What is the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass, and how does it work?

Maybe you’re one of those steady travelers flying into and out of Southwest Airlines. Chances are you would have heard about the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass. It is actually one of the most prized perks these days-getting the holder to travel for free or, basically, bringing a companion on your flights with just the taxes and fees. So how exactly does this pass work and what do you have to do to qualify? What this blog is going to break down for you is everything you want to know about Southwest Companion Pass, from how to qualify and save money on travel.

Understanding the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass

Among the many great airline perks Southwest offers are those through its Rapid Rewards loyalty program-a companion pass. A companion pass will allow you to choose someone to accompany you on paid flights as well as award flights, and you’ll only pay for those companions for paying all taxes and fees surcharges on the flight. Once you do earn that pass, it’s valid for one full calendar year, so this is kind of an awesome deal even for a serious road warrior.

How Does the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass Work?

This pass lets you virtually choose any person to fly free with you on any Southwest flight in the rest of the year. It is good for a business or pleasure trip. Here’s a close-up of how this works:

Determine Your Companion:  Once you have activated your Southwest Airlines Companion Pass, you can add a companion for each of your reservations. That companion will pay only the taxes and fees applicable to travel, about $5 to $11 one way, depending on the flight you buy.

Eligible Flights: The Companion Pass can be used on any paid and award-flight itinerary. It does not matter as to whether you are traveling to an international destination since the Companion Pass is good on any Southwest-operated flight where there are available seats.

Unlimited Use: The best part about it is the unlimited use by Southwest Airlines Companion Pass. It doesn’t limit the usage of how many times one can take his companion in any given time as long as it can provide the availability on that flight.

Validity: The companion pass is valid throughout the rest of the calendar year in which you obtain it and then all of the next year. Therefore, that means when you got the pass in March 2024, then it will be valid till December 2025.

Earn Southwest Airlines Companion Pass

TTo qualify for the companion pass of Southwest Airlines. You have to meet some specific requirements. There are two major ways of earning this companion pass. IYou may earn it by qualifying points or flying a specific number of flights with Southwest Airlines

Earning 135,000 Qualifying Points:

The fastest way to earn the Companion Pass is by earning 135,000 Rapid Rewards points in a year. This can be achieved by flying on Southwest. And also holding a Southwest credit card, or through its Southwest hotel and car rental partners.

Points earned from sign-on bonuses on credit cards and purchases also qualify for the Companion Pass. Keep in mind the time limits on bonus points.

110 Qualifying One-Way Flights

Otherwise, you can earn the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass if you earn 100 qualifying one-way flights within any calendar year. That way, it would be ideal for those who really fly frequently and cannot spare time for making 135,000 points.

Tips for Maximizing the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass

Here are some tips on how you can make and maximize your Southwest Airlines Companion Pass. 

• Book Flights Using Points: You can make use of points to book your flights because the Southwest Airlines points earned through flight miles accrual are considered for Companion Pass. Accordingly, when you make a booking of flights through the usage of Rapid Rewards points, you earn a considerable number of points within a really very short period.
• Apply for a Southwest credit card: Southwest credit cards, like the SouthWest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card, are among the highest sign-up bonuses available. Additionally, if you can take advantage of their points within your first month or two after applying, their points are especially amplified; also, if you are trying to earn a Companion Pass through points, using a credit card is definitely going to get you there much sooner.
• Then you collect points from different accounts: Suppose you have family or friends who join the Rapid Rewards program; you can pool the points to your account; that is an added strength to help you reach that 135,000-point threshold.
• Utilize your companion pass for business and leisure travel: use it on all your Southwest flights. Fly for business, or travel with family on holiday: fly with someone tagging along at tax and fee price-good savings opportunity .

Frequently Asked Questions 

How long does the Southwest Companion Pass last?

The Southwest Airlines Companion Pass is valid for the balance of the calendar year when you receive the companion pass and the following calendar year. Sample Use: If you receive it in March of 2024, it is going to be good through December of 2025.

 Can I change my companion on the Southwest Companion Pass?

Yes. You can switch your assigned companion up to three times during any given calendar year. You can change companions either online or by contacting Southwest Airlines customer care.

Must my companion pay for his/her ticket?

No. Your companion only pays taxes and fees on top of the flight he or she is booking. Typically this is between $5 and $11 for one-way.

Do the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass can be used on international flights?

Yes. Sit together, you and your traveling companion; either of you can fly anywhere around the globe on seat availability; you and your companion would pay only taxes and fees.

Will I have to requalify for the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass each year?

Yes, the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass requires requalifying every year. I don’t say that pejoratively, I just would hate for you to think it renewed itself automatically-that’s not the case-it needs to get requalified again with qualifying points or flights. You’re helping out another passenger.

Need Help with Your Southwest Airlines Companion Pass?

If you want to start earning your first Southwest Airlines Companion Pass or need help demystifying your Rapid Rewards program, contact the Fly Travel Board and let them help you answer all of your questions. We have all of the different strategies to earn points and utilize the best credit card options to help you get the most from your Southwest loyalty. Call today for expert help at +1 (844) 539-5787.