Get ready to unlock one of the most powerful travel perks in the airline industry! If you love to travel with a friend, family member, or partner, the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass is an absolute game-changer. Imagine flying virtually two-for-one on countless trips. Sounds too good to be true, right? It's not! But it does require a bit of strategy. Let's dive in and demystify exactly how the Southwest Companion Pass works, with a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to earning and using it.
The Southwest Airlines Companion Pass: Your Ticket to BOGO Flights!
The Southwest Companion Pass allows you to choose one person to fly with you for free (you only pay for taxes and fees, which are typically $5.60 one-way for domestic flights) every single time you fly, whether you've purchased your ticket with cash or redeemed Rapid Rewards points. This isn't a one-time discount; it's an unlimited benefit for the validity period of your pass!
Why is it so valuable?
Significant Savings: This is the ultimate "buy one, get one" deal in air travel. For families or couples, it can drastically cut down travel costs.
Flexibility: You can use it on any Southwest flight, as long as there's a seat available for both you and your companion. There are no blackout dates or seat restrictions for Companion Pass travel.
Duration: The pass is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which you earn it, plus the entire following calendar year. This means if you earn it early in the year, you could enjoy nearly two full years of BOGO flights!
Step 1: Are You Ready to Embark on Your Companion Pass Journey?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, ask yourself: Are you committed to strategically earning this incredible perk? The Companion Pass isn't handed out lightly, but the effort is undeniably worth it for frequent travelers. If your answer is a resounding "Yes!", then buckle up, because we're about to map out your flight path to free companion travel!
Step 2: Understanding the Qualification Requirements
To earn the Southwest Companion Pass, you need to meet one of two criteria within a single calendar year (January 1st to December 31st):
Sub-heading: The Two Paths to Companion Pass Glory
Option A: Fly 100 Qualifying One-Way Flights
This path involves taking 100 paid one-way flights on Southwest Airlines within a calendar year. For most individuals, this is a very challenging and often unrealistic goal unless you travel extensively for business.
Option B: Earn 135,000 Qualifying Rapid Rewards Points
This is the most popular and feasible way for the vast majority of people to earn the Companion Pass. These are not just any Rapid Rewards points; they must be qualifying points.
Sub-heading: What Counts as Qualifying Points?
Not all Rapid Rewards points are created equal when it comes to the Companion Pass. Here's what does count:
Points earned from revenue flights booked through Southwest. This includes the base points you earn from the cost of your flight.
Points earned on Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards. This is typically the easiest and fastest way to accumulate the necessary points. This includes:
Welcome bonuses from signing up for a new Southwest credit card (consumer or business).
Points earned from everyday spending on your Southwest credit card.
The annual 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost that Southwest Rapid Rewards Cardmembers receive each calendar year.
Base points earned from Rapid Rewards partners. This can include points earned through:
Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal purchases
Rapid Rewards Dining
Hotel and car rental partner bookings made through Southwest (e.g., Southwest Hotels)
Certain home and lifestyle partners.
Sub-heading: What Does NOT Count as Qualifying Points?
It's crucial to understand what doesn't count, so you don't waste effort on non-qualifying activities:
Purchased points
Points transferred from other Southwest members
Transfers from programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards (even though you can transfer these to Southwest, they won't count for the Companion Pass)
A-List or A-List Preferred tier bonus points
Most promotional bonus points (unless explicitly stated they count for Companion Pass qualification)
Step 3: Crafting Your Earning Strategy (The Credit Card Hack!)
For most people, the most efficient and practical way to earn 135,000 qualifying points is by leveraging Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card welcome bonuses.
Sub-heading: The "Two-Card" Strategy
Chase issues Southwest-branded credit cards. Typically, you can only hold one personal Southwest credit card at a time and receive a welcome bonus on it if you haven't received a bonus on any personal Southwest card in the last 24 months. However, you can hold both a personal and a business Southwest credit card, or even two business cards, simultaneously.
The most common and effective strategy involves:
Opening one Southwest personal credit card.
Opening one Southwest business credit card.
By strategically timing your applications and meeting the spending requirements for the welcome bonuses on both cards, you can often accumulate a significant portion, if not all, of the 135,000 points needed.
Example: If a personal card offers 50,000 bonus points and a business card offers 80,000 bonus points, that's already 130,000 points. Add in the 10,000 point annual boost for cardmembers, and you're well over the 135,000 point threshold! Any additional spending on these cards will further contribute.
Sub-heading: Key Considerations for Credit Card Applications
Chase 5/24 Rule: Chase has a general rule that if you've opened 5 or more personal credit cards across any bank in the last 24 months, you'll likely be denied for a new Chase card. This is a critical factor to consider before applying.
Timing is Everything: The Companion Pass is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which you earn it, plus the entire following calendar year. To maximize its value, many people aim to earn the pass early in a calendar year (e.g., January or February).
Pro Tip: Some experienced points and miles enthusiasts will apply for cards late in the year but strategically delay meeting the minimum spending requirement until January of the following year. This ensures the bonus points post in the new calendar year, giving them almost two full years of Companion Pass validity. However, be extremely careful with this strategy to ensure you still meet the minimum spend within the allotted time (usually 3 months).
Business Cards: Don't let the term "business card" intimidate you. Many individuals who freelance, have a side hustle, or even sell items on eBay may qualify for a business credit card.
Sub-heading: Other Ways to Boost Your Points (Beyond Credit Card Bonuses)
While credit card bonuses are king, remember other ways to earn qualifying points:
Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal: Always check the Rapid Rewards Shopping portal before making online purchases. You can earn bonus points per dollar spent at hundreds of retailers.
Rapid Rewards Dining: Link your credit cards to Rapid Rewards Dining and earn points when you dine at participating restaurants.
Southwest Vacations: Booking hotels and car rentals through Southwest Vacations can also yield qualifying points.
Everyday Spending: Once you have your Southwest credit cards, use them for your regular expenses to accumulate points. Remember that Southwest purchases typically earn more points per dollar.
Step 4: Monitoring Your Progress
As you accumulate points, it's essential to keep track of your progress toward the 135,000 qualifying points.
Sub-heading: Where to Check Your Points
Southwest.com Account: Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com. Your "Snapshot" or "My Account" page will show your current Rapid Rewards point balance and often a progress tracker for Companion Pass qualification.
Credit Card Statements: Your monthly credit card statements will detail the points earned from spending and any welcome bonuses.
Step 5: Designating Your Companion
Once you've officially earned 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year, Southwest will notify you (often by email). This is the exciting part!
Sub-heading: Choosing Your Companion Wisely
Log In: Go to Southwest.com and log in to your Rapid Rewards account.
Locate "Choose Your Companion": On your "Snapshot" or "My Account" page, you should find a section to designate your Companion.
Enter Companion Info: You'll need their full legal name (as it appears on their government-issued ID), date of birth, gender, and Rapid Rewards number (if they have one).
Confirmation: Once submitted, you'll receive a confirmation that your Companion has been designated.
Important Note: You can change your designated Companion up to three times per calendar year. Your initial designation does not count as one of these changes. So, choose carefully, but know you have some flexibility if your travel plans or primary companion change.
Step 6: Booking Your Companion Pass Travel
This is where the magic truly happens! Using your Companion Pass is straightforward.
Sub-heading: The Booking Process
Book Your Flight First: You must book your own flight first, either with cash or Rapid Rewards points.
Add Your Companion:
Online: After you've booked your flight, log in to your Southwest.com account. Go to "My Trips" and find your upcoming flight. You should see an "Add Companion" link next to your reservation. Click on it, follow the prompts, and you'll typically just pay the taxes and fees (starting at $5.60 one-way for domestic flights).
Phone: You can also call Southwest Airlines reservations (1-800-248-4377) and inform the representative that you'd like to add your Companion Pass to an existing reservation.
Confirm and Pay: Review the Companion's information and the required taxes/fees, then complete the payment.
Sub-heading: Key Usage Tips
Availability: As long as there is a single seat available on your flight, you can add your Companion. This is a huge advantage over some other airline programs that have limited "saver" award space.
Existing Reservations: You can add a Companion to an existing reservation even if you booked it before earning the Companion Pass.
Boarding Positions: When you check in, you and your Companion will generally receive sequential boarding positions. However, if you purchased a Business Select fare, only the purchaser gets A1-A15. For other fares, if you or your companion has A-List/A-List Preferred status, you both get reserved boarding positions. Otherwise, it's based on check-in time.
Cancellations/Changes: If you need to change or cancel your flight, both the Member and Companion reservations need to be managed. If you cancel your flight, your Companion's reservation will automatically be canceled.
Step 7: Enjoying Your Companion Pass!
With your Companion Pass in hand, the skies are truly your oyster! Take advantage of the BOGO flights for weekend getaways, family vacations, or visiting friends and loved ones across the country. Remember, the earlier in the year you earn it, the longer you get to enjoy this amazing benefit.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to: Earn the Southwest Companion Pass the fastest way?
The fastest way is typically by strategically opening two Southwest Airlines co-branded credit cards (one personal and one business, or two business cards) from Chase and earning their respective welcome bonuses within the same calendar year.
How to: Know if my Rapid Rewards points count towards the Companion Pass?
Points earned from Southwest flights, Southwest credit card spending (including welcome bonuses), and base points from Rapid Rewards partners (like shopping portal and dining) count. Points transferred from other programs (like Chase Ultimate Rewards), purchased points, or promotional points (unless specified) generally do not.
How to: Maximize the duration of my Southwest Companion Pass?
Aim to earn the 135,000 qualifying points early in a calendar year (e.g., January or February). This way, the pass will be valid for the remainder of that year and the entire following calendar year, giving you almost two full years of use.
How to: Change my designated Southwest Companion?
You can change your designated Companion up to three times per calendar year. Log into your Southwest Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, find the "Choose Your Companion" section, and follow the instructions. You may also need to call Southwest customer service.
How to: Add a companion to an existing Southwest flight reservation?
After you've booked your own flight, log in to your Southwest.com account, go to "My Trips," find the flight, and look for an "Add Companion" link. Follow the prompts to add your designated companion and pay the applicable taxes and fees.
How to: Deal with taxes and fees for my Southwest Companion?
For domestic flights, the taxes and fees for your companion are typically $5.60 per one-way trip. For international flights, these fees can be higher and vary by destination. You will pay these fees at the time of adding your companion to the reservation.
How to: Ensure my credit card points post in the correct calendar year for Companion Pass qualification?
Be mindful of your credit card's statement closing date. Points typically post to your Rapid Rewards account after your statement closes. If you're trying to earn the pass early in a new year, ensure your spending for the welcome bonus registers after December 31st of the previous year.
How to: Fly with my Companion on an award ticket (using points)?
Yes, the Companion Pass works whether you pay for your flight with cash or redeem Rapid Rewards points. Simply book your award flight first, then add your Companion through the "Add Companion" link on Southwest.com.
How to: Use the Companion Pass if my flight gets changed or canceled?
If Southwest changes or cancels your flight, your companion's reservation will typically be adjusted automatically. If you need to make changes yourself, you'll need to manage both your reservation and your companion's reservation. If you cancel your flight, your companion's reservation will be canceled as well.
How to: Check if I'm eligible for a Southwest credit card before applying?
Check the terms and conditions for each specific Southwest credit card, particularly regarding the Chase 5/24 rule and any restrictions on earning new cardmember bonuses if you've had a Southwest card recently. You can also check your credit score, as a good to excellent score (typically 670+) is generally recommended.
