The Southwest Companion Pass is widely regarded as one of the most valuable airline perks in the world. Unlike typical “buy-one-get-one” promotions, this pass allows a designated companion to fly with you for free (plus taxes and fees) on both paid and award flights for up to two full years.
But the real challenge isn’t understanding what the Companion Pass is—it’s earning it as fast as possible, without wasting money, points, or time.
This expert guide breaks down the fastest, most reliable, and data-backed strategies to earn the Southwest Companion Pass, based on official Southwest Airlines policies, real-world traveler experience, and consumer finance best practices.
What Is the Southwest Companion Pass?
The Southwest Companion Pass allows one designated companion to fly with you on Southwest Airlines for only the cost of taxes and fees (starting at $5.60 one-way within the U.S.).
Key Features
- Valid on paid flights and Rapid Rewards award flights
- Companion can be changed up to three times per calendar year
- No blackout dates
- Applies to domestic, international, and Hawaii flights
According to Southwest Airlines’ official Rapid Rewards terms, this benefit is designed to reward frequent travelers with sustained loyalty.
Companion Pass Qualification Requirements
To earn the Companion Pass, you must qualify within a single calendar year.
You Must Earn ONE of the Following:
- 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points, or
- 100 qualifying one-way flights
Important Clarification
Not all points count. Points earned from:
- Credit card welcome bonuses
- Everyday spending
- Southwest hotel and car rental partners
DO count
Points transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards or purchased points DO NOT count
Why Timing Matters: The Two-Year Advantage
The Companion Pass is valid for:
- The remainder of the year you earn it
- The entire following calendar year
Best Strategy
Earn the Companion Pass early in the year (January–February) to get nearly 24 months of free companion travel.
Consumer finance experts, including Harvard Business Review, emphasize timing optimization as a core loyalty-program strategy.
Fastest Way to Get the Southwest Companion Pass (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Apply for Two Southwest Credit Cards
The single fastest method is earning credit card welcome bonuses strategically.
Eligible Card Combination
You must apply for:
- One personal Southwest credit card
- One business Southwest credit card
This works because Chase allows one personal + one business bonus.
Popular Card Options
| Card Type | Example Cards |
|---|---|
| Personal | Southwest Plus, Premier, Priority |
| Business | Southwest Performance Business, Premier Business |
Each card typically offers 60,000–80,000 points after minimum spending.
Step 2: Time Your Applications Carefully
Critical rule:
Apply late in the year, but complete spending after January 1.
Why This Works
- Points post in the year the spending is completed
- Both bonuses then count toward one calendar year
This tactic is consistent with airline loyalty optimization principles referenced by Consumer Reports and travel finance experts.
Step 3: Meet Minimum Spending Requirements Efficiently
Most Southwest cards require:
-
$3,000–$5,000 spend in 3 months
Smart Spending Ideas (No Manufactured Risk)
- Utilities and insurance premiums
- Medical bills (CDC and NIH note healthcare expenses are often large, predictable costs)
- Tuition or professional certifications
- Business inventory or advertising
Avoid high-risk manufactured spending, which violates card issuer terms.
Step 4: Top Off Remaining Points (If Needed)
If your bonuses earn 120,000–130,000 points, you can easily close the gap.
Fast, Legitimate Options
- Book Southwest flights (paid or award)
- Use Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal
- Stay with Southwest hotel partners
Based on publicly available information, Southwest Hotels partners often award 1,000–10,000 points per stay.
How Long Does It Take to Earn the Companion Pass?
| Method | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Two credit cards | 30–60 days |
| Flying only | 6–12 months |
| Mixed strategy | 2–4 months |
Credit card strategy is objectively the fastest based on airline program data.
Common Mistakes That Delay the Companion Pass
1. Earning Points Too Late in the Year
Points earned in December won’t carry over.
2. Using Non-Qualifying Points
Transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards do not count.
3. Missing Minimum Spend Deadlines
Bonuses are forfeited if spending isn’t completed correctly.
4. Applying for Cards Too Close Together
Chase’s 5/24 rule may block approvals.
Is the Southwest Companion Pass Worth It?
Example Cost Savings
- 10 round-trip domestic flights/year
- Average ticket: $250
- Companion cost: ~$11 per round trip
Annual savings: ~$2,390
Two-year value: ~$4,780+
This aligns with value-based travel analyses published by Consumer Reports.
Companion Pass vs Other Airline Companion Benefits
| Airline | Companion Benefit | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest | Unlimited free companion | Minimal |
| Delta | Annual companion cert | Fare class limits |
| Alaska | Companion fare | Paid ticket required |
| American | None | N/A |
Southwest remains the most flexible.
Advanced Expert Tips (Little-Known)
Change Your Companion Strategically
You can change companions 3 times per year, useful for families or rotating travel partners.
Use Points + Companion Together
Book with points → add companion → pay only taxes.
Pair With Sales
Southwest’s frequent fare sales compound the value dramatically.
Tax and Fee Considerations
International companion flights incur:
- Government-mandated taxes
- Airport fees
According to U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, airlines must pass these fees directly to travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the fastest way to get the Southwest Companion Pass?
Applying for one personal and one business Southwest credit card and timing bonuses after January 1.
2. Do credit card bonus points count?
Yes, Southwest credit card bonuses fully qualify.
3. How many years does the Companion Pass last?
Up to nearly two years if earned early in a calendar year.
4. Can I use the Companion Pass on award flights?
Yes. Companion flies free on both paid and points bookings.
5. Does Chase 5/24 affect eligibility?
Yes. If you’ve opened five cards in 24 months, approval may be denied.
6. Can I change my companion?
Yes, up to three times per calendar year.
7. Do transferred Chase points count?
No. Transfers do not qualify toward Companion Pass status.
8. Is flying required to earn it?
No. Credit card points alone can qualify.
9. Can business owners qualify?
Yes—even sole proprietors and freelancers.
10. Is the Companion Pass available internationally?
Yes, including Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America routes.
Final Verdict: Best Strategy Summary
Fastest, safest, most proven approach:
- Apply for one Southwest personal card
- Apply for one Southwest business card
- Complete spending after January 1
- Earn Companion Pass in 30–60 days
- Enjoy nearly two years of free companion travel
Based on publicly available information and airline policy analysis, no other airline benefit matches the Southwest Companion Pass for flexibility, value, and ease of use.
