Southwest Is Giving Away Its Coveted Companion Pass—But You Have to Act Fast

The deal ends February 20.

By Michael Cappetta Michael Cappetta

Michael Cappetta is a travel writer with over 10 years of experience in journalism and television news. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on February 19, 2025

A Southwest Airlines airplane during take off . Photo: Courtesy of Southwest Airlines

While Valentine’s Day may be over, a low-cost carrier is still spreading the love. 

Southwest Airlines recently announced the “bring a friend for free” promotion, which provides a coveted Companion Pass, or free ticket for a second passenger, to travelers who complete several tasks. 

The airline is offering the limited-time companion pass for travelers who register on its website and purchase a round-trip or two one-way flights by February 20, 2025 at 11:59 pm CST. The flights must be completed by March 31, 2025. Once the two criteria are met, the companion pass will be issued and available between August 7, 2025 and October 8, 2025. Travelers can book the flights with either cash payments, Rapid Rewards points, or the new Cash + Points option. 

Southwest says it will contact qualifying passengers by email to notify them they have completed the tasks, and will subsequently add the companion pass to their Rapid Rewards frequent flyer account. The companion fare is free when the primary traveler books a ticket; however the companion is still responsible for paying taxes and government fees. 

While the travel period is limited, it could help passengers save on late summer vacations, or early fall getaways. The companion pass time period is also during the travel industry’s ‘shoulder season’, which is an off-peak time when hotels and attractions offer discounted rates for travelers. 

“Traveling is more fun with a plus-one,” Southwest mentions on its website. “Take a friend or Family Member with you on your next Southwest flight when you earn a Companion Pass.”

Southwest offers a full-year companion pass to travelers who fly 100 one-way flight segments or have earned 135,000 points in a calendar year. The airline also offers the companion pass through certain spending thresholds on their credit card.