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It’s back!! For a limited time, new Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards cardmembers can enjoy a complimentary Southwest Rapid Rewards Companion Pass® status through February 28, 2024, plus 30,000 bonus Rapid Rewards points. This is earned after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of the account opening. This exciting signup bonus can be extremely valuable if you bring a travel companion for several flights over the next year.
How Does the Companion Pass Offer Work?
Typically, you need to complete 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards within a calendar year to earn the standard Southwest Rapid Rewards Companion Pass®.
This is a high bar to achieve, even for frequent flyers. However, the benefits can be worth the effort. You only need to pay fees and taxes (from $5.60 one-way) on your companion’s ticket when you pay for your flight with cash or points.
A common strategy is to apply for a Southwest Airlines credit card. The Rapid Rewards received from the bonus offer count toward the points requirement. However, you must complete more activities to fill the points gap to receive the pass.
With this offer, you can enjoy the Companion Pass benefits through February 28, 2024, by spending at least $4,000 within the first 3 months. In addition to getting a free Companion Pass through February 28, 2024, you will also receive 30,000 bonus Rapid Rewards.
The participating consumer cards and their featured benefits include:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: $149 annual fee, $75 annual Southwest travel credit, 4 Upgraded Bookings per year (when available), 7,500 annual bonus points
- The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card: $99 annual fee, 2 EarlyBird Check-In per year, 6,000 Annual Bonus Points
- And the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: $69 annual fee, 2 EarlyBird Check-In per year, 3,000 Annual Bonus Points
Unfortunately, the Southwest small business cards are not participating in this offer.
Read more about these cards in our Best Southwest Credit Cards review.
Application Rules
This can be an exciting time to consider one of these cards. However, make sure you are eligible for the bonus offer. Essentially, you cannot currently have a personal Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card and haven’t received a Southwest new card member bonus in the past 90 days. Small business and employee credit cards are exempt.
Applications submitted from February 7, 2023, to March 13, 2023, are eligible for this Companion Pass offer.
Related: The Best Limited-Time Credit Card Offers
Summary
In conclusion, this can be the easiest way this year to earn the Southwest Companion Pass. If you have been waiting to apply, now can be the best time as you enjoy discounted travel for an extended period and earn bonus Rapid Rewards that can help you book your next award flight.
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