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Southwest Companion Pass

How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass

If you love to travel, the Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most valuable perks you can earn. This is especially true if you frequently fly with Southwest Airlines. It enables you to bring a designated companion on any Southwest flight. This is possible whether the flight is paid with cash or points. The cost is just the taxes and fees. This benefit can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on travel each year. In this guide, we’ll cover the different ways to earn the Companion Pass. We will look at shortcuts to achieving it. Finally, we’ll discuss strategies for maximizing its value.

To qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass, you must complete one of the following requirements within a calendar year:

  • Earn 135,000 qualifying points OR
  • Fly 100 one-way qualifying flights

Once earned, the Companion Pass is valid for the remainder of the year in which you qualify plus the entire following calendar year.

Shortcuts to Earning the Companion Pass

While flying 100 one-way flights is a tough requirement for most travelers, earning 135,000 qualifying points is much more achievable with the right strategy. Here are the best ways to fast-track your way to the Companion Pass:

1. Southwest Credit Card Welcome Bonuses

Southwest offers several co-branded credit cards through Chase, and the welcome bonuses often provide a large chunk of the points needed for the Companion Pass. Examples include:

Many travelers pair a personal and a business Southwest credit card to earn a massive amount of points from sign-up bonuses, putting them within easy reach of the Companion Pass.

2. Strategic Credit Card Spending

All purchases on Southwest credit cards earn Rapid Rewards points. Some categories, such as Southwest flights and partner hotel stays, offer bonus multipliers, helping you reach 135,000 points faster.

3. Southwest Travel Partners

You can earn Rapid Rewards points by booking:

  • Hotel stays with partners like Marriott, Hyatt, and IHG
  • Car rentals with partners like Hertz, Alamo, and Avis
  • Shopping through the Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal
  • Dining through the Rapid Rewards Dining Program

4. Southwest Airlines Promotions

Southwest occasionally runs promotions that offer bonus points for flights, credit card spending, or partner activities. Keep an eye on their offers to accelerate your progress toward the Companion Pass.

Maximizing the Value of the Southwest Companion Pass

Once you have the Companion Pass, here’s how to make the most of it:

1. Use It for High-Value Routes

Flights to Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean tend to be pricier, making these destinations some of the best ways to maximize savings with the Companion Pass.

2. Book Flights with Points

Since your companion flies free even on award tickets, you can book flights with Southwest Rapid Rewards points and get two tickets for the cost of one!

3. Change Your Companion Up to Three Times Per Year

You’re allowed to change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year, meaning you can share the benefit with multiple people throughout your pass’s validity period.

4. Leverage the Pass for More Travel

Since the Companion Pass lets you book flights at half the cost (effectively), you can stretch your travel budget further and explore more destinations than you might have otherwise considered.

5. Earn It Early in the Year

If possible, qualify for the Companion Pass early in the calendar year. This maximizes its validity, giving you nearly two full years of free companion travel.

Final Thoughts

The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most lucrative travel perks available, and with the right strategies, earning it can be much easier than you think. By leveraging Southwest credit cards, strategic spending, and partner programs, you can quickly accumulate the points needed to unlock nearly two years of free travel for your favorite companion.

If you’re serious about stretching your travel budget and love flying Southwest, there’s no better deal out there! Have you earned the Companion Pass before? Share your experiences and best strategies in the comments below!