All about the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass! (And How to Get it!)
The first half of each calendar year is the best time to EARN the coveted Southwest Companion Pass. Why? Because the earlier in the year that you receive it, the more time you have to use it (as often as you want)! That’s why it’s time for you to GET STARTED with your Companion Pass strategy! Read below for the full explanation!
Side note: Please use my affiliate link(s) if you decide to sign up for these or any other credit cards! I really appreciate your support!
What is the Southwest Companion Pass?
A perk awarded to individuals who receive a total of 135k qualifying Rapid Rewards points within one single calendar year (between Jan 1-Dec 31).
This perk allows another individual to fly along with you, any time, ANYWHERE for free within the current calendar year AS WELL AS THE FOLLOWING CALENDAR YEAR. Taxes not included ($11 roundtrip domestically; taxes are higher internationally).
You keep your 135k points once the pass is earned! You don’t redeem points for the pass. NOTE: You can even use your points before you get your pass because it’s about how many points you earn, not how many are in your account.
This pass has no limit to how many times you use it within the eligible period!
You can change your designated companion 3 times per year (but only one can be assigned at a time)
YOUR own flight can either be a paid flight of any fare OR a flight booked with Rapid Rewards points
As long as there is a seat available on the flight, you can add your companion. No blackouts or limited seating for companions
You will book your companion after you book your own flight, but you do NOT have to book your companion immediately.
How can you earn 135k qualifying Rapid Reward points in a single calendar year?
First, sign-up for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Business Performance credit card. You have three months from card approval to the meet minimum spend of $5,000— so plan your spending accordingly! - Side note: You must be within Chase’s 5/24 rule (no more than 5 card sign-ups from any bank within the last 24 months) to be eligible for this card, but when you sign up, it does not count toward Chase’s 5/24 rule. That’s why many people sign up for this card BEFORE the personal card!
Once minimum spend is met for your business card, you will receive 80k Rapid Rewards that counts towards the Companion Pass. You do NOT need a Tax ID/registered business to be approved for a business credit card. You can use any side hustle you have as your business. Even selling your own things on Facebook Marketplace!
When you complete the business card application, the name of the business is your legal name, you are the owner, it is a sole proprietorship, you have zero employees, and use your social security number instead of an EIN.
Second, sign-up for a Southwest Rapid Rewards PERSONAL credit card. I prefer the Plus card because of the low $69 annual fee, but you can select the Premier, or Priority cards as well. You are only allowed to have one Southwest PERSONAL card at a time.
Once the $1,000 minimum spend is met for the personal card, you will receive a 50k Rapid Rewards point bonus.
So 80k + 50k points from the two cards = 130k Rapid Rewards! Note that once you are Southwest Airlines card holder, it reduces your Companion Pass earning requirement to 125k total Rapid Rewards, so you now qualify to receive the pass!
What if you already have a Southwest personal card?
If you have not received a sign-up bonus for your personal card within the last 24 months, you can cancel your current card and then sign up for it again to receive the bonus (I recommend waiting 30-60 days).
If you HAVE received a sign-up bonus for your current Southwest personal credit card within the last 24 months, an alternative to earning more points is to refer friends for a card. You will receive 20k Rapid Rewards points per referral (only 5 referrals per cardholder within a calendar year). You will need to log into your card account to retrieve your personal referral link. Your referral bonus will be earned in the year they are approved for the card!
You can also earn qualifying points by using your Southwest credit card for spending, using the Southwest eShopping portal, or participating in the Rapid Rewards dining program.
Note:
Balance transfers to your Southwest credit card do NOT earn Rapid Rewards points
Cash advances or money orders do NOT earn Rapid Rewards points
Purchasing Rapid Reward points does NOT count toward the companion pass
Transferring points from Chase Ultimate Rewards to Southwest Rapid Rewards do NOT count toward earning the companion pass
Enjoy the amazing Southwest Companion Pass and email or message me on Instagram with any questions! And please remember to use my card links! Thanks so much!