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  The Companion Pass Is Changing: What to Do Before Dec 31 Posted: Oct 15, 2026   If the Southwest Companion Pass has been on your someday list, someday is now. Southwest just announced that starting January 1, 2027, credit card welcome bonuses will no longer count toward the pass. That's the shortcut almost all of us have used to earn it, and this loophole is closing soon. What's changing on January 1, 2027 The old Companion Pass qualifying points retire after December 31, 2026. Starting in 2027, Southwest is moving to tier qualifying points. Here's the before and after: Through Dec 31, 2026 Starting Jan 1, 2027 Unlimited Companion Pass 135,000 qualifying points or 100 one-way flights 140,000 tier points or 100 one-way flights Card welcome bonuses Count Don't count Referral bonuses, anniversary points, partner points Count Don't count Everyday card spend Counts Counts ($1 = 1 tier point) Paid Southwest flights Count Count New smaller tier None 3 companion trips at ...

  What Is the Companion Pass? The Companion Pass  allows you to bring one person with you  for free, excluding  taxes and fees  ($5.60 each way in the U.S.). You can change your companion up to three times a year. It works on flights booked with cash, points, or credits. Once you qualify, the pass is  valid for the remainder of that year  and the entire following  year. For my family of four, it’s the best perk out there. When my husband and I both hold Companion Passes, our kids fly free. Or he and I can take trips without the kids and only need to buy one flight! We’ve saved thousands this way (both in points and cash). Current Promo There is more than one way to earn a Companion Pass. There is the traditional way , where you are required to earn 135,000 Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year. Southwest also offers a promotional Companion Pass, where you can earn CP with just one card and one signup bonus. With each of the 3 personal cards, you...