For devoted Southwest travelers, this year has been a whirlwind of changes – from baggage rules to boarding procedures and even credit card perks. Yet, amidst all the adjustments, one incredible benefit has remained steadfast: the Southwest Companion Pass. This isn’t just a reward; it’s a key to unlocking nearly buy-one-get-one-free travel with Southwest Airlines.
Imagine bringing a loved one – a partner, child, or friend – along on every Southwest flight, paying only the minimal taxes and fees for their ticket. Even when you redeem your Rapid Rewards points for a flight, your companion flies free. The secret lies in strategically timing your applications for Southwest credit cards to maximize the duration of this coveted pass.
Earning the Companion Pass requires accumulating 135,000 qualifying points within a single calendar year. But the timing of when you *achieve* that number dramatically impacts how long you’ll enjoy the benefit. Earn it late in the year, and it’s valid through the end of the following year. However, earn it early, and you could unlock almost two full years of two-for-one travel.
Consider this: securing the pass in November or December 2025 grants access through the end of 2026. But achieving it in the first quarter of 2026 extends the privilege all the way through December 2027 – a remarkable opportunity for extended savings. The most effective strategy is to begin accumulating points now, aiming for those qualifying points to post in early 2026.
What truly counts towards earning this pass? Qualifying activities include paid flights on Southwest, points earned through Southwest credit cards, and base points from Rapid Rewards partners. However, certain points *don’t* qualify, such as flight bonus points, vacation package bookings, new-member bonuses, or points transferred from other loyalty programs.
Southwest meticulously tracks points posted within the same calendar year. This means your progress resets on January 1st, making those early-year credit card bonus points crucial. The goal is to have those welcome bonus points from new Southwest cards appear in your account during the first few months of 2026.
Currently, Southwest offers several credit cards with substantial welcome bonuses. Applying for a personal or business card – or even combining both – can significantly accelerate your journey to the Companion Pass in 2026 and 2027. Each personal card offers 85,000 points after meeting a spending requirement, plus an additional 10,000 qualifying points towards the pass.
For business owners, Southwest’s business cards provide another avenue. One card offers 80,000 bonus points with a qualifying spend, while another provides 60,000. Strategically pairing a personal and business card is often the most cost-effective way to reach the 135,000-point threshold, potentially netting you over 145,000 points with a reasonable annual fee.
If opening multiple cards isn’t feasible, focusing on a single personal card is a solid approach, bringing you within striking distance of the Companion Pass. Remember, points transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards cards don’t count towards the pass, but they *can* be used to book award travel once you’ve earned it, allowing your companion to fly for just taxes and fees.
Eligibility for these cards is important to consider. There are restrictions on receiving new-cardmember bonuses if you’ve recently held a Southwest credit card. Business card rules are slightly more lenient, allowing you to potentially hold multiple business cards simultaneously. Be mindful of Chase’s 5/24 rule as well, which may impact your approval odds.
The most direct path to the Companion Pass in 2026-2027 is to apply for both a Southwest personal and business card now. Their combined welcome bonuses can often secure the pass outright. If that’s not possible, a single personal card is an excellent starting point. Begin planning your application strategy today to unlock a world of two-for-one travel with Southwest Airlines.
