For frequent flyers seeking travel perks with significant value, the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass is a coveted prize. This exclusive benefit allows you to designate a companion who can fly with you on unlimited domestic Southwest flights for just the cost of taxes and fees, typically starting at $5.60 each way.
Here’s our comprehensive guide to unlocking the potential of the Companion Pass and maximizing your domestic travel opportunities:
Earning the Pass: Two Paths to Freedom
There are two primary ways to qualify for the Companion Pass:
- Fly 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year: This method demands frequent flying, making it ideal for business travelers or those residing near a major Southwest hub.
- Earn 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year: This option offers more flexibility, allowing you to accumulate points through various means, including:
- Booking revenue flights with Southwest: Each flight earns points based on the fare class.
- Using Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards: Everyday purchases with these cards contribute towards your point balance.
- Earning points from Rapid Rewards partners: Hotels, car rentals, and other partners offer points for eligible activities.
- Earning Credit Card Sign-Up-Bonuses: Signing up for a new Southwest Credit Card and earning the sign up bonus adds those bonus points to your annual requirement of points to obtain the Companion Pass.
Leveraging the Pass for Smart Domestic Travel:
Once you possess the Companion Pass, strategic planning can significantly enhance its value:
- Plan flights in advance: Southwest operates a unique system without assigned seating. Booking early increases your chances of securing desirable seats together.
- Consider non-peak travel times: Flying during off-peak hours or weekdays can lead to lower fares, maximizing the cost savings for your companion.
- Combine the Pass with other travel rewards: Utilize points or miles from other programs to cover your own flight costs while your companion flies for minimal fees.
Credit Cards: Your Ticket to Faster Qualification
Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase offer a significant advantage in acquiring the Companion Pass:
- Welcome bonuses: Many cards offer substantial bonus points upon meeting spending requirements, accelerating your point accumulation which all count towards the necessary requirement to obtaining your Companion Pass.
- Points multipliers: Earn bonus points on specific categories like Southwest purchases or travel, further boosting your point balance.
- Annual Companion Pass: During certain limited-time promotions, Southwest will offer the Companion Pass itself as the credit card Sign Up Bonus.
Navigating Personal vs. Business Cards
Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards come in both personal and business versions, each with its own advantages for obtaining the Companion Pass:
Personal Cards:
- Wider selection: More personal cards are available, offering varying bonus structures and annual fees to suit diverse spending habits.
- Lower annual fees: Generally more affordable than business cards when looking at the entry level options, making them suitable for individual travelers.
- Automatic Companion Pass: Southwest and Chase will roll out limited-time offers where a single SW credit card is enough to get you the coveted CP. You miss out on a fair amount of points this way, but don’t have to worry about 2 credit inquiries or 2 separate minimum spend requirements.
Business Cards:
- Different Bonus Categories: These cards offer variations to the bonus categories you’ll find on the personal card options. Review these carefully, as your specific business may benefit from one set of bonus categories vs another.
- No Impact to Your 5/24 Score: Since these cards don’t directly report to an individual’s personal credit report, they don’t add to the number of cards that individual holds. This means that adding these cards to your wallet will have no impact on your 5/24 score. Not sure why that’s important? Read our post about 5/24 here.
Still not sure which card to choose? Not sure if you qualify for a business card? We’ve got you covered – Set up a complimentary consultation with thePointsPage team to talk through your options and help understand your eligibility.
Choosing the Right Card
The optimal choice depends on your individual needs and spending patterns. Review the tables above to see which cards offer you the best bang for your buck, and most bonus category points based on your normal, everyday spend.
If all you’re looking for is the Companion Pass, the current limited-time promotional offer of the CP+30k bonus miles isn’t a bad deal, but not the best. You could earn a whole heck of a lot more points after this promo is over by just applying for a personal + business version of the SW cards instead. You’d still earn your CP, but would also have quite a healthy balance of miles to get you where you want to go (and your companion!).
Rather pick up one of the business cards but you aren’t sure how to fill out the application? We can help!
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Getting to the Point
The Southwest Airlines Companion Pass holds immense potential for cost-effective domestic travel with a companion. By understanding the qualification methods, strategic utilization, and credit card benefits, you can unlock its full potential and embark on unforgettable adventures with your loved ones. Remember, thorough research and planning are key to maximizing the value of this valuable travel perk.
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