Southwest Airlines Miles and Loyalty Program Overview: Major Changes Make the Companion Pass Harder to Earn!

Southwest announced that it will overhaul its Rapid Rewards program starting January 1, 2027. The biggest change is to the Companion Pass (CP). Instead of simply earning 135,000 points—including credit card welcome bonuses—to get an unlimited Companion Pass, members will qualify using Tier Qualifying Points (TQP). Southwest is also adding a Companion Pass tier limited to 3 uses. These changes will have a major impact on Southwest credit card users. Here are the key changes:

• Starting in 2027, earning 95,000 TQP or completing 75 qualifying one-way flights will earn you a Companion Pass good for 3 uses. Each use can cover a one-way or round-trip itinerary, and each use consumes one of the 3 allowances.
• To continue earning an unlimited Companion Pass, you’ll need to earn 140,000 TQP or complete 100 qualifying one-way flights, and reach the new Platinum elite tier.
• Starting in 2027, standard credit card welcome bonuses, referral bonuses, anniversary bonuses, some bonus points from spending, and points from hotel, car rental, and other partners will no longer count toward TQP.
• Southwest co-branded credit cards will earn 1 TQP per $1 spent. Even when a spending category earns 2x or 3x points, only 1 TQP will count toward status. In 2027, co-branded cardholders who reach 130,000 TQP can also earn a one-time 10,000 TQP Boost.
• Elite tiers are also being renamed: A-List will become Silver, A-List Preferred will become Gold, and a new Platinum tier that includes an unlimited Companion Pass will be added.
• Companion Passes earned under the old rules in 2026 will not be canceled and can still be used through December 31, 2027.

Here’s a comparison of the old and new rules:

Item	2026 rules	2027 rules
Qualifying points	CP Qualifying Points	Tier Qualifying Points (TQP)
3-use Companion Pass	Not available	95,000 TQP or 75 one-way flights
Unlimited Companion Pass	135,000 points or 100 one-way flights	140,000 TQP or 100 one-way flights
Credit card welcome bonuses	Generally count toward CP	Generally do not count toward TQP
Credit card spending	Eligible points count toward CP	Earn 1 TQP per $1 spent
Hotel, car rental, and other partner points	Some base points count toward CP	Generally do not count toward TQP
Elite tiers	A-List, A-List Preferred	Silver, Gold, Platinum

There’s also an important transition policy. Southwest says that holders of Southwest co-branded credit cards approved on or before December 2, 2026, may still have their welcome bonuses count toward Companion Pass qualifying points under special transition rules, as long as they meet the welcome bonus requirements—even if they complete the spending requirement in early 2027.

In my view, this change won’t have as much impact on travelers who regularly pay to fly Southwest, since flying already earns qualifying points. But it will make a big difference for people who rely mainly on the welcome bonuses from one personal card and one business card to earn CP. If you’re planning to apply, it’s best to do so before December 2.

• Southwest official: 2027 Companion Pass changes
• Southwest official: How CP earned in 2026 transitions to 2027
• Southwest official: 2027 program FAQ

Next, I’ll continue with how to earn and use Southwest Rapid Rewards points, along with the details of how the Companion Pass works. Note that the main article below covers the rules already in effect for 2026; the 2027 rules are summarized in the update above.

About Southwest

Although Southwest (SW) is considered a low-cost airline, it has grown rapidly and expanded its coverage across the United States. In recent years, it has also added routes to Mexico and the Caribbean. Like the three major US airlines—UA, AA, and Delta—SW has its own loyalty program, with elite tiers and the ability to earn points through flying. But SW’s biggest draw is its Companion Pass. Once you have one, two people can fly together for the price of one ticket, which is a much better deal than what Delta, BA, and others offer.

One thing to keep in mind is that low-cost airlines sometimes use smaller airports in a city, so check which airport you’re booking. In Chicago, for example, it might be Midway rather than the ORD airport we usually use.

Southwest made major changes to its fare products in 2025 and 2026. Some once-attractive benefits have changed, including two free checked bags, flexible flight changes, and Flight Credits with no expiration date. Here are the main things to know:

• Starting May 28, 2025, Southwest began charging most passengers for checked bags. For domestic US flights booked or changed after April 9, 2026, the first bag costs $45 and the second costs $55 on Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares. Choice Extra still includes two free checked bags.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cardholders can check their first bag for free. This benefit also applies to up to 8 additional passengers on the same reservation. A-List members get a free first checked bag, and A-List Preferred members get two free checked bags. Baggage size and weight limits still apply.
• Starting January 27, 2026, Southwest officially switched to assigned seating, replacing the old system of choosing any available seat after boarding. Seat types now include Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom.
• Fares are now sold in four tiers—Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra—replacing Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select.
• Flight Credits from canceled flights booked after May 28, 2025, now have an expiration date. Generally, Basic credits expire 6 months from the original ticketing date, while Choice credits expire after 12 months. Choice Preferred and Choice Extra may be eligible for refunds, subject to the fare rules.

I think Southwest no longer has as much of a low-cost advantage as it used to. Especially now that checked bags cost extra, it’s best to factor in baggage, seating, and other fees when booking, then compare the total with United, AA, and Delta.

• Southwest’s current fares and seating benefits
• Southwest baggage fees

Earning points

You can earn Southwest points by flying, earning credit card welcome bonuses, transferring points, and using shopping portals. The first three are the main sources.

Credit cards

The benefits on both personal and business cards generally make up for their annual fees. Choose whether to get a card with an annual fee based on how often you fly Southwest, whether you care about seat selection, and which benefits matter to you. When applying for a card, though, the main consideration is often whether it can help you earn a Companion Pass, as I’ll explain below.

Here are the personal cards:

Here are the business card options:

Flying

Miles earned on Southwest flights depend primarily on the ticket price, fare type, and your status level. The base earning rates are:

• Basic: 2x
• Choice: 6x
• Choice Preferred: 10x
• Choice Extra: 14x

These multipliers are generally calculated on the eligible base fare and do not include all taxes and fees. A-List or A-List Preferred members can also earn additional flight reward points.

Starting in 2027, the earning rates for these four fare types will change to 2x, 6x, 8x, and 10x. The two higher-priced fare types are taking the biggest cut. So buying a more expensive fare may not earn as many miles as it used to. Choose a fare based on your needs for baggage, seating, and changes or cancellations.

Points Transfers

You can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest at a 1:1 ratio, and transfers usually post quickly. However, Southwest now uses dynamic award pricing, so it’s best to find a flight first and then compare the cash and points prices. If you have a Southwest Companion Pass and are traveling as a pair, transferring points to book can be a good option. One award ticket can be paired with a Companion Pass ticket, significantly increasing the value you get from your trip.

Some hotel points, including Marriott points, can also be transferred to Southwest. However, the transfer ratios are usually unfavorable, and miles converted from hotel points do not count toward Companion Pass qualification. So unless you’re just a few miles short of an award booking, I generally don’t recommend transferring hotel points for this purpose.

Redeeming Miles

Redeeming Southwest miles is very straightforward! You can use miles much like cash: as long as a seat is available for sale with cash, you can usually book it with miles. And unlike with other airlines, you don’t need to search specifically for Saver Awards. Just search for flights on the website and select Points to see the redemption price.

Keep in mind, though, that Southwest no longer has the relatively fixed redemption rate it used to. Starting in 2025, Southwest introduced dynamic award pricing that changes with flight demand. The value of your points can therefore vary by date, route, and fare, so you can’t simply use the old estimate of around 1.5 cents per point.

I recommend checking the cash price and points price for the same flight each time you’re ready to redeem, then calculating the actual value. For example, if a ticket costs $130 after subtracting the taxes you still have to pay on an award ticket and requires 10,000 points, that works out to 1.3 cents per point (cpp). If it requires only 8,000 points, the value is 1.625 cents per point. There’s no fixed benchmark; calculate the value based on the flight you find at the time.

Southwest also offers Cash + Points bookings, but the value of your points this way isn’t necessarily better than booking entirely with miles, so it’s best to compare the options directly. If you cancel a standard award ticket, the points used are usually returned to your account, and the points themselves do not expire.

Companion Pass

One of Southwest’s standout features is the Companion Pass. Put simply, a Companion Pass (CP) lets you designate one person to fly with you without paying an additional fare when you buy a Southwest (SW) ticket. And that’s not all. What makes it unique is:

• You can use the CP with tickets purchased with cash or booked with miles to get another ticket for free.

If you regularly pay for SW flights, having a CP is like paying for one ticket and getting two. For business travelers or people who travel for meetings, it’s an opportunity to take a family member along for free. For those of us who want to travel without spending money, having a CP effectively doubles the number of tickets you can book with SW miles. For example, if 10,000 SW miles used to get you one ticket, you can now book two people on the same flight, paying only the Companion’s taxes and fees.

Of course, a CP this appealing isn’t handed out to just anyone. SW has what may seem like very high requirements, and you have to meet them to earn a CP. But once you understand the rules, there are ways to earn one quickly using credit cards, flights, and other methods. This article first explains how to use a CP and ways to earn one quickly.

Using the Companion Pass

After earning a Companion Pass, the first step is to add your Companion. It can be a family member or friend; the airline doesn’t impose any restrictions.

One thing to note: After selecting your Companion, you can change your Companion up to three times per calendar year. You can now make the change directly on the Southwest website or app, or by calling customer service; calling is no longer required. Before changing Companions, however, you must cancel any Companion bookings made by your current Companion.

After adding your Companion, you’ll need to book your own ticket first to use the CP benefit. You can use the CP whether you book with cash or miles. Once you’ve booked, go to your itinerary and select Add Companion. Your Companion’s information will appear. Follow the steps to add that person to your itinerary.

After the Companion is added, they’ll have their own Confirmation Number.

The screenshots above show the old booking interface. The Southwest website has since been redesigned, but the basic process—booking your own ticket first and then adding your Companion—has not changed.

Things to keep in mind:

• If the person who booked the ticket cancels their own ticket, the Companion’s ticket will also be canceled. The Companion cannot fly separately.
• The Companion’s fare is waived, but taxes and fees still apply. U.S. domestic flights typically start at $5.60 each way; international flights may have higher taxes and fees.
• When checking flights, make sure there’s a seat available on the flight for your Companion; otherwise, you won’t be able to add the Companion ticket.
• Southwest now uses assigned seating. Companions can select seats based on the applicable fare, status level, and seat availability; passengers can no longer simply choose any seat after boarding.
• The CP can be used only on eligible flights operated by Southwest. It cannot be used directly on itineraries connecting to other airlines, group bookings, or Getaways by Southwest vacation packages.

Earning the Companion Pass

Earning a Companion Pass isn’t easy. Under the rules in effect through December 31, 2026, Southwest requires you to complete 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 135,000 qualifying points within one calendar year. Unless you regularly fly Southwest for business, completing 100 flights is probably difficult. So most people qualify by earning 135,000 qualifying points in a year.

There’s another benefit that many people overlook: If you already hold an eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards co-branded credit card on the first business day of the year, you can receive a one-time 10,000 Companion Pass Qualifying Points Boost. So cardholders who qualify in 2026 generally need to earn another 125,000 qualifying points to reach the 135,000-point threshold. These 10,000 points count toward qualification; they are not an extra 10,000 miles you can redeem for flights.

The article specifically mentions qualifying points because some miles count and others don’t.

Points that count in 2026 include:

• Eligible base points earned from flying on SW are based on the fare you purchase and your membership tier.
• Points earned from co-branded credit card welcome bonuses and eligible spending (Chase Southwest Premier and Southwest Plus , Southwest Priority , Southwest Premier Business , and Southwest Performance Business).
• Eligible base points from the Southwest shopping portal (similar to a cashback portal, Rapid Rewards Shopping).
• Eligible base points from Southwest Hotel, Dining, car rental, and other partner activities.
• Eligible bonus points from Southwest Rapid Rewards debit cards.

Points that do not count in 2026 include:

• Hotel points transferred to Southwest, such as Marriott points.
• Transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards.
• Some extra Promotion Bonuses from the Southwest shopping portal, such as bonus points for reaching a spending threshold, unless the specific promotion explicitly states that they qualify.
• Southwest points purchased directly or transferred between members.
• Elite bonus flight points, standard promotional bonus points, and other points that do not qualify for CP.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Once you meet the points or flight-segment requirement, you get CP for the rest of that year and all of the following year. That’s why it’s best to meet the full requirement early in the year, so you can get close to two years of CP.
• Only eligible points you earn count toward the points requirement. Spending points you’ve already earned does not affect it.
• The points requirement is only used to determine CP eligibility. Once you earn CP, the points you can redeem for flights are still yours.
• Points from credit cards count based on when they post to your Rapid Rewards account, not the date you made the purchases. Pay special attention to your card’s Statement Closing Date when trying to qualify at the end of the year.
• Southwest now manages Companion Pass primarily through your online account and no longer issues the physical Companion Card it used to provide.

Note that the rules above are the current rules for earning CP in 2026. Starting in 2027, they will be replaced by the new TQP system described at the top of the article, so you can no longer simply add up points from all these sources to qualify.

How to Earn Companion Pass Quickly

If you can meet the Companion Pass requirements early in a calendar year, you can enjoy its benefits for the rest of that year and all of the following year. For readers who don’t fly Southwest often, the fastest method used to be earning welcome bonuses from Southwest co-branded credit cards.

A common strategy is to combine welcome bonuses from a personal card and a business card to reach 135,000 points. For example, you could earn a welcome bonus on a personal card and pair it with a larger bonus from a business card. Add in points from regular spending and the existing 10,000-point CP Boost, and reaching the threshold may not be difficult. However, credit card bonuses change frequently, and personal card applications are subject to restrictions based on cards you hold and bonuses you’ve earned in the past. Not everyone can simply apply for two personal cards at once. Check the current Offer for each card and your eligibility under Chase’s application rules.

The timing of the welcome bonus is especially important. Suppose you apply for a credit card at the end of 2026, but the welcome bonus posts in January 2027. Under the old approach, people would typically try to have the bonus post early in the following year so that the CP they earn lasts longer.

But after the 2027 changes, you can’t simply repeat that strategy. Southwest has announced a special transition policy:

• New cardholders approved for a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card on or before December 2, 2026, may be able to have the bonus count toward CP qualification under special transition rules, even if they meet the spending requirement in early 2027, as long as they satisfy the applicable Welcome Bonus terms.
• For credit cards opened through regular applications starting in 2027, welcome bonuses generally will no longer count toward TQP, so you will no longer be able to earn unlimited CP directly through the welcome bonuses from two cards.
• Unlimited CP earned under the old rules in 2026 can still be used through the end of 2027 and will not become invalid when the new system launches.

My advice: If you already have an established credit history, can apply for a business card, and can meet the spending requirements, it’s worth looking into a personal-card-plus-business-card combination during the remaining part of 2026. But don’t apply recklessly just to earn CP. There isn’t much time left to apply, and when the points post and how the old and new rules interact could affect your eligibility.

In addition to earning enough eligible points, Southwest sometimes offers a limited-time Companion Pass just for applying for a co-branded card. These offers typically have their own expiration dates and spending requirements, and they’re separate from CP earned through the regular qualification process. Check the terms of the current Offer.

Best Ways to Redeem

Although Southwest now uses dynamic award pricing and no longer has a fixed award chart, it still has some unique advantages.

• Simple point redemptions: If a cash fare is available, you can usually book it with points. There’s no need to wait for the airline to release a Saver Award. If you see a fare that works for you, you can book it directly.
• Low fares: Southwest frequently offers flight sales, and some domestic U.S. and Caribbean routes have good prices. However, checked bags are no longer generally free, so be sure to factor in the total cost and check that the airport is convenient for you.
• Companion travel: If two people are traveling and the airport works for you, buy-one-get-one travel is a great deal. You can even get a buy-one-get-one deal on award bookings!
• Changes and cancellations: Southwest still doesn’t charge standard cancellation fees for most fares, and points from canceled award tickets can usually be returned to your account. However, Flight Credits for cash fares now have expiration dates, and changing a Basic fare requires upgrading to a higher fare. You can no longer assume that every ticket can be changed freely.

In my view, Companion Pass is still Southwest’s biggest advantage. If you’re traveling alone, the value of a points redemption depends heavily on the cash fare, and it may not be better than a sale fare from UA, AA, or another airline. But if two people travel together often, the savings from CP can be substantial.

Elite Status

Southwest currently has two main elite tiers: A-List and A-List Preferred. I used to think these tiers weren’t especially useful, but with Southwest ending generally free checked bags and moving to assigned seating, elite benefits are more useful than they were before.

The 2026 qualification requirements are:

• A-List: Complete 20 qualifying one-way flights or earn 35,000 TQP in a calendar year. Benefits include one free checked bag, the ability to select eligible Preferred or Standard seats when booking, and upgrades to available Extra Legroom seats within 48 hours of departure.
• A-List Preferred: Complete 40 qualifying one-way flights or earn 70,000 TQP in a calendar year. Benefits include two free checked bags, the ability to select available seats at booking, including Extra Legroom seats, and a higher flight-points bonus.

In 2026, A-List members also earn a 25% bonus on qualifying flight points, while A-List Preferred members earn a 100% bonus. These benefits can be valuable if you fly Southwest frequently for business. In particular, advance seat selection and free checked bags can save you real money now.

The elite status program will be revamped in 2027: A-List will be renamed Silver, A-List Preferred will be renamed Gold, and a new Platinum tier will include unlimited Companion Pass. For details on the thresholds and changes, see the comparison table at the top of the article. Elite status earned in 2026 will also be converted under the official transition rules.

• An overview of Southwest’s current elite status tiers

Summary

Southwest’s mileage program is relatively straightforward, and the Companion Pass is still its biggest highlight. Although Southwest has made major changes to its baggage, seating, award bookings, and change and cancellation policies over the past couple of years, making them less generous than before, the CP is still a benefit worth looking into if you often travel with another person.

If you’re thinking about applying for a Southwest credit card to earn the CP, pay close attention to the remaining transition window in 2026. Going forward, welcome offers will no longer help you qualify as directly as they did in the past. If you’re interested, I recommend planning ahead by working out your application timing, spending requirements, and when the rewards will post before deciding whether to go for it.

Airline Mileage Program Guides Roundup

Getting Started

• “Beginner's Guide” to Airline Alliances, Miles, and Memberships

Star Alliance

• United Airlines (UA) Membership and Mileage Guide “2024 Full Update”
• Air Canada Aeroplan Mileage Redemption Guide
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Mileage Program Guide “2024 Full Update”
• Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles Mileage Program Guide
• ANA All Nippon Airways Mileage Guide “2025 Full Update”
• Avianca LifeMiles (AV) Avianca Colombia Mileage Redemption Guide

Oneworld

• American Airlines (AA) Mileage and Membership Guide “2025 Full Update”
• Alaska Airlines Mileage and Membership Guide “2025 Full Update”
• British Airways Avios Mileage Redemption Guide “2025 Full Update”
• Cathay Pacific (CX) Miles Guide: Best Redemption + Award Seat Booking Tips
• Japan Airlines (JL) Mileage Guide: Latest Award Chart, Best Redemptions, and Award Seat Booking Tips

SkyTeam

• Delta SkyMiles Mileage and Membership Guide “2024 Full Update”
• Air France/KLM Flying Blue Program Guide “2025 Full Update”
• Virgin Atlantic (VS) Membership and Mileage Guide “2025 Full Update”

Others

• Southwest Airlines Mileage and Membership Program Guide “2025 Full Update”
• JetBlue Mileage and Membership Program Guide “2025 Update”