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Southwest Is Experimenting With a New Companion Pass Perk [Targeted]

Oct. 18, 2017
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2 min read
Southwest Airlines Participates in Annual Kidd's Kids Event
Southwest Is Experimenting With a New Companion Pass Perk [Targeted]
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Southwest is experimenting with its beloved Companion Pass. The carrier is sending out emails to some Companion Pass holders that for a limited time, their designated companion can board with them.

TPG reader Chris O. sent us the email he received regarding this limited-time test. Between October 18 and November 8, 2017, companions will be able to stand with the Companion Pass holder at their boarding position. The CP holder must present their valid Companion Pass along with boarding pass to the gate agent, and the companion's name must match what's listed on the Companion card. At this time, the test is only available on flights departing from Denver (DEN) or Dallas Love Field (DAL).

It's not clear if Southwest is targeting Companion Pass holders based on their home base. It could be possible that only DEN- and DAL-based flyers are being targeted at this point. However, it's also possible to think that if the test goes well, this could be expanded to all Companion Pass holders.

If this sticks around, it could be a huge addition for the Pass. It definitely makes a lot of sense that if you have a traveling companion, you're going to want to sit next to them. However, with Southwest's current boarding process, it's possible for a CP holder and their companion to be split up. If they don't check in at the same time, it's possible that adjacent seats won't be available after boarding at different times.

As a reminder, the Southwest Companion Pass is widely regarded as one of the most valuable frequent flyer perks out there. With it, you can designate someone to fly (almost) for free on any Southwest flight. You just have to pay the taxes and fees on the ticket. Plus, you could get it for two whole years if you qualify for it at the right time, as it’s valid for the remainder of the year in which you get it plus the entire following calendar year. Check out this post for more information on how you can earn the Companion Pass for almost two full years.

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.