Unlocking The Secrets: Is The Southwest Credit Card Worth It For The Companion Pass?

The Southwest Companion Pass is a highly sought-after perk that allows you to bring a companion along on any Southwest flight for free. But is it worth getting a Southwest credit card to earn the Companion Pass? In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of the Southwest credit cards, the Companion Pass, and the overall value proposition to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Southwest Credit Cards

Southwest offers a range of credit cards, each with its own benefits and requirements. The two primary cards for earning the Companion Pass are:

• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card: Requires spending $4,000 in the first 3 months to earn 60,000 bonus points.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: Requires spending $5,000 in the first 3 months to earn 75,000 bonus points.

Earning the Companion Pass

To earn the Southwest Companion Pass, you need to earn 125,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year. This can be achieved through a combination of credit card spending, flying Southwest, and other methods.

The Southwest credit cards offer a significant boost to your Companion Pass earnings:

• Premier Card: 2x points on Southwest purchases, 1x points on all other purchases.
• Priority Card: 3x points on Southwest purchases, 2x points on dining, 1x points on all other purchases.

Value of the Companion Pass

The Companion Pass offers tremendous value if you frequently travel with a companion. The ability to bring someone along for free can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually.

• Cost savings: The average Southwest flight costs around $200. With the Companion Pass, you can save $400 per round-trip flight.
• Flexibility: The Companion Pass is valid for two years, giving you ample time to plan your travel.
• No blackout dates: Unlike some other airline companion passes, the Southwest Companion Pass has no blackout dates.

Other Benefits of the Southwest Credit Cards

In addition to earning the Companion Pass, the Southwest credit cards offer a range of other benefits, including:

• Free checked bags: Two free checked bags per person on Southwest flights.
• Priority boarding: A1-A15 boarding for cardholders and up to three companions.
• Exclusive promotions: Access to exclusive Southwest promotions and discounts.
• Travel insurance: Travel accident insurance, baggage delay insurance, and other protections.

Is the Southwest Credit Card Worth It for the Companion Pass?

Whether the Southwest credit card is worth it for the Companion Pass depends on your individual travel habits and financial situation. Here’s a breakdown:

• If you travel frequently with a companion: The Companion Pass can save you a significant amount of money and provide added flexibility. The credit card can be a worthwhile investment if you can meet the spending requirements to earn the pass.
• If you travel infrequently: The credit card may not be as valuable if you don’t travel often enough to justify the annual fee.
• If you have poor credit: The Southwest credit cards require good to excellent credit scores, so they may not be an option for everyone.

Alternatives to the Southwest Credit Card

If you’re not interested in getting a Southwest credit card, there are other ways to earn the Companion Pass:

• Flying Southwest: Earn 110,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points by flying Southwest.
• Southwest Business Credit Cards: Earn 100,000 bonus points with the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card or the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card.
• Partner Programs: Earn points through partnerships with Chase, Marriott, and other loyalty programs.

Recommendations: Weighing the Value

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to get a Southwest credit card for the Companion Pass is a personal one. By carefully considering your travel habits, financial situation, and alternative options, you can determine if the Companion Pass and the associated credit card benefits are right for you.

What You Need to Know

Q: How long does it take to earn the Companion Pass?
A: It can take anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on your spending and flying habits.

Q: Can I use the Companion Pass on international flights?
A: No, the Companion Pass is only valid on Southwest flights within the United States, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

Q: Do I need to pay taxes and fees for my companion?
A: Yes, you will need to pay all applicable taxes and fees for your companion’s ticket, including baggage fees and security fees.

Q: Can I transfer the Companion Pass to someone else?
A: No, the Companion Pass is non-transferable.

Q: What happens to my Companion Pass if I cancel my Southwest credit card?
A: If you cancel your Southwest credit card, you will lose your Companion Pass.