If you want to unlock incredible travel savings for nearly two full years, this guide will walk you through the process of earning and maximizing the Southwest Companion Pass, including the newest changes coming in 2025 and 2026.

Why Fly Southwest?

Before diving into the Companion Pass, here are some standout perks of flying Southwest Airlines:

• No cancellation fees — Cancel flights booked with points and get your miles back instantly.
• Two free checked bags — No baggage fees on your first two checked bags.
• No change fees — Modify bookings without penalty (except on the new Basic Fare).

Important 2025 Update: Basic Fare Changes

Southwest is introducing a new Basic Fare (formerly “Wanna Get Away”) that does NOT allow fare changes if the price drops. To get the lower rate, you must cancel and rebook your ticket. This is a major shift for travelers who love to monitor fare drops.

How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass

To qualify for the Companion Pass, you need to earn 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year.

Once earned, the pass is valid for:

• The remainder of the year in which you earn it, plus
• The entire following calendar year

For example, if you earn it in early 2025, you’ll have it for the rest of 2025 and all of 2026.

Ways to Earn Points Toward the Companion Pass

You can rack up qualifying points through these methods:

• Welcome bonuses from Southwest credit cards — Apply for personal or business cards and meet the minimum spend.
• Credit card referrals — Refer friends/family for Southwest cards and earn 20,000 points per approved referral.
• Everyday spending on Southwest cards — Earn points on all your purchases.
• Southwest Shopping and Travel Portals — Earn bonus points when shopping or booking hotels & cars.
• Paid Southwest flights — Points based on fare class.
• Rapid Rewards Dining Program — Earn points dining at participating restaurants.

Points That Don’t Count Toward the Companion Pass

Avoid wasting time on these — they do NOT count:

• Points transferred from Chase or other bank rewards programs
• Points purchased directly from Southwest
• Points converted from hotel or rental car programs
• Points transferred between Rapid Rewards members

Timing: When to Start Working Toward the Companion Pass

To maximize value, timing is everything:

To Earn for 2026 and 2027:

• Open your Southwest credit cards in October 2025 or later
• Avoid meeting the minimum spend requirement in 2025
• Let the bonus post in January 2026 or later to ensure it qualifies toward your 2026 Companion Pass

Additional Tips:

• Open your card no earlier than October 12, 2025
• Allow extra time for transactions to post so bonuses appear in the correct calendar year

Tracking Your Progress

Make it a habit to check your qualifying points balance regularly on the Southwest website or app. Tracking progress helps avoid last-minute surprises so you can time your spending and referrals perfectly.

Timing: When to Start Working Toward the Companion Pass

To maximize value and get the pass for 2026 and 2027:

• Apply for Southwest credit cards starting October 2025 or later.
• Avoid meeting minimum spend in 2025.
• Let bonuses post in January 2026 or later to count toward the 2026 Companion Pass.

Referral Strategy Tips

Referring friends and family is a powerful shortcut. Here’s how to make it count:

Timing matters! Referrals count in the year the bonus posts, so plan accordingly.

Send your referral link to people who are ready to apply this calendar year.

Each approved referral earns you 20,000 Companion Pass qualifying points.

Two-Player Strategy to Maximize Points

If you travel with a partner:

• Person A opens a Southwest card, earns the welcome bonus, and refers Person B.
• Person B opens their own Southwest card and earns their bonus too.
• Referral points help boost your qualifying total fast.

Using Points and the Companion Pass for Family & Group Travel

• You can designate anyone as your companion — spouse, child, friend, coworker, or family member.
• Change your companion up to 3 times per calendar year online — no need to call.
• The pass applies to one companion per flight but can be switched out anytime for flexibility.

Can You Use the Companion Pass for Upgraded Seats?

Companion Pass applies to the cost of the ticket but does not cover upgrades like Business Select or Extra Legroom seats. If you want those, you’ll pay for them separately.

2025 Fare Class and Seat Selection Changes

• The new Basic Fare restricts changes and cancellations without full rebooking.
• Starting January 27, 2026, Southwest will switch from open seating to assigned seats. Some cards offer early seat selection at booking, others allow seat selection 48 hours before departure.
• This change could be a game-changer for families and groups wanting to sit together.

Points Expiration & Companion Pass Validity

• Southwest points generally don’t expire as long as you have qualifying activity every 24 months.
• Your Companion Pass expires December 31 of the year after you earn it.
• Earn it late in the year? You’ll still get the full following calendar year.

Southwest Credit Card Updates & Which Card Is Best?

Key July 2025 updates:

• Annual fees on all Southwest cards went up for new customers; existing cardholders keep current fees through 2025.
• Starting 2026, some benefits like Early Bird Check-In credits and travel statement credits are being removed.
• New benefits like assigned seating perks and one free checked bag for up to 8 people on the same reservation were added.

Card highlights:

• Plus Card ($99/yr): Best for lowest annual fees, includes 3,000 anniversary points and standard seat selection 48 hrs before flight.
• Premier Card ($149/yr): More anniversary points (6,000), 15% off coupon, preferred or standard seat selection. Best value overall.
• Priority Card ($229/yr): Free seat selection at booking, extra legroom upgrade opportunity, $75 travel credit (ends 2025). Now less valuable after benefit cuts.

Using the Companion Pass Year After Year

• You can earn the pass again every calendar year by hitting the points threshold.
• Use a card rotation strategy: earn bonuses every 24 months, hold one personal card at a time, but you can hold both business cards.
• Consider canceling before the second annual fee hits if you no longer need the card.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Tier Levels

Companion Pass is separate from elite tiers like A-List or A-List Preferred, but holding higher-tier cards can complement your perks with upgraded boarding and priority.

FAQ — Quick Answers

Can I have more than one Companion Pass?
No, only one Companion Pass per account.

What if I change my companion mid-year?
You can update your companion up to 3 times annually online.

Are there blackout dates?
No blackout dates for Companion Pass travel.

Can I use points earned on business cards toward the Companion Pass?
Yes! Points from both personal and business Southwest cards count.

My Personal Experience

My family of four regularly flies roundtrip for just $45 in taxes — thanks to the Companion Pass! Imagine the possibilities with almost two years of buy-one-get-one-free flights. It’s truly a game-changer for family travel on a budget.

Next Steps

Thinking about opening a Southwest card but don’t have a referral link? Send me a DM — I’ll hook you up and thank you for supporting my content!

Ready to start your Companion Pass journey?
Keep this guide handy and stay tuned for more tips to travel smarter with Southwest in 2025 and beyond.