Are you a frequent flyer looking to maximize your travel benefits? If you’re considering booking Southwest Airlines flights through Expedia, you might be asking, Can You Get Southwest Companion Free if Booked via Expedia In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between Southwest Airlines bookings with Expedia and the coveted Southwest Companion Pass
About Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is a major American airline known for its low-cost fares, free checked bags, and customer-friendly policies. One of its most popular perks is the Southwest Companion Pass, which allows a designated companion to fly with you for free (plus taxes and fees) on Southwest flights.
What is the Southwest Companion Pass?
The Southwest Companion Pass is a highly sought-after travel benefit that allows a designated companion to fly with you for just the cost of taxes and fees. Can You Get Southwest Companion Free if Booked via Expedia This pass is valid for the remainder of the year in which you earn it, plus the entire following calendar year. It’s essentially a buy-one-get-one-free deal on all your Southwest flights during that period
Who Can Get the Southwest Companion Pass?
The Southwest Companion Pass is available to members of Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program who meet specific eligibility requirements. Typically, to earn the pass, you need to:
- Fly 100 qualifying one-way flights, or
- Earn 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year
These points can be earned through various means, including flying with Southwest, using Southwest credit cards, and making purchases through Southwest’s partners.
Can You Get Southwest Companion Pass Free if Booked via Expedia?
Unfortunately, you cannot earn the Southwest Companion Pass directly through bookings made on Expedia. The Southwest Companion Pass eligibility for third-party bookings is limited, and flights booked through online travel agencies like Expedia generally do not count towards earning the pass.
When you book Southwest flights through Expedia, you’re essentially using a third-party platform, which means your booking may not be eligible for all of Southwest’s promotional offers or loyalty program benefits. This includes earning points towards the Companion Pass.
How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass if Booked with Expedia
While booking through Expedia won’t directly contribute to earning your Companion Pass, there are still ways to work towards this valuable benefit:
- Book directly with Southwest: For future flights, consider booking directly through Southwest’s website or app to ensure your flights count towards the Companion Pass.
- Credit card spending: Use Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards for your everyday purchases to earn points that count towards the Companion Pass.
- Partner activities: Engage with Southwest’s partners, such as car rental companies and hotels, to earn additional qualifying points.
- Rapid Rewards Shopping portal: Make online purchases through Southwest’s shopping portal to earn points on your everyday shopping.
- Dining program: Join Southwest’s dining program to earn points when you eat at participating restaurants.
How to Use the Southwest Companion Pass if Booked via Expedia
If you’ve already earned your Companion Pass and want to use it on a flight booked through Expedia, follow these steps:
- Book your flight on Expedia as usual.
- Contact Southwest Airlines directly with your confirmation number.
- Ask them to add your companion to your reservation.
- Pay the taxes and fees for your companion’s ticket.
Remember, the Companion Pass only works on Southwest-operated flights, regardless of where you initially booked your ticket.
Advantages of the Southwest Companion Pass
The Southwest Companion Pass offers numerous benefits:
- Significant savings: Your companion flies for just the cost of taxes and fees on all your Southwest flights.
- Flexibility: You can change your designated companion up to three times per year.
- Wide usage: The pass works on both paid and award flights.
- Extended validity: Once earned, it’s valid for the remainder of the current year plus the entire following year.
- No blackout dates: Use it any time, even during peak travel periods.
Final Words
While booking Southwest flights through Expedia won’t directly help you earn the Companion Pass, it doesn’t prevent you from using the pass once you’ve earned it. To maximize your chances of earning this valuable benefit, consider booking directly with Southwest and exploring other ways to earn qualifying points through Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program.
FAQs
Q: Can I earn Rapid Rewards points on Southwest flights booked through Expedia?
A: Yes, you can earn Rapid Rewards points on eligible fares, but these points may not count towards Companion Pass qualification.
Q: If I book a Southwest flight on Expedia, can I later add my Rapid Rewards number?
A: Yes, you can add your Rapid Rewards number by contacting Southwest directly after booking.
Q: Are there any advantages to booking Southwest flights on Expedia?
A: Expedia might offer package deals or the convenience of booking multiple airlines in one place, but for Southwest-specific perks, booking directly is usually best.
Q: Can I use my Southwest travel funds or LUV vouchers for bookings made on Expedia?
A: No, Southwest travel funds and LUV vouchers can only be used for bookings made directly with Southwest.
Q: If I have the Companion Pass, can I use it on a multi-airline itinerary booked through Expedia?
A: The Companion Pass can only be used on the Southwest-operated portions of your itinerary, and you’ll need to contact Southwest directly to add your companion to those flights.
