Southwest Companion Pass Guide and Tracker
The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the best deals in travel rewards, especially for families. It lets you bring one person with you on every Southwest flight you take, and they only pay taxes and fees. With a big family, that can mean hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars saved each year. The best part is that you don’t have to fly a lot to get it. Most people can earn it with credit card welcome bonuses alone. This guide helps you pick the plan that fits you, plan your timing, and keep track of every step along the way.
Things to know about the Companion Pass
- How to earn it: 135,000 qualifying points in one calendar year, or 100 qualifying one-way flights.
- How long it lasts: the rest of the year you earn it, plus the entire next year. The earlier in the year you earn it, the longer it lasts.
- What your companion pays: only taxes and fees. On domestic U.S. flights that is as low as $5.60 each way. International flights, such as to Mexico, can cost more, but even so, it’s much cheaper than a cash flight.
- Where it works: anywhere Southwest flies! It works on both cash and points tickets.
- How often you can use it: as many times as you fly while it’s active.
There are four main ways to earn the pass, and the right one depends on your business situation and how many cards you have opened recently. Answer three quick questions and we will pick the best fit for you. You can switch to a different plan at any time.
Business cards do not need a registered business. Sole proprietors can apply with their Social Security number, and side income like photography, tutoring, rideshare or selling online counts. Always apply using your real business structure.
The pass runs through December 31 of the year after you earn it. That means when you finish matters a lot. Choose the month you expect to reach the goal to see how long your pass would last.
Your checkmarks are saved on this device in this browser, so you can come back and pick up where you left off.
Enter the points you have earned or expect to earn this calendar year. Only points that count toward the pass are included here. The count starts over every calendar year, so if you are tracking into a new year, tap Start Over in the game plan section.
What counts: points from paid Southwest flights, Southwest credit card spending and welcome bonuses (when they post in the same calendar year), card referral bonuses, and base points from the Rapid Rewards shopping, dining and partner programs. What does not: purchased, gifted or transferred points (including Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers), tier bonus points, and most promotional bonus points.
Your progress is saved on this device automatically. Want to keep going on your phone, a different browser, or with your partner? Copy your progress code, then paste it into this page on the other device.
What is the Chase 3/24 rule for sole proprietors?
Chase has not officially confirmed it, but it has been verified by many data points, including our reader survey of nearly 200 responses. Assume it is true when you plan for the Companion Pass. Chase representatives have been telling sole proprietors that having 3 or more cards opened in the past 24 months means a denial for a Chase business card, including the Southwest Premier Business and Performance Business cards. In our survey, people at 2/24 or lower were approved, and most sole proprietors at 3/24 or 4/24 were denied. LLCs, S Corps and other registered businesses appear to still face the regular 5/24 rule.
How it affects the plans: Plans 1, 2 and 4 all use a Chase business card, so a sole proprietor at 3/24 or higher may be blocked from them. Plan 3 uses only a personal card, so it still works. If you are a sole proprietor at 2/24 or lower, apply for your business card before you open any personal cards. At 3/24 or 4/24, either use Plan 3 or wait for your number to drop. Do not set up an LLC just to get around a card rule. Read the full post.
Who can get a Southwest business card?
You do not need a registered business. Sole proprietors can apply with their Social Security number, and side income like photography, Marketplace sales, tutoring or rideshare counts. Read why business cards might be easier than you think.
Can I earn a card bonus again, or if I already have a Southwest card?
- Personal card: if you already have one, cancel it at least 30 days before you apply for a new one.
- Business card: you can open the other Southwest business card and hold both.
- 24-month rule: you can earn a card's bonus again if it has been at least 24 months since you last earned it and you no longer have that card open.
- Spacing: about 90 days between applications is a good general guideline, but it is not a hard rule. Applying for multiple cards close together is fine, but space out later applications more.
Can my spouse and I both get a pass?
Yes. Each of you can earn a pass and name the other as your companion. That is Plan 4. If you have multiple kids, one person always flies free, so the savings add up quickly.
Does it work on award flights?
Yes. Your companion flies free on both cash and award flights, and only pays taxes and fees.
How does my companion get added to a flight?
Book your own flight first. Then open the reservation under My Trips and choose Add Companion. Your companion gets their own confirmation number, so you check in separately. If you change or cancel your flight, your companion's flight changes or cancels too.
How many times can I change my companion?
You can have one companion at a time and change them up to times per calendar year. You cannot change your companion while they are on an existing booking, so cancel or complete those trips first.
What does the pass NOT work on?
- Getaways by Southwest vacation bookings
- Any flight where you are the companion on someone else's pass
Do international flights cost more?
Yes. Your companion pays taxes and fees on every flight. Domestic flights start at $5.60 each way, and international flights are higher, so check the total before you book.
Do I lose the points I earn?
No. You do not spend the points to earn the pass. You keep them and can use them for flights.
Seating and boarding changed in 2026. What does that mean?
Depending on your card benefits and fare choice, you will either get to choose a seat at booking, choose one 48 hours before your flight, or be assigned one at check in. Boarding groups for Companion Pass holders and their companions are based on the better of their seat location or any credit card or tier benefit.
Where do I find the official rules?
Always double check the details on Southwest's Companion Pass page before you apply or book. Rules, fees and card offers can change. To designate or change a companion by phone, call .
This guide is for general information. All information has been collected independently. Card offers and terms can change often, so confirm the current details with them before you apply.
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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 within the post.