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
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Cons
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- Another drawback is that the annual travel credit can only be used on bookings made through Capital One Business Travel.
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus miles: 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200k miles when you spend $150k in the first 6 months
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
- Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
- With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
- Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
- Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month