PROMOTIONAL COMPANION PASS FOR ONE YEAR
If you want to travel with a companion for nearly free, this is one of the best limited-time offers of the year.
Right now, Southwest Airlines is offering a promotional Companion Pass that lets you bring a someone on every flight you book, for just taxes and fees, through February 28, 2027.
This elevated welcome offer typically comes around once a year, and it makes earning the Companion Pass easier than ever, especially if you’re not ready to dive into business cards or the traditional two-year strategy.
Let’s break it all down
What is the promotional Southwest Companion Pass?
With this current offer, you can earn a Companion Pass valid for one year (instead of the traditional Companion Pass that can last almost two years).
The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most valuable perks in the points and miles world, especially if you rarely travel alone.
Once you earn it:
It is valid through 2/28/27
There is no limit on how many times you can use the companion pass
It works on flights booked with cash or points
Your companion only pays taxes and fees (typically $5.60 one-way)
You can change your companion up to 3 times per calendar year
You can literally fly with a companion every single time you fly Southwest during this period (no blackout dates). This can easily save thousands of dollars if you fly Southwest regularly.
Cards with this offer
There are three Southwest personal credit cards currently offering this limited-time Companion Pass. Each one comes with a different bonus and spending requirement.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
Bonus: Promotional Companion Pass through 2/28/27 + 20,000 points
Spend: $3,000 in the first 3 months
Annual fee: Lowest of the three cards
Best for beginners who want the Companion Pass with the lowest upfront cost.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
Bonus: Promotional Companion Pass through 2/28/27 + 30,000 points
Spend: $4,000 in the first 3 months
Annual Fee: $149
A solid in-between option with better long-term earning and anniversary perks.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Bonus: Promotional Companion Pass through 2/28/27 + 40,000 points
Spend: $5,000 in the first 3 months
Annual Fee: $229
This premium card comes with extra perks like:
Annual Southwest travel credits
Upgraded boarding opportunities
Anniversary bonus points
Things to keep in mind
You can only hold one personal Southwest card at a time
You can earn a Southwest personal card bonus once every 24 months
If it’s been over 24 months since your last bonus, you can close your card, wait a week or two, and reapply
Traditional Companion Pass
Normally, earning the Companion Pass requires:
135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points (easy to earn with welcome bonuses) OR
100 qualifying one-way flights in a single calendar year (which typically works for business travelers; not the best option for most people)
Many people aim for the traditional Companion Pass strategy, which, if timed correctly, can give you nearly two full years of BOGO flights.
If you want the full two-year Companion Pass strategy check out this post
Who should consider this offer?
This limited-time promotion may be perfect if you:
Have plans or want to travel through February 28, 2027 to the U.S, Mexico, and some destinations including the Caribbean and Central America.
Travel with a spouse, partner, or friend
Want Companion Pass access without opening business cards
Aren’t ready to commit to the full two-year Companion Pass plan
Final Thoughts
If you’re not currently working toward the traditional Companion Pass, or you want an easier entry point, this promotional Companion Pass offer is a fantastic opportunity.
If you have questions or want help deciding which card or strategy fits your travel goals, let me know! I’m happy to help.
If you decide to apply for this card, I truly appreciate if you us my referral link. It’s a great way to support the free content and resources I share. Thank you so much for your support!