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Southwest Companion Pass Guide: Your Ticket to Free Flights for Family Travel

The Southwest Companion Pass is a must-have for anyone who loves to travel with a friend or family member—especially if you're looking to stretch your budget further. With this pass, a designated companion flies with you for free—you just cover their taxes and fees, which are typically only $5.60 each way on Southwest. As you can see, getting BOGO (buy one, get one) tickets on every flight for the duration of your companion pass can drastically reduce the cost of family vacations.

The post Southwest Companion Pass Guide: Your Ticket to Free Flights for Family Travel appeared first on Mari on the Map.

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Southwest Companion Pass Guide: Your Ticket to Free Flights for Family Travel

This site is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers.

The Southwest Companion Pass is a must-have for anyone who loves to travel with a friend or family member—especially if you’re looking to stretch your budget further. With this pass, a designated companion flies with you for free—you just cover their taxes and fees, which are as little as $5.60 each way on domestic flights. For families, securing a free companion fare can significantly reduce travel costs.

Starting in early 2026, Southwest is moving from open seating to assigned seats. This change impacts the process of a pass holder and their companion sitting together. The information in this guide has been updated to reflect the new policies that take effect in 2026, including new benefits for credit card holders to secure early seat selection.

Fun fact: we used our Southwest Companion passes to get us to and from Hawaii, in addition to many other destinations. Here’s everything you need to know about how to earn it, and why it’s the perfect perk for family getaways.

What is the Southwest Companion Pass?

The Southwest Companion Pass is a game-changing benefit from Southwest Airlines. It allows you to bring one companion on all of your flights for free—paying only taxes and fees (typically around $5.60 on domestic flights). What’s great about this pass is that it can be earned with just two credit card sign-up bonuses and lasts for the rest of the calendar year in which you earned it, plus all of the following calendar year. For families, this means up to two years of free flights for one of your crew!

Keep in mind that I only recommend trying to earn the Southwest Companion Pass if your home airport has multiple Southwest flight options to places you want to travel to. Make sure to check the Southwest route map to confirm the Companion Pass will support your upcoming travel plans before trying to earn it.

How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass

To earn the Southwest Companion Pass, you need to earn 135,000 Rapid Rewards (Southwest’s loyalty program) points in one calendar year, or complete 100 qualifying one-way flights. For most people, accumulating points is the faster and more strategic path. Thankfully, cardholders of a co-branded Southwest credit card get an annual 10,000-point boost that counts toward the Companion Pass requirement, so you only need to earn the remaining 125,000 points. 

Credit cards are the most effective way to hit that point threshold quickly. However, applying for them requires strategy due to Chase’s application rules. One of the most common strategies involves opening one personal and one business Southwest card from Chase to secure two welcome bonuses. It’s crucial to understand Chase’s unofficial 5/24 rule, which limits approvals for most Chase cards if you have opened five or more new credit cards from any issuer in the past 24 months. You also can’t have received a bonus on a Southwest personal card within the last 24 months. Luckily, Chase business cards typically don’t count toward your 5/24 total, making a personal + business card approach a good option for those managing their card applications. 

Here’s where credit cards come into play: applying for two Southwest cards can help you hit that 135,000-point threshold. For example, by opening the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, you can earn points through the welcome bonuses, everyday spending, and even referrals.

Two young children, wearing headphones, are comfortably seated on a Southwest plane.

Timing Your Points

The timing of your card applications is key! The Companion Pass is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which you earn it, plus all of the following calendar year. So, if you earn it early in the calendar year, you can enjoy nearly two years of free companion flights. I earned my first Southwest Companion pass in February, meaning I had 11 months of that year with the pass, plus the entire next calendar year. If you earn it late in the year, you’ll still get the remainder of that calendar year, plus the following full year of benefits.

Card Strategies for Earning the Companion Pass

There are several ways to strategize earning the Companion Pass with credit cards. One of the most effective involves opening a business and personal card in late October to early November. You should then carefully time your spending so the points post to your Rapid Rewards account in January, which maximizes your pass’s benefits window for nearly two full years.

**Advanced strategy** If you’re aiming to maximize your points quickly, applying for two Southwest business credit cards can be very efficient. Since Chase business cards generally do not count towards your 5/24 limit, this can be a great way to accumulate a substantial welcome bonus without using up a 5/24 slot for a personal card. 

While it is possible to apply for more than one Chase business card, you should do so with caution. Applying for multiple cards within a short timeframe can sometimes trigger denials. It is generally safer to space out applications. Remember, you must be under the 5/24 rule to be approved for a Chase business card in the first place. 

Important note: Anyone with a US social security number can be eligible for business cards even if you don’t own an official business with an EIN. If you have a legitimate side hustle, freelance work, or other for-profit activity, you can apply as a sole proprietor.

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Referral Bonuses: Double the Fun

If you have a spouse or partner, you can use referral bonuses to earn points toward your passes. Chase’s Refer-a-Friend program allows you to earn bonus points for each successful referral for any Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card. 

As of 2025, you can earn 20,000 bonus points for each friend or business that is approved for a new Southwest card through your unique referral link. This bonus applies to all Southwest personal and business cards. There is a cap of 100,000 referral points you can earn per calendar year. 

Using referral bonuses with a spouse (or “player 2“) is an effective strategy. You can refer each other for cards, combining the sign-up bonuses and referral points to reach the 135,000-point threshold faster. Just remember that it can take several weeks for the referral bonus points to post to your account after the new card is approved.

Which Cards Earn the Most Points?

Southwest offers several credit cards that earn Rapid Rewards points:

These cards offer varying point bonuses for sign-up, so it’s essential to choose the cards with the best current offers to maximize your point earnings.

A Southwest Airlines plane in flight, captured against a clear blue sky, with landing gear deployed. Southwest Companion Pass

Can you earn the Companion Pass with one card?

Yes, it’s possible to earn the Companion Pass with just one card, though it will take more time and effort. You’ll need to earn points through regular spending, flying, and possibly using the Southwest shopping portal or earning referral bonuses. While this method requires more work, it’s an option if you want to keep your credit card applications to a minimum.

Southwest also occasionally offers a Promotional Companion Pass, which will allow you to earn a one-year Companion Pass by opening only one personal card. This promotion was offered in February for the last two years, and once earned, the Promotional Companion Pass was good for one year, from February to the following February.

My Personal Southwest Companion Pass Strategy

When I earned my Southwest Companion Pass, the two cards that made the most sense to earn me the points I needed were the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card. Let’s breakdown what each of these cards offers and why their annual fees can be worth every penny.

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

  • Points Earning (effective July 2025):
    • 4x points on Southwest purchases.
    • 2x points at gas stations and restaurants.
    • 2x points on local transit, rideshare, and commuting.
    • 2x points on hotel accommodations booked directly with the hotel.
    • 1x points on everything else.
  • Annual Fee: $299
    • At first glance, $299 might seem steep, but check out what you get (beginning January 27, 2026):
      • Complimentary Preferred Seat selection at booking.*
      • Unlimited Extra Legroom upgrades within 48 hours of departure.*
      • Free first checked bag.*
      • Earlier boarding with Group 5.*
      • 9,000 anniversary points every year—valued at roughly $135 toward Southwest flights.
      • 25% back on inflight purchases.
      • 10,000 Companion Pass® Qualifying Points boost each year.
      • 2,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) for every $5,000 spent.
      • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® reimbursement (up to $120 every 4 years).

*These new perks apply to the cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation, when available.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

  • Points Earning:
    • 2x points on Southwest purchases.
    • 2x points at gas stations and grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined purchases each anniversary year.
    • 1x points on everything else.
  • Annual Fee: $99
    • The perks here are still valuable (beginning January 27, 2026):
      • 3,000 anniversary points—worth around $45 in Southwest flights.
      • 10% flight discount promo code each year, excluding Basic fares.
      • Free first checked bag.*
      • Earlier boarding with Group 5.*
      • Complimentary standard seat selection within 48 hours of departure, for flights operating in 2026 and beyond.
      • No foreign transaction fees.

*These new perks apply to the cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation, when available.

A young child sits in an airport lounge, looking out at a suthwest airplane parked at the gate on a sunny day. Southwest companion pass

What are “Southwest purchases”?

“Southwest purchases” are transactions made directly with Southwest Airlines that earn bonus points on your Rapid Rewards credit card. Since July 2025, this category includes:

  • Flights booked directly with Southwest Airlines (domestic and international) on Southwest.com or via the mobile app.
  • Vacation packages purchased through Southwest Vacations.
  • Inflight purchases, like WiFi, snacks, or drinks.
  • Southwest gift cards purchased directly from Southwest.com.
  • Upgraded boardings purchased at the gate, during check-in, or via the app (note that some credit cards with complimentary upgraded boarding credits will see those credits expire on December 31, 2025). 

Keep in mind that Southwest purchases do not usually include things like gift card purchases or bookings made through third-party travel agencies (e.g., Expedia or Priceline). Always book directly with Southwest to ensure your purchases qualify for those higher point earnings.

Why Annual Fees Are Worth It

I know, I know—no one likes annual fees. But here’s the deal: when you’re working toward a goal like the Companion Pass or stacking up perks, the value of the benefits can easily outweigh the cost of the fee. With these two cards, you’re not just paying for points—you’re getting a lot of perks that can quickly cover what you’ve spent on the fee.

So, if you’re serious about earning the Southwest Companion Pass, these cards deserve a spot in your wallet.

View from a Southwest Airlines plane flying from Oahu to Maui, below a blue ocean, scattered clouds, and the Hawaiian coastline.

Southwest Card Eligibility

Before you apply, it’s crucial to understand the eligibility requirements, which are set by Chase.

Business Card Rule: The 24-month bonus rule works differently for Southwest business cards. You can still apply for another different business card, and you can reapply for the same business card after 24 months from the date you last received the bonus.

The 5/24 Rule: Chase’s unofficial “5/24 rule” is a major factor. If you have opened five or more new credit card accounts (from any issuer) within the last 24 months, your application will almost certainly be denied for a new Southwest card.

Personal Card Bonus Rule: You cannot hold a personal Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card and be approved for a new bonus from another personal Southwest card. If you received a welcome bonus on any personal Southwest card within the last 24 months, you are not eligible for a bonus on any other personal Southwest card, even if you have since canceled the original card.

Personal Card Strategy: If you want to get another personal card, you must first cancel your existing personal Southwest card. Then, you can apply for a different personal card (e.g., from the Plus to the Priority) after waiting at least 30 days, provided you have not earned a bonus on a personal card in the last 24 months.

Final Thoughts

The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the best ways to travel for less with your family. By earning just 135,000 points in a year, you can get nearly two calendar years of free flights for a loved one, effectively getting buy one, get one (nearly) free flights every time you fly. With the right credit card strategy, earning this pass is totally doable. If you love to travel with your family or a friend, this perk should definitely be on your radar!

If you have any questions or need further advice feel free to email me or send me a message on Instagram. I’m always happy to share more tips and insights to help you.

Please note that this article contains affiliate links, and I may earn a referral commission if you choose to apply through my links. As a small business, these earnings help me to continue to bring you content like this at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

The post Southwest Companion Pass Guide: Your Ticket to Free Flights for Family Travel appeared first on Mari on the Map.

]]> How We Planned Our Hawaii Family Vacation for Almost Free — And How You Can, Too! https://marionthemap.com/hawaii-family-vacation-for-almost-free/ Tue, 31 Dec 2024 20:14:10 +0000 https://marionthemap.com/?p=2660 Mari on the Map

How We Planned Our Hawaii Family Vacation for Almost Free — And How You Can, Too!

Aloha! If you’ve been dreaming about taking a Hawaii family vacation but feel held back by the cost, I’ve got great news: you can make that dream a reality by using points and miles! My family traveled to Hawaii this year, visiting both Oahu and Maui, for an unbelievable grand total of only $67.20 in taxes and fees. Yes, you read that right!

The post How We Planned Our Hawaii Family Vacation for Almost Free — And How You Can, Too! appeared first on Mari on the Map.

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How We Planned Our Hawaii Family Vacation for Almost Free — And How You Can, Too!

This site is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers.

A Dream Hawaii Family Vacation for Just $67.20

Aloha! If you’ve been dreaming about taking a Hawaii family vacation but feel held back by the cost, I’ve got great news: you can make that dream a reality by using points and miles! My family traveled to Hawaii this year, visiting both Oahu and Maui, for an unbelievable grand total of only $67.20 in taxes and fees. Yes, you read that right!

In this guide, I’ll share exactly how we did it and how you can plan your own nearly free Hawaii family vacation. From earning points to booking flights and accommodations, I’ve got all the tips to help your family escape to paradise on a budget.

Why Hawaii on Points and Miles Is Worth It

A Hawaiian vacation is often considered a once-in-a-lifetime trip, but with points and miles, you can make it a regular part of your family’s travel plans. By leveraging the right credit cards, earning bonuses, and booking strategically, you’ll be on your way to enjoying the Aloha State without breaking the bank.

Hawaii offers something for everyone: pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and a unique culture that’s both relaxing and enriching. Knowing our trip only cost $67.20 made the sunsets even more beautiful and the memories even sweeter.

A family of four, dressed in Hawaiian shirts and flower leis, stands together with an ocean sunset behind them, smiling for the camera. Hawaii Family Vacation, Maui, Hawaii.

How We Did It: Our Step-by-Step Strategy

Flights: Southwest Companion Pass and Flexible Points

We flew Southwest Airlines, taking full advantage of the Southwest Companion Pass—a game-changer for families. Both my husband and I earned Companion Passes, allowing our two boys to fly free (plus taxes and fees) on every flight. For our roundtrip journey, we paid just $67.20 in taxes and fees. It broke down as $5.60 in taxes and fees per person per flight. We flew one leg from the mainland US to Oahu, then Oahu to Maui, then Maui home.

To cover the rest of the ticket costs, we used a combination of:

View from a Southwest Airlines plane flying from Oahu to Maui, below a blue ocean, scattered clouds, and the Hawaiian coastline.

Accommodations: Hyatt Points for Family-Friendly Stays

Maui: Wailea Ekahi Village Condos

On Maui, we stayed at the Wailea Ekahi Village condos through Hyatt’s Homes & Hideaways program. This was a highlight of our trip for so many reasons:

  • Space and Comfort: Our two-bedroom condo included a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and plenty of room for six people.
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: The property featured multiple pools, lush gardens, and easy beach access.
  • Convenience: Having a kitchen allowed us to prepare meals, saving money on dining out, and the laundry facilities made packing light a breeze.
Wailea Ekahi Village condo exterior, surrounded by lush greenery and tall palm trees under a clear blue sky, with a staircase leading to the second floor.

Oahu: Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach

We stayed at the Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach for our Hawaii family vacation, a fantastic choice for families. Here’s why:

  • Room Size: Spacious enough to sleep up to six, perfect for larger families.
  • Free Breakfast: A hot breakfast buffet each morning helped us fuel up for busy days. The boys absolutely love the breakfast buffet at Hyatt Places.
  • Location: Just a short walk to Waikiki Beach and close to family-friendly attractions like the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium.
  • Affordable Points Redemption: We used points from the World of Hyatt personal credit card and Chase Ultimate Rewards, making this stay budget-friendly.
Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach building surrounded by tall palm trees against a bright blue sky.

How Your Family Can Do It, Too

Step 1: Choose Your Points Strategy

Depending on your travel style and current credit cards, here are some potential strategies for your Hawaii family vacation:

Flights

  • Southwest Airlines:
    • Earn the Companion Pass by opening two Southwest credit cards (business and personal) and meeting the minimum spend, making sure the points earned is at least 135,000 in a calendar year.
    • Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest.
  • Other Airlines to Hawaii:

Hotels

  • Hyatt: Use Chase Ultimate Rewards or Hyatt points to book family-friendly properties like:
    • Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa: This luxury resort offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including a water park, lei-making classes, and nightly luaus. Its beachfront location and lush grounds make it an ideal choice for families.
    • Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach: Located in the heart of Waikiki, this property combines modern amenities with convenience. Families will appreciate its proximity to dining, shopping, and beaches, as well as the spacious rooms.
  • Other Family-Friendly Hotel Options:
    • Hilton: Earn points with Hilton Honors credit cards or transfer Amex Membership Rewards. Properties like Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort offer extensive kid-friendly activities.
    • Marriott: Use Marriott Bonvoy points for properties like the Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club on Oahu. Both Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards allow point transfers to Marriott Bonvoy.
    • IHG: Earn points with IHG credit cards for resorts like Holiday Inn Resort Waikiki Beachcomber. For IHG One Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards does not transfer to IHG directly, but you can earn IHG points through co-branded IHG credit cards issued by Chase.
Scenic view from our condo at the Wailea Ekahi Village with vibrant greenery, blooming flowers, and tall palm trees, set against a colorful sunset sky overlooking the ocean.

Step 2: Earn Points Strategically


To turn your Hawaii family vacation into a reality, you’ll need to earn points strategically. By selecting the right credit cards and optimizing your spending, you can accumulate the points needed for flights, hotels, and even extras. Here’s how:

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Ultimate Rewards is one of the most versatile points programs, offering the ability to transfer points to travel partners like Southwest and Hyatt.

  • Best Cards to Use: The Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Ink Business Preferred cards are excellent options for earning points.
  • How to Earn Points: Use these cards for everyday spending, especially in bonus categories like dining and travel. For instance, the Sapphire Preferred earns 2x points on travel and dining, and the Sapphire Reserve earns 3x points.
  • Why It’s Great for Families: Flexible points mean you can decide later whether to transfer them to airlines like Southwest or hotel programs like Hyatt based on your travel needs.

Co-Branded Credit Cards

If you have a specific travel goal in mind, co-branded credit cards can help you fast-track your points accumulation.

  • Southwest Rapid Rewards Cards: These cards can help you earn the Southwest Companion Pass quickly, a game-changer for family travel.
  • Other Airline Credit Cards: Co-branded airline credit cards can also help you earn miles for flights to Hawaii. Here are a few great options:
    • Alaska Airlines Visa® Signature Card: This card offers a generous welcome bonus, 3x miles on Alaska purchases, and the Companion Fare benefit, which allows a second ticket for just $99 plus taxes and fees. Alaska Airlines acquired Hawaiian Airlines in September 2024, which is why it’s now a top option for flying to Hawaii.
    • Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Earn a substantial welcome bonus, 2x miles on dining and Delta purchases, and enjoy perks like a free checked bag and priority boarding.
    • United Explorer Card: This card offers a strong welcome bonus, 2x miles on dining, hotel stays, and United purchases, and valuable travel benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding. Chase Ultimate Rewards points can also be transferred to United, giving you even more flexibility.
  • Hyatt Credit Cards: The World of Hyatt personal or business credit cards come with bonus points, free night certificates, and accelerated point earnings on Hyatt stays.
  • Other Hotel Options: Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, and IHG credit cards often feature generous welcome offers that boost your points balance. Here are some great card options to consider:
The beach at the Wailea Ehaki Village condos with the club house in the background. The stairs go up to the pool, which you can't see in this photo.

Signup Bonuses

Signup bonuses are one of the fastest ways to earn a large number of points.

  • Be Strategic: Watch for elevated offers on key cards, like 60,000 or more Ultimate Rewards points for the Chase Sapphire Preferred. These offers can cover multiple nights at hotels or a significant portion of your flights.
  • Timing Matters: If you’re planning a big trip like a family getaway to Hawaii, aim to open new cards and meet the minimum spend requirements several months in advance.

By combining everyday spending with strategic use of signup bonuses and co-branded credit cards, you’ll be well on your way to a nearly free Hawaiian vacation.

Step 3: Maximize Your Redemptions

  • Airline Tickets: Book early to find award availability, especially for flights to Hawaii during peak seasons.
  • Hotels: Look for family-friendly properties with good redemption value. Some Hyatt properties, for example, start as low as 12,000 points per night.
  • Condos and Villas: Consider options like Hyatt’s Homes & Hideaways for larger accommodations with kitchens and laundry.
Person walking along a paved path in the grounds of Wailea Ekahi Village under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Other Tips for Planning Your Hawaii Family Vacation

  • Island Hopping: Southwest also offers inter-island flights, which can be booked with points.
  • Car Rentals: Use credit card perks or points for discounts and savings.
  • Local Activities: Many credit cards offer travel credits or perks that can be applied to excursions, like luaus or snorkeling trips.
  • Listen to This Podcast: I shared our tips and tricks on the Wonderland on Points Podcast. Listen here.

Now it’s your turn! Start planning, start earning, and say Aloha to paradise.

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If you want to start planning your Hawaii Family Vacation, you can read this 5 Fun Must Do in Oahu with Kids.

Pin this for later if you’re inspired to plan your family’s Hawaiian getaway on points and miles!

If you have any questions or need further advice feel free to email me or send me a message on Instagram. I’m always happy to share more tips and insights to help you.

Please note that this article contains affiliate links, and I may earn a referral commission if you choose to apply through my links. As a small business, these earnings help me to continue to bring you content like this at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

The post How We Planned Our Hawaii Family Vacation for Almost Free — And How You Can, Too! appeared first on Mari on the Map.

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