Hey Parents~
You know that moment when you go to book a flight for your family of 4 to go home and see grandma and you CRINGE at the price of those flights? Even if you’re pretty good at using points and miles to book these flights, airfare can quickly gobble up your point savings!
Now imagine what it would be like to cut your family’s airfare costs in HALF for nearly two years straight.
No – this is not a limited time deal or a travel fantasy… it’s the reality for families who master the Southwest Companion Pass strategy. Here’s how you can fly two people for the cost of one for nearly 2 full years.
What Exactly Is The Southwest Companion Pass?
Let’s get straight to it: The Southwest Companion Pass allows you to designate one person who flies FREE with you (just pay taxes and fees, usually about $5.60 each way for domestic flights) on both paid and points and miles bookings. Yes, you read that correctly—your companion flies essentially FREE whether you pay cash or use points/miles for your ticket.
And the best part? Unlike most airline companion certificates that are one-time use, the Southwest Companion Pass is valid from the moment you earn it until the END of the following calendar year. That means if you time it right (more on that strategy below), you can get nearly TWO YEARS of free companion flights.
For families, this is a secret weapon. Here’s why:
- A family of four only needs to pay for three tickets (saving 25% on total airfare)
- A family of three only pays for two tickets (saving 33%)
- You can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year
- The pass works on both international and domestic routes
- No blackout dates—if there’s a seat available, your companion can fly
In 2023 alone, we saved $3,468 using our Companion Pass. That’s real money back in our family travel budget that we used for experiences (and food) instead.
The Fastest Way To Earn Southwest Companion Pass
Want to fast-track your way to the Companion Pass? Here’s the current best strategy using Southwest credit cards:
Step 1: Apply for a Southwest Personal Credit Card
Choose from:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
All three currently offer a sign-up bonus of 50,000 Rapid Rewards points after spending $1,000 in the first three months. The differences are mainly in annual fees and perks. It’s worth it to note that in this time where Southwest is changing how they operate (including charging for baggage) these cards will continue to give you the perk of no baggage fees.
Step 2: Apply for a Southwest Business Credit Card
While there are 2 Southwest Business card options, in order to earn the pass, you’ve got to earn 135,000 qualifying points in a year. So to hit that, you will have to open this card:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card (offering 80,000 points after $5,000 spend)
Pro Tip:
You don’t need a formal business to qualify for a business credit card! If you sell on eBay, do freelance work, or have a side hustle, you can apply as a sole proprietor using your SSN. Check out this post to learn more about how you can qualify.
By earning both sign-up bonuses (personal card + business card), you’ll have at least 136,000 points/miles (80,000 + 60,000) plus the points from meeting minimum spend requirements, putting you just over the 135,000 points needed for the Companion Pass in 2025.
Timing Is EVERYTHING: The January Strategy
Here’s where strategy becomes crucial. To maximize your Companion Pass, you want to earn it as early in the calendar year as possible since it’s valid until December 31st of the following year.
I seriously messed this up with my first Companion Pass! I earned it in October, getting only about 15 months of value instead of nearly 24 months – don’t do what I did!
You’re better off following this timeline:
- October-November 2025: Apply for your first Southwest card
- December 2025: Meet the minimum spending requirement, but time it so the points post in January 2026 (points typically post a few days after your statement closes)
- January 2026: Apply for your second Southwest card
- February-March 2026: Complete minimum spend on the second card
With this approach, all qualifying points will post in early 2026, earning you the Companion Pass until December 31, 2027—that’s nearly two full years of buy-one-get-one flights!
But if you’ve got a lot going on (like me) and there’s a possibility of mom brain kicking in… it’s safest to wait until January to open the 1st Southwest Card. So long as you can meet the minimum spend requirements fairly quickly, it won’t set you back too far with your timing.
IMPORTANT:
Credit card points and miles only count toward Companion Pass when they post to your account. So if your December statement closes on December 15th and you’ve met the spending requirement, those points will post in December and count toward 2025—not what we want! So if you are starting in October… wait until after your December statement closes before completing the minimum spend.
How To Use Your Companion Pass
Traveling back home to see family, heading to Mexico or Hawaii with the kids in tow? Here are some of my favorite ways you could use the Southwest Companion Pass:
Spring Break in San Diego
Let’s say you live in the midwest…
- 4 round-trip tickets from Chicago to San Diego could cost: ~$1,876
- OR you could fly Southwest with Companion Pass: ~$1,407 (25% savings)
- Plus if you used points for two of the tickets, you’d bring your out-of-pocket cost down to just ~$584!
Summer Weekend in New York City
Let’s say you live in the south and want to head to the big city…
- 4 round-trip tickets from Nashville could cost: ~$1,542
- OR you could use the SW Companion Pass and pay ~$1,156 (25% savings)
Thanksgiving in Denver with the Grandparents
This one is close to my heart b/c we’ve done this many times! Let’s say you live in the west and want to visit Denver for the holidays…
- 4 round-trip tickets from Houston during peak holiday travel: ~$2,104
- With the Companion Pass: ~$1,578 (25% savings)
Quick Weekend to Disney World
From Texas:
- 4 round-trip tickets from Dallas: ~$1,216
- But with the Companion Pass: ~$912 (25% savings)
It’s important to understand that not all routes offer the same value. For short, inexpensive flights, the savings might be modest. It’s on the longer, pricier routes (even if you’re booking with points and miles) where the Companion Pass really shines.
(Note: all of the above fare prices are based on what I’m seeing in today’s prices. They’re meant to be used for general example purposes).
Best Destinations for Families Using the Companion Pass
Southwest’s route network has expanded significantly in recent years, now including some international destinations that are perfect for family travel. Here are my top picks:
1. Orlando, Florida
The ultimate family destination with Disney World, Universal Studios, and endless kid-friendly activities. Southwest typically offers multiple daily flights from most of their hubs.
2. San Diego, California
LEGOLAND, the famous San Diego Zoo + Safari Park, beautiful beaches, and perfect weather make this a family favorite. We’ve found award availability to be excellent on this route.
3. Cancun, Mexico
Southwest’s international routes to Mexico offer incredible value with the Companion Pass, especially during winter months when prices to warm destinations soar.
4. Denver, Colorado
Gateway to the Rocky Mountains, with family-friendly activities in all seasons. Great for both summer hiking and winter skiing trips. Plan your trip to Denver here.
5. Las Vegas, Nevada
Hear me out—Vegas has evolved into a surprisingly family-friendly destination with incredible pools, shows, and access to natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park.
6. New Orleans, Louisiana
Rich culture, amazing food, and fascinating history make this a great educational trip for families with older kids. Check out everything to do here.
7. Chicago, Illinois
World-class museums, parks, and food make the Windy City a perfect family getaway. Check out things to do and see here.
When planning your Companion Pass strategy, consider which of these destinations appeal to your family and check Southwest’s route map from your home airport.
Off The Beaten Path: Lesser-Known Southwest Destinations
While everyone knows Southwest flies to major cities, they also serve some fantastic smaller destinations that fly under the radar:
1. Bozeman, Montana
Gateway to Yellowstone National Park and some of the most stunning natural landscapes in America. Click here to plan your trip. Perfect for outdoorsy families or anyone who’s a mega fan of the Kevin Costner show “Yellowstone”.
2. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
More laid-back than Cancun, with gorgeous beaches and family-friendly resorts that are perfect for a relaxing vacation. Check it out!
3. Charleston, South Carolina
Historic charm, beautiful beaches, and amazing food make this a wonderful educational family trip. See for yourself.
4. Grand Cayman
Crystal clear waters and the famous Stingray City make this a memorable destination for families who enjoy snorkeling and beach activities. Who wouldn’t want this?!
5. Steamboat Springs, Colorado
A family-friendly ski destination that’s less crowded than the major resorts, with Southwest flying directly into Hayden airport. I spent a lot of my childhood here and have only amazing reviews of it!
6. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Some of the world’s most beautiful beaches are accessible with your Companion Pass! Mind blowing, right? Plan your trip here!
7. Belize City, Belize
Adventure seekers will love this destination for its jungle expeditions, Mayan ruins, and world-class snorkeling. It’s so dreamy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid with the Companion Pass
I’ve helped dozens of families earn their own Companion Pass, and I’ve seen the same mistakes pop up repeatedly:
1. Bad Timing
Earning your pass too late in the year drastically reduces its value. Remember, aim for January/February qualification to maximize the benefit period.
2. Not Meeting Minimum Spend Requirements
Credit card welcome bonuses have spending thresholds that must be met within a specific timeframe. Missing these means missing out on the bonus points—and potentially the Companion Pass.
3. Transferring Points from Chase
While Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to Southwest, these transfers DO NOT count toward Companion Pass qualification. This is a heartbreaking lesson some learn too late.
4. Not Planning for the 5/24 Rule
Chase’s infamous “5/24 rule” means you generally won’t be approved for new Chase cards if you’ve opened 5 or more credit cards (from any issuer) in the past 24 months. Plan your credit card applications accordingly.
5. Using the Pass for Low-Value Routes
The Companion Pass offers the most value on expensive routes during peak travel times. Using it exclusively for $79 flights doesn’t maximize its potential.
Is the Southwest Companion Pass Right for Your Family?
While I’m clearly a huge fan, the Companion Pass isn’t for everyone. You’re better off pursuing this strategy if:
- You live near an airport served by Southwest
- You primarily travel domestically or to the Caribbean/Mexico
- You can comfortably meet credit card minimum spending requirements
- You have at least fair credit (670+ FICO score)
- You’re organized enough to track application timing and point posting dates
If you’re looking for premium international travel in business class, other points strategies might serve you better. But for families seeking affordable domestic travel, the Companion Pass is unbeatable.
Ready to Transform Your Family Travel?
The Southwest Companion Pass can fundamentally change the way your family approaches travel. Instead of spending your vacation budget on trips home to see the family, you can now afford several trips throughout the year—including spring break adventures, and summer explorations!
More importantly, when combined with points and miles knowledge, it can allow you to say “yes” to travel opportunities that would have otherwise been financially out of reach. Imagine what it would be like if your daughter’s dance team qualified for nationals in Orlando and you didn’t have to stress about the cost of last-minute flights. Or how it would feel to be able to jump on a plane to celebrate your parents 50th anniversary, or your nephew’s high school graduation.
That’s why mastering travel points and the Southwest Companion Pass isn’t just about saving money—it’s about creating opportunities for family experiences that might otherwise never happen. And that’s kind of the entire point of family travel, isn’t it?
Want my step-by-step roadmap to earning hundreds of thousands of credit card rewards and then leveraging them for nearly FREE family travel? Check out Travel Points Academy for two comprehensive courses on everything you need to know about points and miles.
Here’s to you and your next nearly FREE family vacation!
XO,
