Southwest announces Companion Pass, Rapid Rewards changes for 2023
Southwest Airlines is making some changes to its Rapid Rewards program, largely affecting the Companion Pass.
These changes will take place at the beginning of next year, according to an email Rapid Rewards members received from the Dallas-based carrier Friday.
Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming Companion Pass changes.
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Southwest Companion Pass changes
Southwest’s Companion Pass is a highly intriguing option for travelers who frequently fly with a partner. The pass allows you to bring your traveling partner along at no cost, on as many flights as you’d like as long as the pass is valid.
You can earn a Companion Pass through a couple of different avenues, including earning a steep number of Rapid Rewards points within a year’s time, or through the welcome offer associated with some Southwest cobranded credit cards.
There are some tweaks to the policy for next 2023, though.
Earning requirements changing
Starting on Jan. 1, 2023, Southwest is raising the qualifying benchmark for the Companion Pass from 125,000 points to 135,000 points.
Rapid Rewards members will also be able to earn the Companion Pass by flying at least 100 qualifying flights with Southwest.
When it comes to the 135,000 points, though, remember that earning through air travel is only one of the ways you can work your way toward the threshold. Spending with Southwest partners — like on the airline's shopping portal — or spending on a cobranded credit card can boost your progress toward earning the pass.
There is one piece of good news, though: While Southwest is raising the qualifying benchmark for the Companion Pass by 10,000 points, cobranded credit card holders will get a 10,000-point boost either at the beginning of the year (for existing cardholders) or within 30 days of opening an account (for new members).
It's worth noting that Southwest last raised the Companion Pass requirements from 110,000 points to 125,000 points in 2019.
New boarding rules
Another change to the Companion Pass rules taking effect at the start of the new year should be good news: Companion Pass holders and their companions can now board together.
This should make it easier to find a place to sit without worrying about saving a seat (or at least attempting to) while the companion waits to board.
There are a couple of exceptions to this allowance: Companions won’t be allowed to board with the passholder if the passholder purchased a Business Select fare or upgraded boarding, or if the companion was added after they were already assigned a boarding position.
Again, this starts on Jan. 1, 2023.
Related: Everything you need to know about the best seats on Southwest Airlines
More ways to redeem Southwest points
Southwest also teased that members will be getting new ways to earn and redeem Rapid Rewards points starting in 2023, though the carrier did not specify what those avenues would be.
It will be interesting to see what these new earning and redemption options are. We could see new partnerships, revamped credit cards or other large changes to the program. That said, we're hopeful that this doesn't come as a devaluation to the program, as we've seen with other airline loyalty programs over the past two years.
Of course, TPG will be watching to see what other changes might be coming to the Rapid Rewards program.
Related: Your complete guide to maximizing Southwest Rapid Rewards
Bottom line
Southwest’s changes to its Rapid Rewards program for 2023 are a bit of a mixed bag for members: While the threshold for earning the Companion Pass is getting steeper, those with cobranded credit cards will immediately see the difference made up. Further, the boarding process should generally get a bit simpler for those using a Companion Pass.
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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)Pros
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- 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.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
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)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 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.