How to Find Southwest Companion Pass Deals Before Thanksgiving

To find Southwest Companion Pass deals before Thanksgiving, check the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards tier page and Chase Southwest card terms for current qualifying rules and posting cutoffs. A Companion Pass lets you pick one companion to fly with you for only taxes and fees when you take your own paid or points flight, so timing matters in November. Southwest Airlines lists the standard 2026 path as 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points or 100 qualifying one-way flights in one calendar year, and notes cardmembers receive a 10,000-point yearly boost toward that total Companion Pass qualification details.

A pass earned late in 2026 is valid for the rest of 2026 plus all of 2027, with up to three companion changes per calendar year, according to Southwest Airlines how long a 2026 pass lasts.

Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 02, 2026.

What does the pass actually cover?

The pass covers airline charges for the companion. The companion still pays taxes and fees from $5.60 one-way. You must book your own flight first, then add the companion to the same trip, according to Southwest Airlines companion booking and fee rules.

That order matters for savings plans. If your flight is costly or full, the companion seat has little value. If your flight is low in price and open, the companion benefit stretches further.

Use the pass for trips you would already take. Count the taxes per leg. Then compare the yearly points effort to the trips you can realistically complete.

What counts toward 2026 qualification?

Qualifying points and qualifying one-way flights are the two tracks. Points can come from flying, card spending, and other Rapid Rewards activity that Southwest Airlines marks as qualifying. Flights must be qualifying one-ways flown in the same calendar year.

Cardmembers start with help. The yearly 10,000-point boost lowers the extra points needed from 135,000 to 125,000. Check your Rapid Rewards account for that boost before you estimate any gap.

Do not assume every point counts. Chase states that only points posted to Rapid Rewards by December 31, 2026 count toward Companion Pass, so November spending must clear by the December statement cutoff Chase Southwest Plus posting deadline. Pending charges and late-posting transfers can miss the year.

Why is early November the decision point?

Early November leaves little time to earn and post points. Flights must still be flown. Card purchases must still post.

Statement cycles close on fixed dates. That makes a balance check urgent. Write down your current qualifying total.

Subtract the yearly boost if you hold a card. Then divide the gap by the weeks left in the year. A small gap may close with planned travel or regular bills put on the card.

A large gap often needs more flying or spending than makes sense. Stop if the extra cost tops the companion savings.

Where should you look for remaining chances?

Start with primary sources only. Look at your Rapid Rewards dashboard, the tier page for Companion Pass, and your Chase account for statement dates and posted points. Look for terms such as registration required, qualifying purchase, completed travel by, and posted by.

Save screenshots of terms and enrollment confirmations. Note whether hotel stays, car rentals, or shopping portals say qualifying. If the terms do not say qualifying, do not count them.

• Open your Rapid Rewards qualifying-points tracker and note the exact gap.
• Open your Chase statements and note the December cutoff for November purchases.
• Search the Rapid Rewards promotions section for registration steps and travel windows.
• Read date limits beside each benefit before you book or spend.

What should you check before you add a companion?

Confirm your own reservation first. Then check that the same flight still has a companion seat available. Add the companion name exactly as it appears on ID.

Remember the companion limit. You can change the designated companion up to three times per calendar year. Frequent switches can leave you stuck.

Plan around fees and refunds. Taxes from $5.60 one-way still apply per companion leg. If you cancel your flight, the companion booking ends too.