The Easiest Way I’ve Seen To Earn The Southwest Companion Pass

The Southwest Airlines Companion Pass is one of my all-time favorite benefits from any airline loyalty program.  The Companion Pass allows the holder to bring someone along for virtually free (just the taxes and fees, which on most flights are just $5.60).  You get a free companion ticket on every flight regardless of whether you pay cash or use Rapid Rewards points for your ticket. And, right now you can earn a Companion Pass for almost a year without ever stepping foot on a plane.  My podcast co-host Richard actually talked himself into taking advantage of this offer on our most recent episode.

Note: I don’t have any affiliate links for these credit cards, so I don’t earn anything if you sign up for one of the cards.

Southwest Credit Card Sign-Up Earns Companion Pass & 30,000 Points

Usually the best Southwest credit card offers give you a nice chunk of Rapid Rewards points.  In a few cases in the past, you could earn a Companion Pass for a limited time.  However, right now you can earn 30,000 points and a companion pass through the end of February, 2024 when you’re approved for one of four Southwest credit cards.

There are three personal cards and one business credit card to choose from.  The annual fees are pretty reasonable, with the most affordable costing only $69 per year.  And, the spending requirements to qualify for the 30,000 bonus points and Companion Pass is also quite reasonable, at $4,000 in purchases in the first three months.

Over 120 Destinations

Southwest Airlines isn’t a small airline anymore.  They service over 120 destinations and have also (somewhat quietly) built an international footprint.

Some of their international routes don’t have a ton of frequencies, but when you fold in their Hawaii operation Southwest can really carry you to some pretty awesome destinations.  I’ll be honest, there were even a few destinations on this map I wasn’t aware of (Aruba, Turks and Caicos, Punta Cana).

The Final Two Pennies

The only real downside is if you don’t live in a city with ample connecting flow.  Southwest Airlines has the most flights in Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago (Midway), Denver and Houston (Hobby).  The closest airport to my house is Washington-Dulles.  We only have service to Atlanta, Chicago and Denver and not very much of it.  I could drive to DCA or BWI for plenty more flights but that also requires dealing with DC traffic.

Even with that caveat, I think I’d be in the market for a Southwest credit card if I hadn’t just been approved for both the World of Hyatt Business Card and the United Club Infinite Card.  A free flight for one of our family members every time we fly to Orlando would be clutch.  And, international service out of Baltimore means getting a free ticket to some pretty cool destinations.

You have until March 13th to sign-up for one of these cards.  Unless you’re a solo traveler or don’t live near a Southwest airport, this deal should definitely be on your radar.

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And, I hope you’ll check out my podcast, Miles To Go.  We cover the latest travel news, tips and tricks every week so you can save money while you travel better.  From Disney to Dubai, San Francisco to Sydney, American Airlines to WestJet, we’ve got you covered!