Southwest Companion Pass Shake Up
Au revoir, Southwest? Southwest Airlines just made one of the best deals in travel rewards much harder to earn. Its October 15 announcement included new airport lounges, elite status tiers, airline partnerships, and upgraded Wi-Fi. But the biggest news is a major blow to the coveted Southwest Companion Pass.
For years, I've recommended a strategy that allows travelers to earn a Companion Pass early in the year and enjoy nearly two full years of companion travel. Unfortunately, that strategy is coming to an end.
The Companion Pass Shortcut Is Almost Dead
Starting in 2027, Southwest will award the Companion Pass based on Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs), rather than traditional Rapid Rewards qualifying points.
That means credit card welcome bonuses, referral bonuses, and shopping portal points will generally no longer count toward qualification.
Every dollar spent on a Southwest co-branded credit card will earn just one TQP. You'll need 140,000 TQPs for an unlimited Companion Pass, although a special 10,000-TQP boost could reduce the credit card spending requirement to $130,000.
That's an astonishing $130,000 in credit card spending for a benefit travelers could previously earn with a couple of well-timed welcome bonuses. Ouch!
You can still qualify by flying 100 eligible one-way flights annually, but that's hardly realistic for most travelers.
Loyal Southwest Flyers Aren't Happy
"I've had Companion Pass over the last several years," said Jordan Wells, a Denver-based traveler, in a text message to MyMilesGuy. "This will change my whole strategy for my family next year. It'll be much harder for me to requalify for the Companion Pass, and I will need to reevaluate my relationship with Southwest."
I suspect many longtime Southwest loyalists feel the same way.
What Else Is Changing?
New Elite Status Tiers: A-List becomes Silver, A-List Preferred becomes Gold, and a new Platinum tier will include unlimited Companion Pass privileges. Southwest will also offer three companion trips as a milestone benefit at 95,000 TQPs or 75 qualifying flights.
International Airline Partners: Beginning in spring 2027, travelers will be able to redeem Rapid Rewards points on Icelandair, Etihad Airways, and China Airlines. This is welcome news, although we don't yet know whether redemption rates will offer good value.
Southwest Icon Lounges: Southwest is launching its first airport lounges in Austin (AUS), Baltimore (BWI), Honolulu (HNL), and Nashville (BNA), with the first openings targeted for late 2027. A new premium Southwest Chase credit card will provide lounge access.
Starlink Wi-Fi: Southwest plans to equip its entire fleet with high-speed Starlink internet by fall 2027. Wi-Fi will remain free for Rapid Rewards members.
My Take: Southwest Is Losing Its Biggest Advantage
Southwest's changes leave me increasingly hesitant to recommend concentrating credit card spending and loyalty with the airline. The new benefits are welcome, but they don't necessarily offset the tougher qualification requirements.
If you're close to qualifying in 2026, don't miss your opportunity. And if you're considering a Southwest credit card, pay attention to qualify yet this year to receive a Companion Pass until the end of 2027..
At MyMilesGuy, I've always advocated earning flexible credit card points that offer the greatest number of airline redemption options. Southwest's latest changes only reinforce that advice. There are better ways to earn Southwest points than a Southwest credit card. I can tell you how.
The Companion Pass isn't dead. But its golden age may be over.
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