Southwest Airlines Companion Pass

How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass?

The Southwest Companion Pass is an exclusive travel benefit offered by Southwest Airlines, one of the largest low-cost carriers in the world. With this coveted pass, travelers can bring a designated companion along on their flights, virtually doubling the value of their Southwest Airlines flights.

The details of the Southwest Companion Pass, including the benefits, how to earn it, and tips for maximizing its potential, are all mentioned below. So fasten your seatbelts as we closely examine this unique travel perk.

What is the Southwest Companion Pass?

The Southwest Companion Pass is a one-of-a-kind service that allows travelers to bring a companion on any Southwest flight for free (excluding taxes and fees). Consider it a BOGO deal on any Southwest flight purchased with cash, vouchers, or points. It is not a one-time voucher or a limited-time promotion; instead, it is a highly sought-after status that lasts for the remainder of the year in which it is earned and the entire following year.

This means that once you earn the Companion Pass, your designated companion can fly with you for free on unlimited Southwest flights during that period, making it an excellent opportunity for frequent flyers.

How to Avail Southwest Companion?

Earning the Southwest Companion Pass requires meeting specific criteria set by Southwest Airlines:

Earn Rapid Rewards Points:

Southwest Airlines’ loyalty program is called Rapid Rewards.
Rapid Rewards points can be earned by traveling with Southwest, making hotel bookings, car rentals, shopping with partners, or using Southwest credit cards.
Each calendar year, a passenger must earn 125,000 Fast Rewards Points. Within a calendar year, earn Fast Rewards Points. All points earned from Southwest Airlines and its partners are included in this.

Base Points and Bonus Points:

Base points from flights, partner purchases, and Rapid Rewards credit cards are counted; bonus points, such as promotional or paid points, are not.

There are two primary methods to achieve the criteria set by Southwest Airlines –

Flight-Based Qualification: To qualify based on flights, you must accumulate 125,000 qualifying points within a calendar year. These points can be earned through Southwest Airlines flights or eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards.
Credit Card Qualification: Southwest Airlines offers a range of Rapid Rewards credit cards, often providing welcome bonuses that count toward the Companion Pass.

You can unlock the coveted pass by earning the necessary number of Rapid Rewards points through flights, credit card spending, and bonuses.

How to Maximize the Benefits of the Southwest’s Companion Pass?

Once you earn the Southwest Companion Pass, you can make the most of this valuable perk with a few strategic tips:

Choose Your Companion Wisely:

Your designated companion is not set in stone. You have the flexibility to change your companion up to three times during the validity period of your pass. Select someone who frequently travels with you to maximize the value.

Double the Savings:

Since the companion travels for free (excluding taxes and fees), the Southwest Companion Pass effectively doubles the value of your Southwest Airlines flights. This can result in significant cost savings for leisure or business trips.

Stack Points:

Combine your Companion Pass with your Rapid Rewards points to unlock more benefits.
Use your points to book your flight while your companion flies for free. This combination allows you to stretch your points further and maximize the value of your travel.

Book Early:

Southwest Airlines operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so booking your flights early is essential to secure availability for you and your companion. Popular routes and peak travel periods tend to fill quickly, so plan accordingly.

The Southwest Companion Pass would apply to both paid and award flights, even if the airfare was purchased by someone else (work travel, kind family/friends, etc.).

There is no time constraint. There are no non-availability dates. It can also be used on any Southwest flight.
There are a few things to remember. For example, if you are flying on someone else’s Companion Pass, you cannot utilize your Southwest Companion Pass.
The Southwest Companion Pass is valid for the remainder of the year it is obtained and the following year.
If you received your Companion Pass on October 9, 2022, it would be valid until December 31, 2023.
But if you obtained the Companion Pass on January 8, 2023, it would be valid until December 31, 2024.

How to use the Southwest Companion Pass?

Book Your Flights:

Log in to your Southwest Airlines account when you’re ready to book a flight.
Search for flights, as usual, using your preferred departure and arrival airports, dates, and times.
Note that availability for both you and your companion is subject to seat availability; therefore, making your reservation as soon as possible is recommended.
After that, Go to the payment page after you’ve chosen your flight. You will be given the option to include your companion in the reservation.
You do not plan trips separately with it but instead add it to any pre-existing booking made in the name of the Companion Pass holder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my designated companion?

Yes, you can change your designated companion up to three times during the validity period of your Southwest Companion Pass. Firstly, Log in to your Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards account and follow the instructions to update your companion’s information. For more information, contact our toll-free number at +1-888-370-4802 and speak to a live person to solve all your queries.

Can I use the Southwest Companion Pass on any flight?

Yes, the Southwest Companion Pass can be used on any Southwest Airlines flight, including both domestic and international routes, subject to seat availability.

Do I need to pay taxes and fees for my companion’s ticket?

While the Companion Pass covers the base fare for your companion’s ticket, you will still be responsible for paying taxes and fees, which vary depending on the itinerary. For more information, contact our toll-free number at +1-888-370-4802 and speak to a live person to solve all your queries.

Can I use the Companion Pass for multiple trips?

Yes, once you earn the Companion Pass, you can use it for unlimited trips during the validity period. You and your designated companion can travel together on any eligible Southwest flight.

Can I use the Companion Pass for business travel?

Yes, the Companion Pass can be used for leisure and business travel. It offers a valuable opportunity to bring a companion at no additional cost, making it a great perk for frequent business travelers.

Can I use the Companion Pass with other Southwest Airlines promotions or discounts?

The Companion Pass cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts. However, it can be used with Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards points to maximize your travel benefits. For more information, contact our toll-free number at +1-888-370-4802 and speak to a live person to solve all your queries.

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