The Southwest Companion Pass is widely considered one of the most valuable travel perks available. This benefit allows you to bring a designated companion on any Southwest flight – paid or award – while they only pay taxes and fees. For frequent flyers, families, or anyone who travels often, it’s a significant cost saver.
What Is the Companion Pass?
You earn the pass by accumulating 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points or flying 100 qualifying one-way flights within a single calendar year. The pass is valid for the remainder of the year in which it’s earned, plus the entire following year. Hitting the requirement early means more time to enjoy the benefit. You can even change your designated companion up to three times a year.
How Do You Qualify?
The following activities contribute to earning a Companion Pass:
- Qualifying flights: Points earned from Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card welcome offers and ongoing spending.
- Partner bonuses: Base points from Rapid Rewards partners (hotels, car rentals, shopping portal).
- Annual cardholder boost: Southwest Rapid Rewards cardholders receive an additional 10,000 points annually.
- Cash + Points bookings: Points earned on the cash portion of these redemptions.
Crucially, the following do not count: Purchased, gifted, or transferred points; points converted from other loyalty programs; and tier bonus points from A-List or A-List Preferred status.
The Fastest Route: Credit Cards
The quickest way to unlock the Companion Pass is through credit card welcome bonuses. Chase offers five cobranded Southwest cards, several of which currently include a Companion Pass as part of their offer. These passes are valid until February 28, 2027.
Here are current options (as of early 2025):
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card: Earn a Companion Pass + 20,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card: Earn a Companion Pass + 40,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card: Earn a Companion Pass + 30,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
Business card options also provide substantial bonuses. All Southwest cards also award 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year, though this benefit is capped at one boost per Rapid Rewards member annually.
Alternative Earning Methods
While credit cards are fastest, you can supplement your progress through:
- Rapid Rewards Hotel Portal: Book hotels through the portal to earn qualifying points.
- Car Rentals: Partner rental companies (Hertz, Avis, etc.) award points on rentals.
- Dining & Shopping: Use the Rapid Rewards Dining and Shopping portals for qualifying purchases.
Note: Only base points from partners count toward the Companion Pass – bonus points generally do not.
Why This Matters: The Value Proposition
Southwest’s shift to fare bundles (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra) means spending more to earn the pass through flights alone. The Companion Pass is now even more valuable, especially considering Southwest still offers a free checked bag for cardholders and their companions.
The bottom line: The Southwest Companion Pass is a powerful tool for reducing travel costs. Earning it through credit card bonuses remains the most efficient strategy, allowing you to maximize savings for years to come.
