Elite status with Southwest Airlines isn’t normally that rewarding. How much more can they offer if every customer gets free checked bags and there’s no first class to offer upgrades? But if you earn enough Rapid Rewards points each year you can get a Companion Pass. This lets a companion fly with you for free whenever you book a paid ticket or redeem points. Your companion just has to pay the taxes and fees.
Right now Southwest is offering a great deal: Fly just one round-trip ticket and you’ll get a Companion Pass good for two months, from January 4 through March 4, 2023. Complete details are on the registration page.
- Register for the promotion starting today through September 8, 2022.
- Purchase a Southwest revenue flight (one round trip or two one-ways), starting today through September 8, 2022.
- Travel on those booked reservations between September 6 and November 17, 2022.
It’s not a full year, but it is a taste of what could be. You might be motivated to fly more next year and earn a normal Companion Pass. Meanwhile you could easily save hundreds of dollars if you have some winter travel planned and can take advantage of these free two months.
Some people use credit card sign up bonuses and time their activity to earn a pass at the beginning of the year, letting them get effectively two years of value from their pass. More about that in my post on Southwest Airlines elite status.
