Are you a frequent traveler who wants to maximize your savings on flights? If so, then the Southwest Companion Pass is a must-have. This incredible benefit allows you to bring a companion with you on Southwest flights for free, excluding only taxes and fees. The best part is that obtaining this coveted perk doesn't have to break the bank. In this article, we will explore various strategies to help you achieve the Southwest Companion Pass without having to spend a whopping $135,000 in 2023.
Understanding the Southwest Companion Pass
Before we dive into the specific approaches to acquire the Southwest Companion Pass at a lower cost, it's essential to understand what it is and why it's so valuable.
The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most generous perks offered by any airline. Once obtained, it allows the pass holder to designate a companion to fly with them for free on Southwest Airlines. Whether the pass holder is booking flights using cash or points, the companion can join them without any additional charge, except for taxes and fees.
It's important to note that the Southwest Companion Pass is valid for the calendar year in which it is earned, as well as the following year. For example, if you earn the pass in June 2022, it will be valid until December 2023. This provides ample time to take advantage of the benefit and save significantly on airfare.
Earning the Southwest Companion Pass through Flying
The traditional method of earning the Southwest Companion Pass is by accumulating a certain number of qualifying points or flights within a calendar year. Historically, this requirement was set at 110,000 Rapid Rewards points or 100 qualifying one-way flights.
However, in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Southwest Airlines made some temporary changes to make it easier to earn the Companion Pass. For 2021 and 2022, the required points or flights have been reduced by 50%. This means you only need to earn 55,000 Rapid Rewards points or 50 one-way flights to qualify.
While earning the Companion Pass through flying is the most straightforward method, it can still be a considerable expense. To accumulate the required points or flights without spending a significant amount of money, consider the following strategies:
1. Utilize Southwest's Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal is an excellent tool to earn additional points while making everyday purchases. By shopping through the portal, you can earn bonus points on purchases from various retailers, including popular brands like Apple, Nike, and Target.
To use the portal, simply log in to your Rapid Rewards account, navigate to the shopping portal, and browse through the available retailers. Click on the retailer you wish to shop with, and you will be redirected to their website. Complete your purchase as usual, and the bonus points will be credited to your Rapid Rewards account.
By regularly utilizing the Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal for your online shopping needs, you can quickly accumulate a significant number of points without spending extra money. Keep an eye out for special promotions and offers to maximize your point earnings.
2. Take Advantage of Southwest's Rapid Rewards Dining Program
If you enjoy dining out or ordering takeout, Southwest's Rapid Rewards Dining Program is a fantastic way to earn extra points. By linking your credit or debit card to the program and dining at participating restaurants, you can earn bonus points on eligible purchases.
To get started, sign up for the Rapid Rewards Dining Program and register your card. Locate restaurants in your area that participate in the program and visit them for a meal. Be sure to pay with the linked card to earn points.
Additionally, keep an eye on the program's promotional offers, which often provide opportunities to earn even more bonus points. By combining dining out with online shopping through the Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal, you can accelerate your point earnings and reach the Companion Pass threshold faster.
3. Maximize Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses
Credit card sign-up bonuses can be a lucrative way to earn a significant number of Southwest Rapid Rewards points. Many credit cards offer generous sign-up bonuses that can help you reach the Companion Pass requirement with minimal spending.
Research credit cards that partner with Southwest Airlines and offer sign-up bonuses. Look for cards that provide a substantial number of Rapid Rewards points upon meeting the minimum spending requirement within a specific timeframe. By strategically applying for and utilizing these cards, you can quickly accumulate the points needed for the Companion Pass.
It's important to note that credit card sign-up bonuses are subject to change, so make sure to check the current offers and terms before applying. Additionally, responsible credit card usage is crucial to avoid accruing unnecessary debt.
4. Transfer Points from Hotel Loyalty Programs
If you frequently stay at hotels and participate in their loyalty programs, you may have the option to transfer your hotel points to Southwest Airlines. Several hotel partners offer point transfer programs that allow you to convert their loyalty points into Rapid Rewards points.
Research hotel loyalty programs that have transfer agreements with Southwest Airlines. Evaluate the conversion rates and any bonus offers available for transferring points. If you have a substantial number of hotel points that you don't plan to use for hotel stays, transferring them to Rapid Rewards can be a strategic way to quickly accumulate the necessary Companion Pass points.
It's important to consider the transfer ratios and any associated fees before making the decision to transfer hotel points. In some cases, the transfer may not be cost-effective, so assess the value of your hotel points and the potential benefits of earning the Companion Pass.
Utilizing Southwest Credit Cards to Earn the Companion Pass
In addition to the methods mentioned above, utilizing Southwest Airlines' co-branded credit cards can significantly expedite your progress toward earning the Companion Pass. Southwest offers several credit cards with varying benefits and features, each designed to help you earn Rapid Rewards points. Let's explore the different Southwest credit cards and how they can contribute to your Companion Pass journey:
1. Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is an excellent entry-level option for earning Rapid Rewards points. This card offers a generous sign-up bonus of Rapid Rewards points after meeting the minimum spending requirement within a specific time frame.
In addition to the sign-up bonus, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card earns 2X points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines purchases and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases. For all other spending, you'll earn 1X point per $1.
Keep in mind that the annual fee associated with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is not waived for the first year.
2. Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card is the next tier up from the Plus version and offers additional benefits and features. This card also provides a sign-up bonus of Rapid Rewards points after meeting the minimum spending requirement within a specific time frame.
With the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card, you'll earn 2X points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines purchases, Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases, as well as 1X point per $1 on all other purchases. In addition, you'll receive 6,000 bonus points each year on your card member anniversary.
The annual fee associated with the Premier version is slightly higher than the Plus version but may be worth considering if you frequently fly with Southwest and want to earn points at an accelerated rate.
3. Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is the premium option among Southwest's credit card offerings. This card provides all the benefits of the Premier version and more, making it an excellent choice for frequent Southwest flyers who want to maximize their rewards.
Like the Premier version, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card offers a sign-up bonus of Rapid Rewards points and 2X points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines purchases, Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases. However, it also provides additional perks, such as:
- $75 Southwest annual travel credit
- Four upgraded boardings per year (when available)
- 20% back on in-flight purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card has a higher annual fee compared to the Plus and Premier versions. However, the added benefits can more than compensate for the increased cost if you frequently utilize Southwest services.
Companion Pass Fast Track with Southwest Credit Cards
In addition to earning points through the regular spending on Southwest credit cards, there is another way to expedite the Companion Pass qualification. Southwest occasionally offers a fast track to the Companion Pass when you meet a specific spending requirement on their co-branded credit cards.
Keep an eye out for these promotions, as they can provide a significant shortcut to earning the Companion Pass. Make sure to carefully read the terms and conditions and be prepared to meet the spending requirement within the designated time frame.
Conclusion
Earning the Southwest Companion Pass without spending $135,000 in 2023 is an achievable goal if you implement strategic tactics. By leveraging Southwest's Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal, Rapid Rewards Dining Program, credit card sign-up bonuses, hotel point transfers, and the Southwest co-branded credit cards, you can accumulate the necessary qualifying points or flights.
Remember to regularly check for promotions, offers, and fast tracks to expedite your progress. With careful planning and leveraging of available resources, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the incredible benefits of the Southwest Companion Pass and saving significantly on your future flights.