The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most valuable loyalty programs available today. This coveted pass allows you to designate one person to fly with you for almost free, only paying minimal taxes and fees, for up to two years if you time this correctly and have the ultimate strategy. With the Companion Pass, you can bring a friend or family member on unlimited Southwest flights without paying extra airfare.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about earning and maximizing the lucrative Southwest Companion Pass.
Throughout this guide, we will cover various aspects of the Companion Pass, including how it works, how to earn it, the qualifying points and requirements, the benefits and perks of having the pass, tips and strategies for earning it, and how to plan and book travel using the pass.
Let’s dive into the details of this ultimate guide and discover how you can earn the Southwest Companion Pass.
What is the Southwest Companion Pass?
The Southwest Companion Pass is a coveted travel benefit that allows you to bring a designated companion with you on any Southwest flight for almost free. When you book a ticket for yourself, you have the option to add a companion who only needs to pay taxes and fees, which are usually around $5.60 per flight. But wait, it gets better.
This pass is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which it is earned and the entire following calendar year.
For example, if you earn the Companion Pass in January 2023, you can use it for the rest of 2023 and all of 2024. That’s almost two full years! This benefit of the Southwest Companion Pass is incredibly valuable for those who are traveling domestically, to Mexico or the Caribbean, using Southwest for a repositioning flight, or those planning multiple trips in a year.
Many savvy travelers consider the Southwest Companion Pass the holy grail of credit card points and miles. The pass offers incredible value if you fly Southwest. Let’s explore the various ways to earn points and how to maximize your chances of getting this coveted perk.
How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass
Earning the Southwest Companion Pass can be achieved through two primary methods, completing a number of Southwest flights or earning a specific amount of Rapid Rewards Qualifying Points:
Southwest Flights
One way of obtaining the Southwest Companion Pass is flying qualifying one-way flights or earning qualifying points. To earn the pass-through flights, you need to complete 100 qualifying one-way revenue flights in a calendar year. This option is ideal for individuals who frequently travel with Southwest or have a busy travel schedule.
For instance, imagine your business requires travel and you often fly with Southwest. By booking and completing 100 qualifying one-way flights within a calendar year, you can earn the Companion Pass and enjoy the benefits of free companion travel. Not ideal but if your job requires you to fly 100 days out of 365 days, it could work. But that is unlikely for most of us.
Qualifying Points
The second method involves earning 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year. These points can be accumulated through various means, such as credit card spending, partner hotel stays, partner car rentals, and other methods. This option provides more flexibility for those who may not fly as frequently but still want to earn the pass.
Let’s say you are not a frequent flyer but want to earn the Companion Pass through points. By strategically utilizing credit card spending, taking advantage of partner hotel stays, and exploring other earning methods, you can accumulate the required 135,000 qualifying points and become eligible for the Companion Pass.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the requirements for obtaining and maintaining a Southwest Companion Pass, it is highly recommended that you visit Southwest Airlines’ official website. The qualifications and criteria for earning and using the Companion Pass may change from time to time, so it’s essential to verify the most current details on their website to ensure that you meet the necessary criteria and understand the terms and conditions associated with this valuable travel benefit. Staying informed through their official channels will help you make the most of this advantageous feature for your future flights.
Strategies for Earning the 135,000 Qualifying Points
While 135,000 points may sound difficult, there are several smart strategies travelers use to quickly earn Companion Pass qualification:
Applying for Southwest Credit Cards
The fastest way, and the most effective way, is to earn a large chunk of the required points is by strategically applying for Southwest credit cards and earning the sign-up bonuses.
Southwest Credit Cards:
Here are some the Southwest Credit Cards that have large signup bonuses:
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card – Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months (valid through 12/11/2023). Plus 3,000 anniversary points each year.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card – Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months (valid through 12/11/2023). Plus 6,000 anniversary points each year.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card – Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months (valid through 12/11/2023). Plus additional perks like $75 annual Southwest travel credit and 7,500 anniversary points each year.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card – Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Plus 6,000 anniversary points each year.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card – Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Plus 9,000 anniversary points each year.
Southwest Credit Card Timing
Timing is crucial when it comes to earning the Companion Pass. Since the pass is valid for the rest of the year in which it is earned and the entire following year, it’s essential to plan your earning strategy to maximize its validity. You want to apply early to earn the bonuses as close to January 1 as possible. My advice is to open one of the Southwest credit cards in mid or late October. This way the first card credit card signup bonus will post to your account after January 1st.
When applying for multiple Southwest cards, be mindful of Chase’s application restrictions. Space out your applications by at least 3 months to avoid denials.
Also have a plan for meeting minimum spend requirements to obtain the bonuses through everyday purchases, bills, or prepaying expenses. Missing out on the minimum spend requirement will kill your chances of getting this benefit.
Lastly, and most importantly, do not complete your minimum spending requirement by January 1st. You need to obtain your qualifying points during the calendar year. Make your last charges to fulfill your minimum spending requirement. Keep that last $500 charge towards your minimum spend requirement until you pop that champagne on New Years Day.
Which Credit Cards to get
Here is an option to obtain the 135,000 Qualifying Points through credit card sign up bonuses:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card – 80,000 Points
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card – 75,000 Points
With the total of 155,00 sign up bonuses and required minimum spend requirements, you will be over the 135,000 qualifying points for the Companion Pass. Remember, wait until January 1st to fulfill your minimum spend requirements. This is critical to make sure you are maximizing the benefits of the Companion Pass.
When Points Don’t Qualify Towards Companion Pass
It is possible to use your Southwest Credit card to obtain the required Qualifying Points through regular spending. But this will require a substantial amount of spending. It’s also important to know that not all Southwest points count towards the lucrative Companion Pass. Here are some examples of non-qualifying points:
- Points purchased through Southwest
- Points transferred in from hotel/car rental partners
- Points earned from Rapid Rewards shopping portal
- Points converted from other loyalty programs
Be sure to check your Southwest account regularly to see how many qualifying points you have earned so far. Focus on points earned from credit card spending and Southwest flights to stay on track.
Maximizing the Value of the Companion Pass
To maximize value, use the Companion Pass for:
Vacations and Leisure Trips – Bring your significant other, friend or family member on trips across Southwest’s route network. Weekend getaways, extended vacations and more benefit from the BOGO deal.
Visiting Family and Friends – Southwest’s extensive domestic routes allow you to easily visit family and attend events together with your companion.
Weddings, Group Travel – The pass offers huge savings for group travel, weddings, babymoons, and parties. Bring your companions for the cost of taxes.
Business Travel – Frequent business flyers can use the pass to bring coworkers, assistants and colleagues along at no extra airfare cost.
Repositioning Flights – Use the Companion Pass to book flights to major hub airports and to then transfer to another destination. Let’s say that you are on the west coast, and you have found a deal to fly from JFK to Europe. This trip will require a “repositioning flight” from the west coast to JFK. The Southwest Companion Pass is the perfect option to maximize your points and miles.
Benefits and Perks of the Companion Pass
Having the Southwest Companion Pass comes with a multitude of benefits and perks. One of the primary advantages is the ability to bring a designated companion with you on any Southwest flight for just the cost of taxes and fees. This can result in substantial savings, as the companion only needs to pay for the additional charges associated with their ticket.
For example, if you and your companion are planning a trip, you can both fly for the price of one ticket, only paying taxes and fees for the companion. This can lead to significant savings, especially on longer or more expensive flights.
In addition to the cost savings, the Companion Pass offers flexibility. You have the option to change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year. This allows you to travel with different companions throughout the year or adjust your plans as needed.
For instance, let’s say you initially designate your spouse as your companion for a trip, but they are unable to travel due to unforeseen circumstances. With the Companion Pass, you can easily change your designated companion to another friend or family member without any additional fees. This flexibility adds another layer of convenience and value to the pass.
How to Plan and Book Travel Using the Companion Pass
Once you have earned the Southwest Companion Pass, it’s time to plan and book your travel. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your pass:
Designate Your Companion: Once you’ve earned the Companion Pass, you can designate your companion. Here’s how:
- Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on the Southwest Airlines website.
- Navigate to your account settings or profile.
- Look for the “My Account” section and select “My Rapid Rewards” or a similar option.
- You should see a section to “Add Companion.” Click on this option.
- Follow the instructions provided to designate your companion. You’ll typically need to provide their name and Rapid Rewards account number.
Confirm Your Companion: After you’ve designated your companion, they should receive an email from Southwest Airlines asking them to confirm their status as your companion. They will need to accept the invitation to become your designated companion.
Start Booking Flights: Once your companion is confirmed, you can start booking flights for both you and your designated companion. When booking online, you should see an option to add your companion to your reservation. Note that you will still be responsible for any taxes and fees for your companion’s ticket, but the base fare for your companion will be free.
With the Companion Pass, you have the flexibility to travel to exciting destinations. Southwest Airlines offers flights to various locations, including popular vacation spots like Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Take advantage of the pass to explore new destinations and create unforgettable memories. Start searching the possibilities.
Conclusion
The Southwest Companion Pass is a highly valuable travel benefit that can save you a significant amount of money and offer flexibility in your travel plans. By understanding how to earn the pass, the requirements for qualifying points, maximizing credit card bonuses, and utilizing the pass to plan and book travel, you can unlock this incredible perk and elevate your travel experiences.
Remember to strategize and plan your earning tactics to ensure you meet the qualification requirements within the calendar year. By earning the Companion Pass early in the year, you can enjoy almost two full years of free companion travel. Take advantage of the Southwest Companion Pass and explore the world with a loved one or a friend by your side.
