Southwest Airlines has outlined adjustments to its popular Companion Pass program that will take effect at the start of 2027. The changes center on how travelers qualify for the benefit, which lets a designated companion fly along for only taxes and fees on most trips. These updates arrive alongside broader revisions to the airline’s Rapid Rewards loyalty program, including new elite tiers and qualification methods. Travelers who rely on the pass for family trips or frequent journeys will want to review the new requirements carefully.
Understanding the Qualification Shift
Beginning January 1, 2027, the Companion Pass will tie directly to Southwest’s highest elite tier, Platinum status. Qualification will require either 140,000 Tier Qualifying Points or 100 qualifying one-way flights. This marks a departure from the prior system, which used a separate pool of Companion Pass qualifying points. The new structure aligns the pass more closely with elite status pathways overall.
The move reflects Southwest’s effort to streamline its loyalty offerings while introducing additional milestones along the way. Travelers who secure a Companion Pass under the current rules during 2026 will retain access through the end of 2027. This provides a transition window for those already working toward the benefit.
Credit Card Bonuses and the New Landscape
One notable adjustment involves credit card activity. Welcome bonuses, referral bonuses, anniversary points, and certain bonus points from spending or partners will continue to earn Rapid Rewards points but will no longer count toward Companion Pass qualification. Previously, large sign-up bonuses on Southwest credit cards could contribute substantially to the 135,000 qualifying points needed under the old rules.
This change removes a common shortcut that many points enthusiasts used to reach the pass without extensive flight activity. The airline has clarified that these activities, while still valuable for general rewards, will not advance Companion Pass progress starting in 2027.
New Paths and Milestone Rewards
Southwest is introducing several supports to help travelers reach the updated thresholds. A 10,000-TQP boost will apply once a member earns 130,000 Tier Qualifying Points in 2027, helping push them to the 140,000 needed for Platinum status and the Companion Pass for the remainder of that year and all of 2028. A new Milestone Reward will also grant three Companion Pass trips upon reaching 95,000 TQPs or completing 75 qualifying one-way flights. In addition, all Southwest credit cards will begin earning 1 TQP per dollar spent beginning in 2027. This provides a steady, ongoing way to build toward elite status and the Companion Pass through regular card use rather than one-time bonuses.
| Qualification Element | Pre-2027 Approach | 2027 and Beyond |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Card Welcome Bonuses | Counted toward Companion Pass | No longer count toward Companion Pass |
| Credit Card Spending | Limited TQP impact | 1 TQP per dollar on Southwest cards |
| Milestone Rewards | Not available | Three Companion Pass trips at 95,000 TQPs |
Travelers planning around the Companion Pass can use the coming months to map out their 2026 and 2027 strategies. The adjustments emphasize consistent engagement with the program while preserving meaningful value for those who reach the top tier.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.