Using the Southwest Companion Pass with a Southwest Credit Card

If you are a frequent traveler and a fan of Southwest Airlines, you may have heard about the Southwest Companion Pass. This coveted perk allows you to choose one person to fly with you for free (excluding taxes and fees) whenever you purchase or redeem points for a flight. The best part is that the Companion Pass is valid for the remaining year in which you earned it, plus the entire following year. One of the easiest ways to earn this pass is by strategically using a Southwest credit card.

Southwest Airlines offers several co-branded credit cards in partnership with Chase, including the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card. These cards allow you to earn Rapid Rewards points, which can be used towards flights, and also help you reach the qualification for the coveted Companion Pass.

To earn the Southwest Companion Pass, you need to accumulate 125,000 qualifying points or fly 100 one-way flights in a calendar year. One of the most efficient ways to earn these qualifying points is by using a Southwest credit card and taking advantage of the sign-up bonuses and everyday spending.

Typically, Southwest credit cards offer generous sign-up bonuses, ranging from 40,000 to 80,000 Rapid Rewards points after meeting a spending requirement within a certain time frame. These bonus points can provide a significant boost towards earning the Companion Pass.

In addition to the sign-up bonus, each dollar spent on the Southwest credit cards earns Rapid Rewards points, which count towards the Companion Pass. For example, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card earns two points per dollar spent on Southwest Airlines and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases, and one point per dollar on all other purchases. By using your credit card for everyday expenses, you can accumulate points faster and reach the Companion Pass threshold.

Another way to maximize your points earning potential is by taking advantage of bonus categories. Southwest credit cards often have bonus categories that earn extra points for specific types of spending. For instance, there might be bonus points for spending on dining, groceries, or entertainment. By strategically using your credit card for these bonus categories, you can earn even more points towards the Companion Pass.

Once you have earned the Southwest Companion Pass, it’s time to enjoy its benefits. When booking your flight, simply add your designated companion to your reservation. The companion only pays taxes and fees, which are usually only a fraction of the regular ticket price. This is a fantastic way to bring along a friend or family member on your trips without incurring additional costs.

It’s important to note that the Southwest Companion Pass is not limited to the person you designate when earning the pass. You can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year, allowing you to share the benefits with different people throughout the year.

In conclusion, if you are a Southwest Airlines enthusiast and want to make the most out of your travels, consider using a Southwest credit card to earn the Southwest Companion Pass. By accumulating qualifying points through sign-up bonuses, everyday spending, and bonus categories, you can unlock this valuable perk and enjoy free flights for yourself and your chosen companion. Start earning those points, and get ready to explore the skies with Southwest!