The Southwest Companion Pass is, hands down, the best travel hack out there. It’s essentially a buy-one-get-one-free deal on Southwest flights, usable as often as you like, for almost two years—without any blackout dates. This perk has transformed the way my wife and I travel, both domestically and even on some international routes. Over the past four years, we’ve saved thousands of dollars, making frequent travel not just possible, but affordable.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what the Companion Pass is, how to earn it, and how to make the most of it.
Section 1: What is the Southwest Companion Pass?
The Southwest Companion Pass is the crown jewel of the Southwest Rapid Rewards program. Once you qualify, you can designate one person to fly with you for free (plus taxes and fees, typically $5.60 one-way on domestic flights). Whether you’re booking with cash or using Rapid Rewards points, your companion flies for free—it’s essentially buy-one-get-one-free for every flight.
This is easily the most generous companion pass in the airline industry, making it a must-have for frequent travelers, couples, or anyone looking to cut down on travel expenses.
Section 2: How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass
To earn the Companion Pass, you need to meet one of two requirements within a calendar year:
- Fly 100 one-way flights.
- Earn 135,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards points.
Let’s be honest: flying 100 one-way flights in a year is tough for most people. Fortunately, earning 135,000 points is much more achievable, especially with the right strategy. Once you hit that threshold, the pass is yours for the rest of that calendar year, plus the entire next year. For example, if you qualify in April 2025, your pass will be valid for the rest of 2025 and through December 2026—nearly two full years of free companion flights.
Section 3: How to Earn 135,000 Points
Achieving the 135,000 points might seem daunting at first, but it’s easier than it looks—especially if you take advantage of credit card sign-up bonuses. Here’s a plan to hit that points target:
Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses:
The quickest way to earn points is through Southwest’s co-branded credit cards. Here’s a common two-card strategy:
- Southwest Performance Business Card: This card typically offers a sign-up bonus of 80,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first three months.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card: This personal card often comes with a 50,000-point sign-up bonus after spending $1,000 in three months.
Together, these bonuses give you 130,000 points. Add in the 6,000 points from meeting the minimum spending requirements, and you’ve hit the 135,000-point threshold.
Remember: You’re not using your points to buy the Companion Pass. You’ll still have all those points to redeem for future flights, which is a huge benefit. My wife and I have used points from our initial sign-up bonuses for nearly two years after earning the Companion Pass. If you want more information about these credit cards, check out my Credit Card Page with links to these signups.
Section 4: Timing Is Everything
Timing is crucial when aiming for the Companion Pass. You need to ensure that all your sign-up bonuses and points hit in the same calendar year. Here’s a timeline to follow:
- October/November 2024: Apply for the Southwest Performance Business Card, but don’t hit the minimum spend until January 2025. This ensures the points post in 2025, qualifying you for the pass.
- December 2024 or January 2025: Apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Personal Credit Card. Make sure to leave at least a month between applications to increase approval odds. Spend $1,000 on the card in January 2025 to ensure points post in the correct year.
This strategy ensures you earn the points in 2025, qualifying you for the pass until the end of 2026.
Pro Tip: If you’re worried about accidentally hitting the minimum spend too early, consider pushing both sign-ups to January to avoid splitting your points across two years. It’s better to earn the pass later in the year than risk not getting it at all.
Section 5: Using the Companion Pass
Once you’ve earned the Companion Pass, it’s time to make the most of it.
- Designate Your Companion: You can easily assign your companion through your Southwest account. You’re allowed to change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year, giving you flexibility if you want to switch companions later.
- Booking Flights: When booking, you’ll first purchase or use points for your own flight. Afterward, you can add your companion, only paying taxes and fees for their ticket. And if you find a great deal but don’t know who will join you yet, don’t worry! You can add a companion to an existing booking later.
Section 6: Pitfalls to Avoid
One of the biggest mistakes people make is earning the points in the wrong calendar year, which disqualifies them from the Companion Pass. Here’s a worst-case scenario:
- You open the Southwest Performance Business Card in November 2024, but accidentally hit the minimum spend in December. The 80,000 points post in 2024, and then you earn the remaining 51,000 points in 2025. This split would prevent you from hitting 135,000 points in one year, and you’d miss out on the Companion Pass.
To avoid this, carefully time your spending and ensure all points post in 2025.
Section 7: FAQ
How is flying with Southwest?
Southwest offers a solid experience, although its open seating policy (no assigned seats) is unique. You’ll board in groups and can choose your seat on a first-come, first-served basis. To get a good seat, check in exactly 24 hours before your flight.
Can I qualify for a business credit card if I don’t have an official business?
Absolutely! If you have any side hustle, such as selling items online, tutoring, or freelancing, you can likely qualify as a sole proprietor. You don’t need an LLC—just use your Social Security number when applying.
Final Thoughts: Why the Southwest Companion Pass Is a Game-Changer
The Companion Pass has completely transformed how my wife and I travel. With the points we earned along the way, Southwest became our go-to airline for everything from weekend getaways to longer trips. And with flights being so affordable, we’ve been able to explore new destinations we hadn’t considered before.
Last year was my second time earning the Companion Pass, and I can’t recommend it enough. If you’re looking to travel more and save money, this is the ultimate travel hack. Happy flying!
