Southwest Companion Pass Changes Coming Soon?
Southwest Airlines has seen its fair share of criticism lately, but one benefit that has continued to shine for loyal travelers is the Companion Pass. This beloved perk allows eligible flyers to bring a designated companion on any Southwest flight for just the cost of taxes and fees. That’s normally $5.60 each way on domestic routes.
But a recent survey sent to some Southwest customers suggests this feature might be on the chopping block. The company may be considering significant changes to its Rapid Rewards program—including a potential overhaul of how the Companion Pass works.
According to the survey, Southwest is exploring the idea of introducing a new loyalty structure with four or five elite tiers. Under this proposed model, only the highest tier would retain full Companion Pass access. Earning that top tier could require 40–60 flights or 90,000–160,000 points annually.
Travelers in the second-highest tier might receive four one-way Companion Pass certificates, while the lower tiers may no longer have access to the perk at all.
Currently, earning the Companion Pass requires accruing 135,000 qualifying points or taking 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year. The points earning option is usually the preferred avenue as you can get great help from credit card bonuses.
For now, the changes remain speculative—the survey is just a market test. Still, the fact that Southwest is even considering a shift to a more restrictive model suggests changes could be on the horizon.
Given the airline’s other recent customer-unfriendly changes, a more limited Companion Pass program wouldn’t be all that surprising.
What are your thoughts on these possible changes? Let us know in the comments.
