Imagine getting onto a plane and having a friend or spouse accompany you on the flight without them paying for a ticket!
That’s why the Southwest Companion Pass is practically the best thing when it comes to domestic travel.
In this post, I’ll teach you just how to earn a Southwest Companion Pass so that you can be one of those flying with a companion for free.
About the Southwest Companion Pass
The Southwest Companion Pass allows you to bring along a travel companion on your Southwest flight to travel for free (besides for fees and taxes which is often as low as $5.60).
Whenever you fly Southwest your chosen companion can hop along for free for an unlimited amount of flights. Your flight can be booked using cash or even Rapid Rewards points.
Once you earn a companion pass the pass is good for the remainder of the calendar year, plus the following calendar year.
So if you earn a Companion Pass just around the beginning of 2022, you have it for the full year of 2022 plus the full year of 2023.
How to earn a Southwest Companion Pass
Update: Starting in 2023 you will need 135k points to earn the pass but Southwest cardholders get a 10,000-point break. So for Southwest cardholders, it is still 125,000 points.
To earn a Southwest Companion Pass you must earn 125,000 Rapid Rewards miles within a calendar year. It seems like a steep amount of miles.
But it’s not so steep. Here is why.
You can earn a pass with miles earned through:
- Booking flights with Southwest Airlines,
- Making purchases on Southwest Rapid rewards credit cards,
- Or through points earned from welcome bonuses on Rapid Rewards credit cards.
The following points will not count toward a Southwest Companion pass:
- Purchasing points from Southwest
- Points transferred to Southwest from other programs, including from Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Transferring points from a Rapid Rewards member
- Points you get when enrolling in the Rapid Rewards program
- Points converted from hotel or car loyalty programs.
Earn a pass with the help of welcome bonuses
The Southwest Rapid Rewards personal credits cards currently have an all-time high welcome bonus which will bring you very close to the 125,000 points needed. Here are the details
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card
Welcome offer: Earn up to 100,000 points. Earn 50,000 points after spending $2,000 within the first 3 months. Plus earn an additional 50,000 points after spending a total of $12,000 within the first 12 months.
Annual fee: $69
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier
Welcome offer: Earn up to 100,000 points. Earn 50,000 points after spending $2,000 within the first 3 months. Plus earn an additional 50,000 points after spending a total of $12,000 within the first 12 months.
Annual fee: $99
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
Welcome offer: Earn up to 100,000 points. Earn 50,000 points after spending $2,000 within the first 3 months. Plus earn an additional 50,000 points after spending a total of $12,000 within the first 12 months.
Annual fee: $149
So with these new Southwest credit card bonuses, you will earn a total of 112k points. So that takes you very close to earning a free companion pass. For the remaining 13K points, you can either earn it through flights, spend, or sign up for one of the Southwest business cards and get a bonus on one of the business cards as well. Here are the details.
Southwest Business Premier
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 points after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months.
Annual fee: $99
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Card
Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 points after spending $5,000 within the first 3 months.
Annual fee: $199
Welcome offer eligibility
Please note; you can only get approved for one Southwest personal card in 24 months. So you cannot apply for all three cards at the same time. Here are the exact welcome offer terms:
“The product is not available to either (i) current Cardmembers of any Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card, or (ii) previous Cardmembers of any Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card who received a new Cardmember bonus within the last 24 months. This does not apply to Cardmembers of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Business Card and Employee Credit Card products”.
Southwest business cards are counted separately so you can get one Southwest personal plus a Southwest Business card (or even get one Southwest personal plus both Southwest business cards).
Getting a business card without an LLC
We’re talking about applying for a business card but you have no business to speak of? That’s no obstacle. You can easily apply for a business credit card without an LLC or C-Corp.
Use your name as the business name, your SSN in place of the requested EIN, and your home address as the business address.
The Chase 5/24 rule
Since Chase is the issuer for these cards, you must make sure you are within the Chase 5/24 rule in order to be eligible for a new Chase Southwest card.
The 5/24 rule allows you to have up to 5 personal cards from any issuer opened within the past 24 months. Business cards are not counted towards the 5 cards. If you’ve reached the limit of 5 personal cards opened within 24 months, you will not be approved for a new card from Chase (personal or business cards).
When is the best time to get the Companion Pass
The pass is good for the remainder of the calendar year you earn the pass plus for the following year. So becoming eligible for the pass before the year 2021 is up would be unwise. Because you have just about a month and a half to go for this year. If you wait for the beginning of 2022, you get yourself close to two full years; 2022 plus 2023.
So we all agree to wait until January 2022 to finish acquiring 125,000 Rapid Reward miles to earn the companion pass. You can however go ahead and get your first card now so that you can start your spending requirements.
Other ways to earn points
Other than opening up a business and personal credit card, there are some actions you can take to make it to the 125,000 mile finish line.
- You can book hotels through Southwesthotels.com and earn miles for those nights
- You can shop using Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal
- You can use the Southwest cards for all your purchases
Restriction for the Companion Pass
Once you earn the pass you get to choose one companion to travel with you for an unlimited amount of flights. You can change companions up to three times per calendar year for a total of 4 companion choices per year.
Do take note that there are very few Southwest flights leaving from NYC so this may not be so relevant for people living in, and traveling out of, NYC. Nevertheless, it doesn’t hurt to have this info up your arm.
How to choose and change your companion
Congratulations! Once you earn 125,000 Rapid Rewards miles, you earn a companion pass and you can choose a companion to travel with. This is done through “My Account” on Southwest.com.
You can change your companion up to three times per calendar year. This can be done only by calling Rapid Rewards at 1800-435-9792. It should be a quick phone call.
Before changing companions, you must cancel any reservations with your existing companion.
Southwest says you must leave 21 business days after changing companions before being able to make a new reservation with your new companion. But in real life experience you may be able to make reservations with your new companion immediately though.
So to sum it up
Many people are able to obtain $1000s of dollars in free travel through the use of a Southwest Companion pass. Plus, it’s easy to earn through Southwest credit card welcome bonuses. Just be wise and time your eligibility right, so you earn the pass as close as possible to the beginning of a calendar year, like this you’re able to take advantage of the pass for close to two full years (the remainder of year number 1 plus the full year number 2).
Earn 60,000 points after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months. Earn 80,000 points after spending $5,000 within the first 3 months. Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. – 3 points on Southwest Airlines – 4 points on Southwest purchases -2 points on Southwest purchases -2 points on Southwest purchases -3 points on Southwest purchases No foreign transaction fee. No foreign transaction fee. No foreign transaction fee. No foreign transaction fee. Get 1,500 TQPs for every $10,000 you spend on the card. You need a total of 35,000 TQPS per calendar year to reach A-list status. And 75,000 TQPS per calendar year to reach A-list Preferred status. Get 1,500 TQPs for every $10,000 you spend on the card. You need a total of 35,000 TQPS per calendar year to reach A-list status. And 75,000 TQPS per calendar year to reach A-list Preferred status Get 1,500 TQPs for every $10,000 you spend on the card. You need a total of 35,000 TQPS per calendar year to reach A-list status. And 75,000 TQPS per calendar year to reach A-list Preferred status Get 1,500 TQPs for every $10,000 you spend on the card. You need a total of 35,000 TQPS per calendar year to reach A-list status. And 75,000 TQPS per calendar year to reach A-list Preferred status First and second checked bags are free on Southwest flights (this benefit is available to all Southwest customers no matter if you have their credit card or not). First and second checked bags are free on Southwest flights (this benefit is available to all Southwest customers no matter if you have their credit card or not). First and second checked bags are free on Southwest flights (this benefit is available to all Southwest customers no matter if you have their credit card or not). First and second checked bags are free on Southwest flights (this benefit is available to all Southwest customers no matter if you have their credit card or not). First and second checked bags are free on Southwest flights (this benefit is available to all Southwest customers no matter if you have their credit card or not). New! Get a $500 credit to transfer points from another Southwest account (the cost to transfer points a penny per point so this credit covers 50,000 points) New! Get a $500 credit to transfer points from another Southwest account (the cost to transfer points a penny per point so this credit covers 50,000 points) Get a $75 Southwest travel credit each cardmember year. Earn a free companion pass after earning 125,000 Southwest in a calendar year (welcome bonus points are included). Once earned the pass is valid for an unlimited amount of flights for the remainder of the calendar year plus for the full upcoming year. You will need to pay the companion's taxes and fees. Earn a free companion pass after earning 125,000 Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year (welcome bonus points are included). Once earned the pass is valid for an unlimited amount of flights for the remainder of the calendar year plus for the full upcoming year. You will need to pay the companion's taxes and fees. Earn a free companion pass after earning 125,000 Southwest in a calendar year (welcome bonus points are included). Once earned the pass is valid for an unlimited amount of flights for the remainder of the calendar year plus for the full upcoming year. You will need to pay the companion's taxes and fees. Earn a free companion pass after earning 125,000 Southwest in a calendar year (welcome bonus points are included). Once earned the pass is valid for an unlimited amount of flights for the remainder of the calendar year plus for the full upcoming year. You will need to pay the companion's taxes and fees. Earn a free companion pass after earning 125,000 Southwest in a calendar year (welcome bonus points are included). Once earned the pass is valid for an unlimited amount of flights for the remainder of the calendar year plus for the full upcoming year. You will need to pay the companion's taxes and fees. Get a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre-Check every 4 years. Worldwide primary coverage on rentals for business purposes up to 31 days, and secondary coverage on rentals for personal purposes. Worldwide primary coverage on rentals for business purposes up to 31 days, and secondary coverage on rentals for personal purposes. Primary coverage on rentals when renting outside of your country of residence, and secondary coverage on rentals when renting within your country of residence. Coverage is for rentals up to 31 days. Primary coverage on rentals when renting outside of your country of residence, and secondary coverage on rentals when renting within your country of residence. Coverage is for rentals up to 31 days. Primary coverage on rentals when renting outside of your country of residence, and secondary coverage on rentals when renting within your country of residence. Coverage is for rentals up to 31 days. Receive up to $500,000 if occurred on the carrier or at the airport/station. Receive up to $100,000 if occurred from when you leave until you return. Receive up to $500,000 if occurred on the carrier or at the airport/station. Receive up to $100,000 if occurred from when you leave until you return. Get coverage if you, G-d forbid, die in an accident while traveling or lose a limb, sight, speech, or hearing (on common carriers). Receive up to $500,000 in compensation. Get coverage if you, G-d forbid, die in an accident while traveling or lose a limb, sight, speech, or hearing (on common carriers). Receive up to $500,000 in compensation. Get coverage if you, G-d forbid, die in an accident while traveling or lose a limb, sight, speech, or hearing (on common carriers). Receive up to $500,000 in compensation. Get up to $3,000 per person for lost or damaged luggage. Get up to $3,000 per person for lost or damaged luggage. Get up to $3,000 per person for lost or damaged luggage. Get up to $3,000 per person for lost or damaged luggage. Get up to $3,000 per person for lost or damaged luggage. Get your original manufacturer's warranty time matched (up to a year). (Will only cover if the original warranty is for 3 years or less). Get your original manufacturer's warranty time matched (up to a year). (Will only cover if the original warranty is for 3 years or less). Get your original manufacturer's warranty time matched (up to a year). (Will only cover if the original warranty is for 3 years or less). Max $10,000 per claim, $50,000 per account. Get your original manufacturer's warranty time matched (up to a year). (Will only cover if the original warranty is for 3 years or less). Max $10,000 per claim, $50,000 per account. Get your original manufacturer's warranty time matched (up to a year). (Will only cover if the original warranty is for 3 years or less). Max $10,000 per claim, $50,000 per account. Get refunded if your purchase is damaged or stolen, up to 120 days from the date of purchase. Max $10,000 per claim, $50,000 per account. Get refunded if your purchase is damaged or stolen, up to 120 days from the date of purchase. Max $10,000 per claim, $50,000 per account. Get refunded if your purchase is damaged or stolen, up to 120 days from the date of purchase. Max $500 per claim, $50,000 per account. Get refunded if your purchase is damaged or stolen, up to 120 days from the date of purchase. 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Get 2 free EarlyBird check-in passes Use your card to pay for an upgraded boarding pass and get reimbursed up to 4 times per year. New! Get 2 free EarlyBird check-in passes New! Get 2 free EarlyBird check-in passes Use your card to pay for an upgraded boarding pass and get reimbursed up to 4 times per year. New! Receive 25% back (statement credit) for inflight purchases of Wifi, and drinks. Get inflight WiFi credits for up to 365 credits per year (equaling one free credit each day). New! Receive 25% back (statement credit) for inflight purchases of Wifi, and drinks. New! Receive 25% back (statement credit) for inflight purchases of Wifi, and drinks. New! Receive 25% back (statement credit) for inflight purchases of Wifi, and drinks. Get 6,000 bonus points each cardmember anniversary. Get 9,000 bonus points each cardmember anniversary. Earn 3,000 points after your cardmember anniversary each year Get 6,000 bonus points each cardmember anniversary. Get 7,500 bonus points each cardmember anniversary.
– 2 points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car partners
– 1 point everywhere else
– 3 points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners
– 2 points on social media and search engine advertising, and on phone and internet services
– 1 point everywhere else
- New! 2 points on local transit, commuting, rideshares, on internet, cable and phone services, and on select streaming.
-1 point everywhere else
- New! 2 points on local transit, commuting, rideshares, on internet, cable and phone services, and on select streaming.
-1 point everywhere else
- 2 points on local transit, commuting, rideshares, on internet, cable and phone services, and on select streaming.
-1 point everywhere else
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