Southwest Airlines has long been a customer favorite: They still give you two free checked bags, and there’s no charge for flight changes or cancelations. The loyalty program is one of the best, too.
Recently, Travel + Leisure broke down how to get a free companion seat on Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program.
The pass is earned when you fly 100 flights or accumulate 110,000 Companion Pass Qualifying Points in a calendar year. This earns you Companion Pass Status, which comes in addition to the points you’ve earned.
“That means you can take a designated companion with you whenever you buy or use points for a Southwest ticket, paying only nominal government fees. And get this — the status is good for the whole year that you qualify and the following year. So the earlier you get your Companion Pass in a calendar year, the more time you have to maximize it. For example, if you qualify on February 15, 2016, it will be valid until December 31, 2017,” writes T + L.
You can earn these points by flying, but also through signing up for a Southwest credit card from Chase, by transferring qualifying hotel points to Southwest, by shopping on Southwest’s online portal, by renting cars from companies like Hertz, Dollar and Alamo, and by enrolling in the Rapid Rewards Dining program and dining out.
Read This Next
Fly Cheaply in Europe
Destination
Oct 29, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedCruises
May 12, 2025HX Expeditions Launches New Culinary Program to Celebrate the Flavors of Greenland
HX Expeditions recently announced a partnership with renowned Greelandic chef Inunnguaq Hegelund to develop a culinary program celebrating the rich and diverse flavors of Greenland. The program will include curated menus, collaborative recipes and culinary lectures, and it will launch May 24 aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen.
Sponsored Content
AmaWaterways’ Specialty River Cruises
When you embark on a river cruise with award-winning AmaWaterways, unpack once and step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences. With enriching excursions, exquisite locally sourced food and wine, nightly entertainment and more included in the fare, you will learn why AmaWaterways has the most returning guests out of any river cruise line.
Hotel
May 12, 2025Maldives Resort Introduces New Conservation Package for Manta Ray Season
Just because Earth Day already passed doesn’t mean you can’t still put sustainability first during travels. Plan an eco-friendly trip to Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives, a resort currently offering a new marine conservation package blending adventure, natural beauty and meaningful connection.
Cruises
May 12, 2025What to Expect from World’s Largest Cruise Terminal
MSC Cruises recently inaugurated the world’s largest cruise terminal — MSC Miami Cruise Terminal at PortMiami. The terminal, which measures nearly 500,000 square feet, can process up to 36,000 cruise passengers daily. Despite the crowds, though, this terminal was built with a stress-free experience in mind.
Hotel
May 9, 2025Nobu Expands into Oman
Well-known luxury hospitality brand Nobu expands into Oman with the new Nobu Hotel, Restaurant and Residences Muscat. The property is being developed in partnership with Oman Tourism Development Company and Enevoria Development, and follows Nobu’s recent announcement of a property set to debut in the United Arab Emirates. Other Nobu projects are also currently underway in Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Hotel
May 9, 2025Sound Baths: The New Vacation Must-Have and Where to Find Them
Sound therapy is sweeping the nation and has even infiltrated the luxury travel market. More and more travelers seek out sound bath experiences to help reduce pain and tension, improve heart rates and moods, and lower depression. These luxury hotels embrace the trend:
ShareThis