353 | Families Fly Free

Pass Benefits

The Southwest Companion Pass offers a unique advantage for frequent travelers, allowing a companion to fly free with you on any flight for nearly two years. Lyn Mettler explains that earning the pass requires accumulating 125,000 points, which can be achieved through credit card bonuses 1. This pass stands out from others like Delta's or Alaska's, which are limited to one-time use and often involve additional fees 1.

All you pay is that 5.60 cent security fee per way, per person. So there's no better deal out there than completely eliminating the cost of one of your family to fly every single time in points or in dollars.

--- Lyn Mettler

Jonathan Mendosa highlights the importance of timing, suggesting that earning the pass early in the year maximizes its value, as it remains valid until the end of the following year 2.

   

Earning Strategies

Earning the Southwest Companion Pass is more accessible than it seems, primarily through strategic use of credit card bonuses. Lyn Mettler advises pairing two Southwest credit cards to meet the required points, emphasizing that everyday spending should be on cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred for better rewards 3. Timing is crucial; Brad Barrett suggests opening cards in mid-December to ensure points post in January, maximizing the pass's duration 4.

Think how many trips you can take on 125,000 points. And see, now you're seeing how we get into six trips a year territory.

--- Lyn Mettler

Understanding the nuances of when points are credited can prevent losing out on the pass's full potential 4.

   

Practical Use

Practical use of the Companion Pass can significantly reduce travel costs for families. Brad Barrett describes a strategy where spouses alternate holding the pass, ensuring continuous benefits 5. Lyn Mettler advises against both spouses holding the pass simultaneously, as it complicates timing and is often unnecessary 5.

If you do this right and you continue leapfrogging, then from that point forward, you will always have the companion pass.

--- Brad Barrett

The flexibility of the pass allows for rebooking flights if prices drop, further maximizing savings 1.