Southwest Companion Pass

Table of Contents

30 September 2025

Southwest Companion Pass: The Ultimate Travel Perk

When it comes to airline rewards, few benefits compare to the value of the Southwest Companion Pass. This pass is usually seen as the holy grail of travel rewards for frequent flyers. It allows you to choose one person to fly with you for almost free whenever you purchase a ticket or redeem Rapid Rewards points for a Southwest flight.
 
The Southwest Companion Pass can save you hundreds of dollars each year whether you are a business traveler or someone who loves exploring new destinations. This blog explains what the Companion Pass is, how to earn it and why it is such a powerful tool for travelers. You can contact Southwest at 1-800-435-9792 or WinkTravelDeals at +1-866-579-8033 for more details.
 

What Is the Southwest Companion Pass?

The Southwest Companion Pass is a special offering within the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards program. Once you qualify, you can pick one person as your designated companion. That person then flies with you free of airline charges every time you fly whether you buy your ticket with cash or points.
 
The Southwest Companion Pass lasts for the rest of the year you earn it including the entire next calendar year. For example, if you earn it in May 2025, you and your companion can fly together through December 2026. That means up to 20 months of buy-one-get-one-free flights.
 

How Does the Southwest Companion Pass Work?

The Southwest Companion Pass is simple to use. You book your flight as normal, either with cash or Rapid Rewards points. After booking, you log into your Rapid Rewards account and add your designated companion to the same itinerary. Your companion only pays the taxes and fees, which start at $5.60 each way for domestic flights.
 
It doesn’t matter if you book a budget Wanna Get Away fare or a Business Select ticket or even a points redemption—your companion always gets the same flight for nearly free.
 

How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass?

There are two main ways to qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass in a calendar year:
 
  • Fly 100 qualifying one-way flights on Southwest.
  • Earn 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points.
  • Earning points is the easiest route for most travelers. Points can come from several sources:
  • Paid flights on Southwest.
  • Spending on Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards.
  • Partner activity such as hotels, rental cars and shopping portals.
Hitting the 135,000-point threshold might sound challenging but it becomes achievable with credit card welcome bonuses along with partner offers and strategic spending.
 

Tips for Earning the Southwest Companion Pass Faster

A smart strategy makes all the difference if you want to unlock the Southwest Companion Pass quickly. Here are a few tips:
 
  • Apply for a Southwest credit card: Chase offers generous welcome bonuses that count toward the 135,000-point requirement.
  • Time your application: The best strategy is to earn the required points early in the year. You get almost two full years of benefits in such a way.
  • Use partner programs: Booking hotels as well as car rentals or online shopping through Southwest’s partners can earn qualifying points.
Shift everyday spending: Put grocery, dining and gas purchases on your Southwest credit card to accelerate your progress.
 

Why Is the Southwest Companion Pass So Valuable?

The biggest reason travelers love this perk is its unlimited use. The Southwest Companion Pass works on every single flight you take while it’s valid unlike a one-time voucher or discount coupon.
 
  • Families save big: Parents can add one child as a companion and save significantly on family vacations.
  • Couples benefit: Partners can travel together for the cost of one ticket.
  • Business travelers win: Frequent flyers can bring along a spouse or friend on work trips at minimal cost.
The more you fly, the greater the savings. Some travelers save several thousand dollars in one year by fully maximizing the pass.
 

Can You Change Your Companion?

Yes, You can change your assigned companion up to three times a calendar year after your first choice. This accommodates you so that you are not stuck with someone for eternity. You may select your spouse for the majority of your trips, change to a child for a family trip and a friend for a weekend trip later.
 
This option makes the Southwest Companion Pass even more powerful as it tailors to your changing travel needs.
 

Where Can You Use the Southwest Companion Pass?

The Southwest Companion Pass applies to all Southwest flights. That includes:
 
  • Domestic U.S. flights: Southwest serves more than 100 cities across the United States.
  • International flights: Southwest also flies to places in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
So whether you are planning a quick city break or a trip to see family, your companion comes along almost free.
 

Rules and Restrictions

The Southwest Companion Pass is generous but there are a few rules to keep in mind:
 
  • Your companion must be booked on the same itinerary as you.
  • Taxes and fees still apply even on free flights.
  • Your companion’s booking also cancels if you cancel or change your flight.
  • Only one companion can fly with you per trip.
These are small limitations compared to the huge value of the benefit.
 

Conclusion

The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the best airline rewards with unlimited two-for-one tickets for a maximum of two years. It provides unparalleled savings and convenience. It can stretch your dollars while making it more convenient to bring friends and loved ones along.
 
You can open this amazing advantage and experience infinite adventures with your preferred travel partner by organizing in advance and applying a clever tactic to generate eligible points. The Southwest Companion Pass really is the holy grail of travel benefits if you regularly fly with Southwest. Contact Southwest Airlines at 1-800-435-9792 or WinkTravelDeals at +1-866-579-8033 for any information.

Leave Comments




Comments ...

Our Services

  1. Destinations
    Destinations
  2. Travel tips
    Vacations
  3. Did you know?
    Airlines
  4. Covid-19 Updates
    Deals

Recent Blog Post

popup_winktraveldeals
X