The Ultimate Guide to Earning and Maximizing the Southwest Companion Pass through 2026

Hey there, savvy travelers! If you're ready to bring a friend or loved one along on your adventures without breaking the bank, the Southwest Companion Pass is a game-changer. This travel hack lets you fly a companion for just the cost of taxes and fees, starting as low as $5.60 one way. Whether you're dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway or planning quick trips around the U.S., this pass will help you maximize your travel experiences through 2026!

But there’s a catch—earning the pass isn’t as easy as booking a few flights. It requires strategy and timing, especially if you want to enjoy nearly two years of unlimited companion flights. Don’t worry, though. We’ve got the ultimate roadmap for you, so let’s get started!

What Exactly Is the Southwest Companion Pass?

The Southwest Companion Pass is a travel reward that allows you to bring a companion with you on any Southwest flight for just the cost of taxes and fees. It's essentially a buy-one-get-one-free deal, but way better. You can use it on both cash and points bookings, and you can switch your designated companion up to three times per year. But wait, there’s more.

This pass is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which it is earned and the entire following calendar year.

Key Perks:

• Cost: Your companion only pays taxes and fees, starting at $5.60 for domestic flights.

• Unlimited Use: The pass can be used as many times as you like during its validity period.

How Do You Earn It?

To earn the Companion Pass, you need to hit one of the following milestones in a single calendar year:

• 100 One-Way Flights: This option is ideal for frequent flyers. But who has time for that?

• 135,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Qualifying Points: These can be earned through flying, credit card spending, or other partner activities.

For most of us who don’t fly 100 flights in a short period of time, the best way to earn the Companion Pass is earning the 135,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards qualifying points.

Strategies for Earning the 135,000 Qualifying Points

While 135,000 points may sound difficult, there are several smart strategies travelers use to quickly earn Companion Pass qualification:

Applying for Southwest Credit Cards

The fastest way, and the most effective way, to earn a large chunk of the required points is by strategically applying for Southwest credit cards and earning the sign-up bonuses.

 Southwest Credit Cards:

Here are some the Southwest Credit Cards that have large signup bonuses:

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card – Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months .

Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card – Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. 

Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card – Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card – Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card – Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.

Southwest Credit Card Timing

Timing is crucial when it comes to earning the Companion Pass. Since the pass is valid for the rest of the year in which it is earned and the entire following year, it’s essential to plan your earning strategy to maximize its validity.  You want to apply early to earn the bonuses as close to January 1 as possible. My advice is to open one of the Southwest credit cards in mid or late October.  This way the first card credit card signup bonus will post to your account after January 1st.

Lastly, and most importantly, do not complete your minimum spending requirement by January 1st.  You need to obtain your qualifying points during the calendar year.  Make your last charges to fulfill your minimum spending requirement.  Keep that last $500 charge towards your minimum spend requirement until you pop that champagne on New Years Day.

Which Credit Cards to get

Here is an option to obtain the 135,000 Qualifying Points through credit card sign up bonuses:

• Late October 2024 apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card – 50,000 Points

• In December 2024 or January 2025 apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card – 80,000 Points

This combo will get you close to the 135k requirement. You will need to do a little more spending on this card to the extra 5k, but with proper planning, you can get this done to enjoy the benefits of this companion pass.

 Conclusion

The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most valuable travel perks available, offering unlimited flights for your companion with just the cost of taxes and fees. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to maximizing your travel savings through 2026.

Happy travels, and may your skies always be clear and your flights companion-friendly!

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