Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included with the post.
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE:
Wayfaren is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites such as Bankrate.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. We appreciate it when you use our affiliate links as it supports our content at no cost to you!
Hi Im Abby
Your ‘always finding the best deal’ friend!
This guide will teach you all about loyalty points and how to score epic vacations for next to nothing.
Probably one of the greatest travel saving opportunities out there…especially for families.
➡️ The Southwest Companion Pass allows you to bring someone with you on every Southwest flight for FREE (*only paying the taxes/fees on that flight) for up to 2 years….IF you get the timing right.
Here is what you need to know:
Typically you must earn 135,000 points in ONE calendar year (January 1st- December 31st) or fly 100 qualifying one-way flights within a calendar year to receive the Companion Pass
The Companion Pass allows you the name a companion to travel with you ANY time you travel for just the price of the taxes on that flight
There are NO blackout dates and your pass is valid on both cash AND award flights
UNLIMITED USES!
You can change your designated Companion up to 3 times in one calendar year
Our Companion Pass has saved our family thousands and THOUSANDS over the years- from bucket list trips to Hawaii and Mexico, to flights to go visit family- it is a HUGEEEE money saver.
Who is eligible?
For these limited time offers you must have:
Good or excellent credit
NOT be over “5/24″ (Chase’s approval rule- see below)
Also know that:
You can only hold ONE personal Southwest card at a time
You can earn the welcome bonus on all the Southwest cards every 24 months
So what are these promotional 1 year offers?
The limited time offers on all 3 personal Southwest cards will put a chunk of points AND a one year Companion Pass through February 28, 2027 in your family’s pocket!
Normally you need to earn 135,000 points in one calendar year to earn the Pass, but with these promotional offers you can earn a pass with just ONE credit card offer!
➡️ PROS:
SO fast and easy! You can use your BOGO ticket as soon as you meet the minimum spend + your statement closes!
Doesn’t require a business card!
You COULD extend your pass through Dec 2027 by going for a business card later this year to reach that 135k
➡️ CONS
You earn less points than the “traditional” Companion Pass strategy
The Pass is only 1 year versus the full 2
Howeverrrrr, if you have some travel planned this next year (or want to plan travel AROUND this offer!) aligned with Southwest destinations- this could be some serious savings for family travelers 👏🏼
If you:
Missed earning a two year Companion Pass last Fall
Didn’t want to open two cards
Couldn’t open a business card
OR just wanted a simpler way to earn your family BOGO flights
This limited time offer on the Southwest credit cards could be for YOU!
Earn Companion Pass® through 2/28/27 plus 40,000 points after you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months.
**MY TOP PICKS:
Go with the Priority if you want more robust perks: Choosing your seats at booking AND the option to upgrade to extra legroom 48hrs to departure if available.
Go with the Plus if you just want the lowest out of pocket cost possible.
✈️ One of those offers that isn’t the right fit for everyone, but if it DOES perfectly align for you, it’s worth acting on QUICKLY so you can hold the Pass for the most time possible!
It’s been raining elevated valuable offers for travel this month though- see them all HERE!
As always, using my links keeps allll these emails going- THANK YOU!!
Some nitty gritty details
➡️ CHANGING YOUR COMPANION: You can change your designated SW companion up to 3 times per calendar year. Which means, you can have 4 different companions in the first calendar year, then 3 in the second year (up to 7 total!)
Even if you switch back to a previous companion, it still counts as one of your 3 changes
➡️ You will only be responsible for the taxes on your companion’s flight! ($5.60 one way or $11.20 Round Trip for domestic flights + varied cost for international tickets.)
➡️ You could absolutely transfer Chase points over to your Southwest account to increase the value of this 1 year Companion Pass even more for cheap flights!
ADVERTISER DISCLOSURE:
Wayfaren is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites such as MileValue.com and Bankrate.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. We appreciate it when you use our affiliate links as it supports our content at no cost to you!
EDITORIAL NOTE:
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included with the post.