Updated October 2026
The Southwest Companion Pass has been one of my favorite ways to save on family travel. We’ve used ours for family vacations, cheer competitions, and flights to get us to another airport before an international trip. Being able to bring someone along for just the taxes and fees has saved us a ton of money and points.
But Southwest’s changes starting January 1, 2027, essentially put the Companion Pass out of reach for most families. The credit card sign-up bonus strategy that made it so achievable is going away.
There is still a limited opportunity to earn it using credit card bonuses. Southwest says you must be approved for a Southwest credit card on or before December 2, 2026, for its welcome bonus to remain eligible under the transition rules, even if you complete the required spending in early 2027.
Below, I’ll explain what’s changing, who may still be able to earn the pass, and the deadlines you need to know.
What Is the Southwest Companion Pass?
The Southwest Companion Pass lets you choose one person to fly with you for just the taxes and fees every time you fly Southwest while your pass is valid.
You can book your own flight with cash or Rapid Rewards points, then add your companion. Their taxes and fees start at $5.60 each way on most domestic flights. International taxes and fees are higher.
Benefits include:
• Works on flights booked with cash or points
• Can be used anywhere Southwest flies, including Hawaii and international destinations
• No blackout dates, as long as a seat is available
• No limit on how often you can use an unlimited Companion Pass while it’s valid
• Change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year
The benefit itself can still save families a lot of money. What’s changing in 2027 is how you qualify for it, which makes it much harder for most families to earn.
Your companion can fly to Hawaii with you for just $5.60 using the Southwest Companion Pass
How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass Before the Rules Change
Under the current rules, you need 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points in one calendar year. Southwest credit cardholders receive a 10,000-point qualifying boost, leaving 125,000 qualifying points to earn.
Credit card sign-up bonuses have been the easiest way for many families to reach that total by combining:
• One Southwest business card and one Southwest personal card, or
• Two different Southwest business cards
There is still a limited window to use this strategy. Southwest says you must be approved for a Southwest credit card on or before December 2, 2026, for its welcome bonus to remain eligible under the transition rules. This exception also allows the required spending to be completed in early 2027.
What Changes Starting January 1, 2027?
Southwest is replacing Companion Pass qualifying points with Tier Qualifying Points, or TQPs.
To earn unlimited Companion Pass benefits, you’ll need either:
• 140,000 Tier Qualifying Points in one calendar year, or
• 100 qualifying one-way flights in one calendar year
Credit card welcome bonuses, referral bonuses, anniversary points, and bonus-category points will no longer help you qualify under the new system. Eligible Southwest credit card purchases will earn 1 TQP per $1 spent, and paid Southwest flights also earn TQPs.
There will also be a smaller benefit of three Companion Pass trips after earning 95,000 TQPs or taking 75 qualifying one-way flights.
For most families, these requirements put the unlimited pass out of reach. One hundred qualifying one-way flights is equivalent to 50 round trips, almost one every week of the year.
Stacy’s Tip:
To qualify for a Southwest personal card’s sign-up bonus, you cannot currently hold a Southwest personal credit card or have received a bonus on any Southwest personal card within the past 24 months. You must also be under Chase’s 5/24 rule, meaning you’ve opened fewer than five new personal credit cards across all banks in the past 24 months.
Why the southwest Companion Pass Is So Valuable
Unlike other airline companion tickets that can only be used once, the Southwest Companion Pass lets you bring your designated companion every time you fly Southwest while your pass is valid, as long as a seat is available.
That includes:
Flights booked with points
Flights booked with cash
Southwest domestic and international routes - even flights to Hawaii
Changing your Companion up to 3 times in one year
Your companion’s taxes and fees start at just $5.60 each way, or $11.20 roundtrip on most domestic flights. International taxes and fees are higher.
For families, this is a game changer. In the past two years I’ve save hundreds of dollars with the Companion Pass and now that Payton is in college in Arizona, we can go see her whenever we want because we can fly “two for one”.
Southwest Companion Pass Deadline: December 2, 2026
The old strategy was to apply late in the year, wait until January for your bonuses to post, and earn nearly two years of Companion Pass benefits. That is no longer the strategy to follow with these changes.
If you want to use credit card welcome bonuses under Southwest’s transition exception, you must be approved for each card on or before December 2, 2026. Submitting an application by that date is not enough.
Southwest says eligible welcome bonuses can still count even if you complete the required spending in early 2027. You must still meet the spending deadline attached to your specific card offer.
If you need two cards, start with the business card and leave time between applications. Don’t wait until the last minute, especially if your application needs additional review.
How Long Will the Pass Last?
A Companion Pass earned under the 2026 rules is valid through December 31, 2027. This is not an opportunity to earn a pass through December 2028.
We’ve been able to fly 2 for 1 to NYC in December for Christmas two years in a row
how to earn the southwest companion pass with credit cards
There are two credit card combinations that may help you earn enough qualifying points:
• One Southwest business card plus one Southwest personal card
• Two different Southwest business cards
Both cards must be in the same person’s name and linked to that person’s Rapid Rewards account. You cannot combine your bonuses with a spouse’s to qualify.
Before applying, add up the bonuses available through your specific offers, the points from required spending, and your qualifying boost. Make sure the total will meet the requirement.
Step 1: Apply for a Southwest Business Credit Card First
If you need two cards, I recommend starting with the business card because approval can be more difficult.
Remember, each card must be approved on or before December 2, 2026, for its welcome bonus to remain eligible under Southwest’s transition exception. Follow the spending deadline for each offer.
Here are the two Southwest business cards to consider:
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card - (Stacy’s Recommendation)
Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 in the first three months of account opening.
Annual Fee: $299
Complimentary Preferred seat at booking (this is a huge perk)
First checked bag free
Enjoy unlimited upgrades to an Extra Legroom seat within 48 hours prior to departure, at no additional charge, when available.
$120 credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 in the first three months of account opening.
Annual Fee: $149
Complimentary Preferred seat within 48 hours prior to departure, when available
First checked bag free
Step 2: Apply for a Southwest Personal Credit Card
If you’re combining a Southwest business card with a personal card, apply for the personal card next. If you’re using two different Southwest business cards, you can skip the personal card.
I recommend allowing approximately three to four weeks between applications. Both cards must be approved on or before December 2, 2026, so plan backward from that deadline.
Check the bonus eligibility terms on your specific application link before applying. You’ll also need to make sure you can meet both cards’ spending requirements within their individual deadlines using your normal expenses.
There are three Southwest personal credit cards to consider:
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
Earn 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
Annual Fee: $99
Complimentary Standard Seat selection within 48 hours of departure
First checked bag free
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
Earn 55,000 points after you spend $1,500 in the first 3 months of account opening.
Annual Fee; $149
Complimentary Preferred seat within 48 hours prior to departure, when available
First checked bag free
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card (Stacy’s Pick)
Earn 60,000 points after you spend $2,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
Annual Fee: $229
Complimentary Preferred seat at booking at no additional charge, when available
First checked bag free
Unlimited complimentary Extra Legroom seat upgrades within 48 hours before departure, when available.
Payton and I flew to Indy for the Taylor Swift concert with our Southwest Companion Pass saving us hundreds of dollars!
Did Chase Add New Lifetime Bonus Language to Southwest Business Cards?
Check Your Southwest Credit Card Bonus Eligibility
Before applying, open “Offer Details” on the specific application link you plan to use and read the welcome bonus eligibility terms.
Check for restrictions related to:
• Currently holding that card or another Southwest card
• Previously receiving a Southwest welcome bonus
• Previously holding that specific card
Don’t assume you qualify just because enough time has passed since your last bonus. Check the wording on the actual offer you’re applying for, especially if you’ve had a Southwest business card before.
Chase Approval Restrictions: Who Can Still Qualify?
Getting approved may be the biggest obstacle to earning the Companion Pass before the deadline.
Here are the restrictions to consider:
• Chase 5/24: You need fewer than five new personal credit cards across all banks in the past 24 months.
• Reported business 3/24 restriction: Sole proprietors are reporting additional denials tied to recent card openings. Newer reports suggest Chase may be counting business card openings separately from your personal 5/24 count, so check both.
• Existing Chase business cards: Applicants holding three or more Chase business cards have reported difficulty getting another approved. This can make the two-business-card strategy especially difficult.
If you’re planning to apply for one Southwest business card, having no more than two existing Chase business cards may give you a better chance. If you need two Southwest business cards, having no more than one existing Chase business card is the more realistic starting point.
These business restrictions are based on applicant reports rather than published Chase rules. Reports suggest LLC applications may still follow the usual 5/24 restriction.
I recommend applying for the business card first, before a new personal card adds to your personal card count.
how to qualify for a southwest business card
You don’t need an LLC or a formal business name to apply for a business credit card. If you earn money from a side hustle, you can apply as a sole proprietor using your Social Security number.
Some examples of side hustles include:
Selling items on Facebook Marketplace or eBay
Walking dogs or pet sitting
Delivering for DoorDash or Uber Eats
Tutoring
Consulting or freelance work
Driving for Uber
Blogging or creating content
I have an entire Highlight on my Instagram on how to fill out a business card application.
Two for One flights means you get to bring a friend to NYC for your 17th Birthday!
Other Ways to Earn Companion Pass Qualifying Points Before December 31, 2026
If you’re close to qualifying, these activities can help you earn additional Companion Pass qualifying points under the 2026 rules:
• Eligible purchases on your Southwest credit card
• Qualifying paid Southwest flights
• Eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping purchases
• Eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining activity
• Qualifying Southwest Hotels bookings
• Eligible Southwest credit card referral bonuses
These qualifying points must post to your Rapid Rewards account by December 31, 2026. Making a purchase or referring someone before that date does not guarantee the points will arrive in time.
Starting January 1, 2027, referral bonuses and points from shopping, dining, and hotel partners will no longer help you qualify for the Companion Pass.
Eligible Southwest credit card spending and paid Southwest flights will still earn Tier Qualifying Points under the new system. However, extra redeemable points from credit card bonus categories will not earn extra TQPs.
The separate welcome bonus exception for cards approved on or before December 2, 2026, is explained above.
Which Points Don’t Count Toward the Companion Pass Under the 2026 Rules?
Even before the changes take effect, not all Rapid Rewards points help you qualify. These do not count:
• Points transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards to Southwest
• Purchased Southwest points
• Flight bonus points
• Tier bonus points
You can use these points to book flights, but they won’t move you closer to earning the Companion Pass.
Starting January 1, 2027, qualification switches to the Tier Qualifying Points system explained above.
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.
Stacy’s Tip:
I usually wait to add my companion so I can easily change my own booking if the price drops. Once your companion is booked, you’ll need to cancel their reservation before changing yours, then add them back afterward.
With the Companion Pass you can fly “Two for One” anywhere Southwest flies!
Frequently asked questions About the Southwest Companion Pass
Do I have to spend 135,000 points on the Companion Pass, or do I get to keep them?
You keep them! Under the 2026 rules, earning 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points unlocks the pass without deducting those points from your account. You can then use your redeemable points to book flights.
Starting in 2027, qualification switches to Tier Qualifying Points. TQPs track your progress toward benefits and are separate from the Rapid Rewards points you redeem for flights.
Does the Southwest Companion Pass work on flights booked with points?
Yes! Whether you book your flight with cash or Southwest Rapid Rewards points, you can add your designated companion for just 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 my husband and I combine points or credit card bonuses to earn the Companion Pass?
No. Qualifying activity must accumulate in one person’s Rapid Rewards account.
If you’re using two credit card bonuses, both cards must be in the same person’s name and linked to that person’s Rapid Rewards account. You cannot combine one spouse’s personal card bonus with the other spouse’s business card bonus.
How much are taxes and fees with the Southwest Companion Pass?
On most domestic flights, your companion’s taxes and fees are $5.60 each way, or $11.20 roundtrip.
International taxes and fees are higher and vary by destination. You’ll see the total before completing the companion booking.
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, you can book your companion on it.
How long is the Southwest Companion Pass valid?
A Companion Pass earned under the 2026 rules is valid through December 31, 2027.
The transition exception for eligible credit card welcome bonuses is not a way to earn a pass through December 2028. Promotional Companion Pass offers have their own expiration dates.
I already have a Southwest personal credit card. Can I earn another sign-up bonus?
Possibly, but check the eligibility terms on the specific offer before applying. Currently holding a Southwest personal card or having received a recent Southwest personal card bonus may affect your eligibility.
Closing a card does not automatically make you eligible for another bonus. You must also meet Chase’s application requirements and be approved on or before December 2, 2026, for the welcome bonus transition exception.
We used our Companion Pass 4-5 times to reposition for a business class flight to Europe.
My Take on the Southwest Companion Pass Changes
The Southwest Companion Pass has saved my family a ton of money and points over the years. That’s why these changes are so disappointing. For most families, the easiest way to earn it is going away.
If you’re eligible for the cards and can meet the spending requirements with your normal expenses, there’s still a limited opportunity. Just remember: December 2, 2026, is the approval deadline for eligible welcome bonuses under the transition rules.
If this strategy no longer works for you, there are still plenty of other ways to use miles and points to save on family travel. My Beginner’s Guide is a great place to start.
Happy Travels!
Want more tips like this? Join the conversation on Instagram and Facebook where I teach families how to earn and redeem points to travel more for less!
