How to Fly Almost for Free with the Southwest Companion Pass

Southwest Airlines remains the favorite choice of many flyers thanks to Generous ticket exchange policypraise checked baggage And weird boarding process. But for the Southwest’s most loyal visitors, Companion Card is the highlight of this airline. This coveted pass allows you to nominate one person to travel with you for free.

Yes, it is Buy one get one free on all Southwest flights — whether you’re paying cash or using Rapid Rewards Points. You only pay taxes and fees on the ticket.

So, what is this unique perk and how do you earn it so you can bring your friends along on your next trip for free?

How to earn Companion Pass?

Southwest offers two elite levels, A-List and A-List Favoritesand Companion Pass. You must qualify annually to maintain your status.

You can earn Companion Passes by completing one of the following:

• Take 100 qualifying one-way flights on Southwest in one year
• Earn 135,000 qualifying points in one year

Earning the Companion Pass through 100 one-way flights is relatively simple. You have to complete 100 flights on Southwest in a year. Yes, that’s a lot of flights. For most travelers, 135,000 qualifying points is an easier path to the Companion Pass. You can earn these points through Fast Rewards activities, including:

• Flying over Southwest
• Do business with travel partners such as hotels and car rental companies
• Dining through the Rapid Rewards Dining program
• Open and/or use a Southwest Credit Card

For a limited time, both cards offer up to 120,000 points to new applicants:

These are The best deals we’ve seen on these cardsand each is worth up to $1,680 per TPG in July 2024 valuation. This is a great value for a card with a reasonable annual fee ($99 for the Premier and $199 for the Performance). Despite the high spending requirement, the rewards can be staggering.

If you own one of these cards now and meet the $15,000 spending requirement by the end of the year, you’ll enjoy the Companion Pass throughout 2024 (after qualifying) and all of 2025.

That’s because you’ll get 120,000 points from the tiered sign-up bonus. Plus, when you spend $15,000, you’ll earn at least 15,000 points through the regular points-earning rate (or more points if the spending category earns more than 1 point per dollar).

Just note that the transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards Points to Southwest does not count towards the eligibility for a Companion Pass.

How does the companion pass work?

Now, it’s time for the fun part—bringing a friend along on Southwest flights for (almost) free.

Within a few days of qualifying for the Companion Pass, you’ll receive an email to nominate your companion. You can change your companion up to three times per calendar year, so choose your lucky one wisely. Check Our four-step guide to using the Companion Pass.

As mentioned, you will have to pay taxes and fees for your travel companion to fly. Domestic flights start at $5.60 one way per person, while international flights can be more expensive.

Related: Southwest’s A-List Status: What It Is and How to Get It

Last line

The Southwest Companion Pass allows you to book flights for someone else at virtually no cost. While 100 one-way flights in a year is a tall order, earning the 135,000 points required to qualify for a Companion Pass is within reach if you find a Welcome Bonus on Co-Branded Credit Cards.

With Southwest flying domestically and internationally, who wouldn’t want to take their loved ones to HawaiiAruba or Costa Rica?