The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most valuable benefits in travel rewards, letting you bring a companion on every Southwest flight for just taxes and fees. Here's your complete roadmap to earning it efficiently and maximizing its value through 2027.

Key Points

• Earning the Companion Pass early in 2026 gives you nearly two full years of unlimited companion flights through December 2027, potentially saving thousands on airfare.
• The fastest path combines two Southwest credit card welcome bonuses with strategic everyday spending, getting you to 135,000 qualifying points in 3-4 months without extreme manufactured spending.
• Strategic timing matters more than speed—earning the pass in January 2026 versus December 2025 adds an entire extra year of value, making it worth waiting if you're close to the threshold.

What Is the Southwest Companion Pass?

The Southwest Companion Pass allows you to designate one person to fly with you on every Southwest flight, whether you're paying cash or using points. Your companion pays only the mandatory September 11th Security Fee (typically $5.60 each way for domestic flights).

You earn the pass by accumulating 135,000 qualifying points or flying 100 qualifying one-way flights within a single calendar year. Once earned, it remains active for the remainder of that year plus the entire following calendar year.

Here's why timing matters: If you earn the pass on January 15, 2026, it's valid until December 31, 2027—nearly 24 months of value. Earn it on December 1, 2025, and you get just 13 months.

You can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year. With the pass valid for two calendar years, that means you could potentially fly with up to six different companions total (three each year).

Understanding Companion Pass Qualifying Points

Not all Rapid Rewards points count toward the Companion Pass. Here's what does and doesn't qualify:

What Counts Toward the 135,000 Threshold:

• Points earned from Southwest flights (based on ticket price and fare class)
• Credit card welcome bonuses and spending on Southwest cobranded cards
• Base points from Rapid Rewards hotel, car rental, and shopping portal partners
• Points earned on the cash portion of Cash + Points bookings
• The annual 10,000-point Companion Pass boost for Southwest cardholders (one per member per year, not per card)

What Doesn't Count:

• Points purchased, gifted, or transferred to your account
• Points transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards, Bilt, or Marriott Bonvoy
• A-List or A-List Preferred tier bonus points
• Promotional bonus points (unless specifically stated by Southwest)

The distinction matters. You might have 200,000 total Rapid Rewards points in your account but only 80,000 qualifying points toward the Companion Pass if you transferred 120,000 from Chase.

The Credit Card Fast Track: Your Best Path to 135,000 Points

Earning the Companion Pass through flying alone requires significant spending. Under Southwest's current fare structure, you'd need to spend between $9,643 (Choice Extra fares at 14 points per dollar) and $67,500 (Basic fares at 2 points per dollar) on flights to reach 135,000 qualifying points.

Credit card welcome bonuses offer a much faster path. Chase issues five Southwest cobranded cards, and their bonuses count as qualifying points.

Personal Credit Cards

All three personal Southwest cards currently offer 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months:

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus ($69 annual fee)

• 50,000-point welcome bonus
• 3,000 anniversary points
• 2x points on Southwest and Rapid Rewards hotel/car partners, 1x everywhere else
• No free checked bags

Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier ($99 annual fee)

• 50,000-point welcome bonus
• 6,000 anniversary points
• 2x points on Southwest and Rapid Rewards partners, 1x everywhere else
• 2 free checked bags per reservation
• 4 upgraded boardings per year

Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority ($149 annual fee)

• 50,000-point welcome bonus
• 7,500 anniversary points
• 2x points on Southwest, Rapid Rewards partners, local transit/commuting, internet/cable/phone, 1x everywhere else
• 4 free EarlyBird Check-Ins per year
• 2 free checked bags per reservation
• $75 annual Southwest credit

Business Credit Cards

Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business ($99 annual fee)

• 60,000-point welcome bonus after $3,000 spend in 3 months
• 6,000 anniversary points
• 2x points on Southwest and Rapid Rewards partners, 1x everywhere else
• 2 free checked bags per reservation

Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business ($199 annual fee)

• 80,000-point welcome bonus after $5,000 spend in 3 months
• 9,000 anniversary points
• 3x points on Southwest, 2x on Rapid Rewards partners and other select categories, 1x everywhere else
• 4 EarlyBird Check-Ins per year
• 2 free checked bags per reservation

The Two-Card Strategy

The most efficient path to the Companion Pass combines two cards strategically:

Option 1: Personal + Business (135,000+ qualifying points)

Apply for one personal card and one business card within the same day. Meet minimum spending requirements, and you'll have:

• 50,000 points from personal card bonus
• 60,000-80,000 points from business card bonus
• 10,000 annual Companion Pass boost (received after first purchase on either card)
• 1,000-8,000+ points from meeting minimum spend requirements

Total: 121,000-148,000 qualifying points before any additional spending or flying

Option 2: Two Personal Cards (110,000+ qualifying points)

If you don't have or want a business card, apply for two personal Southwest cards on the same day:

• 50,000 + 50,000 from welcome bonuses
• 10,000 annual boost
• 2,000+ points from minimum spending

Total: 112,000+ qualifying points

You'll need an additional 23,000 qualifying points from flights, everyday spending, or partner activity. At 2x earning on Southwest purchases, that's $11,500 in Southwest flights or other spending.

Critical Application Timing for Maximum Value

Here's where strategy separates casual earners from experts. Your goal isn't just earning the pass—it's maximizing how long you can use it.

The Sweet Spot: Late November/Early December Applications

Apply for your Southwest cards in late November or early December. Here's why:

1. You receive the cards by mid-December
2. Make one small purchase on each card to trigger the 10,000-point annual boost (received within 5-7 days)
3. Complete the remaining minimum spend in January and February
4. Welcome bonuses post in late February/early March
5. You earn the Companion Pass in early 2026 with validity through December 31, 2027

This approach gives you nearly 24 months of companion benefits.

What Not to Do: The December Rush

Don't try to complete all minimum spending in December. If your bonuses post in December 2025, your pass expires December 31, 2026—you lose an entire year of value compared to waiting a few weeks.

The Exception: You're Already Close

If you already have 100,000+ qualifying points in 2025 from flights or existing cards, it might make sense to earn the pass in 2025 for use through 2026, then re-earn it in 2027 for 2027-2028 validity.

Beyond Credit Cards: Earning Through Partners and Flying

While credit cards provide the fastest route, you can supplement your earning or maintain the pass year after year through strategic partner activity.

Flying Southwest Strategically

Southwest's new fare bundles reward premium purchases:

• Basic: 2 points per dollar (avoid for Companion Pass earning)
• Choice: 6 points per dollar
• Choice Preferred: 10 points per dollar
• Choice Extra: 14 points per dollar

If you're flying anyway, booking Choice Preferred or Choice Extra fares accelerates your progress. A $400 Choice Extra fare earns 5,600 qualifying points versus just 800 on Basic.

Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal

The Southwest shopping portal awards qualifying points for purchases at 900+ retailers. Rates vary from 1-12 points per dollar, and these are base points that count toward the Companion Pass.

Strategic Portal Use:

• Stack with credit card rewards (use your Southwest card for purchases)
• Check the portal before major purchases (electronics, travel gear, gifts)
• Holiday shopping can earn 5,000-10,000 qualifying points with planning
• Combine with manufacturer coupons and retailer sales for maximum value

Example: A $500 Apple purchase at 3 points per dollar through the portal earns 1,500 qualifying points, plus 500 points (1x) from your Southwest card = 2,000 total qualifying points.

Rapid Rewards Dining

Link your credit card to the Rapid Rewards Dining program and earn qualifying points when eating at participating restaurants. You'll earn 3 points per dollar at participating restaurants, plus your card's regular earning rate.

This works particularly well for routine business dining or date nights at enrolled restaurants.

Hotel and Car Rental Partners

Booking through Rapid Rewards partners awards qualifying points. However, you often pay higher rates than booking directly with hotels or using other travel portals.

When It Makes Sense:

• You're within 5,000-10,000 points of the Companion Pass threshold
• The rate premium is minimal (under 10%)
• You don't have elite status elsewhere providing better benefits

When to Skip It:

• You're earning the pass through credit cards anyway
• Hotel loyalty program benefits are more valuable to you
• The rate premium exceeds 15%

Real Success Stories: Case Studies

Case Study 1: The Young Professional

Situation: Sarah, a 28-year-old consultant in Denver, travels to see her long-distance boyfriend in Chicago monthly.

Strategy:

• Applied for Southwest Premier and Performance Business cards in late November 2025
• Met minimum spend: $1,000 on personal card, $5,000 on business card (mostly routine business expenses she'd make anyway)
• Received bonuses in late February 2026
• Total qualifying points: 141,000 (50,000 + 80,000 + 10,000 + 1,000 from spending)

Results:

• Earned Companion Pass valid through December 31, 2027
• Flies with boyfriend 24 times in 2026-2027 (monthly round-trips)
• Savings: Approximately $6,720 (24 flights × average $280 companion fare)
• Cost: $298 in annual fees, $6,000 in spending she'd make anyway
• Net value: $6,422 in saved airfare

Case Study 2: The Family Traveler

Situation: Mark and Jennifer, parents of two in Houston, want to visit family in California 4-5 times per year.

Strategy:

• Jennifer applied for Southwest Plus and Premier cards in December 2025
• Mark applied for Southwest Performance Business card in December 2025
• Combined minimum spend: $7,000 completed in January-February 2026
• Total qualifying points: 161,000 (50,000 + 50,000 + 60,000 + 1,000 boost + minimum spend points)

Results:

• Jennifer earned Companion Pass in March 2026, valid through December 2027
• Made 9 round-trip family visits to California in 2026-2027
• Alternated which parent was the "companion" based on flight times
• Savings: Approximately $4,140 (18 one-way flights × average $230 saved)
• Cost: $366 in annual fees (two years of personal cards, one year of business)
• Additional benefit: Kids got free checked bags from cardholder benefits
• Net value: $3,774

Case Study 3: The Snowbird Couple

Situation: Retired couple splitting time between Minneapolis and Phoenix.

Strategy:

• Applied for Southwest Plus (husband) and Performance Business (wife) in late November 2025
• Added strategic spending: holiday shopping through Rapid Rewards portal
• Booked all flights as Choice Preferred fares for higher earning
• Total qualifying points: 145,000 (50,000 + 80,000 + 10,000 + 3,000 portal + 2,000 flights)

Results:

• Earned Companion Pass February 2026, valid through December 2027
• Made 16 round-trips between Minneapolis-Phoenix in 2026-2027
• Savings: $7,360 (32 one-way flights × average $230)
• Also used pass for 4 round-trips to visit grandchildren in Denver
• Total savings: $9,200 in companion fares
• Cost: $368 in annual fees
• Net value: $8,832

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Earning the Pass Too Late in the Year

Earning the pass in November or December gives you only 13-14 months of validity. Wait until January to cross the 135,000 threshold for almost two full years.

Solution: If you're applying for cards in October or November, time your spending so bonuses post in January.

Mistake #2: Forgetting About the 10,000-Point Annual Boost

Many people overlook the automatic 10,000 qualifying points you receive after your first Southwest card purchase each calendar year (limited to one boost per Rapid Rewards member annually, not per card).

Solution: Make a small purchase immediately after approval to trigger this boost. It posts within 5-7 business days and can push you over the threshold faster.

Mistake #3: Applying for Both Cards on Different Days

Chase's 5/24 rule generally limits you to one Southwest card application every 30 days if you apply separately.

Solution: Apply for both cards on the same day, preferably within the same session, to maximize your chances of approval for both. Learn more about Chase's 5/24 rule.

Mistake #4: Transferring Points from Chase Ultimate Rewards

Points transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards to Southwest don't count as qualifying points toward the Companion Pass.

Solution: Only transfer Chase points to Southwest for award bookings after you've already earned the pass through other methods. Read our complete guide on transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Mistake #5: Not Updating Your Companion Information

Your companion must be designated in your Rapid Rewards account before booking. Some people book flights first, then try to add the companion.

Solution: Log into your Southwest account and designate your companion immediately after earning the pass. You can change it up to three times per calendar year.

Mistake #6: Forgetting to Add Your Companion to Existing Reservations

You can add your companion to flights you've already booked, even if you booked before earning the pass.

Solution: Call Southwest or manage reservations online to add your companion to existing bookings after earning the pass.

Mistake #7: Letting Annual Fees Catch You Off Guard

If you open two cards in year one, you'll pay annual fees again in year two.

Solution: Budget for annual fees across both years. Calculate whether the value justifies keeping both cards or if you should downgrade/cancel one after year one.

Maximizing Your Companion Pass

Once you've earned it, here's how to extract maximum value:

Book High-Value Routes

The Companion Pass saves you the most on expensive routes. Focus on:

• Longer-haul flights (cross-country or to Hawaii)
• Peak travel dates (holidays, spring break, summer)
• Last-minute bookings (when fares are highest)

A companion ticket on a $650 San Francisco to Maui flight saves you $644.40 (you still pay the $5.60 security fee). The same pass on a $89 Houston to Dallas flight saves only $83.40.

Stack with Low Point Redemptions

The Companion Pass works on award tickets, not just paid fares. When Southwest runs Wanna Get Away sales or offers reduced-point bookings, you can bring your companion on those too.

Example: Book a 7,500-point one-way Wanna Get Away award for yourself, add your companion for $5.60 in taxes. That's two people traveling for 7,505.60 points total.

Use It for Positioning Flights

Flying from a small airport? Use your Companion Pass to position to a larger Southwest hub, then book a separate ticket (or use points) for your final destination.

Change Companions Strategically

You get three companion changes per calendar year. Use them strategically:

• January-April: Spouse for winter vacation
• May-August: Child for summer travel
• September-December: Parent for holiday visits

Understand the Taxes and Fees

Your companion pays only the September 11th Security Fee on domestic flights. For international flights, they'll also pay:

• International departure/arrival taxes
• Immigration fees
• Customs fees

These vary by destination but are still far less than the base fare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Companion Pass on international flights?

Yes. The Companion Pass works on all Southwest flights, including international destinations like Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Your companion pays applicable international taxes and fees.

Does my companion earn Rapid Rewards points?

Yes. Your companion earns points based on the fare they would have paid (not the $5.60 they actually paid). Enter their Rapid Rewards number when booking.

What happens if I cancel a flight?

Both you and your companion's reservations are cancelled. If you're on a refundable fare, you both get full refunds. On Wanna Get Away fares, you both receive travel credits.

Can I add my companion after booking?

Yes, up until check-in. You can add your companion online through "Manage Reservations" or by calling Southwest. Your companion must be designated in your account before you can add them.

What if my companion can't make the flight?

You can still fly solo. Your companion's reservation will be cancelled, and you'll receive a credit or refund based on the fare type.

Do I lose my Companion Pass if I close my Southwest credit card?

No. Once earned, the Companion Pass remains valid through its full term regardless of credit card status. However, you won't receive the 10,000-point annual boost in future years without an active Southwest card.

Can I have multiple Companion Passes?

No. Each Rapid Rewards member can only have one active Companion Pass. If you earn 135,000 qualifying points again in a year you already have the pass, it doesn't extend or create a second pass.

Does the Companion Pass work with A-List Preferred benefits?

Yes. If you have A-List Preferred status with free premium drink coupons, your companion doesn't get those benefits automatically. However, they benefit from priority boarding if you're traveling together.

Can I earn the Companion Pass with the 100 qualifying flights method?

Yes, though this is much harder for most people. You'd need to take 100 one-way Southwest flights in a single calendar year. Most people find the points method faster and more practical.

Is the Southwest Companion Pass Worth It?

The Companion Pass delivers tremendous value if you fly Southwest frequently with the same person. Here's the math:

Annual Value Calculation:

If you take just 6 round-trips per year (12 one-way flights) at an average ticket price of $200:

• Companion savings: 12 flights × $200 = $2,400
• Less taxes/fees paid: 12 × $5.60 = $67.20
• Net savings: $2,332.80 per year

With the pass valid for nearly two years when earned in early 2026, that's $4,665.60 in savings on just moderate use.

When It Makes Sense:

• You regularly fly with the same person (spouse, partner, child, parent)
• You live near a Southwest hub (Dallas, Denver, Baltimore, Phoenix, Houston, Chicago, Las Vegas)
• You travel domestically 6+ times per year
• You can meet credit card minimum spending naturally

When to Skip It:

• You rarely fly Southwest
• You typically fly alone
• You can't meet minimum spend requirements without manufactured spending
• You prefer premium cabin travel (Southwest is all economy)

Your Action Plan

Ready to earn the Companion Pass? Follow this timeline:

Late November 2025:

1. Check your credit score (aim for 700+)
2. Review which Southwest cards you're eligible for
3. Decide between personal-only or personal + business strategy
4. Apply for both cards on the same day

December 2025:

1. Receive your cards
2. Make one small purchase on each to trigger the 10,000-point boost
3. Begin working toward minimum spend (but don't complete it yet)

January-February 2026:

1. Complete remaining minimum spend
2. Wait for bonuses to post (typically 3-5 days after meeting requirements)
3. Earn the Companion Pass valid through December 31, 2027

After Earning:

1. Log into your Southwest account
2. Designate your companion
3. Book your first companion trip
4. Start planning how to maximize your nearly two years of companion travel

Conclusion

The Southwest Companion Pass represents one of the best value propositions in travel rewards. With the right strategy—combining credit card bonuses, optimal timing, and smart application tactics you can earn it efficiently and enjoy nearly two full years of companion flights.

The two-card approach remains the fastest path: apply for one personal and one business Southwest card (or two personal cards) in late November or early December, time your spending so bonuses post in January or February 2026, and you'll have the pass valid through the end of 2027.

At an average savings of $200-300 per companion flight, just 12-15 flights over the life of your pass can deliver $3,000-4,500 in value while you and your companion explore new destinations together.

The key is starting now. Card bonuses can change, and optimal earning windows are time-sensitive. Review your travel patterns, choose your strategy, and begin your path to the Southwest Companion Pass today.

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