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Are you looking to travel more for less? Look no further because we have the solution for you! The Southwest Companion Pass offers an unbeatable deal for frequent flyers. Stop wasting money on expensive flights and start saving with this ultimate travel hack. Say goodbye to the headache of budgeting for flights and hello to endless adventures.
Key Takeaways:
- Earn 125,000 qualifying points through Southwest flights, credit cards, and partners to get a Companion Pass for a calendar year.
- Enjoy unlimited free flights for a companion on all Southwest flights with no blackout dates or restrictions, and double the value of your points.
- Strategically plan your travel to get the most out of your Companion Pass, use it for expensive or long flights, and take advantage of Southwest's flexible cancellation policy.
Fly 100 qualifying one-way flights
Flying 100 qualifying one-way revenue flights in a calendar year is the key to earning the Southwest Companion Pass, a highly sought-after travel perk. Here are the steps to achieve this:
- Sign up for a Rapid Rewards account with Southwest Airlines.
- Book and complete 100 qualifying one-way revenue flights in a calendar year.
- Accrue 125,000 qualifying points through flights or Southwest credit card purchases.
- Enjoy Companion Pass benefits, allowing a designated companion to fly for free (excluding taxes and fees) on all Southwest flights for the remainder of the calendar year and the following year.
In 2019, Sarah flew 100 qualifying one-way revenue flights with Southwest Airlines in just nine months, earning the coveted Companion Pass. She was able to bring her sister along on all her trips, creating amazing memories together while saving a significant amount of money on airfare.
Earn 125,000 qualifying points
Earning 125,000 qualifying points for the Southwest Companion Pass can be achieved through a strategic approach. Follow these steps to reach your goal:
- Sign up for a Southwest Rapid Rewards account.
- Apply for Southwest credit cards to earn bonus points.
- Accumulate base points by using your Southwest credit cards for purchases.
- Refer friends to Southwest credit cards for additional points.
- Take advantage of promotions and offers to boost your point balance.
- Track your progress and ensure that you reach the required 125,000 qualifying points.
- Enjoy the perks of the Southwest Companion Pass, which allows a designated companion to fly for free.
Points earned through Southwest Airlines flights
Obtaining the Southwest Companion Pass is made possible by accumulating Rapid Rewards points and booking Southwest flights. This valuable benefit can be unlocked by taking more flights and earning more points, bringing travelers closer to achieving the pass. These points can be earned through flying with Southwest Airlines and using their affiliated credit cards for everyday purchases. Once enough points have been accumulated, they can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other rewards.
With the Southwest Companion Pass, a designated companion can fly for free on any Southwest flight booked by the pass holder.
Points earned through Southwest Airlines credit cards
To obtain the coveted Southwest Companion Pass, make the most of the Southwest Airlines credit cards and their Rapid Rewards program. By utilizing these credit cards for your daily purchases, you can accrue points that can be used for flights. The more you spend, the more points you will accumulate. Once you reach a certain threshold of points, you will be eligible for the Companion Pass, which grants a designated individual the ability to fly with you at no cost. This pass is valid for the remainder of the year in which it is earned, as well as the following year, giving you ample time to take advantage of its perks.
Points earned through Southwest Airlines partners
When it comes to earning points for the Southwest Companion Pass, taking advantage of Southwest Airlines' rapid rewards partners is a smart move. By utilizing these partners, such as hotels, car rental companies, and credit card programs, you can earn points that count towards the pass. For example, staying at a partner hotel or renting a car from a partner company can earn you valuable points. So, make sure to explore these opportunities to maximize your points and get closer to earning your Southwest Companion Pass.
Pro-tip: Consider booking a Southwest flight in conjunction with a rapid rewards partner to earn even more points towards your Companion Pass.
Bring a companion for free on all Southwest flights
To bring a companion for free on all Southwest flights, follow these steps:
- Earn 125,000 qualifying points in a calendar year through Southwest Rapid Rewards.
- Choose a designated companion to fly with you for free.
- Activate your Southwest Companion Pass online or by calling Southwest.
- Book your Southwest flights as usual and add your companion to your reservation.
- Your companion will only pay mandatory taxes and fees, and you and your companion can fly together on any Southwest flight with no blackout dates.
No blackout dates or restrictions
When it comes to the Southwest Companion Pass, you can enjoy the benefit of no blackout dates or restrictions. This means that you have the freedom to choose any available flight without worrying about any limitations or restrictions on when you can travel. Whether you're planning a vacation, visiting family, or going on a business trip, the Companion Pass offers flexibility and convenience.
With this pass, you can bring a companion along for free on every flight, making your travel experience even more enjoyable.
Pro-tip: Plan your trips in advance to maximize the value of your Companion Pass.
Double the value of your points
When it comes to maximizing the value of your Rapid Rewards points, the Southwest Companion Pass is a game-changer. With this pass, you can essentially double the value of your points by bringing along a companion for free on all Southwest flights. This means that you can stretch your points further and enjoy more travel experiences.
To earn the Companion Pass, you need to accumulate 125,000 Rapid Rewards points within a calendar year. To make the most of this opportunity, consider strategically planning your spending and taking advantage of Southwest's promotions and partnerships. Start planning your next adventure and make the most of your Rapid Rewards points with the Southwest Companion Pass!
Plan your travel strategically
Planning your travel strategically can help you make the most of the Southwest Companion Pass. Here are some steps to consider:
- Evaluate your travel needs and goals.
- Research Southwest Airlines routes and destinations.
- Check for any blackout dates or restrictions.
- Calculate the number of flights needed to maximize the pass.
- Book flights strategically to earn the required qualifying points.
- Consider earning additional points through Southwest credit cards or partner programs.
- Monitor your progress towards earning the Companion Pass.
- Select a companion wisely, as they will fly with you for free.
Suggestions: Keep an eye on Southwest promotions, plan trips with multiple destinations, and coordinate with your companion to maximize the benefits of the pass.
Use the pass for expensive or long flights
Using the Southwest Companion Pass can be a great way to save money on expensive or long flights. Here are the steps to make the most of it:
- Apply for the Southwest Companion Pass and earn the required points.
- Select your desired flight and book it for yourself using the pass.
- Add your designated companion to the booking and pay only the taxes and fees for their ticket.
- Enjoy flying together and save on the cost of an extra ticket.
Pro-tip: Plan your trips strategically to maximize the value of the pass by using it for longer or more expensive flights. This way, you can get the most out of your Companion Pass benefits.
Take advantage of Southwest's generous cancellation policy
When it comes to Southwest Airlines, one of the standout perks is their generous cancellation policy. Unlike many other airlines, Southwest offers the flexibility to cancel your flight without any penalties and receive a full refund in the form of travel funds that can be used for future bookings. This feature is particularly valuable in situations where unexpected changes may arise. For instance, a friend of mine had to cancel a trip due to a family emergency, and Southwest's cancellation policy prevented her from incurring any additional costs. It's just one of the many reasons why Southwest is a preferred option for travelers.
Limited international destinations
Southwest Airlines offers a highly sought-after perk called the Companion Pass, which allows a designated person to fly with you for free. However, it's important to note that the Companion Pass has some limitations when it comes to international travel. While Southwest does offer international flights to limited destinations such as Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America, the number of international routes is restricted compared to other airlines. If your travel plans often include destinations outside of these regions, it may be worth considering other airlines with a wider international network.
Limited flight options for certain routes
When it comes to certain routes, there may be a limited number of flight options available for travelers. This can be frustrating when trying to plan a trip or secure a Southwest Companion Pass. While Southwest Airlines offers a large network of destinations, it is important to note that some routes may have fewer flight options compared to others. It is advisable to check the airline's website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date information on flight availability and schedules for these specific routes.
Limited flexibility in changing companion
Changing your designated companion for the Southwest Companion Pass has limited flexibility. You are only allowed to change your companion up to three times per calendar year, and they must remain the same for the duration of your Companion Pass validity. It is crucial to carefully consider your companion before making the selection, as frequent changes may not be feasible. However, if you do need to change your companion, be sure to do so within the designated limits to fully maximize the benefits of your Southwest Companion Pass.
FAQs about Southwest Companion Pass
What is the Southwest Companion Pass?
The Southwest Companion Pass is a highly coveted perk among Southwest loyalists and air travel aficionados. It allows you to choose one person to fly with you for free (excluding taxes and fees) every time you buy a flight or redeem points for a free flight.
How do I qualify for a traditional Companion Pass?
To qualify for a traditional Companion Pass, you must either fly 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year, or earn 135,000 Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year. Qualifying points include those earned through revenue flights, on Southwest credit cards, and from Rapid Rewards partners.
Can I earn a Companion Pass faster?
Yes, the quickest way to earn a Companion Pass is by earning the sign-up bonus on one of the three Southwest consumer credit cards: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, or Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card. These cards often have a sign-up bonus that includes access to a Companion Pass.
Are there any restrictions or rules for earning a Companion Pass?
Yes, there are a few things to keep in mind when trying to earn a Companion Pass. Firstly, points transferred from other cards or purchased directly do not count towards the 135,000 points needed. Additionally, you must be a Rapid Rewards member and cannot already have earned a sign-up bonus from a Southwest consumer card within the past 24 months.
Can I use my Southwest Companion Pass for any flight?
While the Companion Pass is a valuable benefit, it does have some restrictions. It can only be used on flights operated by Southwest and does not apply to taxes and fees, which start at $5.60 one-way.
What are my options if I don't qualify for a traditional Companion Pass?
If you don't think you'll be able to meet the requirements for a traditional Companion Pass, there are still ways to earn additional Rapid Rewards points. You can use your Southwest card to pay for flights and other travel expenses, shop through the Rapid Rewards bonus mall, or become a Rapid Rewards Dining member. You can also consider applying for one of the two Southwest business credit cards: Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card or Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card.
