Skip to main content

There’s a new easy way to get a Southwest Airlines companion pass

You don't even need to get on a flight

Southwest Airplane
ArtisticOperations / Pixabay

The Southwest Airlines Companion Pass is now more attainable than ever. The coveted Southwest Companion Pass is a benefit offered to frequent flyers, allowing the pass holder to designate one person as their “companion,” allowing them to fly with them for free (excluding taxes and fees) on any Southwest flight. The flight can be booked with both points and cash, and the pass is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which it was earned, as well as the following calendar year.

Previously, the only way to qualify for a Southwest Airlines Companion Pass was to fly either 100 qualifying one-way flights or to earn 125,000 qualifying points within a calendar year. Once the companion pass is earned, it can be used an unlimited number of times during its validity period. Due to a new deal, getting a pass is currently easier than ever. From now until March 11, anyone who signs up for a new Southwest Rapid Rewards Consumer Credit Card from Chase has the opportunity to earn the Companion Pass.

credit card
JoshuaWoroniecki / Pixabay

The details of the Southwest credit card

There are two different credit cards available when applying for this deal: the Plus Credit Card and the Premier Credit Card. The perks that come with the two cards are almost exactly the same; however, with the Premier card, you earn 6,000 points on your Cardmember anniversary, compared to 3,000 points with the Plus card. Additionally, the Premier card allows you to earn 1,500 tier qualifying points toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent annually as well as no foreign transaction fees. The annual fee for the Plus card is $69, whereas the annual fee for the Premier card is $99.

Exclusive Southwest Rapid Rewards Consumer Credit Card benefits include:

  • Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners
  • Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare
  • Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on internet, cable, and phone services
  • Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend on everyday purchases
  • 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year
  • 2 EarlyBird Check-In each year
  • 25% back on inflight purchases

Applying for this credit card also provides you with all of the benefits you receive when flying with Southwest Airlines. When you fly Southwest, you can enjoy no change fees, unlimited reward seats with no blackout dates or seat restrictions, and points that never expire. Also, your bags always fly free, so you can avoid extra checked bag charges.

southwest
eyeImage / Pixabay

Get your Southwest Companion Pass today

The Southwest Credit Card is available for application on Chase’s website. To earn your Southwest Airlines Companion Pass, you must spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from the account opening. It is only available to customers who do not currently have a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card and have not received a new Cardmember bonus within the last 24 months. Additionally, it does not apply to Business Card and Employee Credit Card products. 

The promotional Companion Pass is valid through February 28, 2025.

Editors' Recommendations

Amanda Teague
Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer with four years of experience, is a dedicated explorer of both the world and the…
The most common (and weirdest) items found in unclaimed baggage at the airport
close up photo of airport baggage sign

Have you ever wondered what gets left behind at the airport airport? Well, wonder no more! Unclaimed Baggage released its first-ever "Found Report," giving us a glimpse into the fascinating (and sometimes bizarre) items left behind by travelers in 2023. For the uninitiated, Unclaimed Baggage is a retail store that sells unclaimed and lost airline baggage and its contents (after the airlines make every effort to return the luggage to their owners, of course). So what have they found?
The top 40 most fascinating finds of 2023

This list is a wild mix of the wonderful and the weird. Two live snakes slithering around at the airport? Now that's a travel story most people wouldn't want to tell!  Luxury finds like Birkin bags and Rolex watches make you wonder about the frantic searches at the baggage claim.  Musicians will be surprised to see a rare banjolele and a 4-foot tall Ethiopian harp lost in the shuffle, while gamers might mourn the misplaced Atari and Nintendo Super Famicom.  

Read more
How to get over jet lag quickly — Try these effective tips
Forget about jet lag and enjoy your trip
Inside of plane

Jet lag, the dreaded consequence of crossing multiple time zones, can wreak havoc on your body and shake up your travel plans. From headaches, to fatigue, to insomnia, jet lag can leave you feeling drained, making it difficult to enjoy your vacation. However, with a few simple adjustments, you can minimize the effects of jet lag and start enjoying your travels in no time. This is how to get over jet lag.
How long can jet lag last?

While jet lag symptoms are generally temporary and tend to improve as your body adjusts to the new time zone, the duration of jet lag can vary from person to person. A few factors that influence the duration of jet lag include:

Read more
Don’t pack these 9 TSA-prohibited items in your checked baggage
Some of the items may surprise you
Baggage Inspection

As travelers, we are accustomed to meticulously planning what we can and cannot bring in our carry-on luggage, ensuring compliance with airline regulations and security protocols. However, amidst the focus on carry-on restrictions, it’s easy to overlook the limitations imposed on checked baggage. Surprisingly, there is a long list of TSA prohibited items that are strictly banned from being stowed away in the checked compartment of a plane. So, before you zip up your suitcase and bid farewell to your checked bag, let’s explore what items must remain out of sight during your journey. 

What can you take on a plane? TSA prohibited items
When it comes to packing for a flight, we are often well-versed in the restrictions placed on carry-on items, particularly the infamous 3-1-1 liquid rule. Yet, as we organize our carry-ons, it is crucial not to ignore the contents of our checked baggage. While it may seem like a convenient place to store bulkier or less essential items, several objects should never be put in your checked baggage. From flammable materials to certain liquids to popular foods, the restrictions are broad and varied. These are just a few of TSA prohibited items to consider before packing your suitcase.
1. Wrapped presents
Wrapped presents always run the risk of being flagged by security. These wrapped gifts can trigger suspicion or require additional screening, leading to delays and potential damage to your wrapped items. Additionally, if security officials cannot identify the contents of a wrapped gift, they may need to unwrap it entirely.
2. An abundance of cash
Packing an abundance of cash in your checked baggage is ill-advised for several reasons, particularly concerning security and potential legal complications. While no specific TSA regulations limit the amount of cash you can carry domestically, travelers entering the U.S. must declare amounts exceeding $10,000 to customs officials. However, regardless of the amount, carrying a significant sum of cash can attract attention from TSA agents, who have the authority to question you about the source and purpose of the money.

Read more