Flying with a companion for virtually nothing sounds too good to be true, but the Southwest Companion Pass makes this dream a reality. This coveted travel benefit lets you bring a companion on every Southwest flight for just the cost of taxes and fees—typically around $5.60 for domestic flights and $50-75 for international routes.

But here's what most people don't know: earning the Companion Pass requires strategy, timing, and understanding Southwest's qualification requirements. Miss the timing, and you'll waste 11 months of potential value. Get it right, and you can save thousands on flights for nearly two full years.

Quick Answer: How to Get Southwest Companion Pass

Earn 125,000 qualifying points or take 100 qualifying flights in a calendar year to unlock the Southwest Companion Pass. The pass is valid through December 31st of the year after you earn it, plus the remainder of the current year. Strategic Southwest credit card sign-ups typically provide the fastest path to qualification.

Why the Southwest Companion Pass Matters

The Companion Pass isn't just another airline perk—it's one of the most valuable benefits in travel rewards. While other airlines charge hefty fees for companion tickets or limit the benefit to specific fare classes, Southwest's pass works on every flight, including award bookings.

Consider this: if you typically spend $2,000 annually on Southwest flights, the Companion Pass effectively cuts your costs in half. For couples who travel together regularly, this translates to $4,000+ in savings over the pass's duration.

Understanding Southwest Companion Pass Basics

What Is the Southwest Companion Pass?

The Southwest Companion Pass allows you to designate one person as your companion who can fly with you for free (plus taxes and fees) on every Southwest flight. This includes both paid and award flights, making it incredibly flexible compared to other airlines' companion benefits.

Key Features and Benefits

Your companion flies for:

• Domestic flights: $5.60 in taxes and fees
• International flights: $50-75 in taxes and fees
• Award flights: Same low taxes and fees

The pass covers all Southwest flights, including:

• Wanna Get Away fares (Southwest's cheapest option)
• Anytime and Business Select fares
• Award bookings using Rapid Rewards points

Companion Pass Flexibility

You can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year, but there's an important restriction: you cannot have multiple future bookings with different companions. If you have a flight booked with Companion A, you must complete that trip before designating Companion B for future travel.

This flexibility makes the pass valuable for families, couples, or even business travelers who frequently travel with different colleagues.

Southwest Companion Pass Qualification Requirements

Two Paths to Qualification

Option 1: Rapid Rewards Points Earn 125,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year

Option 2: Flight Activity Complete 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year

For most travelers, the points path offers more control and faster qualification, especially when combined with Southwest credit cards and strategic spending.

What Counts Toward Qualification

Qualifying Activities:

• Paid Southwest flights
• Southwest credit card sign-up bonuses
• Qualifying spending on Southwest credit cards
• Southwest credit card anniversary points
• Points earned through Southwest shopping portal
• Points from Southwest hotel and car rental partners

Non-Qualifying Activities:

• Points transferred from other programs
• Points purchased directly from Southwest
• Promotional bonus points from third-party partners
• Points earned through surveys or credit card referrals

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for planning your qualification strategy.

Strategic Timing: When to Earn Your Companion Pass

The Two-Year Window Explained

The Companion Pass is valid through December 31st of the year after you earn it, plus any remaining time in the year you qualify. This creates a massive opportunity—or a costly mistake—depending on your timing.

Best Case Scenario: Qualify in January 2025 = Pass valid through December 31, 2026 (24 months)

Worst Case Scenario: Qualify in December 2025 = Pass valid through December 31, 2026 (13 months)

Planning Your Qualification Timeline

The optimal strategy involves earning qualifying points as early in the calendar year as possible. Since most qualification comes from credit card bonuses, you'll want to apply for cards in November or December of the previous year, ensuring you meet spending requirements and receive bonuses in January.

For 2025 qualification, this timeline maximizes your pass duration:

• November 2024: Apply for Southwest credit cards
• January-March 2025: Meet spending requirements
• April 2025: Receive final bonus points and qualify
• Pass valid: April 2025 through December 2026

Credit Card Strategy for Fast Qualification

Best Southwest Credit Card Combinations

The fastest path to 125,000 qualifying points typically involves applying for both a personal and business Southwest credit card to maximize sign-up bonuses.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card:

• 80,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in first 3 months
• 9,000 anniversary points
• 4x points on Southwest purchases

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card:

• 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in first 3 months
• 3,000 anniversary points
• 2x points on Southwest purchases

This combination provides 130,000 qualifying points—enough to earn the Companion Pass with 5,000 points to spare.

Credit Card Application Strategy

When applying for multiple Southwest cards, follow these guidelines:

Chase 5/24 Rule Considerations: Southwest cards fall under Chase's 5/24 rule, meaning you can't be approved if you've opened 5 or more credit cards from any issuer in the past 24 months. Plan accordingly and prioritize Southwest cards if you're approaching this limit.

Application Spacing: Apply for both cards on the same day or within a few days to combine hard credit inquiries. This minimizes the impact on your credit score while maximizing your chances of approval.

Meeting Spending Requirements: Spread large purchases across both cards to meet minimum spending requirements. Consider timing major purchases (appliances, travel, business expenses) to coincide with your qualification timeline.

Alternative Southwest Cards

If the Performance Business or Plus cards don't fit your spending patterns, consider these alternatives:

Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card:

• 50,000 bonus points after $1,000 spend
• 6,000 anniversary points
• 3x points on Southwest and hotel purchases

Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card:

• 50,000 bonus points after $1,000 spend
• 7,500 anniversary points
• 3x points on Southwest, hotels, and rental cars

Maximizing Rapid Rewards Points Beyond Credit Cards

Southwest Shopping Portal

The Southwest Rapid Rewards shopping portal offers additional earning opportunities that count toward Companion Pass qualification. Popular retailers include:

• Department stores: 2-4 points per dollar
• Online retailers: 1-3 points per dollar
• Travel bookings: 2-6 points per dollar

While these earnings won't single-handedly qualify you for the pass, they provide valuable supplemental points when combined with your credit card strategy.

Partner Earning Opportunities

Southwest maintains partnerships with hotels, car rental companies, and other service providers. Key partners include:

Hotel Partners:

• IHG Hotels: 1-3 points per dollar spent
• Choice Hotels: 1-2 points per dollar spent
• La Quinta: 1 point per dollar spent

Utility Partners:

• NRG and Reliant Energy (Texas): Points for monthly bills
• Select utility providers: Varies by region

Dining Programs:

• Rapid Rewards Dining: 3-5 points per dollar at participating restaurants

Strategic Considerations for Partner Earning

While partner earning can contribute to qualification, focus your efforts on the highest-value opportunities. Credit card bonuses provide the most efficient path to 125,000 points, with partner earning serving as a valuable supplement rather than your primary strategy.

Alternative Qualification Strategies

The Flight-Based Path

For frequent Southwest flyers, qualifying through flight activity might make sense. You need 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year, which breaks down to roughly 8-9 flights per month.

This path works best for:

• Business travelers with flexible routing options
• Travelers in Southwest hub cities with numerous daily flights
• Those who prefer earning through organic travel rather than manufactured spending

Combining Strategies

Many successful Companion Pass earners use a hybrid approach:

Base Strategy: Credit card bonuses for 100,000+ points Supplemental Earning: Strategic partner purchases for remaining points Buffer Creation: Slight over-earning to account for timing variations

This approach provides multiple qualification paths and reduces the risk of falling short due to delayed bonuses or changed card terms.

Using Your Southwest Companion Pass Effectively

Booking Strategies for Maximum Value

Once you've earned your Companion Pass, strategic booking practices maximize its value:

Book Paid Flights When:

• You need flexible cancellation options
• Southwest's prices compete favorably with other airlines
• You want to earn additional Rapid Rewards points

Book Award Flights When:

• Cash prices exceed reasonable cents-per-point valuations
• You have surplus points from qualification activities
• You want to preserve cash for other travel expenses

Companion Pass Sweet Spots

The Companion Pass provides exceptional value on certain Southwest routes:

High-Value Routes:

• Transcontinental flights (East Coast to West Coast)
• International destinations (Caribbean, Mexico, Central America)
• Hub-to-hub premium routes during peak travel times

Moderate-Value Routes:

• Regional flights between major cities
• Weekend leisure travel
• Holiday period flights

Managing Your Companion Designation

Remember, you can change companions up to three times per year, but strategic planning minimizes the need for changes:

Family Travel: Designate the family member who travels most frequently Couple Travel: Designate the person who books travel or manages reservations Business Travel: Designate your most frequent travel companion

Common Companion Pass Mistakes to Avoid

Timing Errors

Qualifying Too Late in the Year Many people rush to qualify in November or December, sacrificing 11 months of potential value. Plan qualification for early in the calendar year whenever possible.

Missing Spending Deadlines Credit card spending requirements typically span 3 months. Missing these deadlines means missing your qualification window and potentially waiting another full year.

Credit Card Strategy Mistakes

Applying for Wrong Cards Not all Southwest cards offer the same value for Companion Pass qualification. Focus on cards with the highest sign-up bonuses relative to spending requirements.

Ignoring Chase 5/24 Southwest cards fall under Chase's 5/24 rule. If you're at or near the limit, prioritize Southwest cards before other applications.

Poor Spending Strategy Spreading minimum spending across multiple cards without a plan often leads to missed requirements. Create a detailed timeline and stick to it. Consider monitoring your credit score throughout the application process.

Usage Mistakes

Not Booking Companion Immediately Southwest releases companion inventory alongside regular award space. Popular flights fill quickly, so book companions immediately after booking your own ticket.

Forgetting International Taxes While domestic companion flights cost just $5.60, international flights can cost $50-75 in taxes and fees. Budget accordingly for international companion travel.

Advanced Companion Pass Strategies

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Multiple-Pass Households

Couples can coordinate qualification to extend Companion Pass coverage across multiple years:

Year 1: Partner A qualifies for Companion Pass Year 2: Partner B qualifies for new Companion Pass Year 3: Partner A re-qualifies for another pass

This strategy provides continuous Companion Pass coverage with proper planning and coordination.

Business Expense Optimization

Business owners and frequent business travelers can leverage legitimate business expenses to meet credit card spending requirements:

Qualifying Business Expenses:

• Office supplies and equipment
• Business travel and entertainment
• Utility and service payments
• Inventory and raw materials

Always ensure business expenses align with your actual business needs and maintain proper documentation for tax purposes. The IRS provides guidance on legitimate business expense deductions.

Points and Cash Strategies

Consider using a mix of points and cash for Southwest travel to optimize both your Companion Pass value and overall travel strategy:

Cash Strategy Benefits:

• Earns additional Rapid Rewards points
• Provides maximum flexibility
• May offer better cancellation terms

Points Strategy Benefits:

• Preserves cash for other expenses
• Often provides better value on premium routes
• Reduces overall trip costs when combined with Companion Pass

Southwest Companion Pass vs. Other Airline Benefits

Comparison with Competitor Programs

Alaska Airlines MVP Gold Companion Fare:

• Annual companion fare starting at $99 plus taxes
• Limited to one use per year
• Restricted to specific fare classes

Hawaiian Airlines Companion Discount:

• 50% off companion fare on interisland flights
• Limited geographic scope
• Requires elite status qualification

Southwest Companion Pass Advantages:

• Unlimited companion travel
• Works on all flights and fare classes
• Valid for nearly two years
• Covers both paid and award travel

Value Proposition Analysis

For couples who take 4-6 trips annually on Southwest, the Companion Pass typically provides $2,000-$5,000 in value over its duration. This represents one of the highest-value benefits available in travel rewards programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times can I change my companion?

You can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year. However, you cannot have future flights booked with different companions simultaneously.

Does the Companion Pass work on international flights?

Yes, the Companion Pass works on all Southwest flights, including international destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. Companion taxes and fees typically range from $50-75 for international flights.

Can I use the Companion Pass with award flights?

Absolutely. The Companion Pass works with both paid flights and award bookings using Rapid Rewards points. Your companion still pays only taxes and fees regardless of how you book your ticket.

What happens if I need to cancel a companion flight?

Companion cancellations follow the same policies as your main ticket. For Wanna Get Away fares, you'll receive a flight credit. For Anytime fares, you can receive a refund or credit with no fees.

Do Southwest credit card anniversary points count toward qualification?

Yes, anniversary points from Southwest credit cards count as qualifying points toward the Companion Pass. This makes holding cards long-term valuable for maintaining qualification.

Can I qualify for the Companion Pass multiple years in a row?

Yes, you can re-qualify for the Companion Pass every year by earning 125,000 qualifying points or taking 100 qualifying flights. Many dedicated Southwest travelers earn the pass repeatedly.

Is there a fee to add a companion to my flight?

No, there's no fee to add your designated companion to Southwest flights. You only pay the taxes and fees (typically $5.60 domestically).

What if my companion doesn't show up for the flight?

If your companion doesn't travel, you don't receive a refund for their taxes and fees. However, last-minute companion additions are possible if space is available.

Maximizing Your Investment

The Southwest Companion Pass represents one of travel rewards' highest-value opportunities, but success requires strategic planning and precise execution. Start planning your qualification strategy early, focus on credit card bonuses for the fastest path to 125,000 points, and time your qualification for maximum duration.

Remember, the Companion Pass isn't just about free flights—it's about transforming how you approach travel planning. With your companion flying for nearly free, you can explore new destinations, visit family more frequently, or simply make spontaneous travel decisions without worrying about doubled flight costs.

Ready to start your journey toward the Southwest Companion Pass? Apply for Southwest credit cards and begin earning qualifying points today. With proper planning and execution, you'll be flying with your companion for just taxes and fees in just a few months.

For more travel rewards strategies and credit card recommendations, explore our comprehensive guides on maximizing travel rewards and building an effective credit card strategy.

The Southwest Companion Pass offers unmatched value for couples and frequent travel companions. Visit Southwest's official Companion Pass page to review current program terms, then start your qualification journey today to enjoy nearly-free companion travel for the next two years.

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