October 15, 2026
Southwest’s Companion Pass Is Getting a Makeover, but the Glow-Up Is Missing
Toni Perkins-Southam
Southwest is really leaning into the spooky season spirit, and its latest Companion Pass changes are giving travelers plenty to scream about.
Starting in 2027, Southwest is changing how travelers earn its popular Companion Pass, and some of the biggest changes aren’t exactly flattering. Credit card welcome bonuses are getting the boot, and earning unlimited companion travel is about to get tougher.
Let’s take a look at what’s changing (and whether it’s all tricks or if there are a few treats, too).
Southwest Companion Pass Is Getting New Earning Requirements
Let’s start by ripping off the Band-Aid. Starting January 1, 2027, Southwest is making it MUCH harder to earn unlimited Companion Pass benefits.
Currently, travelers can earn Companion Pass by earning 135,000 qualifying points or taking 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year. However, under the new rules, earning unlimited companion travel will require 140,000 Tier Qualifying Points or 100 qualifying flights.
But that extra 5,000 points isn’t even the worst part. Southwest is also changing which points count toward qualification.
Credit Card Welcome Bonuses Are Getting the Boot
And now for the dagger to the heart of every points and miles enthusiast. Apparently, Southwest’s makeover also involves breaking up with one of our favorite Companion Pass hacks.
Credit card welcome bonuses, referral bonuses, anniversary points and bonus points from spending categories will no longer count toward Companion Pass qualification. That’s right! Beginning in January 2027, you can no longer strategically time your Southwest credit card welcome bonuses to score Companion Pass.
Instead, Southwest credit cards will earn 1 Tier Qualifying Point per $1 spent on purchases. Points earned through hotel, rental car, and other Rapid Rewards partners won’t count, either.
Related: The Complete Guide to Airline Companion Certificates: Which Cards Offer Them and Are They Worth It?
Is There Any Good News?
Believe it or not, yes. Southwest’s makeover isn’t a total disaster.
Starting in 2027, travelers who earn 95,000 TQPs or take 75 qualifying flights can unlock three Companion Pass trips, each valid for a one-way or round-trip itinerary. That’s a new option for travelers who might not otherwise qualify for the unlimited version.
And if you earn Companion Pass under the current rules in 2026, you’re safe. Your pass will remain valid through December 31, 2027.
There’s also one last opportunity for credit card enthusiasts. If you’re approved for a new Southwest credit card by December 2, 2026, your welcome bonus can still count under the old rules, even if you complete the spending requirement in early 2027.
Related: Five Reasons to STILL Love Southwest Airlines®
Bottom Line
Between checked bag fees, assigned seating and now these Companion Pass changes, Southwest has been getting one makeover after another. Unfortunately, not many of them have been particularly flattering.
The Companion Pass is still a valuable perk, but earning it through credit card bonuses is about to become a thing of the past. If you’ve been eyeing one, now’s the time to make your move.
After all this tinkering, Southwest is starting to look like Frankenstein’s monster. I think it’s time for someone to put down the needle and thread.
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