Aug 6, 2026
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Add us on GoogleGot a full travel schedule looming in the first couple months of 2027? Well, Southwest Airlines [NYSE: LUV] is letting you bring a friend along for (mostly) free.
The carrier has launched a promotional Companion Pass offer for members of its Rapid Rewards loyalty program. The pass can be used an unlimited number of times on qualifying flights from January 5 through March 3, 2027, with companions paying a minimal fee of $5.60 each way.
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There are, however, a few hurdles you’ll have to clear in order to get the pass, and you’ll need to hurry.
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First, you’ll need to register for the promotion. You’ll also need to purchase either a qualifying round trip flight or two one-way flights before the end of the day today — August 6.
It’s a narrow window, but a notable reward. Generally, companion passes are only offered to people who fly 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 135,000 points during the calendar year.
You’ll have to wrap up that travel by Nov. 18 and then designate who your traveling companion will be. (You can’t take different people on different flights next year, so choose wisely.)
The promotion is open to both new and existing Rapid Rewards members.
“The Companion Pass is one of the most valued benefits in travel, and this promotion makes it easier than ever for both new and existing customers to experience the value of Rapid Rewards,” said Nandika Suri, vice president of Rapid Rewards in a statement.
An evolving airline
The companion promotion comes as Southwest looks to reinvent itself. The company has done away with its long-standing policy of allowing customers to check two bags for free.
Last May, the carrier, which has been largely focused on domestic destinations since its founding, asked the Transportation Department for permission to fly to any country with which the U.S. has an Open Skies aviation agreement. That would allow Southwest to fly to countries in Europe, the UK, much of Latin America as well as parts of Asia and Africa.
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And in October 2025, it announced changes to its long-standing open-seating boarding process, bringing people on board in eight separate groups to eliminate the rush of passengers trying to get on board before it’s their turn. There’s a workaround, though. Just like people who want to skip the line at theme parks, you’ll have to pay extra to skip the line at the airport.
The Priority Boarding option will let you get on the plane before even Groups 1 or 2. Prices for that last-minute option will be dynamic and vary depending on the route.
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Fuel cost fears
The changes are showing results. In July, Southwest reported a better than 9% increase in second quarter profits compared to a year ago, with revenues increasing more than 16%. The forecast for the third-quarter, however, was well below what analysts expected.
That’s due in part to increasing fuel prices due to the war in Iran.
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Chris Morris is a veteran journalist with more than 35 years of experience at many of the internet's biggest news outlets. In addition to his activities as a writer, reporter and editor, Chris is also a frequent panel moderator and speaker at major conferences, including CES and South by Southwest.
