Southwest Airlines Companion Pass: How to Earn and Use It in 2025
Discover how to earn the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass and unlock free flights for your travel buddy. Learn tips, rules, and promotions to maximize this travel perk.

The Southwest Airlines Companion Pass is one of the most valuable perks for frequent travelers, offering a golden opportunity to save big on flights. If you love exploring new destinations with a travel buddy, this pass can make it incredibly affordable. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the Companion Pass, including how to get it, its rules, and how to maximize its benefits.
What Is the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass?
The Southwest Airlines Companion Pass allows you to bring one companion along with you on any Southwest flight for free (excluding taxes and fees) every time you book a flight. It’s essentially a buy-one-get-one deal on flights, making it a favorite among savvy travelers.
How to Get a Southwest Companion Pass
Achieving the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass requires a bit of planning but is well worth the effort. Here’s how you can qualify:
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Earn 135,000 Rapid Rewards Points in a Calendar Year:
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Earn points by flying Southwest, booking hotels, renting cars, or shopping with Southwest partners.
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Points earned through Southwest credit card sign-up bonuses also count toward this total.
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Fly 100 One-Way Qualifying Flights:
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If you’re a frequent flyer, this is another way to achieve the Companion Pass.
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How to Use the Southwest Companion Pass
Once you qualify for the Companion Pass, it’s time to start reaping the benefits. Here’s how you can use it:
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Select Your Companion: Log in to your Rapid Rewards account, navigate to the Companion Pass section, and designate a companion. You can change your companion up to three times in a calendar year.
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Book Your Flight: Purchase a Southwest flight using cash or points.
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Add Your Companion: After booking your ticket, select your companion’s flight, which will only cost taxes and fees (usually $5.60 per one-way flight).
Southwest Airlines Companion Pass Rules
To make the most of this perk, it’s essential to understand the rules:
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Eligibility: Only Rapid Rewards members can earn and use the Companion Pass.
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Flight Bookings: The Companion Pass applies to all Southwest flights, including those booked with points.
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Taxes and Fees: Your companion’s ticket is free, but you must pay applicable taxes and fees.
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Companion Changes: You can change your designated companion up to three times per year.
Current Southwest Companion Pass Promotions
Southwest frequently offers promotions to help you earn the Companion Pass faster. These include:
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Southwest Credit Card Bonuses: New cardholders often receive bonus Rapid Rewards points after meeting a minimum spend requirement. Check for offers like a Southwest Companion Pass promotion with lower points thresholds.
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Limited-Time Deals: Keep an eye out for seasonal promotions, like earning the pass after completing a specific number of flights within a short period.
Have questions about booking your Companion Pass with Southwest? Contact us today for personalized assistance!
Why the Southwest Companion Pass Is a Game-Changer
The Southwest Airlines Companion Pass is one of the best travel perks available. Here’s why:
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Unmatched Value: You can bring a companion for free on unlimited flights, making it perfect for couples, families, or friends.
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Flexibility: Use it on any Southwest flight, whether it's a short domestic trip or a longer international destination.
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Easy to Earn: With the right strategy, such as leveraging credit card bonuses, earning the pass is achievable for most frequent travelers.
How to Maximize the Companion Pass
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Plan Ahead: Time your qualification for early in the year so you can enjoy the pass for the remainder of that year and the entire next calendar year.
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Use Credit Cards: Southwest credit cards can help you quickly rack up the points needed for the Companion Pass.
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Combine Points and Offers: Take advantage of hotel and rental car promotions through Southwest partners to boost your points total.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I change my designated companion? Yes, you can change your companion up to three times per calendar year.
2. Can I use points to book my flight and still use the Companion Pass? Absolutely! Flights booked with Rapid Rewards points are eligible for the Companion Pass.
3. Do I need a Southwest credit card to earn the Companion Pass? No, but using a Southwest credit card can significantly accelerate your points earnings.
5. Are there any blackout dates? No, the Companion Pass does not have blackout dates, making it one of the most flexible travel perks available.
Conclusion
The Southwest Airlines Companion Pass is a must-have for savvy travelers aiming to stretch their travel budget. With this pass, you can enjoy significant savings on flights while discovering exciting destinations alongside your favorite companion. Whether you earn it through credit card rewards, special promotions, or careful planning, unlocking the Companion Pass is an achievable and rewarding goal.
Start planning your journey to earn this coveted pass, and let FlightFareFizz help you make your travel dreams a reality!
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