The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the best perks in U.S. travel: it lets you choose one person to fly with you for just the taxes and fees — often a few dollars — every time you buy or redeem a Southwest ticket. This guide explains how the Southwest Companion Pass works, how to earn it, and how to squeeze maximum value from it.
We're an independent travel agency — not the airline and not affiliated with or endorsed by any carrier. Policies vary by airline, fare type and route, and they change often, so always call to confirm before you fly. We book Southwest trips daily and can help you make the most of your Southwest Companion Pass. Call +1 (855) 302-0422 (24/7) and an agent will help you plan companion travel.
What is the Southwest Companion Pass?
Once you earn it, you designate a single companion. Whenever you book a Southwest flight — paid or with points — your companion flies the same itinerary for only taxes and fees, which on domestic routes are usually very small. In effect, it's buy-one-get-one on nearly every Southwest seat for the life of the pass.
- Works on cash and points bookings — your companion comes along either way.
- Unlimited trips while the pass is valid, subject to seat availability.
- You can change your companion a limited number of times per year.
How do you earn the Companion Pass?
Southwest sets an annual qualifying threshold — historically based on earning a set number of qualifying points or flying a set number of one-way flights within a calendar year. Many travelers reach it by combining flights with Rapid Rewards co-branded credit-card spend and welcome bonuses. The exact requirements change year to year, so confirm the current numbers before you chase it.
| Path to qualify | How it typically works (varies — call to confirm) |
|---|---|
| Qualifying points | Earn the year's published points total from flights and card spend |
| Qualifying flights | Fly the year's published number of one-way Southwest segments |
| Credit-card boost | Card welcome bonuses and everyday spend can count toward the threshold |
Validity — why the calendar matters
The Companion Pass is valid for the rest of the year you earn it plus the entire following year. That's why savvy travelers qualify as early as possible — earn it in January and you could enjoy nearly two full years of companion travel; earn it in December and you still get all of the next year.
Getting the most from your pass
- Book points trips — your companion flies free alongside award tickets too, doubling your points' value.
- Plan family travel around the pass to cut a household's airfare dramatically.
- Mind seat availability — the companion needs an open seat on your flight; popular routes fill up.
- Remember boarding — Southwest boards by position, so check in early (see our guide below).
Real-world ways travelers use the pass
The Companion Pass is at its most powerful when you pair it with points. Because your companion comes along on award bookings too, redeeming Rapid Rewards points for your own seat effectively flies two people for the price of one award plus a few dollars in taxes — a remarkable value on routes Southwest serves. Families lean on it to shrink the cost of recurring trips, couples use it for weekend getaways, and frequent flyers structure a whole year of travel around it. Because Southwest doesn't charge change fees and lets you cancel for a travel credit, it's also forgiving if plans shift.
- Pair it with points for near-free two-person award trips.
- Anchor recurring family routes around the pass to cut yearly airfare.
- Book early on popular dates — your companion needs an open seat.
- Re-confirm your designated companion if your travel partner changes.
Companion Pass vs companion fares — not the same
Don't confuse the Companion Pass with a "companion fare." A companion fare (offered by airlines like Alaska and Delta) is a single discounted second ticket, usually once a year. The Southwest Companion Pass is unlimited buy-one-get-one travel for as long as the pass is valid — a far more powerful benefit. Compare our Alaska Companion Fare and Delta companion certificate guides to see the difference.
For check-in and boarding tips that pair perfectly with companion travel, see our Southwest check-in & boarding guide.
Want help turning your Companion Pass into real savings? Call +1 (855) 302-0422 and our agents will plan and book companion trips for you — available 24/7.