Southwest Airlines' Companion Pass lets a designated traveler fly for only taxes and fees when you redeem points for your own ticket. The easiest way to earn it is about to change.
Two Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer large initial bonuses before the airline's rules shift in 2027. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card provides 90,000 bonus points after $3,000 in spending within three months, with a $229 annual fee. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card offers 80,000 bonus points after $1,000 in spending within three months, with a $99 annual fee.
Applicants must apply by December 2, 2026 and be approved to use these bonuses toward a Companion Pass valid through December 31, 2027. Under 2026 rules, earning 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year earns the pass. Southwest credit card customers receive a 10,000-point qualifying boost, meaning cardholders effectively need 125,000 more points after the boost.
The Priority card's 90,000-point bonus plus the 10,000-point boost reaches 100,000 points, leaving a 35,000-point gap. The Plus card's 80,000-point bonus plus the boost reaches 90,000 points, leaving a 45,000-point gap. Purchase points made to earn the bonus also count toward qualification.
Priority offers better seat benefits, including preferred or standard seat selection at booking and extra legroom upgrades within 48 hours of departure for the cardmember and up to 8 passengers on the same reservation. Priority earns 4 points per dollar on Southwest purchases. Plus earns 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases and 2 points per dollar at gas stations and grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined purchases annually.
Starting in 2027, initial bonuses generally stop counting toward Companion Pass qualification. A transition exception preserves the initial bonus for customers who apply by December 2, 2026, are approved, and meet spending requirements. Purchase points must post to the Rapid Rewards account in 2026 to count; spending posted in January will not count.
Once earned, the Companion Pass lets you book your own Southwest flight and add your designated companion at no cost beyond taxes and fees, starting at $5.60 one-way. You can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year. Chase's usual restrictions apply: you cannot currently hold a Southwest personal credit card, and you cannot have received an initial bonus on any Southwest personal card in the past 24 months.