Southwest Companion Pass: Is It Worth It for Holiday Travel?
See 2026 earning rules, companion limits, and 2027 changes to decide before holiday bookings.
Yes, the Southwest Companion Pass is worth it for holiday travel if you fly Southwest with the same person for two or more trips. Southwest Airlines says the pass lets one designated companion fly with you free of airline charges, paying only taxes and fees from $5.60 one-way Companion Pass terms. It applies to Southwest-operated flights.
That math works well for pairs who share each holiday flight. Check timing now if you want the pass for next year's holidays too.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 02, 2026.
How does it work for holiday trips?
Count how many holiday flights you and one partner would share. Two shared round trips often justify the effort to qualify. One shared trip usually does not.
Pick one travel partner before peak booking starts. Holiday seats fill fast, so plan dates early. Secure your own seat first, then add your companion promptly.
What does it take to earn it in 2026?
Southwest Airlines requires 135,000 qualifying points or 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year to qualify through Dec. 31, 2026 Companion Pass terms. The pass lasts the rest of the qualifying year plus the next full year.
Southwest Airlines allows only one designated companion at a time, with up to three changes per calendar year Companion Pass terms. Check these three points before chasing it:
- You share most flights with the same person
- Your fall travel leaves you close to the threshold
- You will fly together again next year
Who saves enough to make it worthwhile?
Holiday partners who always travel together fit well. Parents flying with one child fit well too. Solo flyers gain little because the benefit covers a pair.
Compare your own fare cost against the effort to qualify. Extra flights taken only to earn it can erase holiday savings. Shared Thanksgiving plus Christmas travel is the clearest case.
Why does timing matter before 2027?
Starting Jan. 1, 2027, 95,000 Tier Qualifying Points or 75 flights unlock only three companion trips. Unlimited trips will require Platinum at 140,000 Tier Qualifying Points or 100 flights.
Southwest Airlines says a pass earned under 2026 rules stays unlimited through Dec. 31, 2027 2027 Companion Pass changes. That carryover protects next year's peak travel.
If you are close in November, review your qualifying balance before Dec. 31.