There is one travel perk that has completely changed the way my wife and I travel, and it is the Southwest Companion Pass. I’ve been deep in the points and miles world for years now, and I still think this is the single best travel hack in the game. It’s essentially buy one, get one free flights for up to two years… no blackout dates, no gimmicks, no catch. Just free travel for your favorite plus-one.
I have saved thousands of dollars using it. From quick weekend trips to longer getaways across the country, the Companion Pass has made travel more accessible, spontaneous, and fun. And with the end of year approaching, now’s the perfect time to plan your strategy for BOGO travel for all of 2026 and 2027.
What Is the Southwest Companion Pass?
The Southwest Companion Pass is the top-tier reward in the Southwest Rapid Rewards program. Once you earn it, you can choose one person to fly with you for free whether you pay in cash or redeem points for your flight. The only thing your companion pays is the small government tax and fee (usually $5.60 per flight in the U.S.).
Think of it like a permanent BOGO deal on flights. You buy one, your companion flies free every single time you fly Southwest.
The best part? It’s unlimited for as long as your pass is active. That means if you fly 10 times, your companion flies 10 times. If you book 50 flights, they’re on all 50. This is unlike other airlines like Delta and Alaskan, where the perk is only a one time annual certificate.
Why It’s One of the Best Travel Perks Out There
The Companion Pass keeps working again and again. Once you qualify, it’s valid for the rest of the year you earn it and the entire following year.
So if you hit the requirement in January 2026, your Companion Pass is good all the way through December 31, 2027. That’s almost two full years of free flights for two people.
We’ve used it for everything from quick national park trips to family visits across the country. I’ve booked flights to places like Hawaii, New York, and Colorado, all while my companion (my wife) flies for nearly free.
Southwest also flies to a handful of international destinations — including Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America — so the Companion Pass isn’t just for domestic travel.
How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass
To qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass, you’ll need to earn 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points in a single calendar year (January 1 to December 31).
You can earn those points through:
- Flying with Southwest
- Spending on Southwest credit cards
- Credit card welcome bonuses (BEST WAY TO EARN)
- Southwest shopping and dining portals
While that sounds like a big number, the easiest way to hit it is through credit card sign-up bonuses. By strategically opening the right cards and timing your spending, you can knock out the 135,000-point requirement much faster than you’d expect.
The Best Credit Card Strategy to Earn the Pass
The simplest path is a two-card combo. One Southwest business card and one Southwest personal card.
Here’s what’s currently available:
1. Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
- 120,000 bonus points after spending $10,000 in the first 3 months
- Annual fee: $299
- Offer expires: October 28, 2025
- Great for: Earning nearly all the points you need in one bonus
This is the most powerful card for Companion Pass seekers. Between the large welcome bonus and your regular spending, you’re almost at the full 135,000 points. With 10,000 anniversary points coming at the beginning of the year, you can achieve the companion pass here with only one card!
2. Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
- 60,000 bonus points after $3,000 in spend in 3 months
- Annual fee: $149
- Ideal pairing: With a personal card if you can’t or don’t want to go for the higher spend on the Performance Business
3. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Personal Cards (Plus, Premier, or Priority)
All three currently offer 50,000 bonus points after $1,000 in spend in 3 months.
- Plus: $99 annual fee
- Premier: $149 annual fee
- Priority: $229 annual fee
These cards differ mostly in their annual fee and ongoing perks like upgraded boarding and annual point bonuses — but any of them can help you cross the 135,000-point line when combined with a business card.
Tip:
If you qualify for a business card, the Performance Business + one personal card combo is the sweet spot. Hitting both bonuses early in the year is the fastest way to lock in almost two full years of free travel.
When to Apply for Maximum Value
Timing is everything with the Companion Pass. You want your qualifying points to post early in a new calendar year — ideally January or February — so that your pass is good for the rest of that year and the entire following year.
Here’s how to time it:
- Apply for your Southwest cards in late fall (around November or December), but don’t hit the minimum spend until January.
- Once the bonuses post in January, your 135,000 points count for the new calendar year, and your pass will last almost two full years.
This simple timing trick is how my wife and I have earned the Companion Pass multiple times.
Pro Tips to Maximize the Companion Pass
Here are a few ways to get the most out of your Companion Pass once you’ve earned it:
1. Change your companion up to 3 times per year.
If your travel buddy can’t make a trip, you can switch to someone else — up to three times each calendar year.
2. Combine it with points redemptions.
You can use your Rapid Rewards points to book your own flight and still add your companion for free (plus taxes). It’s like stacking a travel hack on top of a travel hack.
3. Take advantage of Southwest’s flexible policies.
Southwest has no change or cancellation fees. That makes it easy to book flights early and adjust your plans later — without penalty.
4. Don’t forget about international routes.
Destinations like Cancun, Costa Rica, and Cabo are included. Your companion still only pays the small international taxes and fees.
5. Always double-check your companion’s details.
Make sure names and Rapid Rewards numbers match exactly to avoid any hiccups when booking.
Common Questions About the Pass
Can I change my companion?
Yes! You can change your companion up to three times per calendar year.
Does the Companion Pass work for international flights?
Yes, it works on all Southwest-operated routes, including international destinations.
Do points from referrals or transfers count?
Points from referrals do count toward Companion Pass qualification, but transfers (like from Chase Ultimate Rewards or between accounts) do not.
Can both spouses earn the Companion Pass?
Absolutely — and if both earn it, you could fly four people for the price of two! But for most couples, one Companion Pass covers the majority of trips.
Final Thoughts: Your Ticket to Unlimited Two-for-One Travel
The Southwest Companion Pass is hands-down the best deal in domestic travel. No blackout dates, unlimited uses, and valid for up to two years. It’s truly the definition of maximizing your points.
For anyone just starting in the points-and-miles game, this is one of the smartest first goals to aim for. And if you already fly Southwest frequently, it can take your existing travel habits and double the value of every trip.
We’ve used it for spontaneous weekend getaways, last-minute family visits, and even major trips that would’ve cost thousands otherwise. It’s the travel perk that keeps giving, and it’s the perfect example of how a little strategy can lead to big rewards.
Curious about more? Go to my Travel Hacking 101 page to learn more!
