When I told my partner that I would be waking up at 4:30 a.m. to fly from florida’s Palm Beach International airport (PBI) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) at 6:40 a.m. and back in one day, he asked the same question others – aside from my co-workers – had: “But, why?”
In layman’s terms, Southwest Airlines was offering a limited-time promotional Companion pass. The coveted Companion Pass is essentially a buy-one-get-one-free airfare deal that allows you to add a designated additional person to your flight reservation for just the cost of the taxes and fees (starting at $5.60) on any Southwest flight.
So, with just a backpack and an extra-large coffee in hand, I began my round-trip flight journey from one Florida city to another, landing back home just before lunchtime to earn this pass.
Here’s how I did it and why this one pass will save me hundreds of dollars in airfare in 2026.
Related: How to quickly earn the Southwest Companion Pass
Southwest offered a limited-time two-month Companion pass
Table of Contents
- Southwest offered a limited-time two-month Companion pass
- How I plan to use my limited-time promotional Southwest Companion Pass
- How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass: A Guide to BOGO Flights
- Understanding the Southwest Companion Pass
- Strategies for Earning the Pass Quickly
- Notable Considerations Before Booking
- Key Takeaways
Typically, to earn the Companion Pass, a Southwest Rapid Rewards member needs to earn 135,000 qualifying points or fly 100 one-way segments in a calendar year. Then, you’ll have the lucrative pass for the remainder calendar year and the following calendar year. For example, if you earned it in August 2025, your pass would be good through Dec. 31, 2026.
That said,Southwest sometimes offers a promotional Companion Pass after completing set requirements. Unlike the conventional Companion Pass, these promotional passes are only valid for a limited time.
In August, Southwest advertised a two-month Companion Pass after registering, purchasing (by 11:59 p.m. CDT on Aug. 28) and completing a round-trip flight or two one-way flights by Nov. 15. Those who met the requirements would receive a Companion pass good from jan. 6 to March 6, 2026.
So, after paying $8 to park and using about $10 worth of gas to drive to and from the airport, this promotional Companion Pass cost me about $267 to earn – and I was back in my home office before 1 p.m.
How I plan to use my limited-time promotional Southwest Companion Pass
*Note that prices were acc
How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass: A Guide to BOGO Flights
The southwest Companion Pass is arguably the moast valuable benefit in travel, allowing one designated companion to fly with you for free (taxes and fees only) whenever you fly Southwest Airlines. While Southwest frequently runs promotions to earn the pass with a reduced qualifying Rapid Rewards point requirement, these opportunities are limited-time offers. This guide will explain how to maximize your chances of earning the pass,and how to make the most of it once you have it.
Understanding the Southwest Companion Pass
The Southwest Companion Pass allows you to bring a designated companion on any Southwest flight you book, and they fly with you for free – you only pay the 9.11% U.S. Federal Excise Tax and $5.60 Passenger facility Charge (PFC) for each one-way flight. https://www.southwest.com/companion-pass
Traditionally, earning the pass requires earning 125,000 qualifying Rapid rewards points in a calendar year. Though, Southwest occasionally offers promotional periods where you can earn the pass with a lower point threshold, frequently enough around 110,000 points. These promotions are highly sought after, as they significantly reduce the effort required to unlock this valuable benefit.
Strategies for Earning the Pass Quickly
When a promotional period is announced, speed and strategy are key. Here’s how to maximize your earning potential:
* Focus on Qualifying points: Not all Rapid Rewards points count towards the Companion Pass. Qualifying points are earned through Southwest flights, Rapid Rewards credit card spending, and some partner transactions. https://www.southwest.com/rapidrewards/earning/qualifying-points
* Leverage Credit Card Bonuses: The fastest way to accumulate qualifying points is through welcome bonuses on Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards. Chase offers several co-branded cards, including the Southwest rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card and the Southwest rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card. Pay attention to spending requirements to ensure you meet the terms for the bonus.
* Maximize Flight Earnings: Book Southwest flights during the promotional period. The fare class you choose impacts the number of points earned, so consider this when making your booking.
* Dining and Shopping Portals: Utilize the Southwest Rapid Rewards dining and shopping portals. You can earn bonus points for purchases made through these portals at participating restaurants and retailers. https://www.southwest.com/rapidrewards/partners/
* Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards: If you have Chase Ultimate Rewards points, you can transfer them to Southwest at a 1:1 ratio.This is a great way to quickly boost your Rapid Rewards balance. https://thepointsguy.com/loyalty-programs/chase-ultimate-rewards/
Notable Considerations Before Booking
* Assess Your Travel Plans: If you don’t plan to book a flight within the time frame allotted by the promotional Companion Pass, it doesn’t make sense to invest the time and money to fly to earn this type of BOGO deal.
* Read the Terms and Conditions: Southwest promotions often have specific terms and conditions. For example, during a recent promotion, Basic fares did not count toward earning the Companion Pass. always review the fine print before booking. https://www.southwest.com/assets/pdfs/rapidrewards/companion-pass-terms-conditions.pdf
* Book Award Flights: You can redeem Southwest rapid Rewards points or Chase Ultimate Rewards points (transferred at a 1:1 rate) for your flight and still utilize the Companion Pass. This can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, as you’ll only pay taxes and fees for both passengers.
Key Takeaways
* The Southwest companion Pass offers incredible value: A companion can fly with you for just taxes and fees.
* Promotional periods are the best time to earn: Look for reduced qualifying point requirements.
* Credit card bonuses are your friend: Leverage welcome offers to quickly accumulate points.
* Always read the terms and conditions: Understand the specific rules of each promotion.
the Southwest Companion Pass is a powerful tool for saving money on travel. By understanding the requirements and employing strategic earning methods, you can unlock this benefit and enjoy free travel for years to come. Keep an eye on Southwest’s website and travel blogs for announcements of future promotional periods.