Among the array of travel rewards programs, the Southwest Companion Pass® stands out as a prized possession for frequent flyers. This unique perk allows holders to extend a perpetual “plus one” invitation, enabling a travel companion to tag along on any Southwest journey, free of charge. For those residing near a Southwest hub or whose travel plans often involve a fellow adventurer, the Companion Pass presents an unparalleled opportunity to stretch their travel budget.

While the Companion Pass enjoys widespread renown, several key aspects of this benefit remain shrouded in misconception. Let’s shed light on seven essential truths about this powerful travel tool:

1. Credit Card Spending Can Unlock the Pass

Qualifying for the Companion Pass requires accumulating either 100 one-way flights or 135,000 Rapid Rewards points within a calendar year. However, one need not take to the skies to amass those coveted 135,000 points. Southwest counts a multitude of purchases toward this threshold, including credit card expenditures, dining rewards, shopping portal activity, hotel stays, and car rentals booked via the airline – even the sign-up bonus from a Southwest co-branded credit card.

2. Your Companion Can Be Literally Anyone (And Changed Too)

When designating a travel companion, Southwest imposes no restrictions – the chosen individual can be a friend, family member, coworker, or even a personal stranger. The designation process is simple and can be completed online. Furthermore, holders aren’t permanently bound to their initial selection. The Companion Pass allows for up to three companion changes annually, ensuring flexibility to accommodate evolving travel needs.

3. Both Revenue & Award Tickets Are Fair Game

The Companion Pass’s versatility extends to its application – it can be used for both paid and award travel on any Southwest-operated flight, without any date blackouts. This unlocks greater savings during promotional fare periods when traveling with a companion. Conversely, during costlier travel seasons, the pass mitigates the number of points required for award redemptions involving a travel mate.

4. Early Birds Catch the Maximum Value Worm

While the Companion Pass is valid for the remainder of the year in which it was earned, its true potential is realized by securing it as early as possible. Those earning the pass in January can leverage its benefits for nearly two full calendar years before expiration. Hence, kicking off each year by achieving this qualified status ensures travelers can extract maximum value from this lucrative perk.

5. Unlimited Usage

You can fly with your chosen companion as many times as you want. As long as there’s an available seat on your flight, you can include them in your reservation. You can do this repeatedly while your Companion Pass is active. This is unlike other airline companion passes, which are often single-use and may have blackout dates or other limitations.

6. The Companion Ticket Isn’t Completely Free

While social media influencers may highlight the “free” flight benefit for Southwest Companion Pass holders, it’s important to understand that the flight isn’t entirely free. You still have to pay taxes and fees on the second ticket, even when using points. Southwest award tickets have a minimum tax of $5.60 each way, a minor expense but something to be aware of.

7. Significant Savings on International and Peak Time Flights

The Southwest Companion Pass is particularly advantageous for international flights or tickets during peak periods. Southwest is among the few airlines without blackout dates for award bookings, so you can redeem points on any flight with available seats. While peak time flights might require more reward points due to higher prices, the Companion Pass can mitigate these costs.

Southwest offers many international flights to destinations like Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. These flights can be expensive, particularly during peak travel seasons. Using a Companion Pass can halve the cost when traveling with a companion.

Conclusion

The Southwest Companion Pass is highly valuable for Southwest Rapid Rewards members aiming to save on travel expenses and points. Understanding the pass’s rules and limitations will help you maximize its benefits. Timing is crucial to ensure you can use the pass for the longest duration possible.