What is the Southwest Companion Pass?
The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the best travel perks available in the world of points and miles. It allows travelers to bring a companion for nearly free on any Southwest flight, as long as the passholder has a paid or points ticket.
The only cost to the companion is taxes and fees, which start at just $5.60 one-way. The pass is valid for the remainder of the year in which it's earned and the entire following calendar year, making it a highly coveted benefit among frequent travelers.
How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass: A Step-by-Step Guide
Earning the Companion Pass requires meeting one of two criteria: accruing 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points or flying 100 qualifying one-way flights within a calendar year. Here’s how you can get there faster:
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Credit Card Bonuses: Southwest offers several co-branded credit cards that give generous sign-up bonuses, sometimes as high as 80,000 points. If timed correctly, signing up for one or more cards can give you a massive points boost.
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Everyday Spending: Put your everyday purchases on your Southwest credit card to accumulate Rapid Rewards points. Consider leveraging bonus categories such as dining, travel, and Southwest purchases to maximize your points.
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Flying: If you’re a frequent Southwest flyer, you can rack up points or complete 100 one-way flights to qualify.
- Partner Offers: Earn points through Southwest’s various partners, including hotels, car rentals, and online shopping portals.
Once you hit the 135,000-point or 100-flight milestone, the Companion Pass is yours!
Maximizing the Companion Pass in 2024
To get the most out of your Southwest Companion Pass, here are some expert tips:
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Use During Sales: Southwest frequently offers fare sales, which allow you to book flights for fewer points or lower cash prices. Since the Companion Pass applies to any Southwest fare, your companion can fly with you for just the cost of taxes, even during sales.
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Book Early: Southwest does not have blackout dates or capacity restrictions on the Companion Pass, but popular flights can sell out quickly. Booking early ensures you and your companion get the best possible fares.
- Leverage Southwest Credit Cards: Southwest’s credit cards often provide additional perks like free checked bags and priority boarding, which can enhance your travel experience.
Top Tips for Earning the Companion Pass Quickly
If you’re serious about earning the Southwest Companion Pass quickly, these strategies will help you get there in record time:
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Apply for a Credit Card During a Promotion: Timing is everything. Keep an eye out for Southwest’s credit card sign-up bonuses, which can be as high as 100,000 points during promotional periods. Combining a large bonus with your regular spending can put you well on your way to the pass.
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Utilize Southwest Partner Offers: Southwest has many travel and non-travel partners that offer Rapid Rewards points. Hotel stays, rental cars, and even shopping through their portal can help you rack up points.
- Fly Smart: If you fly often, try to consolidate your flights with Southwest to reach the 100-flight threshold. Always make sure to input your Rapid Rewards number when booking.
The 2024 Southwest Companion Pass Promotion
In 2024, Southwest is running a limited-time Companion Pass promotion, valid for a few months during the early part of the year. By earning a certain number of points within a specific time frame, you can qualify for a shorter-term pass, allowing you to test out the perks before committing to a full year’s worth of flights.
Why the Southwest Companion Pass is the Best Airline Deal for Frequent Flyers
When compared to other airlines’ companion deals, the Southwest Companion Pass comes out on top for several reasons:
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No Blackout Dates: Unlike other airlines that limit companion passes to certain flights or dates, Southwest has no blackout periods. As long as a seat is available, your companion can fly with you.
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Unlimited Uses: Some airlines restrict the number of times you can use their companion pass each year, but Southwest allows you to use it on every flight you book during the pass’s validity.
- Changing Companions: Southwest allows you to change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year, offering flexibility for those who travel with different companions throughout the year.
New Feature: How to Change Your Southwest Companion Pass Companion Online
The Southwest Companion Pass is, hands down, one of the best perks in points and miles. Once you earn the Southwest Companion Pass, you essentially get buy-one-get-one-free flying on Southwest until the end of the next calendar year. And travelers who don't always travel with a “player two” can even change their companion up to three times per calendar year.
Although you can select your initial companion online, changing a companion previously required calling Southwest and providing their name, date of birth, address, contact information, etc. It was a hassle to do, but it was worth it to bring your new companion along for just the cost of taxes and fees.
However, Southwest recently added the ability to change your companion online, making it even easier to travel with different people throughout the year. Here’s what you need to know about this new option and how to use it:
How to Change Your Southwest Companion Pass Online
To change your Southwest Companion Pass designee online, follow these steps:
- Log into your Rapid Rewards account and navigate to your account page.
- On the right-hand sidebar, you’ll find your current Companion Pass companion.
- Click the large yellow “Change Companion” button to start the process.
- Fill out the information for your new companion, including their full name, date of birth, gender, address, email, and phone number.
- Once completed, click the “Save Companion” button to confirm the change.
Although the change should be immediate, Southwest’s terms and conditions note that the airline can take up to 21 days to issue a new Companion Pass card. While the card is rarely requested by agents at the airport, it’s a good idea to factor in this potential delay and plan accordingly.
Bottom Line
Southwest’s new online companion change feature is a game-changer for travelers who like to switch up their flying partners throughout the year. This new self-service feature simplifies the process and eliminates the need to call Southwest customer service, making it easier than ever to take full advantage of your Companion Pass.
