When Southwest Airlines members buy a ticket for themselves, their friend can fly for free under the airline’s renewed Companion Pass promotion, the airline said Thursday.
This popular deal is back for a limited time this month, and it’s only available to Rapid Rewards members who purchase airline tickets or redeem points for them. It’s essentially a buy one, get one free promo for air travel.
“We love offering this Companion Pass promotion because it gives our members an opportunity to experience one of the many benefits of our award-winning Rapid Rewards program,” Jennifer Bridy, Southwest’s vice president of marketing, said in a statement.
Bridie said this is the first time members can use their Rapid Rewards points in addition to cash and be eligible for promotions.
How can I qualify?
You must be a Rapid Rewards member to qualify for the promotion, and register To access it, members must book flights between Sept. 3-5 for travel between Jan. 6, 2025 and March 6, 2025. Successful registrants will receive an email informing them they are eligible for the promotion, the airline said.
To earn the Southwest Companion Pass, you must earn 135,000 points or purchase tickets on 100 eligible flights in a year.
According to Southwest, once you receive a promotional pass, you can designate your “companion,” and change the friend or family member you want to travel with up to three times.
Southwest is praised for promotions that appeal to budget-conscious travelers. For example, the airline offers plus-size passengers an extra airline seat free of charge if they need more than one seat. Such passengers are instructed to purchase two seats, and then request a refund for the cost of the extra space.
In July, the airline abolished its open seating system, This is a major change in one of its key policies. Southwest will begin selling tickets with assigned seats in 2025.