Podcast 145: How To Earn the Southwest® Companion Pass for Free Flights

Alex

Ever wondered how you can fly someone for free on all your Southwest® flights for the next year or two? The Southwest® Companion Pass® is one of the most valuable perks in travel rewards, especially for families who travel frequently. It allows a companion to fly with you for just taxes and fees, giving you the chance to maximize your trips without extra cost. With recent changes to Southwest® credit cards and policies, knowing how to earn and use the pass effectively is key.

The Travel Mom Squad breaks down the essential strategies for earning the Southwest® Companion Pass® through credit card welcome offers. They explain the main paths to earning enough points to qualify, the timing strategies to avoid common mistakes, and how to coordinate personal and business cards to make the process simpler. The Squad also shares insights on using referral bonuses to get additional points and how to approach the pass if you’re managing multiple cards or family members.

Beyond the basics, you’ll learn advanced strategies, including the “three-card strategy” that allows both partners to hold the pass simultaneously, as well as some of the recent Southwest® credit card updates. By the end of the episode, you will have a clear roadmap for earning the Southwest® Companion Pass®, using it strategically, and making travel with a companion easier and more affordable.

 

What You’ll Discover in This Week’s Points Talk®:

  • How earning enough points qualifies you for the Southwest® Companion Pass®.
  • Strategies for earning the pass through credit card welcome offers and referrals.
  • The timing mistakes to avoid when meeting minimum spend requirements.
  • How the “three-card strategy” allows both partners to have the pass simultaneously.
  • How recent Southwest® credit card updates impact which cards to keep long-term.
  • Differences between personal and business Southwest® cards.
  • Tips for managing cards and companion assignments for maximum benefit.

 

Featured on the Show:

Related to Southwest® Companion Pass:

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Points Talk Travel Mom Squad | How To Earn the Southwest® Companion Pass for Free Flights

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  1. Ann Salyer Cox says:

    I have 124,401/135,000 for the companion pass by receiving my SW Biz Card but already maxing it out. Do I need to finish the points so I get the pass for 2025/2026 or is there any chance I can wait and get the pass for 2026/2027?

    • Pam says:

      You need to earn all 135K points in one calendar year. Those 124K you already earned will only count towards 2025/2026 so you need to earn the rest of the point before your December statement closes.

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