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Points & Miles

The Fastest Way to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass in 2020

Currently paging all passengers traveling without the Companion Pass. This is a final boarding call for Southwest flight 2021, leaving from gate B2. Destination: Savingsville, USA.


For years, its been less about “what’s the fastest way to earn the Southwest Companion Pass” and more about “is it even possible to earn?”

Yes, it’s a widely-known secret amongst Southwest fanatics: the Companion Pass is one of the most amazing airline benefits out there. In our own experience, it’s the absolute best—hands down. In 2018, we saved $2475 flying around the US on D’s Southwest Companion Pass (SWCP). True story. Out of 26 total segments flown, all 13 of mine were free.

At the most basic level, that’s how it works: the SWCP holder buys a flight, and the Companion tags along for free (minus taxes & fees, usually $5.60).

But there’s a LOT more to it than that.

What if I told you that out of the 13 segments D flew, 5 of hers were free too? Real talk. We turned an already-amazing 2-for-1 benefit into a 2-for-0.793 benefit. Now, we’re working on our next SWCP, and we *believe* we have found a way to get that ratio nearly all the way down to 2-for-0.

Let’s be clear: this post involves credit cards. It involves math. It involves strategy. And it involves a LOT of spreadsheets.

And it is long…(use the “quick jump” links below if you want to skip to the results).

But if you do stick with us till the end, we promise to show you how the right combination of credit cards…mixed with some savvy point-redeeming strategy…has the potential to score you over $5k in free airfare between now and the end of 2021.

To manage expectations: you may or may not be able to employ this strategy (we’ll talk eligibility in a minute).

Also, while this is a long-term flight-hacking, cash-saving strategy, there’s a short-term deadline coming up—February 18, 2020.

The bottom line, up front:

The fastest way to earn the Southwest Companion Pass is to sign up for 2 Southwest credit cards (1 personal + 1 business) before the current offers expire. We’ve recently done exactly this.

But before applying, we had more questions than answers.

Staring at a long list of benefits & fees…for 5 different cards…often creates more confusion than clarity. And that’s on a normal day. But when considering 2 new cards, the doubts multiplied.

It was no longer a question of “which personal card” or “which business card” but rather, “which TWO cards?” Which combination of cards…working together…has the greatest potential to maximize overall value…minimize redundancy between benefits…and not cost a fortune in annual fees.

We built this model to help us make an informed, data-driven decision.

Our objective: capitalize on the fastest way to earn the Southwest Companion Pass…and ensure our decisions were financially responsible. So, we started crunching the numbers. In the process of doing so, the broader opportunity became clearer.

As we continued to define our strategy and refine the model, we came to realize its significantly greater long-term potential.

Today, we’ll share it with you.

May our model guide you on your own quest to not only earn the coveted Companion Pass…but to extract maximum value from it, after it’s been earned…Good luck!

***

In this post:


Boring legal stuff: this page includes independent analysis conducted solely by us (travelhelix). We are not financial advisers, nor are we providing any financial advice. We’ve simply crunched the numbers…and are here to share the results.

The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. We received no compensation to research or write this, and we have no compensatory relationship with either Chase or Southwest. However, the card application links on this page are our own personal referral links. If you use our links to apply for these cards—and you are approved—we may earn referral bonus points from Southwest. If this is you…then THANK YOU! And please let us know, because we won’t find out otherwise! All offers are current as of this writing.

Finally, we do value your feedback (good or bad!), so please leave comments or questions at the bottom of this page, or shoot us an email.


***

The fastest way to earn the Southwest Companion Pass in 2020

Today, Chase offers 5 co-branded Southwest credit cards (3 for personal use and 2 more for business). The fastest way to earn the Southwest Companion Pass is to apply for one of each, and capitalize on the bonus points, which—in any of the 6 combinations—more than exceed the points earnings requirement.

Why is NOW the best time to do this?

Several great reasons:

FIRST: the BENEFITS kick in as soon as you qualify. Once you earn the SWCP, you have unlimited use for the remainder of the current year and the entire next calendar year. Earn it in December, and you’ve got around a year of free flights. But earn it in May or June, and your Companion is flying free for more than a year and a half.

SECOND: the SWCP is valid whether you are paying with dollars or redeeming with points to purchase the flight. THAT is the reason we BOTH flew for free on 5 flights last year. D used points for her seat, and I flew as her Companion, for free. At the end, we’ll take a closer look at a points-optimizing strategy for the SWCP. For now, just know that the sooner you earn it…the greater the potential.

THIRD: the QUALIFYING requirements are based on current calendar year, so you’ve got from now until early/mid-December to do either of the following:

  1. Fly 100 qualifying 1-way segments (not realistic for the average traveler)
  2. Earn 125k qualifying Southwest points (requires either some MAJOR credit card spending…or a HUGE signup bonus to give you a head start)

With 2 new Southwest credit cards, you’ll qualify through point #2.

But even if you’re only able to get 1 new card, there’s a big difference between getting a 60k-75k point head start now…vs. November.

So let’s talk eligibility.

Who’s eligible to apply?

Here are some additional eligibility considerations to keep in mind, before applying for any of the Southwest credit cards:

  1. ALL 5 CARDS — if you currently own any of the 5 cards, or you have previously received a sign-up bonus for any of these cards in the last 24 months, you won’t be able to get that specific card again.
  2. PERSONAL CARDS — additionally: if you’ve opened 5 or more credit cards in the last 24 months—across all banks (not just Chase)—we suggest reading up on 5/24 before applying.
  3. BUSINESS CARDS — these applications require “real business things” like a tax ID #, type of business, your title, # of employees, etc. However, the 5/24 restriction does NOT apply to the business cards, which is good news if you believe you’re at your 5/24 limit on the personal card side.
  4. 2-CARD COMBO — in our understanding, you won’t be approved for 2 new personal cards or 2 new business cards.

If you check all the right boxes…right on! Keep scrolling for more 411 that may help you decide which combo to apply for.

Not eligible for the 2-card approach?

Bummer. But on the bright side, the second fastest way to earn the Southwest Companion Pass is to get a head start with the points bonus from one new card. Which card MIGHT you be eligible for?

Check out our personal card analysis or business card analysis, and hook yourself up with that head start.

Chase Southwest personal and business credit cards 2020
Screenshot courtesy of Chase Refer Your Card services.

Southwest credit card combos & bonuses

Now we know there are a total 6 COMBOS to consider: each with 1 personal and 1 business card.

Each card has been assigned a numerical “tag” (1-5) which will be used to identify it throughout this post. These tags are simply for ease of reference (they have nothing to do with value…or anything else). When we get to some of the heavier “combo vs. combo” analysis, we’ll identify combos based on these numerical card tags (for example: “1+4” or “3+5”).

Below, you’ll find each card, (its tag) and the max amount of bonus points currently available:

  1. PLUS (1) — 75k
  2. PREMIER (2) — 75k
  3. PRIORITY (3) — 75k
  4. PREMIER BUSINESS (4) — 60k
  5. PERFORMANCE BUSINESS (5) — 70k

This part’s not hard: depending on your choice of business card, you’ll end up with either 135k bonus points or 145k bonus points. So, all 6 combos give you more than the required 125k points to earn the Companion Pass. Now, it’s a matter of deciding which combo makes the most sense for you.

Here’s a good place to start: are you comfortable with the minimum qualifying spend requirements?

How much do I have to spend?

This is pretty standard credit card bonus stuff: spend a certain amount…within a certain timeframe…and you’ll earn the bonus. What you don’t want to do is wind up in a financial hole in the pursuit of points.

With these Chase-Southwest combos though, you’ll have 2 new cards…and 2 qualifying spends to meet.

For the business cards, the timeline is the same (3 months) but the spend requirements and bonus amounts are different:

  • PREMIER BUSINESS (4) — 60k points after $3k spend
  • PERFORMANCE BUSINESS (5) — 70k points after $5k spend

For the personal cards, all include the same big picture bonus opportunity: 75k points after $5k spend…but split between 2 periods of time:

  • TIER 1 — earn 40k points after you spend $1k in the first 3 months.
  • TIER 2 — earn another 35k points after you spend an additional $4k within the first 6 months.

Visual breakdown on the individual CARD level:

fastest way to earn the Southwest Companion Pass

Now, here’s a visual on the COMBO level:

fastest way to earn the Southwest Companion Pass

BOTTOM LINE:

  1. To earn the max bonus, you’ll need to spend either $8k or $10k within the first 6 months.
  2. In the process, you will earn either 135k or 145k bonus points, depending on the business card.

So how much are the bonuses worth? Well…maybe a little more than meets the eye.

How much are the current bonuses worth?

When performing any sort of Southwest point-related analysis, we use an estimated value of 1.5 cents per point (per our go-to resource: The Points Guy). This value can fluctuate, but that’s a topic for another day.

Regarding sign-up bonuses, here’s a question we get a lot:

“when I use my card to make purchases…to eventually meet the minimum qualifying spend…do I only earn the bonus points?…or do I also earn points for the spending that took place along the way?”

The answer is underlined. With these offers, you don’t just score the bonus points; you also earn points on the dollars you spend trying to score them. As a result, you really earn slightly more than the bonus.

Personal card example:

75k bonus points ($1125 value)

+5k points for the actual $5k spend ($75 value)

= 80k total points ($1200 total value)

Later, you’ll see these numbers reflected in the model, when we compare the net value of all 5 cards and all 6 combos in year 1.

***

At this point, you’ve got a solid understanding of the overall eligibility parameters, as well as the spend requirements & bonus opportunities at both the individual card level & combo level. That’s a solid baseline.

Now, it’s time to examine the cards themselves so you can get a better idea of which 2 to combine:

  • We’ll start with features & benefits so you can sample some of the flavor these cards are serving up.
  • Then, we’ll get down to the raw numbers.

After that, you should have enough qualitative and quantitative info to make an informed decision!

Southwest credit card features comparison

Each Southwest credit card include various perks, fees and points multiples on various purchase categories. The table below is our own consolidated view of these different card features.

For us, this was phase 1 of our attempt to turn confusion → clarity!

Southwest credit card perks fees benefits multiples

For our take on any of the features not covered below, check out our personal and business breakdowns.

What they all have in common:

  • Annual fees — 2 new cards means 2 new annual fees—and they’re both applied to the first billing cycle. This also means 4 annual fees in the next 13 months. On the other hand, you won’t see your sign-up bonus points for many months (terms & conditions indicate 8 weeks after qualifying spends are met).
  • Anniversary bonus points — starting in year 2, all 5 cards hook you up with anniversary points, which partially offset the annual fees. Nice perk, across the board!
  • Points multiples on certain purchase categories — the multiples are all the same for the 3 personal cards, but not for the 2 business cards. In the business breakdown, we demonstrate their potential incremental value impact (spoiler alert: it can be significant).

Unique, card-specific benefits

These benefits have a fixed financial value, and they’re only available with one card:

  • $75 annual travel credit purchase airfare & pay miscellaneous fees…but no upgrades or in-flight purchases. This does apply in year 1, so you basically come out the gate with a $75 flight coupon.
    • Card: PRIORITY (3)
  • Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® Fee Credit — once every 4 years, receive a credit for a Global Entry ($100) or TSA PreCheck ($85) application fee. Thinking about applying? Need to renew your status?
    • Card: PERFORMANCE BUSINESS (5)

Variable, use-dependent benefits

The following benefits are a bit more subjective, in that their “value” can vary greatly from person to person. Essentially, they all depend on how (or if) you use them.

  • 4 upgraded boardings per year — upgraded “A1-A15” boarding fees vary from $30-$50, depending on itinerary. Take full advantage of this perk, and realize $120-$200 in additional value, per year.
    • Cards: PRIORITY (3) & PERFORMANCE BUSINESS (5)
  • In-flight WiFi credits — Southwest charges $8 for WiFi. Up to 365 x per year, get this $8 credited back. If you use WiFi on 30 flights a year…that’s $240 in your pocket. But if you issue company cards to employees ($0 for additional authorized users!) and capitalize on the full benefit, your company could save $2920.
    • Card: PERFORMANCE BUSINESS (5)
  • 20% back on in-flight drinks and WiFi — spend $200/year on WiFi and white wine, and you’ll have $40 coming back to you. (totally. random. example.)
    • Card: PRIORITY (3)

Looking beyond the sign-up bonus, your application decision may be influenced by the presence or lack of any of these benefits. In this last section, we simply tried to shed light on certain areas that are either 1) easily misunderstood or 2) often overlooked (qualitative).

In the next section, we’ll share the findings of our model (quantitative). Please keep in mind: your own personal preferences may outweigh some of the numerical value we’ll present…and that’s perfectly alright!

Our numbers should take a backseat to your ultimate decision on which cards work best for you.

With that, let’s look at the numbers.

***

The model: 2-year net value comparison of 6 Southwest credit card combos

This model factors in the key points of differentiation between the 5 Southwest credit cards, introduces a single assumed spending pattern, consolidates the results in 6 total combos, and delivers output in the form of overall, individual net value per combo, over different periods of time:

  • Year 1 — net value after first 12 months of card ownership
  • Year 2 — adjusted net value after anniversary bonuses & annual fees, but prior to additional spending
  • Aggregate view of 1 + 2

The individual net value results then allow us to:

  1. Analyze comparative net value between credit card combos
  2. Estimate the potential incremental value impact of the Companion Pass, when optimized via a points redemption-based strategy

Key inputs & assumptions

First, we introduce the following fixed variables for each card, per the T&C’s of the current bonus offers:

  • Annual fees — all cards
  • Sign-up bonus points — all cards
  • Anniversary bonus points — all cards
  • $75 annual travel credit — PRIORITY (3) only
  • Global Entry/TSA Pre✓® fee credit — PERFORMANCE BUSINESS (5) only

Then, we apply the following inputs & assumptions:

  • Year 1 spend — exactly the minimum in order to achieve the bonus, for all 5 cards
  • Year 2 spend — zero (there’s a reason…we promise!)
  • Points multiples — all purchases fall into the “all other purchases” category (1x)
  • No foreign transactions — all are purchases domestic

Excluded from the analysis

All other benefits—including the variable, use-dependent benefitshave been excluded from this particular model, for reasons we explain in the personal and business breakdowns. Short answer: their values vary too dramatically from person to person.

Example: the upgraded boarding benefit could be worth $200 to one person, but $0 to another.

However, if you personally find value in any of the benefits we have not included—particularly if they cover costs you’re currently paying for and would thus start saving—then by all means: factor them into your decision! Take our net value calculations, and add your personal estimated value for the benefits you’d use.

***

Year 1 results: net value after 12 months of card ownership

To calculate net value, we’ll add up all the good stuff (points, benefits, etc.), then subtract the costs (annual fees). In some credit card value analyses, you may see minimum spends subtracted from year 1 net value. Our take: we’re assuming these are costs you were already going to incur, and you’ve switched your form of payment from whatever it was (cash…debit card) to your new credit card. In that sense, these “minimum spends” are also “pre-existing spends” and should not be factored against the value of your new card.

Now, if your previous form of payment would have been a different card that would have generated points, then that opportunity cost IS something you could include in your own personal value equation.

Before we look at the combos, let’s start at the individual card level so you can get familiar with how the inputs and results are presented. As we’ve discussed:

  • You’ll notice the bonus points reflected, as well as the points earned from spending to achieve the bonus.
  • We include the unique, card-specific benefits ($75 travel credit; Global Entry fee credit*).
  • We do not include the variable, use-dependent benefits.

*Global Entry/TSA Pre✓®we’ll use this $100 in year 1, but you could defer it to year 2 (or 3 or 4).

Year 1 net value breakdown individual CARD level:

fastest way to earn the Southwest Companion Pass

Analysis:

Clearly, all 5 cards deliver significant value in year 1. Not surprising, given the huge sign-up bonuses.

Also, notice that the 2 business cards deliver the 2 lowest net value results. But remember our objective: take advantage of the fastest way to earn the Southwest Companion Pass…and to do that, you’ll need to pick a business card!

On that note, this is what you’ve been waiting for (…if you’re still reading…).

Year 1 net value breakdown COMBO level:

Let’s take the year 1 results from the 5 cards and package them up into our 6 credit card combos, to get a combined view of net value through the end of year 1.

Note: PREMIER BUSINESS (4) combos on the left…PERFORMANCE BUSINESS (5) combos on the right…each with 3 PERSONAL cards below…and the numerical tag system to identify the card pairing.

fastest way to earn the Southwest Companion Pass

Analysis:

You didn’t need Nostradamus to tell you there would be tons of upside, across the board. But there’s still PLENTY to think about:

  • Overall net value vs. annual fees the 3 PERFORMANCE BUSINESS (5) combos deliver the 3 highest net value results. Even if you defer the $100 Global Entry credit to year 2, these 3 combos still come out on top. BUT, they also have the 3 highest combined annual fees. Are you OK paying more in fees in order to realize greater overall value? Or are you willing to sacrifice some of that long-term value in order to pay less out of pocket now?
  • Minimum spend in the first 3 months — recall the business card spending requirements: $3k for the PREMIER BUSINESS (4) vs. $5k for the PERFORMANCE BUSINESS (5). Add the $1k needed to unlock the Tier 1 bonus on your personal card, and we arrive at $4k vs. $6k. Are those spends within your budget? Remember, we’re talking about expenses that can be paid with a credit card (I’ve yet to meet a landlord who accepts Visa).

Not so cut and dry, is it? But at least you’re choosing from 6 incredible value-rich combos, right?

Depends which picture you’re looking at.

Year 2 results: net value before spending (NVBS)

Before you go swan-diving into an imaginary pool of Rapid Rewards points, remember that nothing in this world is free. There’s a price to be paid for generous credit card sign-up bonuses, and with these offers, that cost is paid upfront—in the form of annual fees.

Also remember that sign-up bonuses are a one-shot deal. So let’s think beyond the bonus. Forget about year 1 (for now). Imagine you’ve redeemed all your year 1 bonus points, and you’re starting year 2 from a clean slate.

  • Great news: a few days after your cardmember anniversary, Southwest will deposit your anniversary bonus points…for TWO cards!
  • Deflating news: right around the same time (likely before), Chase will apply your 2nd annual fee…to BOTH accounts.

This time, we’ll examine our adjusted net value position at the beginning of a new 12-month billing cycle—before you use either card to make any purchases.

We call this valuation concept “net value before spending (NVBS)and we’ll try to explain it, by posing a question:

“If I never take this card out of my wallet after year 1, am I losing money away? Or could I possibly be earning money, just by owning it?”

This time, we’ll skip the individual CARD level and get straight to the COMBO level.

Year 2 NVBS breakdown COMBO level:

fastest way to earn the Southwest Companion Pass

Analysis:

The moment new annual benefits take effectand annual fees are appliedwe see a shift in net value. Does the value of each card’s non-purchase-related benefits more than compensate for its annual fee?

In this simulation, the answer is NO for 5 of the 6 combos, meaning you either need to use the card to generate points in year 2, or take advantage of some of the variable, use-dependent benefits to arrive at a positive net value position.

The personal and business breakdowns include the individual card NVBS values, as well as the break even spend thresholds to help you avoid losing money through card ownership.

Personally speaking, these results gave me a much-needed reality check. Moving forward, NVBS will be included in our credit card consideration process.

However, despite its valid role in credit card analysisNVBS doesn’t tell the whole story.

Combined results: total net value, year 1 + year 2 before spending

Back on the bright side: take a consolidated look at everything we’ve covered, and the picture is pretty once again. Below, we combine all the year 1 and year 2 results, and see an aggregate view of overall net value, by combo.

fastest way to earn the Southwest Companion Pass

Analysis:

Regardless of which combo you choose, you’re coming out way ahead. And since we already covered many of the key considerations after year 1 (minimum spends…annual fees…overall net value), we’ll keep moving.

Incremental value comparison

A couple examples, for consideration:

  • Frequent flyers the 3+5 combo gives you all the flight perks you need: free WiFi (via $8 credits), AND 20% cash back on drinks. But those $8 WiFi credits offer you no value if you’re not using WiFi. In that sense, the 3+4 combo would save you $200 in annual fees.
  • Max points —  if you simply want to earn the most possible points so you can redeem them on Companion Pass flights, any of the PERFORMANCE BUSINESS (5) combos are where it’s at. All offer an incremental 15k points vs. their corresponding PREMIER BUSINESS (5) combo, and we’ll now discuss, those additional 15k points can, effectively, take on a 30k value.

Please fasten your seatbelts and put your tray tables in an upright and locked position. We’re now preparing to land on the FULL potential of the Southwest Companion Pass.

***

Points redemption strategy: Companion Pass 2.0

Look at your travel wish-list for 2021. Think about about what you might have to pay out of pocket for those flights.

Now, imagine you’re sitting on a huge bucket of points from one of these credit card combos. And instead of paying for those flights, you redeem points…and snag a seat for free (minus $5.60 in fees).

NOW, remember that if you’re sitting on that huge bucket of points, you’re also the proud owner of a Southwest Companion Pass. If your Companion is coming along for the ride, of course their seat is free too.

Potential value impact

Let’s take an adjusted look at our total points accumulated thus far within the model, and simulate the value impact if ALL points were to be redeemed for flights where 1) the SWCP holder flies free and 2) the Companion tags along for free.

This simulation does not reflect the $5.60 fees (per person) that would have to be paid. However, that cost should be included (against the net) when you do your own “SWCP value review” at the end of 2021. (…cuz that’s something we ALL do…right?)

fastest way to earn the Southwest Companion Pass

Analysis:

Pick a combo and employ the following strategy. As long as you’ve got points to redeem, you’ll BOTH fly free, between now and the end of 2021.


Author’s note

We’re currently working on a separate post to expand upon the next section.

In the meantime, we’ll provide you with an overview.


***

Companion Pass 2.0: prep phase

This part is important: if you already have any points in your Rapid Rewards account…and you need to purchase a flight in the next few months…as tempting as it may be to redeem your points…try not to. If you can afford to pay without points, do so. Maybe charge the flight to one of your new Southwest credit cards?!

Those points in your account today can effectively DOUBLE in value once you receive your SWCP…as long as you redeem them on flights where your Companion is coming along for the ride.

Phase 1: analyze & decide

  1. Perform your own personal evaluation of the 6 combos.
  2. Decide which combo is right for YOU.
  3. Apply for the 2 cards within the combo.

Phase 2: get to work on the minimum spend requirements

  1. Start with the business card, as you’ve only got 3 months to reach a higher threshold ($3k or $5k).
  2. Be sure to reserve at least $1k of purchases for your personal card within those 3 months (Tier 1 bonus).
  3. Once 1 and 2 are complete, chip away at the remaining $4k personal card spend. If you can do it sooner…do it (responsibly, of course).
  4. Once you’ve hit your minimums, it could be another 8 weeks till bonus points are deposited. PATIENCE!
  5. In the meantime, try to continue NOT using any points you may have already had in your account.

Phase 3: start redeeming in 2020

  1. Receive round 1 of bonus points (will be anywhere between 104k-116k…could be more…won’t be less).
  2. Wait for Southwest to notify you that your Companion Pass is active.
  3. Celebrate.
  4. Log onto your Southwest account and designate your Companion.
  5. NOW, you can start redeeming points for flights. Tips:
    • Use the Southwest Awards Calendar for the best available rates.
    • Southwest bookings become available 6 months in advance. Set calendar reminders if needed.
    • Consider flying on Saturdays and Wednesdays for cheaper fares (the latter may not be practical).
    • Be aware of price spikes on holiday weekends.
  6. Receive round 2 of bonus points (personal Tier 2 bonus = another 35k, minimum).

Phase 4: adjust your card usage strategy, during the SWCP period

None of the above factors in any additional points you may be generating along the way, by making purchases on your Southwest credit cards. Remember, with the SWCP in hand, point values potentially double, so SPEND MULTIPLES effectively double as well:

  1. Your personal Southwest card (2x on Southwest purchases) → effectively 4x.
  2. A Southwest Performance Business (5) card (3x on Southwest purchases) → effectively 6x.

Savvy tip: if you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, consider it a tool to generate 6x points during the SWCP period. It earns 3x points on travel purchases, and those points are immediately transferrable (1:1) to your Southwest account. A $5k travel spend earns you 15k Chase points…which you can turn into 15k Southwest points…which have an effective value of 30k when redeemed on a Companion Pass flight. #money

Phase 5: continue redeeming through 2021

  1. Receive anniversary bonus points: a few days after 12 months, you’ll get 9k-16.5k (depending on combo).
  2. Depending on how many points you redeemed in 2020, you could be sitting on enough to have you coasting next to your Companion all the way through 2021 on Southwest 737’s…paid entirely with points.

Our BEST redemption? OAK > BOI for 6241 points on our way out to Yellowstone, and SLC > OAK for 3931 on our way back from Grand Teton National Park. We each paid the $5.60 9/11 fee both ways, so total expense for 2 roundtrip flights was 10,172 points + $22.40 in fees. NOT bad for an EPIC road trip that had us biking solo through Yellowstone in the off-season, and snowshoeing through the serene wilderness of Jackson Hole.

***

The fastest way to earn the Southwest Companion Pass…or the BEST way to USE it?

I can hear my former Legal department now, challenging this claim: “Can you prove this is really the fastest way to earn the Southwest Companion Pass?” Well, we certainly don’t wanna get taken to court over this, so I guess the answer is no. But I would send the challenge right on back and say “show me something faster!”

More importantly—fastest or not—this strategy is, without question, one of the best. Not only for earning the SWCP, but for maximizing its value after it’s been earned.

We hope you’re able to put some of this strategy into action…before time runs out.

Cheers!

-DnA


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