How to Snag a Southwest Companion Pass: Your Expert Guide

Want to travel with your favorite person for (almost) free? The Southwest Companion Pass is the holy grail of travel perks, allowing you to designate one person to fly with you for just the cost of taxes and fees. Booking with your pass is straightforward, but there are nuances that maximize its value. Here’s your detailed roadmap:

1. Book Your Flight: First, book your flight like normal through the Southwest website or mobile app. Make sure to pay for it with points or cash. It doesn’t matter which method you use; the Companion Pass benefit applies to both.
2. Log into Your Southwest Account: Access your Rapid Rewards account. This is where your Companion Pass lives.
3. Find Your Existing Flight Reservation: Go to “My Account” and locate the flight you just booked. You can do this by entering your confirmation number and name.
4. Add Your Companion: Look for the option to “Add Companion.” This button only appears after you have an eligible flight booked. Select the “Add Companion” option from your flight details.
5. Enter Companion Information: You’ll need your companion’s first name, last name, and date of birth. Ensure this information exactly matches their government-issued ID. Any discrepancies will result in denied boarding.
6. Pay the Taxes and Fees: While the flight itself is free, your companion will need to pay the applicable government taxes and fees, which are typically around $5.60 per one-way flight within the US.
7. Confirm and Ticket Your Companion: After paying the taxes and fees, you’ll receive a confirmation for your companion’s ticket. They will have their own boarding pass and confirmation number.

Maximizing Your Companion Pass Value

The Companion Pass is far more than just a “buy-one-get-one” deal. It’s a powerful tool for reducing your travel expenses, especially if you travel frequently or with a loved one. Consider these factors to maximize its impact:

• Choose Your Companion Wisely: While you can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year, plan strategically. Consider who you’ll be traveling with most frequently.
• Book in Advance: Like all airline tickets, Southwest fares fluctuate. Booking well in advance, especially for popular routes and travel dates, will secure the best prices for your ticket, making the companion flight even more valuable.
• Consider Southwest Credit Cards: Southwest credit cards are a common way to quickly earn the points needed for the Companion Pass. Look for limited time bonus offers.
• Utilize Points for Your Flight: Redeeming your Rapid Rewards points for your own flight stretches your travel budget even further. Save your cash for other vacation expenses!
• Monitor Fare Sales: Keep an eye on Southwest’s frequent fare sales. Pairing a discounted fare with the Companion Pass results in significant savings.
• Don’t Forget the Expiration Date: The Companion Pass isn’t forever! Note the exact expiration date and plan your travels accordingly. Typically, it’s valid for the remainder of the year in which you earned it, plus the entire following year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Southwest Companion Pass

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the intricacies of the Southwest Companion Pass:

Can I add a companion to an existing reservation?

Absolutely! That’s precisely how you book the companion ticket. After you’ve booked your flight, you’ll have the option to add your designated companion through your online account.

Can I change my designated companion?

Yes, you can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year. This provides flexibility if your travel companions vary throughout the year. However, once changed, the previous companion is no longer eligible for companion travel until the next year.

What if my companion and I want to upgrade to Business Select?

While the Companion Pass covers the airfare, upgrades are handled separately. You can upgrade your ticket to Business Select, but your companion will remain in the original class of service. If you want your companion to also travel in Business Select, you would need to purchase a separate Business Select ticket for them.

Can I use my Companion Pass to book flights for other people?

No. The Companion Pass is strictly for your designated companion to travel with you. It can’t be used to book flights for other individuals without you being on the itinerary.

How do I earn a Southwest Companion Pass?

There are generally two ways to earn the Companion Pass:

1. Flying: Accumulate 100 qualifying one-way flights or 125,000 qualifying points in a calendar year.
2. Points: Earn 125,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. Qualifying points include those earned from Southwest flights, Rapid Rewards credit card spending, and certain partner activities. However, purchased points do not qualify.

What happens if I cancel my flight after booking a companion ticket?

If you cancel your flight, your companion’s ticket will also be canceled. Your points (if used) will be refunded, and your companion’s taxes and fees will be returned to the original form of payment.

Does the Companion Pass cover international flights?

Yes, the Companion Pass is valid for international Southwest flights, which opens up a world of exciting destinations! The same rules apply – your companion pays only taxes and fees.

Can I use the Companion Pass if I book through a travel agency?

Generally, no. The Companion Pass is designed for bookings made directly through Southwest Airlines, either on their website or mobile app. Travel agencies typically don’t have access to the Companion Pass functionality.

Is there a blackout date for the Companion Pass?

Nope! One of the beautiful things about the Companion Pass is that there are no blackout dates. If there’s a seat available on the plane, your companion can fly with you (provided the flight is not sold out).

Do points earned from the Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card count towards the Companion Pass?

Yes, points earned from spending on your Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card do count towards earning the Companion Pass. This is a significant advantage and often the fastest way to accumulate the necessary points.

Can I gift my Companion Pass to someone else?

Unfortunately, no, the Companion Pass is non-transferable and can only be used by the Rapid Rewards member who earned it and their designated companion.

What are the taxes and fees that my companion has to pay?

The taxes and fees consist primarily of government-imposed security fees. For domestic flights, this is typically around $5.60 per one-way flight. International flights will have higher taxes and fees, varying depending on the destination.

By understanding these details and planning your bookings strategically, the Southwest Companion Pass can become your ultimate travel companion, unlocking significant savings and creating unforgettable experiences. Happy flying!