How to earn and use the Southwest Companion Pass
Editor's Note
Southwest Airlines has ended its bags-fly-free policy for most customers, retired its Wanna Get Away fares as part of a fare rebrand, and made several other customer-unfriendly changes. But, at least so far, one of the most advantageous offerings in the travel industry — the Southwest Companion Pass — remains intact.
This valuable benefit lets you bring a companion along for free (excluding applicable taxes and fees) on unlimited Southwest Airlines flights until the pass expires. For frequent Southwest flyers, this benefit alone can easily amount to thousands of dollars saved annually.
So, here's what you should know about earning and using the Southwest Companion Pass.
How to earn the Southwest Companion Pass
To earn a Southwest Companion Pass valid through the end of the next calendar year, you must accrue 135,000 qualifying points or complete 100 qualifying flights within a calendar year.
You can earn qualifying points through various means, including flying with Southwest (including the cash portion of Cash + Points bookings) and engaging with its partners. The latter includes making purchases via the Rapid Rewards shopping portal, completing hotel stays and car rentals with partners, and using a Southwest credit card for purchases.
Cobranded Southwest credit cards are often the simplest way to earn the Companion Pass since you'll earn qualifying points on purchases, and the welcome bonus points are qualifying.
Here's a look at some of the current offers:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 120,000 points after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Additionally, travelers with a cobranded Southwest credit card get 10,000 qualifying points each calendar year (note the boost is limited to one per Rapid Rewards member per calendar year, not per card), effectively reducing the Companion Pass requirement to 125,000 qualifying points yearly.
This means if you are approved for the welcome bonus on the Performance Business Credit Card, you can earn 140,000 Companion Pass qualifying points as follows:
- Welcome offer:120,000 points
- Required spending to earn the welcome offer ($10,000): At least 10,000 points
- Annual Companion Pass boost: 10,000 points
You may wish to time your application strategically so that you hit the minimum spend at the start of 2026 and can receive the Companion Pass for almost two years.
Finally, it's also worth noting that Southwest occasionally offers promotions for limited-time Companion Passes.
How to use the Southwest Companion Pass
Once you've earned a Companion Pass, Southwest makes it very easy to use.
Set up your Companion Pass
Southwest will send you a congratulatory email within a few days of earning your Companion Pass. (You can always log in to your Southwest Rapid Rewards account to track your progress toward earning it.)
Upon receiving the email, click the link to set up your initial companion choice. The process is quick, but you'll need to provide information about your companion, including their legal name (matching their ID) and birth date.
If you want to keep the same companion for the duration of your Companion Pass, you'll only need to set it up once. However, remember you can change your companion up to three times each calendar year.
Related: 2 for 1: How airline companion tickets can save you serious money on your next trip
Book your flight
Before using your Companion Pass, you must book your own Southwest flight. If you're traveling with someone who isn't your designated companion, book their flight at this time too. For example, suppose you are a family of four with one adult holding the Companion Pass and the other adult designated the companion. In that case, you should initially book tickets for the Companion Pass holder and the two kids.
You can pay for your flights with cash or redeem Southwest points when using a Companion Pass; however, if you purchase the tickets with cash, remember to include each traveler's Rapid Rewards number when booking so they can earn Southwest points on their flights.
Related: Southwest A-List status: What it is and how to earn it
Add your companion to your reservation
Once you have booked your flight, you can add your companion to your reservation. Doing so immediately after booking your flight is the best way to ensure you add your companion before the flight sells out.
To add your companion to a flight, log in to your Southwest account and find the flight in your upcoming trips. If you haven't added your companion yet, you should see an "Add companion" button for the flight.
Click the button and double-check the prefilled information. Proceed through the process until you reach the point where you'll need to pay the taxes and fees for your companion's flight. Pay the taxes and fees, and your companion will be confirmed on the flight. Your companion will get a different confirmation number than you, though.
Related: Southwest Airlines adds Alaska flights amid 2025 expansion spree
Bottom line
The Companion Pass might provide significant value if you frequently fly Southwest with a favorite companion. Likewise, consider if you would fly Southwest frequently with another traveler if you could do so for about half the cost. This could save you plenty on any upcoming travel.
Right now, you can earn a Companion Pass with the right credit card, though you may want to wait slightly before applying to receive a Companion Pass valid for up to two full calendar years.
- Southwest launches vacation bundles: 5 Rapid Rewards points per dollar, and 2 free bags
- 15 lessons from 15 years of having the Southwest Companion Pass
- Southwest looking for new loyalty opportunities and a return to international flying
- What to know about Southwest Airlines' 8 boarding groups starting in January
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.