Do you dream of bringing a friend, family member, or significant other along on your Southwest adventures for almost free? Well, get ready, because the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass is quite possibly one of the most valuable perks in the travel world, and I'm here to show you exactly how to unlock and utilize this incredible benefit!
Let's dive in and make your travel dreams a reality!
How Do I Add a Companion on Southwest Airlines? A Step-by-Step Guide
Adding a companion on Southwest Airlines primarily revolves around their highly coveted Companion Pass program. This isn't just about adding someone to an existing booking; it's about earning a special status that allows a designated person to fly with you for just the cost of taxes and fees ($5.60 one-way for most domestic flights!).
Step 1: Understanding the Southwest Companion Pass – Your Gateway to Two-for-One Travel!
Before you can add a companion, you need to earn the Companion Pass. This is the cornerstone of the entire process. It's not simply an option you can select at checkout.
What is it? The Southwest Companion Pass allows you to choose one person to fly with you on any Southwest flight, whether you've paid cash or redeemed Rapid Rewards points for your own ticket. The best part? Your companion only pays the mandatory government taxes and fees, which are typically a mere $5.60 for a one-way domestic flight. This means you essentially get two tickets for the price of one!
Why is it so valuable? Unlike many airline perks, the Companion Pass has no blackout dates or seat restrictions. If there's an open seat on the plane, your companion can fly with you. This flexibility is truly what sets it apart. Imagine doubling your travel for a fraction of the cost!
Step 2: Earning the Southwest Companion Pass – The Path to Free Flights for Your Plus-One
This is the most crucial step, as it requires some planning and effort. There are two primary ways to earn the Companion Pass in a calendar year:
Sub-heading 2.1: Flying Your Way to the Pass
To qualify by flying, you need to complete 100 qualifying one-way flights within a single calendar year.
Qualifying flights generally refer to flights paid entirely with dollars, Southwest LUV Vouchers, gift cards, or flight credits. Flights booked with Rapid Rewards points typically do not count towards this segment requirement (though they still count towards the point earning method, as we'll see next).
For most travelers, this method can be challenging unless you fly very frequently for business or personal reasons.
Sub-heading 2.2: Earning Points for the Pass – The Most Popular Route!
The more common and often easier way to earn the Companion Pass is by accumulating 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points within a single calendar year. These points can be earned in several ways:
Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards: This is often the fastest and most strategic way to earn the required points. Southwest partners with Chase for various co-branded credit cards (e.g., Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus, Premier, Priority, and Business cards).
Sign-up bonuses: Many of these cards offer significant sign-up bonuses after meeting a certain spending requirement, which can give you a large chunk of the 135,000 points right off the bat.
Everyday spending: Points earned from your regular spending on these credit cards also count towards Companion Pass qualification.
Pro-tip for couples/travel partners: Many savvy travelers will alternate who earns the Companion Pass each year. For instance, one partner earns it this year, and the other partner applies for cards next year when the first pass expires, essentially giving them continuous Companion Pass benefits.
Revenue Flights: When you purchase flights with cash on Southwest, you earn Rapid Rewards points. These points do count towards Companion Pass qualification. The number of points you earn depends on the fare type (e.g., Business Select earns more points per dollar than Wanna Get Away).
Rapid Rewards Partners: You can earn qualifying points by engaging with Southwest's partners, such as:
Hotel stays: Booking hotels through Southwest's partners.
Rental cars: Renting cars through their partners.
Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal: Earning points by shopping online through the Southwest shopping portal.
Rapid Rewards Dining Program: Earning points by dining at participating restaurants.
Important Considerations for Points:
Calendar Year: The 135,000 points must be earned between January 1st and December 31st of the same year. Any points earned outside this timeframe reset.
Point Posting: Make sure to consider the time it takes for points, especially sign-up bonuses, to post to your account. Many strategize to have points post early in a calendar year (e.g., by meeting credit card spending requirements in late December so the bonus hits in January). This way, you can enjoy the Companion Pass for almost two full years (the remainder of the year you earn it, plus the entire following calendar year).
Points that do not count: Purchased points, transferred points between members, points converted from hotel and car loyalty programs (like Marriott or Hyatt transfers), e-Rewards, Valued Opinions, and Diners Club points typically do not count towards Companion Pass qualification.
Step 3: Designating Your Companion – Making it Official
Once you've met the qualification criteria (either 100 flights or 135,000 points), Southwest will notify you that you've earned the Companion Pass! This usually happens via email within a few days.
Log in to your Rapid Rewards Account: Head over to Southwest.com and log in to your Rapid Rewards account.
Locate "Choose Your Companion": On your Rapid Rewards "Snapshot" or "My Account" page, you should see an option like "Choose Your Companion" or "Enter Companion Info." Click on this link.
Provide Companion Details: You'll be prompted to enter your chosen companion's information. Make sure this information is accurate and matches their government-issued ID:
Full Legal Name (as it appears on their ID)
Date of Birth
Gender
Street Address
Email Address
Phone Number
Confirm and Save: Review all the details carefully, then confirm your selection.
Confirmation: You'll receive a confirmation that your companion has been designated. Southwest will also send a physical Companion Pass card, but you don't need to wait for it to arrive to start booking. Your Companion Pass status will be updated in your online account almost immediately.
Can I change my companion? Yes! You can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year, in addition to your initial designation. To change your companion, you'll typically need to call Southwest Airlines Customer Service (1-800-435-9792).
Step 4: Booking Your Flight – The First Half of the Duo
Now that you have your Companion Pass and your companion is designated, it's time to book your flights!
Book Your Flight First: This is a critical rule of using the Companion Pass. You must book your own flight before you can add your companion.
Go to Southwest.com and search for flights as you normally would.
Select your desired flight and fare type (Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select). Remember, you can pay with cash or Rapid Rewards points.
Complete the booking process for just yourself. Do not try to add your companion during this initial booking.
Pro-tip for popular flights: If you're eyeing a particularly full flight, book your own ticket as soon as possible to secure your seat. Southwest has no blackout dates, but if a flight is entirely sold out, you won't be able to add your companion.
Step 5: Adding Your Companion to Your Reservation – The Almost-Free Part!
Once your flight is booked and confirmed, you can proceed to add your companion.
Access "My Trips": Log back into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com.
Find Your Upcoming Trip: Navigate to the "My Trips" section and locate the flight you just booked in your "Upcoming Trips."
Click "Add Companion": You should see a prominent link or button that says "Add Companion" next to your booked flight. Click on it.
Review Companion Details: The system will display your designated companion's information. Double-check that this is the correct person you intend to travel with.
Confirm and Pay Taxes/Fees: Review the flight details and the small taxes and fees (usually $5.60 one-way for domestic flights) for your companion's ticket.
Complete Purchase: Click "Purchase" or "Confirm" to finalize your companion's booking.
Separate Confirmation Number: Your companion will receive a separate confirmation number from your own. This is normal. You can manage both reservations in your "My Trips" section.
What if I booked through a travel agent or third-party? While it's generally best to book directly with Southwest to avoid complications, if you booked your flight through a travel agent or a corporate booking tool, you may need to call Southwest Customer Service (1-800-248-4377) to add your companion and provide your confirmation number.
Step 6: Traveling with Your Companion – Enjoy the Journey!
With both you and your companion booked, you're ready to fly!
Check-in: When it's time to check in for your flight (24 hours before departure), you and your companion will typically receive sequential boarding positions unless you purchased a Business Select fare or added the companion after you had already been assigned a boarding position. If you have A-List or A-List Preferred status, you and your companion will both receive reserved boarding positions 36 hours prior to the flight.
Identification: Ensure both you and your companion have valid government-issued identification for travel.
Enjoy the Savings: Savor the fact that your companion is flying almost free, leaving more money for experiences at your destination!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions about adding a companion on Southwest Airlines:
How to qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass quickly?
The quickest way for most people to qualify is by strategically applying for and earning the sign-up bonuses on two Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards (one personal and one business, if eligible) within the same calendar year, ensuring the bonus points post early in the year.
How to check my progress towards the Southwest Companion Pass?
You can check your progress by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com. Your account snapshot or "My Rapid Rewards" section will display your current Rapid Rewards points balance and your progress towards earning the Companion Pass.
How to change my designated Southwest Companion?
You can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year. To do so, you typically need to call Southwest Airlines Customer Service at 1-800-435-9792.
How to use the Companion Pass for international flights?
The Southwest Companion Pass can be used for international flights. Your companion will still only pay the applicable international taxes and fees, which are generally higher than domestic taxes and fees but still a significant discount on a full fare.
How to ensure my companion gets a seat on a full flight?
Southwest has no blackout dates for the Companion Pass. If there's an open seat available for sale on a flight, you can add your companion. To ensure availability on popular flights, book your own ticket as early as possible. If only one or two seats remain, there might not be enough for your companion, so check seat availability before booking your own ticket.
How to book a flight with points and still use the Companion Pass?
Yes, absolutely! One of the great benefits of the Companion Pass is that it works whether you paid for your flight with cash or redeemed Rapid Rewards points. Simply book your flight using points first, then add your companion using the "Add Companion" link in "My Trips."
How to add a companion if I'm an A-List or A-List Preferred member?
If you hold A-List or A-List Preferred status, your Companion Pass benefits work the same way. Additionally, you and your companion will both receive priority boarding (typically assigned 36 hours prior to departure) and other A-List benefits (like free checked bags, if applicable to your fare).
How to get sequential boarding positions with a companion?
When you check in (online or via the app) within 24 hours of departure, you and your companion will generally receive sequential boarding positions. The exception is if you purchased a Business Select fare (only you get A1-A15) or if you added your companion after you had already been assigned a boarding position.
How to rebook a flight if I have a companion attached?
If you need to change your flight, you'll generally need to cancel both your flight and your companion's flight, and then rebook both from scratch. However, if the fare for your companion's flight (the taxes/fees) is the same, you might be able to simply change your flight, and then re-add your companion to the new flight if space allows. It's often easiest to call Southwest Customer Service for complex changes.
How to keep the Companion Pass for multiple years?
The Companion Pass is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which you earn it, plus the entire next calendar year. To keep it for subsequent years, you'll need to re-qualify by earning 100 qualifying flights or 135,000 qualifying points in that new calendar year. Many people strategically alternate earning it with a travel partner to ensure continuous coverage.
