Southwest offering 2-month Companion Pass — all you have to do is book a round trip!
Southwest Airlines is offering travelers a chance to easily score its coveted Companion Pass. For a limited time, you can earn the right to fly with a plus-one at no added cost — simply by booking one round-trip flight.
The offer, which Rapid Rewards members must register for online before booking their next trip, grants a two-month Companion Pass to travelers who purchase either a round-trip flight or two one-way flights by 11:59 p.m. CDT on Aug. 28, Southwest confirmed to TPG.
Travelers then need to fly by Nov. 15.
While many flights qualify for this offer — including Rapid Rewards redemptions and Cash + Points bookings — the carrier's new Basic fares are not eligible.
Passengers who earn one of these promotional Companion Passes can then use it from Jan. 6 to March 6, 2026, allowing them to bring a friend or loved one with them on flights practically for free (not including the cost of taxes and fees, starting at $5.60 one-way).
If you're thinking of booking a handful of winter getaways (such as a flight to Southwest's newest Caribbean destination), this offer can be a way to save hundreds of dollars.
What to know about Southwest's promotional Companion Pass
Pass holders must select a designated companion, but can change that companion up to three times during the two-month period.
"We love offering Companion Pass because it allows Customers — new or long-time Rapid Rewards Members — access to the many benefits of our award-winning loyalty program," a Southwest spokesperson told TPG.
Beyond the return of the popular promotional offer, travelers can earn a yearly Companion Pass by either flying 100 qualifying one-way flights or earning 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. These points can be earned through a variety of methods, including using a qualifying credit card.
Bottom line
The promotion comes as Southwest revamps how it does business.
Last month, the airline started selling assigned seats for flights departing on or after Jan. 27, 2026, as it does away with its long-standing open-seating policy.
Last week, the carrier formalized a new partnership with Taiwan-based China Airlines, and said it would soon launch Rapid Rewards redemptions on international partners.
Related reading:
- The ultimate guide to Southwest credit card eligibility
- How to earn and use the Southwest Companion Pass
- Best Southwest Airlines credit cards
- Expanded Southwest benefits and a great welcome offer: Comparing the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority, Premier and Plus credit cards
- Southwest Rapid Rewards points could soon take you to Asia
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees