Southwest Companion Pass: How to Get It

Key Takeaways

The Southwest Companion Pass allows a designated companion to fly for free on your ticket.
To earn the pass, you need 135,000 qualifying points or 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year.
Strategic use of credit cards and promotions can help you get the pass more quickly.
Understanding how to use your Companion Pass effectively can maximize your travel savings.

What is a Southwest Airlines Companion Pass?

The Southwest Airlines Companion Pass is a coveted benefit that enables a designated companion to fly with you for free when you book your ticket using either cash or points. This pass is especially valuable for those who love to travel but want to keep costs manageable. For frequent travelers, having a companion fly for free can significantly enhance the travel experience.

How the Companion Pass Works

Once you earn the Companion Pass, you can select one person to fly with you for free on any Southwest flight you take, as long as there is a seat available. This means that if you buy a ticket using cash or points, your companion can join you without having to pay for their airfare, aside from applicable taxes and fees.

Key Features

No blackout dates: Unlike many airline companion programs, Southwest does not impose blackout dates, allowing you to travel when you want.
Flexibility: You can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year.
Valid for both paid and award flights: Whether you use cash or points for your ticket, your companion can fly for free.

Benefits of the Companion Pass

Cost Savings: Traveling with a companion without additional ticket costs can drastically reduce your overall expenses.
- For instance, if a round-trip ticket costs $300, your companion can fly with you for just the taxes and fees, which are often under $10.
Flexibility: The pass is valid for both domestic and international flights, offering a wide range of travel opportunities.
- Whether it’s a weekend getaway to Las Vegas or a week-long vacation in Cancun, the Companion Pass allows you to explore various destinations without worrying about the cost of an additional ticket.
Easy Booking: Adding your companion to a flight is a straightforward process, making it convenient to travel together.
- You can book your companion’s seat during the initial booking or later through your account.
Increased Travel Opportunities: With the Companion Pass, you can take advantage of various travel deals and promotions offered by Southwest.
- This can include seasonal discounts or limited-time offers, enhancing your travel options.
Exclusive Promotions: Southwest often runs promotions specifically targeting Companion Pass holders, giving you even more opportunities to save.
- Keeping informed about these promotions can help you maximize your travel benefits.
Rewards for Loyalty: Frequent travelers can accumulate additional rewards, leading to more benefits and upgrades over time.
- Loyal customers often enjoy priority boarding, free checked bags, and other perks.

How to Get a Southwest Companion Pass

1. Understand the Requirements

To earn the Companion Pass, you need to accumulate either:

135,000 qualifying points within a calendar year, or
100 qualifying one-way flights.

2. Utilize Southwest Credit Cards

Southwest offers several credit cards through Chase, which can expedite your journey to the Companion Pass. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options:

Card Name	Sign-Up Bonus	Earning Rate	Annual Fee
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus	40,000 points	2x on Southwest	$69
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier	60,000 points	3x on Southwest	$99
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority	80,000 points	3x on Southwest	$149

Maximize Your Sign-Up Bonuses: When you sign up for a credit card, aim to meet the spending requirement to earn the bonus points. This can significantly boost your points total toward the Companion Pass.

3. Book Flights Strategically

To earn qualifying points, consider:

Booking flights during promotions.
Utilizing the buy one get one free flights feature when available.
Traveling during peak seasons can also help you earn more points, as flight prices tend to be higher, leading to more qualifying points.

4. Refer Friends

You can earn points by referring friends to apply for a Southwest credit card. This can be a significant boost toward your Companion Pass.

You’ll typically earn a set number of points for each successful referral, adding up quickly. For instance, if you earn 10,000 points per referral and refer five friends, that’s an additional 50,000 points.

5. Keep an Eye on Promotions

Watch for Southwest’s promotions throughout the year, such as the Southwest Companion Pass promotion 2024 dates, which may help you earn points more quickly.

Sign up for Southwest’s email newsletter or follow their social media channels to stay updated on current offers and promotions.

How to Get a Companion Pass Faster

1. Combine Points from Family Members

Consider pooling points with family members who have SW accounts to reach the 135,000 point threshold more rapidly.

Southwest allows members to transfer points, making it easier to achieve the required total.

2. Track Your Progress

Utilize the Southwest app or website to monitor your point accumulation and ensure you are on track to earn the Companion Pass.

Check your point balance regularly and set reminders to book qualifying flights or utilize credit card benefits.

3. Use the Performance Plus Award Card

If you have a Performance Plus Award Card, use it for your daily purchases to earn points faster.

This card offers higher earning rates on various categories, which can accelerate your points accumulation. For instance, you may earn 3x points on dining or gas purchases, boosting your totals significantly.

4. Consider Business Expenses

If you own a business, using your Southwest card for expenses can significantly contribute to reaching the required points.

Business travel can also count toward your qualifying flights, making it a dual benefit. Ensure all business-related travel is booked through your Southwest account.

5. Stay Loyal to Southwest

Make sure all your flights are booked with your Southwest account to maximize your points earned.

Joining Southwest’s loyalty program can provide additional perks and faster point accumulation, such as priority boarding and free checked bags.

6. Monitor Your Spending

Be conscious of your spending habits. Using your Southwest card for everyday purchases—such as groceries, gas, and dining—can lead to substantial points accumulation.

Additionally, setting up automatic bill payments on your Southwest card can help increase your point total with minimal effort.

How to Use Your Companion Pass on Southwest

Book Your Flight: When booking, select the option to add companion Southwest.
Choose Your Companion: You can change your designated companion up to three times a year.
Check Availability: Make sure your companion’s seat is available on your chosen flight.
Pay Taxes and Fees: While your companion flies for free, you’ll still need to cover any taxes and fees.

Detailed Steps to Use Your Companion Pass

Log into Your Account: Start by logging into your Southwest account.
Search for Flights: Enter your travel details and search for available flights.
Select Your Companion: After choosing your flight, you’ll be prompted to add your designated companion.
Confirm the Booking: Review the total cost, ensuring you only pay the necessary taxes and fees for your companion.
Manage Your Companion: You can view and manage your companion selections in your account settings.

Tips for Effective Use

Book Early: The earlier you book your flights, the better the availability for both you and your companion.
Flexible Travel Dates: Being flexible with your travel dates can help you find better flight options and availability for your companion.
Utilize Points Wisely: Consider using points for flights when you can to maximize savings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring Promotions: Failing to keep track of promotions can lead to missed opportunities for earning points.
Not Using the Right Card: Ensure you’re using the correct Southwest credit card to maximize points on purchases.
Booking Incorrectly: Always double-check that you’ve added your companion during booking to avoid confusion later.
Letting Points Expire: Regularly fly or use your credit card to prevent your points from expiring.
Not Monitoring Changes: Stay updated on any changes to the terms and conditions of the Companion Pass program.

FAQ

How do I get a buddy pass?

You can earn a buddy pass through specific promotions or by flying a certain number of qualifying flights. It’s essential to stay updated on current offers.

What are the Southwest Companion Pass promotion 2024 dates?

Southwest typically announces promotions throughout the year, so keep an eye on their website for specific dates. Checking back frequently or subscribing to their newsletter can keep you informed.

Can I buy a buddy pass for sale?

No, buddy passes cannot be bought; they must be earned through qualifying flights or promotions.

How do I manage my buddy card balance?

You can check your buddy card balance by logging into your SW account and viewing your points and eligibility.

Why does Chase keep signing me out?

This could be related to security settings or browser issues. Ensure your browser is updated and try clearing your cache.

How do I add a companion on Southwest?

During the flight booking process, simply select the option to add a companion to your reservation.

Tips for Maximizing Your Companion Pass

Use Points Wisely: Be strategic about how you use your points for flights.
Consider Seasonal Travel: Off-peak travel can lead to better deals and availability for your companion.
Stay Updated: Regularly check for changes to Southwest’s policies regarding the Companion Pass.
Participate in Loyalty Programs: Joining additional loyalty programs can complement your Southwest benefits.
Leverage Social Media: Follow Southwest on social media for instant updates on promotions and offers.

Best Ways to Get the Southwest Companion Pass

Combine Flight and Credit Card Use: The best way to get the Southwest Companion Pass is to combine the strategic use of flights with your credit card.
Participate in Promotions: Be active in promotions like the Southwest Companion Pass promotion deal in May to maximize points.
**Utilize the Companion Pass Podcast: Listen to discussions on the companion pass for tips and strategies.

Upcoming Promotions

Seasonal Promotions: Look for promotions around holidays and peak travel seasons.
Credit Card Offers: Stay informed about new credit card offers that may include bonus points.
Refer-a-Friend Bonuses: Keep an eye on increased bonuses for referring friends during specific periods.

Example of Successful Companion Pass Usage

Consider the case of Sarah and her best friend, John. Sarah earned her Companion Pass through strategic use of her Southwest credit card and taking advantage of seasonal promotions. They planned a trip to Disneyland, where Sarah booked her flight using points. John flew with her for just the taxes, saving them both a considerable amount. The experience was made even better as they both enjoyed the trip without the financial burden of an extra ticket.

Final Thoughts

The Southwest Companion Pass is an incredible tool for those interested in maximizing their travel experiences without breaking the bank. By understanding how to earn and use the pass, as well as keeping an eye on promotions, you can significantly enhance your travel budget.