For travelers who fly within the United States even a few times each year, knowing the Best Way to Earn Southwest Companion Pass can open one of the most valuable benefits in domestic travel. In contrast to elite status perks tied to upgrades or availability, the Companion Pass offers a simple promise: when you fly, a companion flies with you for almost nothing. The pass allows a designated companion to fly on any Southwest flight booked with cash or points. The companion flies for just $5.60 in taxes and fees on most domestic routes.
Earning a pass requires 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points in one year. The number seems high. Many travelers reach it without frequent flights. Timing and spending matter.
The following ways help travelers earn the Southwest Companion Pass.
1. Start With the Right Credit Card Strategy
To begin with, Southwest credit card sign-up bonuses remain the single fastest way to accumulate qualifying points. Many airline loyalty programs do not count credit card welcome bonuses toward elite status. Southwest includes those bonuses in the Companion Pass qualification.
Historically, personal Southwest cards have offered sign-up bonuses in the 50,000 to 75,000 point range, tied to a $3,000–$5,000 spending requirement within three months. Even at modest point valuations, this translates to $650–$1,125 in flight value and a significant step toward Companion Pass qualification.
In addition, the annual fees on these cards typically fall between $69 and $149. This keeps the cost-to-value ratio favorable. Many of these cards also include travel insurance protections.
Trip delay coverage, baggage protection, and rental car insurance apply. These benefits add value beyond points.
Related – Southwest Priority Boarding: Why the Airline Is Reshaping Certainty in Air Travel
2. Stack Personal and Business Cards Carefully
Combining a personal and a business credit card can move travelers much closer to the 135,000-point requirement. This approach reduces the need for heavy flight activity. Business Southwest credit cards often offer bonuses that match or exceed those of personal cards. In some cases, these bonuses reach 80,000 points after spending $5,000 to $8,000.
Importantly, many travelers qualify for a business card through consulting, freelance work, online sales, or side income, even if it is part-time.
When both bonuses post in the same calendar year, a traveler can earn 120,000–150,000 points largely through required spending alone.
As a result, this approach minimizes the need for flight activity and reduces the overall time investment required.
Here you can see the Southwest personal and business credit card options –
3. Time Your Bonuses for a New Calendar Year
Timing plays a central role in how long the Companion Pass remains usable. The pass stays valid for the rest of the year it is earned and the entire year that follows.
Earning qualifying points early in the year extends the value of the Companion Pass. Points earned in January apply to the new qualification year.
Completing the requirements in February 2026 grants Companion Pass use for the rest of the year. Access extends through the end of 2027.
Because of this timing, many experienced travelers apply for cards late in the year and wait until January to complete the minimum spend so bonuses post in the new calendar year.
4. Use Southwest Flights Strategically
While credit cards do most of the heavy lifting, paid Southwest flights also contribute meaningfully.
Southwest awards qualifying points based on fare class –
- Wanna Get Away fares earn 6 points per dollar
- Anytime fares earn 10 points per dollar
- Business Select fares earn 12 points per dollar
A $400 Business Select flight produces 4,800 qualifying points. The identical flight booked as Wanna Get Away earns half that amount at 2,400 points. The difference becomes meaningful during qualification periods. Travelers who already need flexibility may reach Companion Pass requirements faster without adding trips.
5. Redeem Points Only After Qualification
Delaying point redemptions until after qualifying for the Companion Pass often preserves progress. Points earned through spending count, while redeemed flight points do not.
With the Companion Pass in place, award flights function as two-for-one bookings. A 20,000-point ticket applies to two passengers instead of one.
This sequencing often separates travelers who extract moderate value from those who extract exceptional value.
6. Leverage Southwest Hotel Partners
Hotel partners also play a role in Southwest’s qualifying structure. Eligible stays booked through Southwest partners can earn Companion Pass qualifying points. Participating hotel brands often include Marriott, Hyatt, IHG, and Hilton (read our complete review here), depending on the promotion. Point totals vary by offer and booking terms, with some stays awarding 1,000 to 10,000 qualifying points.
For instance, a two-night hotel stay costing $300–$400 can generate around 5,000 qualifying points. That return rivals what some paid flights earn. Because hotel offers rotate, results vary by promotion. For this reason, checking hotel partners in advance can accelerate qualification at no extra cost.
In particular, comparing options such as IHG vs. Hilton helps identify which brand delivers stronger qualifying returns during a given promotion.
Also read – Southwest Points For Hotel Stays: Let Your Cash Stay Safe
7. Use Car Rental Partners Wisely
Eligible rentals through Southwest partners generate qualifying points. These points count toward Companion Pass requirements. Rental providers such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National, and Thrifty take part. Point earnings vary by rental conditions.
Typical earnings range from 300 to 1,200 points per rental, depending on the rental length and partner.
Although rentals offer fewer points, frequent use can still result in thousands of points each year. Over time, these accumulated gains move travelers closer to qualification.
8. Take Advantage of Promotional Offers
From time to time, Southwest releases limited promotions with bonus or accelerated point earnings. In some cases, these offers provide 5,000–20,000 qualifying points for completing a set action.
Although these promotions are limited, they can meaningfully speed qualification when timed correctly. Travelers who check emails and Rapid Rewards updates often benefit without changing travel plans.
The following shows how Southwest promotions translate into qualifying progress –
| Promotion Type | Example Action | Qualifying Point Range | Why It Matters |
| Bonus Point Offer | Complete one round-trip flight during a promotion | 5,000–10,000 points | Cuts weeks or months off qualification timelines |
| Accelerated Earnings | Earn double points on paid flights | Varies by fare | Increases earning rate without extra trips |
| Targeted Promotion | Complete a specific activity after registration | 10,000–20,000 points | Delivers a large point boost in a short window |
| Partner-Based Bonus | Book a hotel or car rental during the promotion | 3,000–10,000 points | Adds points through existing travel needs |
| Registration-Based Offer | Enroll before booking or traveling | Required | Rewards travelers who plan ahead |
9. Concentrate Spending During Qualification Periods
Moreover, everyday spending contributes more than many travelers expect. Most Southwest credit cards earn 1–3 points per dollar across categories like groceries, dining, utilities, and business costs.
A household charging $3,000 per month to a Southwest card earns points steadily. At an average of 1.5 points per dollar, that spending adds up quickly. Over a full year, it produces 54,000 points. This covers nearly 40% of the Companion Pass requirement without any flights.
10. Use Rapid Rewards Shopping Portals
The Rapid Rewards shopping portal allows travelers to earn qualifying points online. Many retailers participate in the program. Bonus rates usually range from 2 to 10 points per dollar. Seasonal promotions can push those rates higher.
For example, a $500 purchase during a 5x promotion yields 2,500 qualifying points for spending that would have occurred anyway.
Over the course of a year, portal usage can quietly add 10,000–20,000 points.
11. Avoid Non-Qualifying Point Sources
Not all points count toward the Companion Pass. For example, transfers from hotel programs do not qualify. Additionally, gifted points are excluded. Likewise, purchased points do not count either. Therefore, knowing this keeps efforts focused on qualification progress.
In practice, this means checking how points are earned before spending time or money. Not all Rapid Rewards points qualify. Many travelers assume they do. Later, they discover some activities do not move progress forward.
Flights count. Card spending and partners keep progress on track.
Recommended read – How Many Southwest Rapid Rewards Points for a Free Flight?
12. Plan for Companion Pass Longevity
Maximizing value depends on earning the pass as early as possible. A Companion Pass earned in January can be used for nearly two full years, while one earned in November offers only a few weeks of benefit in the first year.
Travelers who align qualification with future travel plans often save $1,500–$3,000 or more over the life of the pass, especially when traveling with a spouse or family member multiple times per year.
Beyond timing, planning companion usage also matters. For example, selecting a primary companion who travels frequently helps ensure consistent savings. At the same time, Southwest allows companions to be changed up to three times per year, adding flexibility.
As a result, thinking ahead about travel patterns helps travelers extract steady value.
Why the Companion Pass Delivers Exceptional Value
Instead of limiting access like most elite benefits, the Companion Pass works on every available seat, without blackout restrictions. Companions can also be updated up to three times per year, preserving flexibility.
For couples traveling together, the value increases rapidly. Ten round-trip tickets priced at $250 each result in $2,500 in savings, taxes excluded. Pairing the pass with award bookings doubles the overall value.
Wrapping Things Up!
The Best Way to Earn Southwest Companion Pass focuses on structure over flying. Smart timing and focused spending outperform mileage runs. Travelers who plan qualify faster and at a lower cost. Small decisions made early in the year can extend the value of the pass for months longer. Treated as a system rather than a perk, the Companion Pass becomes one of the most cost-effective travel benefits available.
Smarter Earning That Delivers Real Travel Value
Relo.AI helps travelers understand the Southwest Companion Pass with clarity and confidence. By reviewing travel patterns, spending behavior, and available reward opportunities, we guide you toward faster qualification without unnecessary effort.
For travelers whose journeys lead to relocation, we extend that value further. Earned savings and travel benefits can be translated into meaningful support during the moving process.
Schedule a FREE consultation for tailored guidance on travel rewards and relocation planning that works in real life.
