Southwest Airlines Credit Card Companion Pass: How to Earn Free Flights
The Southwest Companion Pass is the most valuable airline perk in domestic travel. It allows a designated companion to fly with you for free (plus taxes and fees of $5.60 per one-way flight) on any Southwest flight — paid or award — for the rest of the calendar year plus the following year.
How the Companion Pass Works
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| What it is | One designated companion flies free on any Southwest flight with you |
| Duration | Rest of calendar year + full following year |
| Cost per companion flight | $5.60 (taxes and fees) |
| Earning requirement | 135,000 Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year |
| Companion changes | Up to 3 times per calendar year |
Fastest Way to Earn the Companion Pass
Credit Card Strategy
| Card | Welcome Bonus | Rapid Rewards Points | Annual Fee | Minimum Spend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority | 75K | 75K RR | $149 | $3,000 |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier | 60K | 60K RR | $99 | $3,000 |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus | 50K | 50K RR | $69 | $3,000 |
| Southwest Business Premier | 90K | 90K RR | $99 | $3,000 |
| Southwest Business Performance | 100K | 100K RR | $199 | $3,000 |
The Two-Card Strategy
Apply for two Southwest credit cards in the same calendar year and combine their welcome bonuses:
| Card 1 | Card 2 | Combined Points | Companion Pass Earned? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority (75K) | Business Premier (90K) | 165K | ✅ Yes |
| Priority (75K) | Premier (60K) + spend | 160K+ | ✅ Yes |
| Premier (60K) | Business Performance (100K) | 160K | ✅ Yes |
| Priority (75K) | Performance (100K) | 175K | ✅ Yes |
The minimum 135,000 points is easily met with two card bonuses and minimal everyday spending.
Companion Pass Value
| Travel Scenario | Flights Per Year | Cash Cost (Without CP) | Cost with CP | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Couple: 4 round trips | 8 flights | $2,000–$3,200 | $44.80 | 98%+ |
| Family: 6 round trips | 12 flights | $3,000–$4,800 | $67.20 | 98%+ |
| Frequent: 12 round trips | 24 flights | $6,000–$9,600 | $134.40 | 98%+ |
Important Rules
- No Southwest credit card churning: Southwest limits welcome bonuses — you cannot earn a bonus on a card you currently hold or have received a bonus on in the past 24 months
- Companion must fly with you: The companion cannot fly alone on your pass
- Points must be earned in a calendar year: Points from credit card welcome bonuses are credited when you meet the minimum spend, not when you apply
- Business cards are separate: If you have a business, you can hold personal + business Southwest cards and earn bonuses on both
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get the Southwest Companion Pass?
Earn 135,000 Rapid Rewards points in a single calendar year. The fastest way is through credit card welcome bonuses using the two-card strategy.
Can I earn the Companion Pass with credit card bonuses?
Yes — credit card welcome bonuses count toward the 135,000-point requirement.
Can I change my companion?
Yes — you can change your designated companion up to 3 times per calendar year.
Does the Companion Pass work on award flights?
Yes — your companion can fly free on award flights. You pay for the award ticket (in points), and your companion pays $5.60 in taxes.
Last updated: March 2026. Terms are subject to change. Verify details with Southwest Airlines.