fly with you for virtually free on all your adventures? The Southwest Companion Pass makes that dream a reality! It's one of the most coveted airline perks, allowing you to designate one person to fly with you for just the cost of taxes and fees (typically $5.60 one-way for domestic flights) on an unlimited number of flights. If you're ready to unlock unparalleled travel savings, read on for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to booking your Southwest Companion Pass flights.
The Ultimate Guide to Booking Southwest Companion Pass Flights
Earning the Southwest Companion Pass is the first monumental step, and once you have it in hand (or rather, linked to your Rapid Rewards account), using it effectively is key to maximizing its value. This guide will walk you through everything from designating your companion to managing your bookings.
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| How To Book Companion Pass On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Confirm You've Earned the Companion Pass (and Designate Your Companion!)
Before you even think about booking a flight, let's confirm you're all set!
Are you brimming with excitement about using your Companion Pass? Fantastic! But first, let's make sure it's active and ready to go.
Sub-heading 1.1: Verify Your Companion Pass Status
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account: Head over to Southwest.com and log in using your Rapid Rewards number and password.
Check your Snapshot tab: Once logged in, navigate to your "Snapshot" tab. Here, you should see clear indication of your Companion Pass status. You'll often see a "Choose Your Companion" or "Enter Companion Info" link if you haven't designated someone yet.
Alternatively, keep an eye on your email: Southwest often sends an email notification once you've officially earned the Companion Pass, guiding you to the designation process.
Sub-heading 1.2: Designating Your Chosen Companion
This is a crucial step. You can't book a companion flight until you've told Southwest who your designated companion is.
Online Method (Recommended):
From your "Snapshot" tab, locate the "Choose Your Companion" or "Enter Companion Info" section.
Click on the link and follow the on-screen prompts. You'll need to enter your companion's full name (as it appears on their government-issued ID), birthdate, gender, address, email, and phone number. Accuracy is paramount here to avoid issues at the airport!
Confirm the details and submit. The change is usually processed almost instantly.
Phone Method: If you prefer, you can call Southwest Customer Service at 1-800-435-9792 to designate your companion.
Important Note on Changing Companions: You are allowed to change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year, in addition to your initial selection. This provides good flexibility, but plan strategically! If you need to change your companion, you'll go through the same designation process online or via phone. Any existing reservations for the old companion must be canceled before you can designate a new one.
Step 2: Book the Primary Passenger's Flight First
Tip: Read in a quiet space for focus.
This is a fundamental rule of booking with the Southwest Companion Pass: you must book the Companion Pass holder's flight before you can add your companion.
Sub-heading 2.1: Searching for Flights
Go to Southwest.com: Use the flight search engine on the homepage.
Enter your travel details: Input your departure and arrival airports, dates, and select "1 Adult" as the number of passengers. Do NOT select two passengers at this point.
Choose your fare: Select your desired flight and fare type (Wanna Get Away, Anytime, Business Select, etc.). Remember, the Companion Pass works with any available seat, whether you pay with cash or Rapid Rewards points, and there are no blackout dates for Companion Pass travel itself. However, if there's only one seat left for sale on a particular flight, you won't be able to add your companion to it.
Sub-heading 2.2: Completing Your Booking
Proceed to checkout: Complete the booking process for your flight. You'll pay for your ticket as usual (with cash, points, or a combination).
Receive confirmation: Once your booking is complete, you'll receive a confirmation email with your flight details. Keep this confirmation number handy!
Step 3: Add Your Designated Companion to the Flight
Now for the exciting part – getting your companion on board for those sweet, sweet taxes and fees!
Sub-heading 3.1: Accessing Your Upcoming Trips
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account (if not already): Go back to Southwest.com and log in.
Navigate to "My Trips": On your account dashboard, find the "My Trips" section. This will show all your upcoming flights.
Find your recently booked flight: Locate the flight you just booked for yourself.
Sub-heading 3.2: Adding the Companion
Click the "Add Companion" link: Next to your flight details, you should see a prominent "Add Companion" link. Click on this.
Review Companion Information: The system will display the details of your currently designated companion. Double-check that this is the correct person you intend to fly with.
Confirm and Purchase: You'll be presented with the flight details and the amount due for your companion (typically $5.60 for domestic flights, but international flights will have higher taxes and fees). Confirm everything looks correct and proceed to "Purchase" to complete the companion's reservation.
You will not be using points for your companion's fare; it's always cash for the taxes/fees.
Sub-heading 3.3: Confirmation of Companion Booking
You will receive a separate confirmation number for your companion's flight. It's often linked to your original reservation, but it's a distinct booking. Both you and your companion will now have confirmed seats on the flight!
QuickTip: Slowing down makes content clearer.
Step 4: Managing Your Companion Pass Bookings
Things can change, and Southwest understands that! Here's how to manage your Companion Pass flights.
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Sub-heading 4.1: Changing a Companion Pass Flight
Cancel the Companion's Flight First: This is the most important step when changing a Companion Pass flight. You must cancel your companion's reservation before you can make changes to your own flight. Go to "My Trips," find the companion's booking, and select "Cancel."
Change Your Flight: Once the companion's booking is canceled, you can then proceed to change your flight. Go to your reservation in "My Trips," click "Change Flight," and select your new desired date/time/destination. You may need to pay any difference in fare.
Rebook the Companion: After your flight is confirmed, go back to "My Trips" and follow the "Add Companion" steps (as in Step 3) to book your companion on your new flight. Remember, a seat must be available for them on the new flight.
Sub-heading 4.2: Canceling a Companion Pass Flight
Cancel Both Reservations: If you need to cancel entirely, simply go to "My Trips" for both your reservation and your companion's reservation and select "Cancel."
What happens to points/funds? If you paid for your flight with points, they will be returned to your Rapid Rewards account. If you paid with cash, you'll receive a flight credit or a refund depending on the fare type and cancellation policy. Your companion's taxes and fees will also be refunded.
Step 5: Day of Travel Tips
You've booked, you've confirmed, now it's time to fly!
Sub-heading 5.1: Check-in
Check-in for both passengers: You and your companion will need to check in for your flight. While you typically receive sequential boarding positions, if you purchased a Business Select fare or added your companion after you had already been assigned a boarding position, your companion's boarding position will be assigned based on check-in time, A-List status, or EarlyBird Check-In.
Consider EarlyBird Check-In: If you want to ensure better boarding positions for both of you, you can purchase EarlyBird Check-In for both passengers.
Sub-heading 5.2: At the Airport
Valid ID: Ensure both you and your companion have valid government-issued identification ready for check-in and security.
Enjoy the Savings! Congratulate yourselves on mastering the art of the Southwest Companion Pass!
10 Related FAQ Questions
QuickTip: Reading twice makes retention stronger.
Here are some common "How to" questions about the Southwest Companion Pass, with quick answers:
How to Qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass?
You typically qualify by earning 135,000 Rapid Rewards qualifying points or flying 100 qualifying one-way flights in a single calendar year. Credit card sign-up bonuses are often the easiest way to achieve the points requirement.
How to Maximize the Length of Your Companion Pass?
Aim to earn the Companion Pass early in a calendar year (e.g., January or February). This way, it will be valid for the remainder of that year and the entire following calendar year, giving you nearly two full years of benefits.
How to Change Your Designated Companion?
You can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year. This can be done online through your Southwest Rapid Rewards account under the "Snapshot" tab or by calling Southwest Customer Service.
How to Know if a Flight Has Availability for a Companion?
If a flight is available for purchase for one person, it generally has availability for a companion. The only exception is if there is only one seat left for sale on the plane; in that rare case, you cannot add a companion.
How to Use the Companion Pass for International Flights?
Tip: Break down complex paragraphs step by step.
Yes, you can use your Companion Pass for international flights to destinations Southwest serves. Your companion will still fly for free on the base fare, but you will pay higher taxes and fees compared to domestic flights due to international regulations.
How to Earn Points That Count Towards the Companion Pass?
Qualifying points include those earned from Southwest flights, spending on Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards, and points earned through Rapid Rewards partners (e.g., shopping portal, dining program). Purchased points, transferred points, and some bonus points typically do not count.
How to Book a Companion Pass Flight with Points?
First, book your own flight using Rapid Rewards points. Then, go to "My Trips" in your account, find your booked flight, and click "Add Companion" to add your designated companion. You will pay the applicable taxes and fees for your companion in cash.
How to Check How Many Companion Changes You Have Left?
When you go to change your companion online in your Southwest Rapid Rewards account, the system will typically show you how many changes you have remaining for the current calendar year.
How to Use the Companion Pass if You Haven't Earned it Yet?
You cannot use the Companion Pass until you have officially earned it and designated a companion. However, you can book your flight first, and then once you earn the Companion Pass, go back and add your companion to your existing reservation.
How to Get Boarding Positions for Companion Pass Travel?
When you and your companion check in, you will generally receive sequential boarding positions. However, if you purchased a Business Select fare, only the primary passenger gets the A1-A15 boarding position. For other fare types, if you add your companion after you've already been assigned a boarding position, your companion's position will be determined by their check-in time or any A-List status/EarlyBird Check-In.
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