How To Get The Southwest Companion Pass
How To Get The Southwest Companion Pass: Your Ultimate Guide to Flying Free
Are you dreaming of traveling the country (or even internationally) and only paying for one ticket while bringing a buddy along for free? You are in the right place! The Southwest Companion Pass is widely regarded as one of the best deals in travel, offering unbeatable value for frequent flyers.
If you've been wondering exactly How To Get The Southwest Companion Pass, we're here to break down the process step-by-step. It might seem daunting, but with the right strategy, you can unlock two years of essentially free flights for your favorite travel partner.
Let's dive into how you can make this fantastic travel perk a reality, starting with the basics.
What Exactly Is The Southwest Companion Pass?
Simply put, the Companion Pass allows you to designate one person to fly with you for free, every time you fly, for the duration of the pass. You only pay the standard taxes and fees, which are typically $5.60 per one-way flight within the US.
This benefit applies whether you pay for your own ticket with cash or Rapid Rewards points. Think of the massive savings you can achieve, especially if you plan multiple trips throughout the year!
Here's why the Companion Pass is so legendary:
- Your designated companion flies free on unlimited paid or award tickets.
- The Companion Pass is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which you earn it, PLUS the entire following calendar year.
- You can change your designated companion up to three times per year.
The Requirement: Earning 135,000 Qualifying Points
To qualify for the Companion Pass, you must earn 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points in a single calendar year. It's important to understand what counts towards this total and what doesn't.
Prior to 2023, the requirement was 125,000 points, but Southwest raised the threshold slightly. Don't worry, 135,000 points is still very achievable using strategic methods.
What counts as qualifying points?
- Points earned from flying Southwest Airlines (actual flight revenue).
- Points earned from Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards, including sign-up bonuses and spending.
- Points earned through Rapid Rewards partners (e.g., hotel stays, rental cars, shopping portals).
- The 10,000 boost of qualifying points automatically granted to Rapid Rewards Credit Card holders each calendar year.
What does NOT count? Transferred points from Chase Ultimate Rewards, points purchased from Southwest, or points transferred from hotel loyalty programs do not count towards the 135,000 requirement.
The Fastest Ways To Qualify
While you could try to fly enough to earn 135,000 points, that would require massive spending on airfare. The quickest, most reliable method for How To Get The Southwest Companion Pass relies entirely on credit card points.
This strategy allows average travelers to reach the threshold without ever stepping foot on a plane.
Utilizing Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards
Southwest offers several co-branded credit cards issued by Chase. These cards are the engine behind the Companion Pass strategy because the points earned from the welcome bonuses count directly towards your 135,000 goal.
To maximize your earnings, you generally need to open two cards in the same calendar year. Why two? Because combining two large sign-up bonuses, plus the spending required to earn them, gets you incredibly close—or even past—the required 135,000 points.
The standard strategy involves pairing:
1. One Personal Card
There are three personal card options (Plus, Premier, and Priority), and you can only hold one at a time. Choose the card whose benefits align best with your travel style, but prioritize the one offering the highest bonus at the time of application.
2. One Business Card
Southwest also offers business cards (Performance Business or Premier Business). Many people qualify for a business card even if they run a very small side hustle, such as selling items online or doing freelance work. Business card points are crucial for reaching the goal quickly.
If you cannot open a business card, you may consider applying for two personal cards, but Chase has a rule preventing you from holding more than one Southwest personal card simultaneously, so timing and strategy here are much trickier.
Maximizing Sign-Up Bonuses
The key to earning the Companion Pass quickly is hitting the minimum spending requirements on your two new credit cards. For instance, if Card A offers 75,000 points for spending $5,000, and Card B offers 60,000 points for spending $3,000, you have already earned 135,000 qualifying points!
This is often the easiest path for How To Get The Southwest Companion Pass. Be sure to track your minimum spend carefully, ensuring all bonus points post within the same calendar year.
Strategic Timing: When to Earn Your Pass
Timing is everything. Remember, the Companion Pass is valid for the rest of the year you earn it, plus the entire following calendar year. To maximize the duration of your pass, you want those qualifying points to post in January or February.
If you earn the pass in January 2024, it is valid through December 31, 2025. That's nearly two full years of free companion travel!
Here is the ideal timeline strategy:
Apply for Card 1 (Personal) in October or November. Complete the minimum spending requirement, but ensure the points DO NOT post to your Rapid Rewards account until January 1st.
Apply for Card 2 (Business) in November or December. Again, ensure the points from both the bonus and the spend post after the New Year.
Why wait? Credit card issuers often report points monthly. If your final point totals post in December, your Companion Pass expires on December 31st of the following year, losing you a valuable year of travel.
Alternative Ways To Earn Companion Pass Points
If you fall slightly short of the 135,000 points after the credit card bonuses, or if you simply prefer earning through different channels, Southwest offers several valuable partners that contribute to your goal:
Use the Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal when making online purchases. You can often earn 5x or more points per dollar spent at major retailers.
Utilize the Rapid Rewards Dining Program. Link your credit cards and earn points automatically when you dine at participating restaurants.
Book hotel stays or car rentals through Southwest partners. While these points often aren't as lucrative as card bonuses, they are excellent for closing a small gap in your total.
What To Do Once You Qualify
Once you hit 135,000 qualifying points, the Companion Pass status will automatically be updated in your Rapid Rewards account within 2-3 weeks. You will then receive an email notification prompting you to select your companion.
It's important to select your companion immediately so you can start booking free flights right away!
Conclusion: Mastering How To Get The Southwest Companion Pass
Getting the Southwest Companion Pass is not magic; it's a focused strategy. By understanding that the key to How To Get The Southwest Companion Pass lies in strategically acquiring two Southwest credit card welcome bonuses early in the calendar year, you position yourself for two years of unparalleled travel value.
Remember the critical steps: apply for two cards (one personal, one business is ideal), ensure the bonus points post in January or February, and enjoy flying free with your companion. Start planning those trips now—adventure awaits!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About The Companion Pass
- Can I still use my Rapid Rewards points if I have the Companion Pass?
- Absolutely! The Companion Pass works whether you book your own ticket using cash or points. Once your ticket is booked, you simply add your companion to the reservation for free (plus $5.60 in taxes).
- How long does the Companion Pass last?
- It lasts for the remainder of the calendar year in which you qualify, plus the entire following calendar year. For maximum duration, earn it early in the year.
- Can I change my companion?
- Yes, you can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year. Once you change them, the previous companion cannot be designated again until the next change period.
- Do points transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards count towards the 135,000 requirement?
- No. While you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to your Rapid Rewards account for booking flights, these specific transferred points do not count towards earning the 135,000 qualifying points for the Companion Pass.
How To Get The Southwest Companion Pass
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