Southwest Companion Pass changes: Card bonuses won’t count
Southwest Shakes Up Companion Pass Rules: Big Changes to Eligibility Requirements
Travel hackers who rely on Southwest's Companion Pass are in for a surprise with new changes coming in 2027. For years, savvy travelers leveraged credit card welcome bonuses to unlock a perk that allowed a co-traveler to fly virtually free. But no more.
The Breaking Point
Southwest Airlines announced that starting January 2027, the pathway to achieving the coveted Companion Pass will exclude welcome bonus points from credit cards. Instead, the pass will be tied to the newly introduced Platinum status, demanding 140,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) or 100 qualifying flights.
Beneath the Surface
The shift is significant, as credit card bonuses had previously offered an easy and popular shortcut to the Companion Pass, with bonuses often reaching up to 80,000 points. This maneuverability provided by credit card bonuses was a game-changer for many frequent fliers.
The Ripple Effect
To soften the blow, Southwest is introducing new incentives like the upcoming “Milestone Reward,” offering three Companion Pass trips once certain thresholds are met. Additionally, credit card spending will now earn TQPs, making it easier to accumulate points needed for Platinum status.
"For years, strategically timing welcome bonuses was the key to unlocking incredible travel experiences," says Summer Hull, content director at The Points Guy.
The Points Guy
What this really means: Frequent fliers will have to look beyond traditional shortcuts and adapt to earn their travel perks in new ways.
