You Can Now Make Changes to Your Southwest Companion Pass Online

It's a game-changer in the Southwest world.

By Stella Shon Stella Shon

Stella Shon is an aviation news writer. Her work has been featured in publications including The Points Guy, USA Today, and others. Globetrotting more than 100,000 miles every year, she loves flying new airlines and scoping out remodeled airports. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on September 19, 2024

Close Photo: Stephen M. Keller/Courtesy of Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines just made a favorable change to its unique, decades-long Companion Pass program, which allows for buy-one, get-one flights for a designated travel partner.

On Wednesday, the airline confirmed to Travel + Leisure that now, when pass holders go to change their designated travel companion — which they can do up to three times a year — the process can be done entirely online via Southwest’s website.

“Last week, we launched new self-service options for Customers to change their Companion designation on Southwest.com,” an airline spokesperson told T+L. “While this is currently only for desktop, we’re exploring opportunities to integrate this into the Southwest app experience.”

By large, this eliminates the need to call Southwest’s customer service agents to file a request for a new travel companion. With the update now processed instantaneously, Southwest Companion Pass holders can easily book an unlimited number of “free” flights for their partner — the only true cost remaining is the $5.60 taxes and fees for one-way domestic flights. 

The Southwest Companion Pass has long been one of the best bargains in air travel, although it’s not necessarily easy to earn. Rapid Rewards members will need to fly 100 one-way flight segments booked via Southwest or earn 135,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year to score these exclusive Companion Pass privileges, which can be well worth it for frequent travelers. 

Fortunately, there are other shortcuts to Companion Pass. Throughout the year, Southwest will offer limited-time Companion Pass promotions that will unlock these benefits for a shorter timeframe by meeting reduced requirements. In addition, applying for a Southwest credit card with a large sign-up bonus can help you achieve most of that goal of earning 135,000 tier qualifying points.  

The updates to Companion Pass come as Southwest recently introduced red-eye flights for the first time ever, along with other major changes that are more controversial. In the new year, the airline plans to roll out slimmer new seats and replace its open-boarding policy with assigned seating.