How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass (2026 Guide): Fly 2-for-1 for Nearly Two Years
Updated July 2026
If you fly Southwest Airlines even a few times a year, the Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most valuable travel perks available.
Imagine booking a Southwest flight with cash or Rapid Rewards points and bringing your spouse, child, best friend, or travel partner along for just the cost of taxes and fees (usually only $5.60 each way on domestic flights).
Even better? If you earn the Companion Pass early in the year, you'll enjoy nearly two full years of two-for-one flights.
For families, couples, and anyone who flies Southwest regularly, it's one of the easiest ways to save hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars on airfare.
In this guide, I'll explain:
What the Southwest Companion Pass is
The easiest way to earn it
The best timing strategy to maximize nearly two years of Companion Pass benefits
Which Southwest credit cards qualify
How we use our Companion Pass to save money on family travel
What Is the Southwest Companion Pass?
The Southwest Companion Pass is Southwest Airlines' most valuable benefit.
Once you've earned it, you can designate one person to fly with you on every Southwest flight you book. Whether you pay with cash or Rapid Rewards points—for only the taxes and fees.
Benefits include:
• No blackout dates
• Works on paid and award flights
• Valid on domestic, international, and Hawaii routes
• Change your designated companion up to three times each calendar year
For our family, the Companion Pass has saved us thousands of dollars on flights to New York City, Disney World, Hawaii, cheer competitions, and even positioning flights before business class trips to Europe.
Your companion can fly to Hawaii for just $5.60 as your companion using the Southwest Companion Pass
When Is the Best Time to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass?
Timing is everything when it comes to maximizing the value of your Companion Pass.
Once you earn the required qualifying points, your Companion Pass is valid for the rest of that calendar year and the entire following calendar year.
That means if you earn it in January 2027, you'll enjoy Companion Pass benefits through December 31, 2029. Nearly two full years of two-for-one flights.
That's why so many miles and points enthusiasts plan their Southwest credit card applications during Companion Pass Season.
The goal is simple:
• Apply for your Southwest business card toward the end of the year, October and November.
• Apply for your Southwest personal card once the new calendar year begins.
• Complete your minimum spending requirements so the qualifying points post early in the year.
By planning ahead, you'll maximize the amount of time you can use your Companion Pass.
The Easiest Way to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass
For most people, the easiest way to earn the Southwest Companion Pass is through Southwest Rapid Rewards® credit card welcome bonuses.
To qualify for the Companion Pass in 2027, you'll need to earn 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points during one calendar year.
The simplest strategy is to earn those points with either:
One business Southwest Credit Card AND one personal Southwest Credit Card, or
Two Southwest Business Credit Cards.
You'll also need to be under Chase's 5/24 Rule, meaning you've opened fewer than five new personal credit cards (from any bank) in the past 24 months.
my recommended strategy to earn the southwest companion pass for two years
Right now, the fastest strategy to earn the Companion Pass is through a mix of Southwest personal and business credit cards from Chase.
Here’s the catch:
You can only hold one personal Southwest card at a time.
To qualify, you’ll need one personal card + one business card, or two Southwest business cards
You must be under Chase’s 5/24 Rule (fewer than 5 new cards in the last 24 months).
We’ve been able to fly 2 for 1 to NYC in December for Christmas two years in a row
Every year, this is the strategy I recommend because it's straightforward and has worked well for many people earning the Companion Pass.
Step 1: Apply for a Southwest Business Credit Card (Starting in mid-late October through December)
I recommend starting with a business card. Business cards can sometimes be a little more difficult to get approved for, so I like to get that application out of the way first. They also tend to have the highest welcome bonuses.
Current offers include:
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
Earn 80,000 bonus points after meeting the minimum spending requirement.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
Earn 60,000 bonus points after meeting the minimum spending requirement.
Once you've completed the minimum spending requirement, it's time for the next step.
Step 2: Apply for a Southwest Personal Credit Card (In January or late December)
Next, apply for the Southwest personal card with the highest welcome offer available.
Current personal cards include:
I personally recommend the Priority Card because I think it allows you to select your seat at booking which is a huge cost saver if you fly Southwest regularly.
Since you've already planned your timing using the strategy above, the welcome bonus and minimum spending will count toward earning your Companion Pass.
Payton and I flew to Indy for the Taylor Swift concert with our Southwest Companion Pass saving us hundreds of dollars!
Don't Forget the 10,000 Point Companion Pass Boost
One benefit many people overlook is the annual 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost that comes with Southwest credit cards.
These points count toward earning the Companion Pass, although they can't be redeemed for award flights.
That means you'll actually only need to earn 125,000 additional qualifying points to reach the required 135,000 points.
Two for One flights means you get to bring a friend to NYC for your 17th Birthday!
Other Ways to Earn companion pass qualifying Southwest Points
In addition to credit card bonuses, you can boost your balance with:
Flying Southwest (and paying with your Southwest card for extra points)
Southwest Shopping Portal
Southwest Dining Program
Southwest Hotels bookings
Referral bonuses (earn up to 100k points per year when friends apply with your link). Just click here to generate your Referral link. You’ll need the last four numbers of your Southwest card. Try to refer friends and family in early January so those referral points will count towards your CP.
Important: Chase transfers, purchased points, and spousal point transfers do not count toward Companion Pass.
Why the Companion Pass Is So Valuable
Unlike other airline “companion tickets” that only apply once a year or on limited flights, the Southwest Companion Pass works on every flight you book. That includes:
Award flights booked with points
Paid flights booked with cash
Domestic + international routes
Your companion’s ticket costs just $5.60 in taxes each way, which means two people can fly roundtrip for around $20 total.
For families, this is a game-changer. Imagine booking flights with points and adding your teen, spouse, or best friend for just $11 roundtrip. That’s why so many people plan their year around Companion Pass Season.
The Companion Pass has saved us a ton with all-star Cheer out of state competitions
HOW to use your southwest companion pass
Once you've earned the Companion Pass, Southwest will notify you that it's active in your Rapid Rewards account.
Before booking your first trip, you'll need to designate your Companion.
You can change your designated Companion up to three times each calendar year, giving you plenty of flexibility if your travel plans change.
When you're ready to book:
Log into your Rapid Rewards account.
Book your own ticket using either cash or Rapid Rewards points.
After your reservation is confirmed, go to My Trips.
Select your reservation.
Click Add Companion.
Pay the required taxes and fees for your Companion's ticket.
That's it! Your Companion will be added to your reservation and can travel with you for just the cost of taxes and fees.
If you'd like additional details, Southwest has a helpful guide that walks through the process step by step.
With the Companion Pass you can fly “Two for One” anywhere Southwest flies!
Frequently asked questions About the Southwest Companion Pass
Does the Southwest Companion Pass work on award flights?
Yes! Whether you book your ticket using cash or Rapid Rewards points, your Companion can be added for only the required taxes and fees.
Can you change your companion on the Southwest Companion Pass?
Yes, you can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year. This makes it easy to switch between a spouse, family member, or friend depending on your travel plans.
Can I combine points with my husband’s Southwest account and earn the Companion Pass? No, all points must be earned under one Rapid Rewards account number.
How much are taxes and fees with the Southwest Companion Pass?
Most domestic flights only cost $5.60 each way in taxes and fees. For international flights, fees are higher but still very reasonable compared to the cost of a full ticket.
Does the Companion Pass work on all Southwest flights?
Yes! The pass is valid on all Southwest flights, including domestic, international, and Hawaii routes. There are no blackout dates. If there’s a seat available, your companion can book it.
How long is the Southwest Companion Pass good for?
Once you earn it, the Companion Pass is valid for the rest of that calendar year and all of the following year. That’s why timing your sign-up bonus is so important—you can stretch it to nearly two full years of two-for-one flights.
What if I currently hold one of the Southwest personal credit cards?
If it has been more than 24 months since you earned the bonus, you can close your card, wait 30 days and reapply like normal. Remember, it’s 24 months from the date you earned the sign-up bonus, not from when you were approved. If it has been less than 24 months since you were last approved for a Southwest personal card, you have to wait 24 months or try to earn the Companion Pass with the “two business cards method).
Can I get the personal card and my husband get the business card to earn the Companion Pass?
No. All 135k points must be earned under the same Southwest Rapid Rewards loyalty account.
We used our Companion Pass 4-5 times to reposition for a business class flight to Europe.
Final Thoughts
The Southwest Companion Pass strategy is all about timing your applications and spending.
Whether you’re planning family trips, quick getaways, or a Hawaii vacation, the Companion Pass can save you thousands in airfare. Don’t miss out this season. It’s the best deal in travel.
Happy Travels!
