Tired of paying full price for Southwest flights? Ready to bring a friend or family member along for the ride without breaking the bank? Look no further! In this article, we’re diving deep into the Companion Pass Southwest, a game-changer for frequent flyers. Get ready to learn how to earn this coveted perk, maximize its value, and embark on unforgettable adventures with your travel buddies.
So, buckle up and let’s take off on this Companion Pass journey together!
What is the Companion Pass?
The Companion Pass is a coveted perk offered by Southwest Airlines that allows you to bring a companion on any Southwest flight you fly for just the taxes and fees. Essentially, it’s a buy-one-get-one-free deal on flights. This can be a significant savings, especially for families or frequent travelers.
According to Southwest, “To qualify, simply fly 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 135,000 qualifying points1,3 in a calendar year. You’ll earn a Companion Pass for the following full calendar year, plus the remainder of the year in which you earned it. For even more flexibility, Companion Pass Members can change their designated Companion up to three times each calendar year.”
How Does Companion Pass Southwest Work?
Once you’ve earned the Companion Pass, it’s valid for the year you earn it and the following year. You can use it for virtually any Southwest flight, whether it’s a short hop or a long-haul trip. However, there are a few restrictions:
Companion Restrictions
The companion must be a different person than the one you flew with on the previous flight. You can change your companion up to three times per calendar year.
Blackout Dates
While rare, Southwest may occasionally have blackout dates for the Companion Pass during peak travel seasons.
Earning the Companion Pass Southwest
To earn the Companion Pass, you need to accumulate 135,000 qualifying Southwest Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year. These points can be earned in several ways:
– Flying with Southwest: Every dollar you spend on Southwest flights earns points.
– Southwest Credit Cards: Using a Southwest credit card for everyday buys can earn you purchased points.
– Transferring Points: If you have points from other loyalty programs that are transferrable to Southwest, points transferred will reflect in your account.
According to NerdWallet, “Unless you travel every week on a Southwest flight, it’s probably more feasible to earn 135,000 Rapid Rewards points to get you to that coveted pass status.”
Important Notes
1. Calendar Year: The calendar year is crucial when it comes to earning the Companion Pass. Any progress made in the previous year won’t count towards the current year.
2. Automatic Activation: Once you reach the 135,000-point threshold, the Companion Pass is automatically activated. You don’t need to redeem your points to receive Companion Pass status.
Maximizing Your Companion Pass Southwest
– Book Early: To get the best deals, book your flights well in advance.
– Utilize Companion Changes: If your travel plans change, take advantage of the ability to change your companion up to three times per year.
Consider Family Accounts: If you have family members who also fly Southwest, consider creating a family account to pool your only points and earn qualifying points and the Companion Pass more quickly.
The Companion Pass is a valuable reward for frequent Southwest Business credit card flyers. By understanding how it works and maximizing its benefits, you can save significantly on your travel expenses.
According to CNBC, “If you time it out just right and take advantage of lucrative credit card sign-up bonuses, the Southwest Companion Pass can truly be one of the most valuable airline loyalty program perks. Just make sure you’re following all the rules, like booking qualifying flights and earning qualifying Rapid Rewards points, and you’ll have one of your own in no time.”
Managing Your Rapid Rewards Account
Earning the coveted Southwest Companion Pass is just the first step. Now, it’s time to understand how to manage it and unlock its full potential for savings. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Designating Your Companion:
1. Login to Your Rapid Rewards Credit Cards Account: Head over to Southwest.com and log in to your Rapid Rewards account.
2. Locate Your Snapshot Tab: Once logged in, navigate to the “Snapshot” tab. This section provides an overview of your Rapid Rewards activity and benefits.
3. Choose Your Companion: Look for the option titled “Choose Your Companion” or something similar. Click on it to initiate the designation process.
4. Alternatively, Call Southwest: If you prefer not to handle things online, you can designate your companion by calling Southwest Airlines customer service at 1-800-435-9792.
Companion Pass Member Kit and Membership Card
Once you’ve designated your companion, congratulations! Within 7-10 business days, you can expect to receive a Companion Pass Member kit in the mail. This kit will include your official Companion Pass membership card, which serves as a helpful reminder of the program’s benefits.
Booking Flights with Your Companion Pass Southwest
Here’s where the real savings kick in:
1. Book Your Flight First
It’s crucial to book your own flight first. Remember, the Companion Pass applies to your chosen companion traveling with you on the same itinerary.
2. Adding Your Companion
After securing your flight, head to the “My Trips” section of your Rapid Rewards account. Locate the specific flight reservation and look for the option to add your companion. This process generally involves entering your companion’s information and confirming their place on the flight.
Using the Companion Pass Southwest
The Companion Pass offers exceptional flexibility:
1. Cash or Points Bookings: The beauty of the Companion Pass lies in its versatility. It can be used with flights booked using either cash or your accumulated Rapid Rewards points.
2. Adding to Existing Reservations: Got a flight booked for yourself already? No problem! You can still leverage the Companion Pass by adding your designated companion to the existing reservation through the “My Trips” section.
Things to Remember
– Taxes and Fees Apply: While the Companion Pass eliminates airline charges, don’t forget about taxes and fees. These typically start at $5.60 per flight segment for your companion.
– Companion Changes: Need to change your travel plans? The Companion Pass offers the opportunity to designate a new companion up to three times per calendar year. This flexibility allows you to accommodate travel changes or share the perk with different friends or family members.
By following these steps and keeping the additional tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to taking full advantage of the Southwest Companion Pass and enjoying significant savings on your travels.
Maximizing the Value of Your Companion Pass Southwest
The Southwest Companion Pass is a fantastic perk for frequent flyers who value convenience and savings. It essentially doubles the value of your Southwest Rapid Rewards points, allowing you to bring a companion on any Southwest flight for just the taxes and fees. This opens up the possibility of easy travel across the United States and nearby destinations.
One of the many benefits of the Companion Pass is that it can be earned through referrals. For each friend you refer to Southwest, you’ll receive 20,000 bonus points (up to 100,000 points per year). These referral points can contribute significantly towards your Companion Pass qualification.
Tips and Tricks for Your Companion Pass Southwest
To maximize the value of your Companion Pass, it’s important to consider timing. By strategically earning the Companion Pass closer to the beginning of the year, you can effectively extend its validity for nearly two years. This is because the Companion Pass is valid for the year you earn it and the following year.
To achieve this, it’s advisable to be mindful of your spending on your Southwest credit card. Avoid exceeding the minimum spending requirements until January 1 of the following year. This strategic approach allows you to earn bonus points while ensuring that your Companion Pass remains active for a longer period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Southwest Companion Pass?
The Companion Pass is a perk that allows you to bring a companion on Southwest flights for just the taxes and fees.
How do I earn the Southwest Companion Pass?
You can earn the Companion Pass by accumulating 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points in a calendar year.
Can I change my companion?
Yes, you can change your companion up to three times per calendar year.
How do I add a companion to an existing reservation?
You can add a companion to an existing reservation through the “My Trips” section of your Southwest Rapid Rewards account.
What are the restrictions on using the Companion Pass?
The Companion Pass is generally valid for all Southwest flights, but there may be occasional blackout dates during peak travel seasons. Additionally, taxes and fees apply for your companion’s ticket.
Wrapping Up Companion Pass Southwest
The Southwest Companion Pass is a valuable tool for frequent Southwest flyers seeking to save money on travel. It’s particularly beneficial for families or groups who travel together frequently. By following the steps outlined in this guide and utilizing the tips provided, you can maximize the value of your Companion Pass and enjoy significant savings on your Southwest flights.
Remember to regularly check your Rapid Rewards account opening for updates, plan your travels strategically, and take advantage of the Companion Pass’s flexibility to make the most of this valuable perk.
