Southwest Airlines is a favorite of many fliers due to its generous ticket exchange policy, complimentary checked luggage, and fantastic boarding process. But for Southwest’s most loyal travelers, the Companion Pass is the airline’s specialty. This popular pass allows you to designate one person to travel with you for free.
Yes, it’s buy one, get one free on all Southwest flights — whether you’re paying with cash or using Rapid Rewards points. You only have to pay tax and fee on the ticket.
So, what’s the point of this unique perk and how can you earn it to bring a friend on your next trip for free?
How do you get a Companion Pass?
Southwest offers two elite status levels, A-List and A-List Preferred, and Companion Pass. You must qualify annually to maintain your status.
You can earn a Companion Pass by completing one of the following:
- Take 100 one-way qualifying flights on Southwest in a year
- Earn 135,000 qualifying points in one year
Getting a companion pass is relatively straightforward through 100 one-way flights. You must complete 100 flights on Southwest in a year. Yes, she flies a lot. For most travelers, 135,000 qualifying points is an easy way to get a Companion Pass. You can earn these points through Rapid Rewards activities, including:
- Flying on the Southwest
- Doing business with travel partners such as hotels and car rental agencies
- Dining through the Rapid Rewards Dining Program
- Opening and/or using a Southwest credit card
For a limited time, both of these cards are offering up to 120,000 points to new applicants:
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These are the best offers we’ve seen on these cards, and each is worth $1,680, per TPG’s July 2024 valuation. With a reasonable annual fee ($99 for Premier and $199 for Performance) it’s a fantastic value for the cards. When the cost requirement is high, the payoff can be incredible.
If you get one of these cards now and meet the $15,000 spending requirement by the end of the year, you’ll enjoy the Companion Pass for the rest of 2024 (after qualifying) and all of 2025.
That’s because you’ll receive 120,000 points from a tiered sign-up bonus. Plus, by spending $15,000, you’ll earn at least 15,000 points through the regular earning rate (or more points if the spending category earns more than 1 point per dollar earned).
Just note that transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest does not count toward Companion Pass qualification.
How does the Companion Pass work?
Now, it’s time for the fun part — bring a friend along on your Southwest flights for (almost) free.
Within a few days of your Companion Pass qualification, you will receive an email where you can nominate your companion. You can change your partner three times every calendar year, so choose your lucky one wisely. Check out Our four-step guide to using Companion Pass.
As mentioned, you will need to pay taxes and fees to fly your companion. Domestic flights start at $5.60 per person one-way, while international flights can be more expensive.
Related: Southwest A-list status: What it is and how to earn it
Bottom line
The Southwest Companion Pass lets you book a flight for an extra person at virtually no cost. While 100 one-way flights a year is a tough requirement, earning 135,000 Companion Pass-qualifying points is within easy reach when you’re generous. Welcome bonus on cobranded credit cards.
With Southwest flying domestically and internationally, who doesn’t want to bring a loved one to Hawaii, Aruba or Costa Rica?