Southwest Companion Pass: How to Earn It Fast

Understanding the Southwest Companion Pass

The Southwest Companion Pass is arguably the most coveted benefit in the domestic airline industry. Unlike a one-time discount or a "buy one, get one" voucher found with many credit card issuers, this pass allows a designated companion to fly with you for just the cost of taxes and fees (starting at $5.60 each way) on every flight you book, whether you pay with cash or Rapid Rewards points. Best of all, there are no limit to the number of times you can use it while the pass is active.

To secure this benefit, a traveler must earn 135,000 qualifying points or fly 100 qualifying one-way flights in a single calendar year. Once earned, the pass is valid for the remainder of the year in which you qualified, plus the entire following calendar year. This means strategic timing is essential to maximizing the value of the benefit.

What Counts as a Qualifying Point?

It is a common misconception that all points in your Southwest account count toward the Companion Pass. Specifically, "Qualifying Points" include:

• Points earned from revenue flights booked through Southwest.
• Points earned via Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards (including sign-up bonuses).
• Points earned through the Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping portal and Dining program.
• Points earned from select partners (hotels, car rentals) that are deposited directly as Rapid Rewards points.

Crucially, transferred points (such as those from Chase Ultimate Rewards) and purchased points do not count toward the Companion Pass requirement.

Strategic Methods to Earn the Pass Fast

While flying 100 times in a year is a daunting task even for frequent business travelers, the "points route" offers several shortcuts for those looking to earn the pass in a matter of months rather than a full year.

1. The Credit Card "Double Play"

The fastest way to reach 135,000 points is through Southwest’s co-branded credit cards. Southwest often provides a 10,000-point "boost" to cardholders each year, effectively lowering the requirement to 125,000 points. By timing the application for one personal card and one business card, a traveler can often hit the threshold through welcome bonuses alone.

2. Leveraging Rapid Rewards Shopping

The Rapid Rewards Shopping portal allows you to earn extra points for everyday purchases at major retailers like Apple, Macy’s, and Home Depot. During holiday seasons or "Back to School" events, these portals often offer 10x to 15x points per dollar spent. These points count toward the Companion Pass, making it possible to bridge a gap of several thousand points through routine shopping.

3. Booking Hotels via Southwest Hotels

Southwest’s hotel booking platform often offers "Point Plus" properties. You can frequently find hotel stays that offer 5,000 to 10,000 bonus points for a single weekend stay. These are qualifying points, providing a massive lift toward your goal while you travel.

Comparison: Points Required vs. Potential Value

To understand the commitment required, it helps to look at how much travel or spending is traditionally needed to hit the mark.

Method	Estimate to Reach 135k Points	Primary Benefit
Standard Flying (Wanna Get Away)	~$22,500 in spend	Natural accumulation for business travelers
Credit Card Bonuses	1-2 card sign-ups + spend	Fastest path with minimal travel required
Partners & Shopping	Varies by retailer (2x-15x)	Earn while buying household goods
Business Travel (Anytime/Business Select)	~$11,250-$13,500 in spend	Higher point multiples (10x-12x)

Timing is Everything: The January Strategy

The most experienced travelers aim to earn their Companion Pass as early in the year as possible. Because the pass is valid for the year you earn it and the following year, earning it in February or March 2024 would grant you the benefit until December 31, 2025—nearly two full years of "2-for-1" travel.

If you are working toward a sign-up bonus on a credit card, ensure the final "minimum spend" requirement is met after January 1st. If the points post in December, you only get the pass for the remainder of that month and the next year. If they post in January, you maximize the duration of the benefit.

Global Considerations: US vs. International Travel

While Southwest is a US-based carrier, the Companion Pass has different utility depending on where you reside or where you plan to travel. Because Southwest does not participate in global alliances (like Star Alliance or Oneworld), the pass is strictly tied to their own network.

United States & Canada

In the US, Southwest serves over 100 destinations. For Canadian travelers, the pass is slightly harder to leverage as Southwest does not currently fly into Canada. Residents of border cities (like Vancouver, Toronto, or Montreal) often drive across the border to fly out of Buffalo, Detroit, or Bellingham to utilize their Companion Pass for domestic US travel.

United Kingdom & European Union

For travelers from the UK or EU visiting the United States, obtaining a Companion Pass is significantly more difficult due to credit card residency requirements. However, if you have a US-based base of operations or a business with a US tax ID, you may still qualify. The pass is excellent for "hub-and-spoke" travel once you arrive in the US via a transatlantic carrier.

Australia & Asia

There is currently no direct way to leverage the Companion Pass for flights to Australia or Asia. However, for those visiting Hawaii (a major Southwest market), the pass can be used for inter-island hops or flights back to the US mainland, offering significant savings for families on extended vacations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Our team frequently sees travelers miss out on the pass due to technicalities. To ensure you don't fall short, keep these rules in mind:

• Wait for the Points to Post: Points are credited to your account after the flight is completed or after your credit card statement closes. Do not book a "companion" flight until the status officially reflects in your account.
• Designated Companion Changes: You can only change your designated companion three times per calendar year. Choose your partner wisely.
• Taxes and Fees: While the "fare" is free, you must still pay the mandatory government taxes. On international flights (e.g., to Mexico or the Caribbean), these can be $100+ round trip.

Achieving the Southwest Companion Pass requires a mix of discipline and timing. By aligning your credit card applications and routine spending with the turn of the calendar year, you can unlock one of the greatest travel values available today.