Companion Pass is the benefit that allows you to choose one person to fly with you, free of airline charges (does not include taxes and fees from $5.60 one-way) every time you purchase or redeem points for a flight.

The Southwest Companion Pass is widely considered the highest-value perk in the airline industry because it allows a designated friend or family member to fly with you for free (plus taxes and fees from $5.60) an unlimited number of times. To earn it in 2026, you must either fly 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 135,000 qualifying points in a single calendar year. Once earned, the pass is valid for the remainder of that year and the entire following year. To use it, you first book your own flight (using cash or points), then go to your account's "Upcoming Trips" section and click "Add Companion." This generates a second ticket for your companion at no additional airfare cost. You can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year by calling Southwest. In 2026, with Southwest transitioning to assigned seating, both you and your companion will be eligible for the best available seating based on the higher of your two statuses, making the "free" travel experience even more comfortable and seamless than in previous years.