Revolutionizing Your Journey: Travel With Points & Miles

The Ultimate Guide to the Southwest Companion Pass with Max Craig (Ep. 116)

Mar 4, 2026

Max Craig, a Southwest Airlines specialist and points-and-miles educator, breaks down the Southwest Companion Pass and why it matters. He covers timing strategies, card choices, flexibility for swapping companions, creative promo uses, and how recent Southwest policy changes affect value. Short, practical conversation on maximizing the pass for families, couples, and frequent domestic travelers.

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ADVICE

Use Companion Pass To Fly A Plus One For Taxes Only

Do pursue the Southwest Companion Pass if you fly repeatedly with a plus-one because it lets one designated companion fly for only taxes and fees on paid or award tickets.
Max Craig explains the pass is unlimited for as many flights as the primary takes and lasts the remainder of the year earned plus the following year (up to ~23 months).

ADVICE

Remember Taxes And Fees Are Still Charged

Do budget for the nominal pass-through taxes when using the Companion Pass because flights are not completely free.
Max Craig notes domestic companion fares require about $5.60 each way (about $11.20 round trip) and international destinations add country landing taxes that can be $100–$150.

ADVICE

Book A Placeholder Then Swap Companion Later

Do use the three companion changes per year strategically by booking a placeholder and swapping the designated companion later with Southwest.
Max Craig describes booking your current companion to hold the seat, then calling to change the companion before travel to avoid losing inventory.

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In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, DeAndre Coke sits down with Southwest expert Max Craig to break down one of the most powerful benefits in domestic travel: the Southwest Companion Pass.

Max explains exactly how the Companion Pass works and why it remains one of the most valuable tools in the points-and-miles world. The benefit allows one designated companion to fly with you for only the cost of taxes and fees, creating massive savings for couples, families, and frequent travelers within the Southwest network.

The conversation dives into strategy. They cover timing applications to maximize the validity window, choosing the right Southwest credit cards, and avoiding common beginner mistakes when working toward qualification. Max also addresses recent changes at Southwest Airlines, evolving policies, and why the Companion Pass still delivers strong value despite industry shifts.

Listeners will walk away with practical examples, real-world math, and creative use cases that show how the Companion Pass can transform travel plans when used intentionally.

Key Highlights:

Companion flies for taxes only: The Companion Pass allows one designated traveler to fly for just taxes and fees on paid or award tickets.
Massive savings potential: Frequent Southwest flyers can cut travel costs in half across an entire year or more.
Flexibility in companion changes: Southwest allows limited changes to your designated companion each year.
Timing is everything: Strategic credit card timing can maximize the nearly two year validity window.
Ideal for domestic travel: The pass delivers the most value for travelers who frequently fly Southwest routes.
Card selection matters: Choosing the correct Southwest credit cards accelerates qualification.
Beginner mistakes are common: Misjudging spending requirements or timing can reduce overall value.
Policy shifts at Southwest: Recent airline changes impact strategy but do not eliminate the pass’s strength.
Creative use cases: Families and couples can stack the pass with points for an outsized return.
Community advantage: Engaging with the points-and-miles community improves strategy and execution.

Resources:

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