How To Add a “Free” Southwest Companion Pass Traveler To Existing Reservation

Though many people who live in the miles and points world know A LOT about travel-related topics, there is ALWAYS something to learn. Especially about programs that aren’t as talked about, like Southwest Airlines. This year I’ve been fielding questions about everything Southwest and particularly the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass and the nuances of adding a companion to Southwest tickets, so let’s go over just how to make that addition to your ticket.

Southwest Companion Pass Highlights

It is for sure one of the best deals in travel. With the companion pass, you can bring a companion on any flight the holder chooses. It works for flights booked on points or paid for with cash. Once you get your companion pass, you’ll be able to add a companion as long as Southwest is selling a seat on the flight. The companion only has to pay taxes each way.

You can also change your companion up to three times per year. A companion pass is good from the time you earn it through the end of the next calendar year.

The companion pass is also relatively easy to achieve with a Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card and/or the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card  as both spend and the initial welcome bonuses count toward the requirements to earning the pass. The companion pass can potentially save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

How To Add A Southwest Companion

Adding a companion to your existing reservation is slightly different depending on where you bought your ticket. There are basically three ways to pay for a ticket on a Southwest flight: cash through the Southwest Airlines website, Rapid Reward points, or paying through a travel portal.

It doesn’t matter if the flight is booked directly through the airline or a travel portal, a companion can be added. When you use Chase’s travel portal, you will have to call Chase at 866-951-6592 to book Southwest flights using Ultimate Reward points. When you book this way, you’re basically paying cash for the flight.

Depending on the card you use, your Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth different amounts when you book travel through the Chase portal. You’ll get the best deal and the most bang for the buck using points linked to your Sapphire Reserve card because points are worth 1.5 cents each.

Did you book your ticket through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal?

Do these first two steps. If you paid (whether using cash or Rapid Rewards) through the Southwest website, skip to step #3.

Using the Chase portal option, there are a few steps to take before adding your companion to a Southwest flight.

Step 1. Locating Your Southwest Flight Confirmation Number

Chase will send you a confirmation email once you’ve booked your flight. It contains all the information about your flight. However, the one piece of information you’ll need to add your companion to your ticket is your Southwest flight confirmation number.

Step 2. Add the Flight Confirmation Number to Your Southwest Account

In order to link your confirmation number to your Southwest Rapid Rewards account, go to the Southwest website. First you’ll enter your Southwest confirmation number from the Chase email and your name. The next screen will ask for your Southwest Rapid Rewards number. Now your ticket purchased with Ultimate Rewards points is linked up.

Step 3. Add Your Companion

Assuming you’ve chosen a companion and filled out their profile you then log into your Southwest Airlines account.  Click the My Account link at the top of the page.

Scroll down to the My Trips section and find the trip you want to add your Southwest Airlines Companion to.

Locate your upcoming trip before you add a companion

Click the Add Companion link.

You are all set to add your companion

Your Southwest Airlines Companion Pass information will automatically be filled in. Enter an email address for the confirmation email to be sent to. Next, choose a payment method (or use Southwest Airlines travel funds) and purchase the ticket.

Your companion pays $5.60. Sweet deal!

A few things to note:

• Each companion pass ticket has its own reservation number. It will be different from the reservation number of the companion pass holder.
• To view the Southwest Airlines Companion reservation, go back to your My Account page. Next, scroll down to My Trips and you’ll see both the confirmation numbers of the companion and the companion pass holder.
• If you need to make any changes to the primary Southwest Airlines reservation, you will need to cancel the Southwest Airlines companion reservation first. Then change or cancel the primary reservation.

Bottom Line

You can add a companion to any Southwest flight. It’s a great deal! Paying for your ticket through the Chase travel portal requires a few easy extra steps but it’s still worth the money you’ll save each time a companion flies with you.

Related: What Exactly is a Southwest ‘Wanna Get Away’ Fare