Have you ever dreamed of taking a friend or family on flights by paying taxes and fees only? What if you can earn a perk that lets other people fly free (minus $5.60) on every trip booked with cash or points? The Southwest Companion Pass makes this dream a reality. Passengers can pick one companion, and they can join you on unlimited flights throughout travel period. It is a best travel perks for couples and families. Further, this guide breaks it down simply: how to qualify, key rules and restrictions, and insider tips to maximize it for your next travel adventure
What is Southwest Airlines Companion Pass?
Companion Pass is a special perk from Southwest that allows passengers to pick one individual to fly for free. You only pay about $5.60 in taxes and fees for ticket, no full fare required. It works on unlimited flights book with cash or Rapid Rewards points. The pass lasts from when you earn it until end of next full year, so you can get up to two years of use.
Southwest Companion Pass Qualification Requirements:
To qualify for Southwest Airlines Companion Pass in 2026, members have to earn 135,000 qualifying points or complete 100 one way flights booked directly through Southwest within calendar year.
- Earn 135k qualifying points in one calendar year (points from flights, partners, and some credit card spending count).
- Or 50 round trips on Southwest in one year.
- Use Rapid Rewards credit card spending (earn welcome bonuses and 10K points).
- Get from partners like hotels, car rentals, and shopping portals.
Who Qualifies for Southwest Companion Pass?
Any Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards member can earn it, no elite status required. New members start instantly after signup. However here is who can use it:
- Minors (under 18) qualify if they have own Rapid Rewards account.
- Business owners earn via Southwest business credit cards.
- Families stack perks across members (e.g., parents earn passes for kids).
- Non-U.S. residents qualify fully, as long as you fly Southwest routes.
Rules and Restrictions for Southwest Companion Pass:
The Southwest Companion Pass comes with specific rules and restrictions that passenger should understand before using it. While the pass offers exceptional value by allowing a companion to fly for only taxes and fees, eligibility requirements, booking rules, and usage limits apply. Knowing these guidelines helps ensure smooth travel and prevents unexpected issues when adding or changing a companion.
- The companion must fly on the same flight and itinerary as the passholder. If the main flight is changed or canceled, the companion’s ticket will update automatically.
- Only one person can be used at a time, but you may change that person up to three times per calendar year.
- The Companion Pass can be used on both cash fares and points bookings, as long as seats are available for purchase.
- The pass does not apply for group travel, vacations packages, charter flights, or interline connections.
- Companion tickets do not earn Rapid Rewards points or elite miles.
- All travel should use pass within validity period (remainder of earning year + full next year). Flights taken after the pass expires are not eligible, even if they were booked before the expiration date.
How to Book a Flight with Southwest Airlines Companion Pass?
To book a flight using the Southwest Companion Pass, start by adding your designated companion to your Rapid Rewards account. Next, book your own flight through the Southwest airlines official website as usual, then attach your companion to the reservation. If you prefer help, you can also complete the process by calling Southwest’s customer service team. Below are the simple steps to follow.
Add Companion Pass Online:
- Log into Southwest account on website and go to “My Trips” to view upcoming flights.
- Select flight reservation to add companion to, then click the “Add Companion” button.
- Review and confirm details (name, birthdate), proceed to purchase screen, and pay only taxes and fees (starting at $5.60 one-way).
- Click “Purchase” to complete, and then your companion can link to that flight.
Note: Book flight first, as companions cannot be primary booking. Add it before departure, if seats are available.
Add Companion Pass Offline:
To book Southwest Companion Pass flight offline by phone, simply call Southwest Reservations at 1-800-248-4377 and inform travel agent that you want to use your Companion Pass. The agent will first book or confirm own flight using cash or points, then add companion to same flight for just taxes and fees. After that, provide a companion’s name, birthdate, and Rapid Rewards number if available. This option is easy, helpful for first-time users, and works for new bookings as long as seats are available.
How Much Does Southwest Charge for Companion Pass Travel?
Southwest Airlines allows companions to fly for free but people have to pay applicable government taxes and fees. The southwest companion pass fee starts at $5.60 per one way flight for domestic U.S. travel. However, costs are higher for international flights (often $75+ each way depending on destination) and nonstop long haul domestic routes with additional charges. But exact amounts vary by itinerary and are shown at booking.
Southwest Companion Pass Vs. Other Airlines:
Southwest Companion Pass is a best travel perks. While competitors offer limited certificates or status tied upgrades. However Southwest delivers unlimited companion flights for just taxes and fees, no hassle. This makes it perfect for frequent travelers looking to save value on domestic routes.
| Feature | Southwest Companion pass | Delta Companion Cert. | United Plus Points |
| Duration | Up to 2 years | 1 year | Varies by status |
| Cost of Companion | Taxes/fees (~$5.60) | Full fare + taxes | Taxes/fee |
| Unlimited Flights? | Yes | Limited certs | No |
| Points/Cash? | Both | Cash only | Points only |
Strategies to Maximize Southwest Companion Pass Value:
Southwest Airlines Companion Pass offers low fares by allowing one person to join on unlimited flights for just taxes and fees. However to maximize value, here are few tips that can help you earn easily:
- Earn early in year: Have 135,000 points or 100 flights by January or February. This gives you a Companion Pass for rest of that year plus entire next year.
- Use credit cards: Sign up for Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority or Premier cards. Offer welcome bonuses of 85,000 points or more. Plus a 10,000-point anniversary boost each year.
- Two cards trick for speed: Open first card, complete spending for bonus. Apply for a second card mid year. This gives 135,000 without taking tons of flights.
- Book with points: Redeem miles for ticket on Southwest flight, even peak times with no blackout dates. Your companion can pay $5.60 in taxes per one way domestic flight. This will help in turning expensive trips into a low price.
- Book early: Purchase flights before qualifying for pass. As long as you travel during valid period, it applies automatically. And allow plans far in advance.
- Switch companions easily: Pick main travel buddy first, but change up to three times per year for free online or by phone. Perfect for vacations with family, friends, or switching from spouse to kids.
- Share all your perks: If you have A-List status, free checked bags, priority boarding, or other benefits will be available. It will automatically apply to companions too.
- Shop and eat to earn extra: Before focusing on flights, get points through Southwest partners like shopping portals (e.g., buy online via mall), dining programs, or hotel stays. These add up fast without flying.
Note: Skip Southwest Airlines Vacation packages as it doesn’t apply. Instead, book flights separately (with pass), then add hotels and cars individually to still earn full points and perks.
Conclusion
The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the best travel perks available, letting your favorite person fly with you for just taxes and fees on unlimited trips. Earn it once with 135,000 points or 100 flights, and enjoy up to two full years of free companion flights on cash or points bookings. Pair it with credit card bonuses and partner points to qualify fast, then hit the skies with family or friends without breaking the bank. Ready to make your next adventure twice as fun? Sign up for Rapid Rewards, start earning today, and plan your next adventure together!
FAQs
How many points qualify for Companion Pass?
Earn 135,000 points or fly 100 one way flights in a calendar year. Qualifying points exclude bonuses and purchases.
How long does southwest companion pass last?
From earning date through the end of that year plus the full next calendar year, up to 24 months if earned January
Can I change my companion on southwest ?
Yes, up to 3 times per year via account or by calling customer service team 1-800-435-9792.
What does the southwest Airlines companion pay?
Taxes and fees, starting at $5.60 one-way on domestic flights; higher for international.
Do southwest companion flights earn points?
No, companion tickets earn no Rapid Rewards points or qualifying points.
