Can You Get Southwest Companion Free if Booked via Expedia?

About Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is a popular low-cost carrier known for its customer-friendly policies, no hidden fees, and generous baggage allowance. Serving both domestic and international destinations, Southwest Airlines has established itself as a top choice for budget-conscious travelers. One of the major draws for frequent flyers is the Southwest Companion Pass, which allows a designated companion to fly with you for nearly free.

What is the Southwest Free Companion Pass?

The Southwest Companion Pass is a promotional offer that allows you to designate one person as your travel companion. That companion can fly with you for free (excluding taxes and fees) every time you purchase a ticket or use points on a Southwest flight. The pass is valid for the year in which it is earned and the entire following year, making it one of the most sought-after perks for frequent travelers.

Who Can Get the Southwest Free Companion Pass?

To qualify for the Southwest Free Companion Pass, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. The main ways to earn the pass are:

• Flying 100 qualifying one-way flights with Southwest in a calendar year.
• Earning 135,000 Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year.

Once you’ve earned the pass, you can choose a companion to fly with you for free (excluding taxes and fees) on any Southwest flight. Keep in mind that the companion can be changed up to three times per year, giving you flexibility in choosing who travels with you.

Can You Get Southwest Companion Free if Booked via Expedia?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions by travelers who prefer booking through third-party websites like Expedia. The short answer is no, you cannot earn the Southwest Companion Pass if your booking is made via Expedia or other third-party booking platforms.

Southwest Airlines has specific rules for earning the Companion Pass, and one of them is that flights must be booked directly through Southwest Airlines’ official website or mobile app. Southwest Airlines bookings with Expedia or similar third-party websites do not qualify for earning points towards the Companion Pass, nor can you add a companion to such bookings using the pass.

How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass if Booked with Expedia?

While it’s clear that you cannot earn the Companion Pass if you book through Expedia, there are still ways to qualify for the pass even if you prefer third-party platforms for other travel bookings.

• Book Directly through Southwest Airlines: To ensure your flights count toward earning the Companion Pass, always book directly through Southwest Airlines. This is crucial for accumulating points and flight credits that qualify.
• Use Southwest Credit Cards: Southwest offers co-branded credit cards that allow you to earn Rapid Rewards points on purchases. You can still use your Southwest credit card when booking through Expedia, but remember that only flights booked directly with Southwest count towards Companion Pass eligibility.
• Maximize Points through Partner Offers: While Expedia bookings don’t count, Southwest offers numerous opportunities to earn points through partners, including hotel stays, car rentals, and shopping.

How to Use the Southwest Free Companion Pass if Booked via Expedia?

If you already have the Companion Pass, you may be wondering if it can be applied to bookings made through Expedia. Unfortunately, Southwest Companion Pass Expedia bookings don’t allow you to add a companion. The Companion Pass is only applicable to reservations made directly on Southwest’s website or mobile app.

However, here’s what you can do:

• Book directly on Southwest: Instead of using Expedia for your flight booking, go to the Southwest Airlines website and book your flight there.
• Apply Companion Pass: Once you have the Companion Pass, you can apply it to your booking and add your companion.

Remember, you must always book flights directly with Southwest to take full advantage of the Companion Pass benefits.

What Are the Advantages of the Southwest Companion Free Pass?

The Southwest Companion Pass offers several benefits, making it one of the most coveted travel rewards:

• Unlimited Companion Flights: The companion flies for nearly free (you only pay taxes and fees, which start as low as $5.60) on every flight you book or redeem with points.
• Extended Validity: Once you earn the pass, it’s valid for the remainder of the current year and the entire next calendar year.
• Flexibility: You can change your designated companion up to three times per year, allowing you to share the benefit with multiple people over time.
• No Blackout Dates: Unlike some airline rewards, the Companion Pass does not have blackout dates, meaning you can use it during peak travel periods.

Final Words

While booking through Expedia may offer convenience and competitive rates, it is essential to note that Southwest Companion Pass eligibility is restricted to bookings made directly through Southwest Airlines. To make the most of this fantastic travel perk, it’s best to book all your Southwest flights on their official site. That way, you can continue earning points toward the pass and enjoy flying with a companion for free once you qualify.

FAQs

1. Can I use the Southwest Companion Pass on Expedia bookings?
No, the Companion Pass is only valid for bookings made directly through Southwest Airlines’ website or mobile app.

2. Can I earn the Southwest Companion Pass if I book my flights on Expedia?
No, flights booked through third-party platforms like Expedia do not count toward earning the Southwest Companion Pass.

3. How can I earn the Southwest Companion Pass?
You can earn the pass by flying 100 qualifying one-way flights or earning 135,000 Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year.

4. Are there any blackout dates for using the Companion Pass?
No, the Companion Pass does not have any blackout dates, meaning you can use it year-round without restrictions.

5. Can I change my companion after earning the Southwest Companion Pass?
Yes, you can change your designated companion up to three times per year.