The Southwest Companion Pass is the single most valuable perk in domestic travel. Earn it once, and a designated companion flies free on every Southwest flight you take for up to two calendar years. That can mean thousands of dollars in free flights—without burning a single point on the companion ticket. Here is exactly how to earn it, keep it, and maximize its value in 2026.
Why This Matters
Southwest restructured the Companion Pass earning requirements in late 2025, making some paths harder and others surprisingly easier. The 135,000-point threshold remains, but new bonus categories have changed the optimal strategy.
Earning the Pass
The Companion Pass requires 135,000 qualifying points in one calendar year. Apply for two Southwest cards in early January: Priority Card (75,000 bonus) plus Plus Card (50,000 bonus) gets you to 125,000, leaving just 10,000 from base spending.
Timing Matters
Apply in late December or early January so bonuses post in January. This gives nearly two full calendar years of benefits. Your companion flies free (plus $5.60 taxes) on every Southwest flight.
Maximizing Value
- Change your companion up to 3 times per year to rotate travel partners.
- The pass works on award bookings, not just paid flights.
- International routes count including Mexico and the Caribbean.
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