Southwest calls its new rewards ‘even more rewarding.’ Then travelers spot what no longer counts toward its Companion Pass
Southwest is promising more rewards, but some travelers will have to spend more or fly more often to earn the same Companion Pass benefits.
A Southwest Airlines credit card welcome bonus could once put travelers more than halfway toward earning a Companion Pass, allowing someone to accompany them on flights without paying another base fare. Starting in 2027, that same bonus won’t count toward the pass at all. It’s one of several changes buried beneath the airline’s promise to make its Rapid Rewards program “even more rewarding.”
Beginning January 1, credit card welcome bonuses, referral bonuses, and several other rewards will no longer help customers qualify for Companion Pass. Travelers can still redeem those points for flights, but they won’t count toward the qualifying threshold. That means someone who previously used a large sign-up bonus to reach the required 135,000 points could suddenly find themselves much further from earning the perk.
While the airline is advertising more opportunities to earn rewards, Southwest’s changes to loyalty benefits have already frustrated customers, and some frequent flyers are questioning whether the new system actually offers them a better deal.
Your points still count for flights, just not the Companion Pass
Southwest’s Companion Pass has long been a favorite among travelers who frequently fly together. Once someone earns it, they can choose a companion to accompany them on eligible flights without paying a second base fare. Taxes and fees still apply, but the savings can add up quickly for couples or families who travel regularly.
Until now, travelers could qualify by earning 135,000 eligible points or taking 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year. A generous credit card welcome bonus could cover a substantial portion of that requirement, making the pass possible without spending most of the year on airplanes.
That’s changing under Southwest’s new Rapid Rewards rules. Welcome bonuses, referral bonuses, anniversary points, promotional spending bonuses, and rewards from hotel or rental car partners won’t count toward qualification. Customers can still use many of those points to book flights, but earning them won’t bring them any closer to a Companion Pass.
Travelers who rely on credit card rewards have encountered other unexpected problems with travel points. Also including disputes over how banks handle accounts used to accumulate flight rewards.
Instead, Southwest credit card purchases will earn one Tier Qualifying Point for every dollar spent. Eligible flights, certain debit card purchases, and vacation bookings can also help. That means someone relying entirely on qualifying credit card purchases would need to spend $140,000 to reach the new unlimited Companion Pass threshold.
The airline is also replacing its A-List tiers with Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Travelers who earn 95,000 Tier Qualifying Points or take 75 qualifying flights can unlock three Companion Pass trips. Unlimited trips require Platinum status, which takes 140,000 qualifying points or 100 qualifying flights.
Travelers still have time to qualify under the old rules
Southwest’s changes won’t affect Companion Pass benefits travelers have already earned. According to the airline’s official guidance, customers who qualify by December 31, 2026, can use their passes through the end of 2027.
However, travelers who fall short of the current requirements won’t carry their qualifying progress into the new year. Their regular Rapid Rewards points won’t expire, but they’ll have to meet the new qualification rules.
There’s one important exception for customers considering a Southwest credit card. Those approved by December 2 may still count their welcome bonuses toward 2026 qualification, even if they complete the required spending in early 2027. Existing promotional Companion Pass offers will also retain their original terms.
The changes have frustrated some travelers. As reported by the New York Post, one X user called the overhaul “the end of an era,” criticizing the loss of welcome bonuses as a path to unlimited companion flights.
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