Summary
Southwest Airlines’ Companion Pass Offer
Southwest Airlines’ companion pass is highly regarded among travelers, and there is a new opportunity to acquire one effortlessly by opening a new credit card. This initiative allows travelers to benefit significantly from their travels.
Credit Card Benefits for New Members
As of this week, those who open a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card from Chase can earn a companion pass valid through February 28, 2024. This exciting offer is available for travelers who apply by March 13. Moreover, new card members will also attain 30,000 Rapid Rewards points, which do not expire, as part of this offer. The benefits activate after customers spend $4,000 on purchases within the initial three months of card ownership.
- Available credit cards include Southwest Plus, Premier, and Priority Rapid Rewards.
- Each card is associated with a different annual fee.
Earning Companion Pass Through Flights
Southwest’s companion pass allows holders to select one individual to fly with them nearly for free every time they purchase a flight. The designated companion is required to pay applicable taxes and fees, starting at $5.60 one-way. Additionally, pass holders can change their selected companion up to three times annually.
Alternatively, travelers can also earn a companion pass through different means, such as:
- Completing 100 qualifying one-way flights
- Accumulating 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year
Travelers can earn qualifying points from various sources, including utilizing a Rapid Rewards credit card, staying at partner hotels, and more.
Challenges Faced by Southwest Airlines
Furthermore, this new offer coincides with Southwest’s ongoing recovery from the significant disruptions experienced during Christmas week, which resulted in the cancellation of thousands of flights. Consequently, the airline issued apologies to its customers.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has initiated an investigation to determine whether Southwest knowingly over-scheduled flights beyond what its systems could accommodate. Recently, Southwest’s chief operating officer is scheduled to testify before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. This testimony aims to review the causes and effects of recent air travel disruptions and their impact on consumers.
