How much do you have to spend to get a companion pass on Southwest?

How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass

To earn the coveted Southwest Companion Pass, which allows you to bring a companion along on your flights for free (excluding taxes and fees), there are two main requirements that need to be met within a calendar year. These requirements are as follows:

Fly 100 qualifying one-way flights
Earn 135,000 Rapid Rewards points

Earning the Companion Pass is a significant achievement for Southwest Airlines frequent flyers, as it provides excellent value and convenience for those who frequently travel with a companion.

Earning Qualifying Points

Qualifying points for the Companion Pass can be earned through various methods, including:

Revenue flights booked through Southwest: Points earned from flights taken on Southwest Airlines count towards the Companion Pass qualification.
Points earned on Rapid Rewards Credit Cards: Rapid Rewards Credit Cardholders can accumulate points through their everyday spending and earn qualifying points towards the Companion Pass.
Base points earned from Rapid Rewards partners: Points earned through Southwest’s partners, such as hotels and car rental companies, can count towards the Companion Pass qualification.

It’s important to understand that not all points earned will qualify for the Companion Pass. The following types of points do not count as Companion Pass qualifying points:

Purchased points: Points that are bought or gifted do not contribute towards the Companion Pass requirement.
Points transferred between Members: Points transferred from one Rapid Rewards member to another do not count towards the Companion Pass requirement.
Points converted from hotel and car loyalty programs, e-Rewards, Valued Opinions, and Diners Club: Points earned through these programs cannot be used to qualify for the Companion Pass.
Points earned from Rapid Rewards program enrollment, tier bonus points, flight bonus points, and partner bonus points (except for Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase): These types of points do not count towards the Companion Pass qualification.

It’s essential to be aware of these exclusions when calculating your progress towards earning the Companion Pass.

In Conclusion

Earning the Southwest Companion Pass requires dedication and strategic planning. To qualify, you must either fly 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year or earn 135,000 Rapid Rewards points. Qualifying points can be earned through revenue flights booked with Southwest, points earned on Rapid Rewards Credit Cards, and base points earned from Rapid Rewards partners. However, certain types of points, such as purchased points and points transferred between members, do not count towards the Companion Pass requirement. By understanding these criteria and maximizing your point-earning opportunities, you can work towards enjoying the benefits of the Southwest Companion Pass.

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FAQs

How can I earn the Southwest Companion Pass?

To earn the Southwest Companion Pass, you need to meet two requirements within a calendar year: fly 100 qualifying one-way flights and earn 135,000 Rapid Rewards points.

What counts as qualifying points for the Companion Pass?

Qualifying points can be earned through revenue flights booked with Southwest, points earned on Rapid Rewards Credit Cards, and base points earned from Rapid Rewards partners.

Do all points earned count towards the Companion Pass?

No, not all points earned count towards the Companion Pass. Points that do not count include purchased points, points transferred between Members, points converted from hotel and car loyalty programs, e-Rewards, Valued Opinions, and Diners Club, and certain bonus points.

Can I earn the Companion Pass solely through points without flying?

Yes, it is possible to earn the Companion Pass solely through points earned from Rapid Rewards Credit Cards and base points earned from Rapid Rewards partners. However, you will still need to accumulate 135,000 Rapid Rewards points within a calendar year to qualify.

Are there any restrictions on the qualifying flights for the Companion Pass?

There are no specific restrictions on the type of flights that qualify for the Companion Pass. As long as you fly 100 qualifying one-way flights within a calendar year, regardless of the destination or fare class, they will count towards the requirement.

Can I earn the Companion Pass by flying on partner airlines?

No, flights taken on partner airlines do not count towards the Companion Pass requirement. Only flights booked and operated by Southwest Airlines are eligible.

How long is the Companion Pass valid once earned?

Once you earn the Companion Pass, it is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which it was earned, as well as the entire following year. For example, if you earn the Companion Pass in June 2024, it will be valid until December 31, 2025.

Can I change my designated companion once I have the Companion Pass?

Yes, you can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year. However, you can only have one designated companion at a time, and each change counts towards your three allowed changes for the year.