How to Book Flights with the Southwest Companion Pass

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How to Book Flights with the Southwest Companion Pass

 

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Ever heard of Southwest’s Companion Pass and wondered how to actually use it? It’s one of the best airline perks in the U.S.—essentially a “buy one, get one” deal for flights. With it, you can bring your chosen companion along for just taxes and fees (usually $5.60 one-way on domestic trips).


But here’s the catch: earning it is only half the story. Knowing how to book flights with it is what unlocks the real savings. Let’s break it down step by step.

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What Is the Southwest Companion Pass?​

The Southwest Companion Pass lets you pick one person to fly with you for nearly free every time you purchase or redeem a flight. You pay only the mandatory taxes and fees.

• It’s valid for the year you earn it + the following calendar year.
• Frequent flyer blogs estimate its value at over $3,000 annually for travelers who use it regularly.
• Real-world example: A traveler who earned it in February stretched the benefit for almost two full years of two-for-one flights.

Visual idea: infographic showing the validity timeline.

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How to Qualify for the Companion Pass (Quick Overview)​

You can qualify in two ways:

1. Earn 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year.
2. Fly 100 one-way flights with Southwest in the same year.

Most people hit the requirement through Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card bonuses plus regular spending. Once you qualify, you can designate your companion immediately.

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Step-by-Step: How to Book Flights with Companion Pass​

Step 1 – Book Your Own Flight​

• You can book with cash or Rapid Rewards points.
• Book as usual on the Southwest website or app.

Step 2 – Add Your Companion​

• Log into your Rapid Rewards account.
• Go to “My Trips” → select your flight → “Add Companion.”
• Your companion will only owe taxes and fees.

Step 3 – Confirm & Manage​

• Your companion will get their own confirmation number.
• Both of you must check in separately at the 24-hour mark.
• Pro tip: Set reminders so you don’t end up in Group C.

Need help walking through the booking process? Call (831-298-4213) for quick guidance.


Visual idea: screenshot mockup of the booking steps.

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Tips to Maximize the Southwest Companion Pass​

• Book early for popular routes: Flights can sell out before you add your companion.
• Pair with Southwest sales: A $59 fare becomes even sweeter when your companion flies for only $5.60 in fees.
• Redeem points for your ticket: Since your companion still flies almost free, your points stretch twice as far.
• Switch companions strategically: You can change your designated companion up to three times per year.

Traveler story: A couple used their pass for 20+ flights in a single year, saving over $4,000 in airfare.

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Common Questions About Booking with Companion Pass​

• Can you use it on international flights? Yes, but taxes are higher (think $80–$120 depending on the country).
• What if the main traveler cancels? The companion’s ticket is automatically canceled.
• Can you change your companion? Yes, up to three times each calendar year.

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Final Thoughts — Booking Made Simple with Companion Pass​

The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most generous perks in air travel. Once you’ve earned it, booking flights is easy: book your own ticket, add your companion, and both of you are set to fly. Think of it as a permanent two-for-one deal—as long as you use it wisely.


Call (831-298-4213) today to compare Southwest fares and get help booking with your Companion Pass so you can start flying smarter (and cheaper).