Southwest Is Experimenting With a New Companion Pass Perk [Targeted]
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.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app