Thousands of People Got the Southwest Companion Pass This Week. Except They Didn't.
A number of Southwest Airlines travelers woke up to some unexpected major excitement in their inboxes this week: The carrier notified them they that they had earned the coveted Southwest Companion Pass valid for travel through the end of 2019:
For those who don't know, the Companion Pass is one of the "holy grails" of points- and miles-based travel. A Companion Pass holder who books a Southwest flight is able to use that pass to book a travel companion for free, except for requisite airport taxes and fees.
Not only does the Companion Pass essentially create a BOGO on purchased flights, the incredible perk even works on award flights. I've been able to book trips for two people to New Orleans for as low as 1,385 Southwest Rapid Rewards points one-way using this perk, and thousands of other travelers have similar "magic moments" stories, including families who have strategically doubled up Companion Passes to take 15 family trips in two years, saving thousands of dollars. And yes, the pass even works on Southwest's new routes to Hawaii.
Unfortunately for those who thought they'd won the travel lottery this morning, the excitement was short-lived. As customers turned to social media to inquire about how to make good on the unexpected Companion Pass windfall, excitement turned to disappointment and they were left bemoaning the loss of their golden egg.
TPG Lounge members had some choice comments.
"Kind of a bad April Fool's joke, Southwest Airlines," said Brandon Reeves. "I did get a bunch of free drink coupons in the mail, but considering most of my travel is early mornings, and that I hadn't completely used the last batch, it's not the same as having companion pass. It was nice to think about having it for a few minutes." Ron Thomas went so far as to call the airline, which responded that "thousands of people" had received the email "by accident."
Southwest Airlines confirmed to TPG that the happy news was, in fact, a database error rather than a lucky windfall for a lot of hopeful travelers. "Yesterday, April 4, some Southwest Rapid Rewards members received an e-mail with incorrect information regarding their Companion Pass status," an airline spokesperson told TPG. "We sincerely apologize for any confusion this email may have caused, and we are reviewing the cause of the error. Members should review their Rapid Rewards account for their accurate balance, status level, and any additional information related to their Rapid Reward account."
This isn't the airline's first snafu with Companion Pass notifications; I received emails from Southwest in 2017, confirming and then retracting my Companion Pass status for the year:
Alas. The airline giveth and the airline taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Companion Pass.
If you're interested in acquiring the Southwest Companion Pass for keeps, check out our guide on how to earn the Companion Pass in 2019.
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| 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.
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- 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