Ever dreamed of flying together with your loved ones on every flight for free? What if every time you booked a ticket, a family member, best friend, or family member could come along without paying the extra charges? Sounds like a dream, right? Well, for Southwest flyers, that dream can be true with the Southwest airlines companion pass. By using this, travelers can secure the best deals on every trip, with no extra fares, just the cost of taxes and fees.

In this blog, we will find what the companion pass is, how it works, and how to earn it. Whether you are a frequent flyer or just planning your next adventure first time. Thus, stay with us and continue to read further.

How to Qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass?

To qualify for the companion pass, the customer must meet one of two annual requirements within a calendar year. One is to fly 100 qualifying one-way flights with Southwest Airlines. Or, earn the 135,000 qualifying Rapid Reward points.

What Counts Towards Southwest Companion Pass?

The following are the things that help in getting the pass, which are used to earn the perks and to fly with your buddy with no extra charges. However, these are as follows:

  • Credit card welcome bonuses.
  • Paid flights with Southwest
  • Partner hotel bookings and car rentals
  • Shopping and dining through Rapid Rewards partners
  • Spending on Southwest co-branded credit cards

Note: the Points that are saved from the transfer (e,g hotel points), cannot be count for the companion pass.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

  • You can have one companion at a time, but change it up to 3 times per year.
  • If you cancel the ticket, the companion booking will automatically be canceled.
  • You must be on the same itinerary and check in together.
  • The Companion Pass cannot be transferred or sold.

How Does Southwest Companion Pass Work?

Once you have earned the “Southwest airlines companion pass, get one person as your companion. And when making a reservation, whether with points or cash, simply add a companion. The other person will only pay taxes and charges ($5.60 one-way for domestic U.S. flights). Moreover, the companion pass can change up to 3 times in a year.

How to Book a Companion Pass on Southwest Airlines?

The Southwest Companion Pass is a travel perk offered by the airline. Once travelers earn it, they can choose the other person who can fly for free. However, here is how to book a flight using the Companion Pass:

  • First, visit Southwest airlines official website.
  • Log in to the Southwest Rapid Rewards account.
  • Book your flight using cash or points.
  • After that, go to “My Account” on the Southwest website.
  • Tap on my trips or “Upcoming Trips”.
  • Access the details of the flight you just booked
  • Look for an option that says “Add Companion”.
  • Select it and enter the details.
  • At last, review the details and confirm the booking.
  • Note: You will only have to pay taxes/fees (around $5.60 one-way for domestic U.S. flights).

📞 Alternative: Book by Phone

If you’d prefer, especially for last-minute flights or complex itineraries, you can call Southwest customer service at 1‑800‑248‑4377 (for booking) or 1‑800‑435‑9792 (for designating/changing your companion)

How long is the Southwest Companion Pass Valid?

The Pass is valid for the year you earn it, plus the entire following year. That means if it gets in January 2025, 2 full years of free flights for the companion through December 2026 are available.

Where Can You Use the Companion Pass?

The Southwest companion pass can be used on any flights. Whether Domestic routes within the U.S. or International destinations like Costa Rica, Belize, Mexico, Jamaica, and more. Moreover, there are no blackout dates. So, if there is a seat for sale,  book it and add the companion.

How Much Do You Save With Southwest Airlines?

For instance, you fly with friends once a month, and each round-trip costs $300 a year. Then, 12 round trips × $300 = $3,600 in savings. With these free checked bags and no change fees.

Can I Change My Companion After I Choose One?

Yes, change the companion up to 3 times, so technically, travel with up to 4 different companions per year. However, to change the companion:

  • Call Southwest Customer Service
  • Remove your current companion
  • Assign a new one

Note: Once you remove someone, wait for the new companion to be confirmed before booking other flights.

Does Companion Pass Work With Wanna Get Away Fares?

It works with all the fare types offered by Southwest Airlines. Including:  Wanna Get Away. Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select. The only condition that may apply is that there must be a seat available. Once the flight is booked, add an individual and fly hassle-free.

Tips to Maximize the Companion Pass:

  • Earn the Pass as early as possible to enjoy it for two full years.
  • Book flights with Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards points to save more.
  • Booking early provides easy seat availability.
  • fares with the Pass to maximize savings.
  • Use travel credits or gift cards to reduce the costs.

Bottom Line

Overall, the Southwest Companion Pass is the best for couples, families, or anyone who flies with a partner frequently. If you are updated with the flight timing and points, get 2 years of buy-one-get-one-free flying. So, don’t wait. Start, track the details, and fly with a friend for free.