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There's a new, easier way to get a Southwest Airlines Companion Pass ahead of spring break travel

Usually, to earn the coveted Southwest Airlines benefit, you had to fly at least 100 times per year to qualify, but there's a new way for a limited time.

DALLAS — Getting a coveted Southwest Airlines Companion Pass ahead of spring break travel is easier this year – for a limited time.

A Companion Pass is a benefit that allows frequent fliers of the Dallas-based airline to choose a guest to fly practically for free – with the exception of the companion ticket’s taxes and fees, which start at $5.60 one way. The companion has to be on the same Southwest flight as the cardholder with tickets bought by the cardholder with cash or points.

 Typically, to earn the benefit, you had to fly 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 135,000 points from making purchases with a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card (co-branded with Chase) in a calendar year. Once issued, the Companion Pass is usually good for the remainder of the year in which it was earned, plus the following calendar year.

Through March 11, though, new Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus, Premier and Priority credit card holders can earn a Companion Pass for use through Feb. 28, 2025, plus 30,000 Rapid Rewards bonus points.

To get a Companion Pass as part of the new, limited-time offer, you have to spend $4,000 on a Southwest credit card within the first three months of opening the account.

The offer is only available to those who don’t have a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card and have not received a new card member bonus within the last three months.

Southwest Rapid Reward credit card options:

  • The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card has an annual fee of $69 and earns two points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases; Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners; local transit and commuting, including rideshare; and Internet, cable and phone services with select streaming. All other purchases earn one point per dollar.
  • The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier credit card has an annual fee of $99 has the same bonus categories as the Plus card, but offers three points per dollar on Southwest purchases and you’ll earn 1,500 tier-qualifying points toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent annually.
  • The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority credit card has a $149 annual fee and allows for the same rewards, perks and qualifying points as the Premier card, as well as four upgraded boardings when available per year.

For more information, visit this website.

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