How to Earn the Coveted Southwest Airlines Companion Pass
If you’re a frequent flyer or love to travel, the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass is one of the most valuable airline perks available. With it, you can bring a friend or family member along for free (except taxes and fees) on any Southwest flight you take. This pass is not only for unlimited flights in a calendar year but can even carry over into the next, allowing for almost two years of benefits if timed right. Here’s what you need to know about earning this fantastic perk.
What is the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass?
The Companion Pass allows you to designate one person to fly with you on any Southwest flight you book, whether paid with cash or points. The only cost for the companion is government-mandated taxes and fees, which are typically minimal. Once you earn it, the Companion Pass is valid for the rest of the year in which you qualify, plus the entire following calendar year—making it a highly sought-after benefit for frequent flyers and travelers alike.
How to Earn the Companion Pass in 2024
To qualify for the Companion Pass, you need to do one of the following in a single calendar year:
1. Fly 100 qualifying one-way flights with Southwest, or
2. Earn 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points.
While 100 one-way flights might be out of reach for most people, there are several ways to earn 135,000 Rapid Rewards points that don’t require stepping onto a plane.
1. Use Southwest Credit Cards
One of the easiest ways to rack up Rapid Rewards points is through Southwest credit card welcome offers. Southwest typically offers large signup bonuses that can range from
50,000 to 75,000 points or more if you meet spending requirements within the first few months. Combining this with points earned through everyday spending on the card can get you closer to the 135,000 points needed for the Companion Pass.
Tip: Southwest sometimes offers increased sign-up bonuses or special promotions, especially at the beginning or end of the year, so keep an eye out for these opportunities.
2. Leverage Everyday Spending and Bonus Categories
Using a Southwest credit card for everyday purchases like groceries, gas, dining, or travel can help you earn points quickly. Many Southwest cards have bonus categories (e.g., 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases) that boost your points accumulation. This can be especially helpful if you can time your big purchases within the calendar year.
3. Book Travel through Southwest’s Partners
Southwest has partnerships with various hotel and car rental brands. When you book through Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program with these partners, you earn additional points. Staying at hotels, booking car rentals, or even shopping through the Rapid Rewards portal can be an effective way to accumulate points.
4. Consider Timing Your Points Earning Strategy
The Companion Pass is valid for the rest of the calendar year in which you qualify, plus the entire following year. If you can time your spending and travel activity to hit the 135,000 points early in a new year (for example, January or February), you could potentially get almost two full years of benefits.
Maximizing the Companion Pass
Once you earn the Companion Pass, here’s how to make the most of it:
– Choose Your Companion Wisely**: You can change your designated companion up to three times in a year. This flexibility lets you bring different friends or family members on your trips.
– Combine with Sales and Points**: Southwest often has fare sales, and if you’re using points to book, you’ll get even more value. Since the Companion Pass works for both cash and points bookings, you can save even more.
– Use the Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal**: Before booking a flight or making a purchase, check Southwest’s shopping portal. This can earn you extra points and help you hit the Companion Pass threshold faster.
Is the Companion Pass Worth It?
Absolutely! If you travel frequently within the U.S. or to popular vacation spots in the Caribbean and Mexico, the Companion Pass offers incredible savings. Paired with
Southwest’s low-fare calendar and frequent sales, this benefit makes it easy to see why the Companion Pass is often considered the “holy grail” of airline loyalty perks.
Final Tips for Earning the Southwest Companion Pass
– Check your Rapid Rewards points frequently** to make sure you’re on track to hit the threshold.
– Plan your spending around the calendar year**—this will help you maximize the length of time you have the Companion Pass.
– Be strategic with your spending** on Southwest credit cards and look out for limited-time offers or promotions to boost your points earning.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just looking to make the most of your vacation budget, the Companion Pass can help you and a companion explore new places without doubling your travel costs. With some planning and smart spending, you can make 2024 the year you unlock this amazing travel perk!