Southwest Companion Pass: The Ultimate 2-for-1 Flight Hack
Fly two people for the price of one—here’s exactly how to earn it and maximize every trip.
✈️ WHAT IS THE SOUTHWEST COMPANION PASS?
The Southwest Companion Pass lets you bring one person with you on every flight for free (just pay taxes and fees). Whether you book your flight with cash or points, your companion flies with you—making it one of the best travel perks available.
💳 HOW TO EARN THE COMPANION PASS
✔ Credit Card Strategy
The fastest way to earn the Companion Pass is by using Southwest credit card welcome bonuses. Many offers give a large number of points after meeting a minimum spend, which can get you most (or all) of the way there.
✔ Points Requirement
You need 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year to earn the Companion Pass. These can come from credit card bonuses, spending, Southwest flights, and partner purchases.
✔ Timing Tip (VERY IMPORTANT)
Earn your points as early in the year as possible—ideally January or February—so you can use the Companion Pass for nearly two full years.
📲 HOW TO USE IT (STEP-BY-STEP)
Book your flight using cash or points
Add your companion to your reservation
Pay only the taxes & fees (usually around $5.60 one-way)
That’s it—your companion flies with you for (almost) free!
🎯 BEST TIPS TO MAXIMIZE IT
🔄 Change Your Companion
You can change your designated companion up to 3 times per year, giving you flexibility depending on your trips.
✨ Use It with Points
Book flights using points AND still bring your companion—this is where the biggest savings happen.
📅 Book Early, Adjust Later
Southwest allows free changes, so book early to lock in low fares, then adjust if prices drop.
💡 IS IT WORTH IT?
Yes—if you travel even a few times per year, the Southwest Companion Pass can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. It’s essentially a buy-one-get-one-free flight perk that works over and over again, making it one of the most valuable travel strategies out there.