Unlocking Unforgettable Journeys: Your Ultimate Guide to Using the Southwest Companion Pass!
Hey there, fellow traveler! Ever dreamed of exploring new places or visiting loved ones without breaking the bank on airfare for two? Well, if you're a Southwest Airlines fan, the Companion Pass is your golden ticket to making that dream a reality. Imagine this: you buy a ticket (or redeem points for one!), and your chosen companion flies with you for just the cost of taxes and fees. It's essentially a buy-one-get-one-free deal on every single Southwest flight you take! Sounds pretty amazing, right?
If you're wondering how to harness this incredible perk, you've come to the right place. This lengthy, step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from qualifying for the pass to adding your travel buddy to a reservation. Let's dive in!
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| How Do You Use A Companion Pass On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Understanding the Magic – What is the Southwest Companion Pass?
Before we get into the "how-to," let's truly appreciate what the Southwest Companion Pass offers. It's not just a discount; it's a game-changer for couples, families, and friends who love to travel together.
1.1 The Core Benefit: Your Travel Buddy Flies (Almost) Free! The most exciting aspect of the Companion Pass is that your designated companion can fly with you on any Southwest flight for virtually free. You only pay for their portion of the government-imposed taxes and fees, which are typically a mere $5.60 each way for domestic flights. For international flights, these fees will be higher, but still a significant saving compared to a full fare.
1.2 Unmatched Flexibility: Unlike many other airline companion certificates that come with blackout dates or fare class restrictions, the Southwest Companion Pass is incredibly flexible.
No Blackout Dates: If there's a seat available on the flight you've booked, your companion can fly.
Any Fare Type: You can use your Companion Pass whether you book your flight with cash or with Southwest Rapid Rewards points. This is a huge advantage!
Unlimited Use: As long as your Companion Pass is active, you can use it an unlimited number of times.
1.3 How Long Does the Magic Last? Once you qualify, your Companion Pass is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which you earned it, plus the entire following calendar year. This means that if you earn it early in the year (say, January), you could enjoy nearly two full years of BOGO flights! The earlier you earn it, the more value you extract.
Step 2: Earning Your Golden Ticket – How to Qualify for the Companion Pass
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This is arguably the most crucial step, as you can't use the Companion Pass if you don't have it! There are two primary ways to qualify:
2.1 The Flight Path: 100 Qualifying One-Way Flights If you're a very frequent Southwest flyer, you can earn the Companion Pass by completing 100 qualifying one-way flight segments within a single calendar year. A qualifying one-way flight is a revenue trip on Southwest, including any intermediate stops or connections.
2.2 The Points Path: 135,000 Qualifying Rapid Rewards Points For most people, earning 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year is the more achievable and popular route. And here's where the strategy comes in!
2.2.1 Leveraging Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards: This is, by far, the easiest and fastest way to earn the required points. Southwest offers several co-branded credit cards through Chase. The welcome bonuses from these cards often provide a significant chunk of the 135,000 points needed.
Strategic Application: Many experienced travelers aim to apply for one personal Southwest credit card and one Southwest business credit card. The combined welcome bonuses from these two cards can often get you very close, if not all the way, to the 135,000 point threshold.
Timing is Key: To maximize the duration of your Companion Pass, it's often recommended to earn the points early in a calendar year. Some people even apply for cards in late fall and meet the spending requirements in January to have the pass for almost two full years.
Everyday Spending: Points earned from your regular spending on these Southwest credit cards also count towards Companion Pass qualification.
2.2.2 Other Ways to Earn Qualifying Points: While credit cards are king, other avenues contribute to your 135,000 qualifying points:
Revenue Flights: Points earned from paid Southwest flights (not companion pass flights) count.
Rapid Rewards Partners: Points earned through Southwest's hotel and car rental partners, as well as dining and shopping portals, can also contribute. Be aware that not all partner points are eligible, so always check the terms.
Referral Bonuses: If you refer someone to a Southwest credit card and they are approved, you can earn bonus points that count towards your Companion Pass.
2.3 Important Considerations for Earning Points:
Calendar Year Specific: All 135,000 qualifying points must be earned and post to your Rapid Rewards account within the same calendar year. Points that post in January from December spending will count for the new year.
Points are Not Redeemed: You don't spend your 135,000 points to get the Companion Pass. Once you hit the threshold, the Companion Pass is activated, and you still have those 135,000 points to use for your own flights! This is a common misconception and a huge benefit.
Step 3: Designating Your Companion – Making it Official!
Once you've qualified for the Companion Pass, Southwest will notify you. The next step is to choose your lucky travel buddy!
3.1 Logging In:
Go to Southwest.com and log in to your Rapid Rewards account.
3.2 Navigating to "My Account":
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On your account "Snapshot" or "My Account" page, you should see a section related to your Companion Pass. Look for a link like "Choose Your Companion" or "Enter Companion Info."
3.3 Entering Companion Details:
You'll need to provide your companion's full legal name, date of birth, and gender exactly as it appears on their government-issued ID that they will use for travel. Double-check this information carefully, as errors can cause issues at the airport.
You can also call Southwest Customer Service if you prefer to designate your companion over the phone.
3.4 Confirmation:
After submitting, you'll receive a confirmation that your companion has been designated. You can usually start booking immediately, though a physical Companion Pass card may be mailed to you (and it's a good idea to carry it).
3.5 Changing Your Companion:
Southwest allows you to change your designated companion up to three times each calendar year that you hold Companion Pass privileges.
To change your companion, you'll generally need to cancel any existing reservations with the current companion first.
This process is typically done through your online account or by calling Southwest. Allow some processing time (Southwest states up to 21 business days, though it's often faster) before booking with a new companion.
Step 4: Booking Your Flights with the Companion Pass – The Fun Part!
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Now that you have your Companion Pass and designated travel buddy, it's time to book some flights!
4.1 Book Your Flight First:
This is a critical step: You must book your own flight first. Whether you're paying with cash or Rapid Rewards points, make your reservation as the primary passenger.
Why is this important? The Companion Pass is tied to your ticket. You need a confirmed booking for yourself before you can add your companion.
4.2 Adding Your Companion (Online is Easiest):
4.2.1 Through "My Trips":
Once your own flight is booked, log back into your Southwest Rapid Rewards account.
Go to the "My Trips" section.
Locate your upcoming flight in the "Upcoming Trips" list.
You should see an "Add Companion" link associated with your reservation. Click on it.
4.2.2 Review and Purchase:
The system will guide you to a screen where you'll review your companion's information (which you designated in Step 3).
You'll then proceed to the purchase screen to pay for the taxes and fees for your companion's ticket. This is typically $5.60 each way for domestic flights.
Click "Purchase" to complete the Companion's reservation. You will receive a separate confirmation for your companion's ticket.
4.3 Adding Your Companion (Via Phone):
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If you prefer to book over the phone, call Southwest Airlines Customer Service at 1-800-248-4377 and inform the representative that you'd like to use your Companion Pass. They will guide you through the process.
4.4 Important Reminders for Booking:
Seat Availability: While there are no blackout dates, your companion can only be added if there is a seat available for sale on the flight. It's always best to add your companion immediately after booking your own flight to ensure availability, especially on popular routes or during peak travel times.
Separate Confirmations: You and your companion will have separate confirmation numbers, even though your Companion Pass links them.
Boarding Positions: Generally, you and your companion will receive sequential boarding positions if you add them at the time of booking. However, if you purchased a Business Select fare or added your companion after you'd already been assigned a boarding position, your companion's position will be based on standard check-in rules (time of check-in, A-List status, etc.).
Step 5: Traveling with Your Companion – Enjoying the Benefits!
With your flights booked, it's time to enjoy the fruits of your labor!
5.1 Check-in:
You and your companion can check in for your flights together, either online, via the Southwest app, or at the airport.
Remember that even though your companion's fare was largely covered, they are still a separate passenger and need to be properly checked in.
5.2 At the Airport:
Have your government-issued ID ready, and ensure your companion has theirs. Their name on the ticket must match their ID.
While a physical Companion Pass card is mailed to you, it's rarely requested. However, it's good practice to have it with you, just in case.
5.3 In-Flight:
Enjoy your flight! Remember, only the primary passenger (you, the Companion Pass holder) will earn Rapid Rewards points for the flight. Your companion's flight does not accrue points.
5.4 Changes and Cancellations:
If you need to change or cancel your flight, you'll need to do so for both your reservation and your companion's reservation. Southwest's flexible change and cancellation policies generally apply to Companion Pass bookings as well. If you cancel your flight, you'll typically need to cancel your companion's reservation too before rebooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to the Southwest Companion Pass, with quick answers:
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How to Qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass? To qualify, you need to either fly 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points within a single calendar year.
How to Designate a Companion for the Southwest Companion Pass? Log into your Southwest Rapid Rewards account, go to "My Account" or "Snapshot," and look for the "Choose Your Companion" or "Enter Companion Info" link to enter their details.
How to Book a Flight with the Southwest Companion Pass? First, book your own flight (with cash or points). Then, go to "My Trips" in your Southwest account, find your upcoming flight, and click "Add Companion" to add your designated companion for taxes and fees.
How to Change Your Designated Companion on Southwest? You can change your companion up to three times per calendar year. You'll typically need to cancel any existing reservations with the current companion, then go to "My Account" online or call Southwest to designate the new companion.
How to Use the Southwest Companion Pass for International Flights? Yes, the Companion Pass works for international flights. The process is the same as domestic flights, but the taxes and fees for your companion will be higher than the standard $5.60.
How to Earn Companion Pass Qualifying Points Faster? The most effective way is by applying for and earning the welcome bonuses from Southwest co-branded credit cards (both personal and business, if eligible). Everyday spending on these cards also contributes.
How to Know If Your Points Count Towards the Companion Pass? Points earned from revenue flights, Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card spending (including welcome bonuses), and base points from Rapid Rewards partners generally count. Points transferred from other programs (like Chase Ultimate Rewards) and certain promotional bonuses typically do not.
How to Check Your Companion Pass Qualification Progress? Log into your Southwest Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com. Your "Snapshot" or "My Account" page will show your progress towards earning the Companion Pass (number of qualifying flights or points earned).
How to Avoid Issues When Using Your Companion Pass? Always book your own flight first, add your companion immediately after, ensure your companion's name on the ticket matches their ID, and be aware of seat availability for your companion.
How to Make the Most of Your Southwest Companion Pass? Earn it early in the calendar year to maximize its duration, use it for both domestic and international travel, and consider maximizing your points earnings through strategic credit card applications and everyday spending.
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