What is the cheapest way to book flights with the Southwest Companion Pass?

The cheapest way is to book during Southwest’s fare sales or use Rapid Rewards points for your ticket while adding your companion for only the cost of taxes and fees. Combine these strategies to maximize savings.

Can I use the Southwest Companion Pass for international flights?

Yes, the Companion Pass is valid for Southwest's international destinations. You only need to pay the applicable government taxes and fees for your companion.

How do I add my companion to an existing Southwest flight booking?

To add a companion, log into your Southwest Rapid Rewards account, select the flight under "My Trips," and click “Add Companion.” Follow the steps to confirm and pay taxes or fees.

What should I know before booking Southwest flights with the Companion Pass?

Ensure your companion is already designated, book early to secure seats, and remember that companion tickets are subject to availability. You may also need to contact customer service if changing your companion.

Are there any restrictions on using the Southwest Companion Pass during flight sales?

No, you can use the Companion Pass even during sales. However, it’s best to act quickly, as sale seats and companion tickets are subject to availability.

Use Southwest Companion Pass

Booking Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most rewarding experiences for frequent flyers. If you have earned this coveted pass, you're entitled to bring a companion with you on flights for almost no cost. In this guide, we'll show you exactly how to book using the Companion Pass and make the most out of your travel rewards.

Southwest Companion Pass: Everything You Need to Know

The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most valuable perks for frequent flyers who travel with Southwest Airlines. With this benefit, you can designate a companion to fly with you for free (excluding taxes and fees) on any Southwest flight that you book, even if you’ve already purchased the ticket!

What is the Southwest Companion Pass?

The Southwest Companion Pass allows a designated companion to fly with you for free on both paid and award flights. All you need to pay is the taxes and fees for their ticket. This pass is available for both personal and business travel, making it an exceptional benefit for anyone who flies regularly with Southwest Airlines.

How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass

To earn the Southwest Companion Pass, you must earn a total of 135,000 Rapid Rewards points or complete 100 qualifying one-way flights within a calendar year. Here are some ways to reach that goal:

Earn Points Through Flights: Every paid flight with Southwest earns you Rapid Rewards points.
Sign Up for a Southwest Credit Card: You can earn a large number of points with Southwest co-branded credit cards. For example, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card offers points as a welcome bonus.
Book Hotel Stays or Car Rentals: Through Southwest’s hotel and car rental partners, you can earn additional points.
Purchase Points: If you're close to earning the Companion Pass, Southwest allows you to purchase points to bridge the gap.

Benefits of the Southwest Companion Pass

The Companion Pass offers numerous advantages, including:

Free Travel for Your Companion: The biggest benefit is the ability to fly your companion for free, which is perfect for couples, friends, and families.
Unlimited Use: You can use the Companion Pass on any Southwest flight, as long as a seat is available. There is no limit to how many times you can use the pass in a year.
Valid for Both Paid and Award Flights: Whether you purchase your flight with cash or use points, you can still apply the Companion Pass to book your companion’s ticket.
Transferable: If your companion can’t travel, you can transfer the pass to another person.

How to Use the Southwest Companion Pass

Once you’ve earned the Southwest Companion Pass, here’s how you can use it:

Log Into Your Rapid Rewards Account: Go to Southwest’s website and log into your Rapid Rewards account.
Select Your Flight: Choose any available Southwest flight for yourself and your companion.
Designate Your Companion: After selecting the flight, you’ll be prompted to select your companion. This can be anyone who you designate for the pass.
Pay Taxes and Fees: You will need to pay the taxes and fees for your companion's ticket, which usually ranges between $5 to $20 for domestic flights.
Enjoy the Flight: Once you’ve completed the booking process, both you and your companion are ready to fly!

Restrictions and Important Rules of the Southwest Companion Pass

While the Companion Pass is a fantastic perk, there are some important rules and restrictions to be aware of:

Companion Must Be Booked in Advance: You must book the companion’s ticket at the same time as your own. The companion must fly on the same itinerary as you.
Seat Availability: The Companion Pass is only valid when a seat is available on the flight. If the flight is sold out, you won’t be able to book a companion ticket.
Expiration: The Companion Pass is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which you earn it, plus the entire following year.
Not Valid for International Flights: The pass can only be used for domestic flights within the U.S. and on some flights to and from Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. International flight availability may vary.

Final Thoughts on the Southwest Companion Pass

The Southwest Companion Pass is a powerful benefit for travelers who want to share their journeys with a companion. It provides unparalleled flexibility, allowing for unlimited free travel for your companion once you’ve earned it. Whether you’re planning to travel for business or leisure, the Companion Pass is an excellent way to save money and enjoy more time with loved ones. To start earning yours, visit the Southwest website and sign up for Rapid Rewards today!

Cheapest Way to Book Flights with Southwest Companion Pass

Using the Southwest Companion Pass is already a cost-saving perk, but there are even smarter ways to minimize your travel expenses. Here’s how to maximize your savings:

Book During Fare Sales: Southwest frequently runs sales, such as their Wanna Get Away promotions. Combine these deals with your Companion Pass to get ultra-low fares for both you and your companion.
Use Points for Your Ticket: If you have Southwest Rapid Rewards points, book your ticket using points and add your companion for just the cost of taxes and fees.
Travel Off-Peak: Avoid booking flights during peak travel periods like holidays or weekends to secure cheaper fares.
Monitor Southwest Deals: Set up airfare alerts or regularly check their official website for discounted flights.

Combining these strategies ensures that you can stretch your travel budget while making full use of the Southwest Companion Pass.

Booking Southwest Companion Pass for International Flights

Many travelers are surprised to learn that the Southwest Companion Pass can also be used for international flights. This is a fantastic way to save big on your next getaway abroad.

Here’s how you can book international flights with the Companion Pass:

Choose Southwest’s International Destinations: Southwest offers flights to destinations in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Visit their destinations page to see available routes.
Book Your Ticket: Book your flight as you normally would, either with points or cash.
Add Your Companion: Once your booking is confirmed, go to the "My Trips" section and add your companion to the itinerary.

Taxes and Fees: For international flights, you'll pay slightly higher fees for your companion due to additional government taxes. However, it’s still significantly cheaper than purchasing a second ticket outright.

Check out Southwest’s FAQs for more details about international travel policies.

What to Know Before Booking Southwest Companion Pass Flights

Before booking flights with your Southwest Companion Pass, there are a few key details to keep in mind to ensure a smooth travel experience:

1. Your Companion Must Be Designated

You can only designate one companion at a time. If you wish to change companions, you’ll need to contact Southwest, and the change might take several days to process.

2. Companion Pass Applies to All Fare Classes

Whether you book Wanna Get Away, Anytime, or Business Select fares, you can add your companion. However, early check-in benefits for Business Select are not extended to your companion.

3. Availability Matters

Your companion's seat is subject to availability. It's best to add your companion as soon as you book your flight to secure their spot.

Check Southwest’s official customer service resources for additional rules about using the Companion Pass.

How to Add a Companion When Booking Southwest Flights

Adding a companion to your Southwest booking is simple. Follow these steps to ensure your travel partner is included:

Log In: Access your Southwest Rapid Rewards account and navigate to the "My Trips" section.
Select Your Flight: Choose the flight you want to add a companion to.
Add Your Companion: Click "Add Companion" and select the designated companion from your profile. Pay the applicable taxes and fees.
Confirmation: Once added, your companion will receive a separate confirmation number for their ticket.

If you need to change the companion on your booking, you’ll need to contact Southwest’s customer service directly.

For detailed guidance, visit Southwest's official support page.

Southwest Companion Pass Booking Policy Explained

Understanding the policies surrounding the Southwest Companion Pass is essential for hassle-free bookings. Below are key highlights of the booking policy:

1. Who Qualifies?

Only Rapid Rewards members who have earned the Companion Pass can use it. You must meet the required points threshold or complete a set number of Southwest flights within a calendar year to qualify.

2. Companion Changes

You can change your designated companion up to three times per year. Changes must be made through Southwest’s customer service and cannot be done online.

3. Taxes and Fees

Although the companion’s ticket is free, you’ll still need to pay applicable taxes and fees. For domestic flights, this is typically under $6, while international flights may incur higher costs.

4. Flight Cancellations

If you cancel your flight, your companion’s ticket is automatically canceled. Refunds or rebookings are handled according to Southwest’s cancellation policy.

For more details, refer to the official Companion Pass policy page.

What is the cheapest way to book flights with the Southwest Companion Pass?
The cheapest way is to book during Southwest’s fare sales or use Rapid Rewards points for your ticket while adding your companion for only the cost of taxes and fees. Combine these strategies to maximize savings.
Can I use the Southwest Companion Pass for international flights?
Yes, the Companion Pass is valid for Southwest's international destinations. You only need to pay the applicable government taxes and fees for your companion.
How do I add my companion to an existing Southwest flight booking?
To add a companion, log into your Southwest Rapid Rewards account, select the flight under "My Trips," and click “Add Companion.” Follow the steps to confirm and pay taxes or fees.
What should I know before booking Southwest flights with the Companion Pass?
Ensure your companion is already designated, book early to secure seats, and remember that companion tickets are subject to availability. You may also need to contact customer service if changing your companion.
Are there any restrictions on using the Southwest Companion Pass during flight sales?
No, you can use the Companion Pass even during sales. However, it’s best to act quickly, as sale seats and companion tickets are subject to availability.

Conclusion

The Southwest Companion Pass is an unparalleled travel perk, offering significant savings for frequent flyers. Whether you’re booking domestic or international flights, understanding how to maximize its benefits is key. From learning the cheapest ways to book to navigating booking policies, these tips will help you make the most out of your pass. Remember, planning ahead and staying informed about Southwest promotions can further enhance your travel experience. Start booking today and take advantage of this amazing travel deal!

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