Southwest Airlines remains a favorite for many flyers thanks to its generous ticket exchange policy, complimentary checked luggage and quirky boarding process. But for the most loyal Southwest travelers, the Companion Pass is the highlight of this airline. This coveted 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 cash or using Rapid Rewards points. You just have to pay the taxes and fees on the ticket.
So, what’s the scoop on this unique perk, and how do you earn it to bring a friend on your next trip for free?
How do you earn the Companion Pass?
Southwest offers two elite status tiers, A-List and A-List Preferred, and the Companion Pass. You must qualify annually to retain your status.
You can earn the 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 a year
Earning the Companion Pass through 100 one-way flights is relatively straightforward. You have to complete 100 flights on Southwest in a year. Yes, that’s a lot of flying. For most travelers, the 135,000 qualifying points are an easier route to obtaining the Companion Pass. You can earn these points through Rapid Rewards activities, including:
- Flying on Southwest
- Doing business with travel partners like 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 one is worth a whopping $1,680 per TPG’s July 2024 valuations. That’s fantastic value for cards with reasonable annual fees ($99 for the Premier and $199 for the Performance). While the spending 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 a Companion Pass through the rest of 2024 (after qualification) and all of 2025.
That’s because you’ll receive 120,000 points from the 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).
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 — bringing a friend along on your Southwest flights for (almost) free.
Within a couple of days of your Companion Pass qualification, you’ll receive an email where you can nominate your companion. You can change your companion up to three times per calendar year, so choose the lucky individual wisely. Check out our four-step guide to using the Companion Pass.
As mentioned, you’ll need to pay the taxes and fees for your companion to fly. Domestic flights start at $5.60 one-way per person, 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 additional person at virtually no cost. While 100 one-way flights in a year is a steep requirement, earning 135,000 Companion Pass-qualifying points is easily within reach when you find a generous welcome bonus on a cobranded credit card.
With Southwest flying domestically and internationally, who wouldn’t want to bring a loved one to Hawaii, Aruba or Costa Rica?
