Travel News

New Requirement for the Southwest Companion Pass in 2020

rows of blue seats on an airplane
Written by Charlie

The requirement for the Southwest Companion Pass in 2020 and beyond is changing. But, it is definitely not as bad as it could be so check it out.

The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the best deals in airline travel. It lets you earn the necessary 110,000 points through credit card bonuses and spending and then you can designate one person (can be up to 4 different people in a year) that get to travel with you for free for that year and the following year! Now, the requirement for the Southwest Companion Pass in 2020 and beyond is changing – here are the details.

New Requirement for the Southwest Companion Pass in 2020

a screen shot of a computer

Link: Southwest Companion Pass 2020 Changes

We have long expected that there would be a change since Southwest has been pretty generous in how the pass is earned and even offered it to California residents with just a single credit card bonus!

Well, the change is here (JT Genter did a heads up job finding this before release) and, I have to say, it really is not what I would have expected! Starting in 2020 (so if you were strategizing to get a card now and reach the bonus threshold in early January, this will affect you), the Southwest Companion Pass will require 125,000 points in a calendar year instead of the current 110,000 points.

The good news is that Southwest is NOT touching the bonuses on credit cards as a mean to earn the Companion Pass. That means you can continue to earn bonuses and have them count towards the Companion Pass!

Upside?

Points will no longer expire! That is certainly good news – as long as they do not devalue the points in the near future (something that airlines like to do).

Summary

The requirement for the Southwest Companion Pass in 2020 will require 15,000 additional points. If you don’t fly enough for it, you can get there by spending on the credit card (so, look at it as an extra $15K in spending) or things like referring friends or family members to get the Southwest cards – and earn 5,000 points per successful referral.

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About the author

Charlie

Charlie has been an avid traveler and runner for many years. He has run in marathons around the world for less than it would cost to travel to the next town - all as a result of collecting and using miles and points. Over the years, he has flown hundreds of thousands of miles and collected millions of miles and points.
Now he uses this experience and knowledge to help others through Running with Miles.