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The Deal

Southwest Airlines is rolling out an incredible promotion that's flying under the radar—sign into your Rapid Rewards account and purchase any round-trip flight (or two one-way flights), and you'll score a free companion pass that unlocks free flights for a friend. This isn't the famous annual Southwest Companion Pass that requires 135,000 qualifying points, but rather a limited-time promotional pass that could save you hundreds on your next getaway.

Key Details

• Offer: Free companion pass with any flight purchase
• Requirements: Must sign into Rapid Rewards account before booking
• Travel Window: Flights must be completed by November 15, 2025
• Companion Pass Valid: January 6, 2026 - March 6, 2026
• Value: Up to $400-600 depending on routes
• Restrictions: Companion still pays taxes and fees (typically $5.60-$11.20)
• Eligible Flights: All Southwest fare types (Wanna Get Away, Anytime, Business Select)

Why This Matters

This promotion is Southwest's answer to slower post-holiday booking patterns, and frankly, it's brilliant for travelers. Unlike the traditional Companion Pass that requires significant spending or flying to earn, this offer gives you the same benefit for any flight purchase.

The timing is particularly strategic—Southwest wants to lock in spring travel bookings now, while giving you a companion pass that's valid during their typically slower late winter/early spring period. For couples planning a February or March getaway, this could easily save $300-500 on popular routes like Chicago to Phoenix or Baltimore to Fort Lauderdale.

How to Get This Deal

1. Sign into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com or the mobile app (this step is crucial!)
2. Book any round-trip flight or two separate one-way flights
3. Complete your travel by November 15, 2025
4. Receive your companion pass via email within 6-8 weeks after travel completion
5. Book companion travel for trips between January 6 - March 6, 2026

Fine Print to Know

• Companion pass must be used by March 6, 2026 (no extensions)
• Companion pays taxes and fees on each flight segment
• Subject to seat availability (book early for best selection)
• Cannot be combined with other promotional companion passes
• Valid for one-time use only
• Primary traveler must book both tickets and travel together

Strategic Considerations

Best Routes for Maximum Value:

• Cross-country flights (LAX-BWI, SEA-MDW)
• Popular winter escape destinations (anywhere to Florida, Arizona, California)
• Holiday travel routes where Southwest typically charges premium pricing

Timing Strategy:
If you're already planning fall travel, this is a no-brainer. But even if you weren't, consider booking a short weekend trip for October or November to unlock the companion pass for a bigger spring vacation. Need help finding the best deals? Check out flight comparison tools like Skyscanner to identify the most cost-effective routes.

Similar Opportunities

While this specific promotion is unique, keep an eye out for Southwest's regular patterns:

• Schedule drops typically happen quarterly with sale fares
• Rapid Rewards promotions often coincide with booking targets
• Southwest credit card offers occasionally include companion pass benefits

Don't have Southwest flights on your radar? Check out our guide to earning the Southwest Companion Pass for year-round benefits, or explore Southwest's credit card options that can provide ongoing value.

The Bottom Line

This isn't Southwest's famous annual Companion Pass, but it's still a solid deal if you're planning fall travel anyway. The key is maximizing the value by using your companion pass on higher-value spring routes. Book through Southwest's website now, travel by mid-November, and start planning that companion trip for early 2026.

Act Fast: While Southwest hasn't announced an end date for this promotion, these offers typically disappear without warning when booking targets are met.