— 2 people — — FLY FREE — — 2 years —

What if I told you that I know of a way that allows 2 people to fly FREE for 2 years?  You’d say I’m nuts, right?  Or, you’d think I’m trying to sell you ocean front property in Idaho!

Well, truth is, there are no oceans in Idaho and I’m not nuts!  This is a real thing.  Like other posts about flying my family to Maui for $33, flying to Chicago for $11 and to Cancun for $90, I’m going to keep this very simple.

Southwest Airlines has what’s known as the “Companion Pass.” The Companion Pass is an incredible (almost unknown to un-seasoned travelers) benefit that allows a designated friend or family member to travel with you FREE (minus the $5.60 in taxes) every time you fly domestic on Southwest Airlines.  Did you hear that?  EVERY TIME.  This is not just a one-time use benefit like the ones we see on other airlines.

Disclosure: There are affiliate links below, which simply means if you purchase I receive small compensation to keep this blog running.  

There is simply nothing comparable, or as incredible in the travel or airline industry! Unlike some of the more complicated free travel “hacks” I’ve written about, this one doesn’t require an accounting degree, nor does it require airline partner maneuvering.

Here’s the deal:

To earn the Southwest Companion Pass you’ll need to earn 110,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year.  Once you’ve earned those 110,000 Rapid Reward points you will have earned the Companion Pass, which is good for the calendar year in which you’ve earned it AND the following year.  Essentially, if you strategize WHEN you earn the required 110,000 Rapid Rewards points you can have the benefit for 2 years (example: earn in January 2018, use through December, 2019).

I know you’re thinking “How in the heck am I going to earn 110,000 Rapid Rewards points?’

That part is easy.  Just as I use credit cards to earn free airfare, this “hack” can also be used to earn the Companion Pass!  By applying for 2 separate Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards VISA credit cards and meeting the required minimum spending you’ll earn almost enough points to be eligible for the Companion Pass!

I ONLY USE CREDIT CARDS RESPONSIBLY AND PAY THEM OFF IN FULL EVERY MONTH!

The person (you) who earns the 110,000 Rapid Rewards points can use those earned points toward their own free flights (they are not redeemed for the pass, just earned to be eligible for the pass), and your companion has the pass to use.  That’s free flights for 2 years for 2 people!

The Southwest Rapid Rewards VISA Credit Cards earn sign up bonuses between 40,000 and 60,000 Rapid Reward points each (i.e. Plus and Premier).  If you apply and are approved for each card, you’ll earn a total of 80,000 to 100,000 sign up bonus Rapid Rewards Points; just shy of the 110,000 needed for the Companion Pass. (apply here)

You’ll then need to meet the remaining minimum spending requirement. There are many ways of earning the additional points needed quickly!

Once you’ve earned the 110,000 Rapid Reward points required for the Companion Pass, Southwest Airlines will send you an e-mail. You’ll also be able to see that you’ve earned it in your Rapid Rewards online account.

 

Seriously, how exciting is this!?

Have you had a look at some of my most recent FREE flight & hotel deals? How about how I plan to retire by 40?

• Want to LEARN HOW TO FLY FREE? Start Here! 
• I’m still on board to retire by 40 by blogging! 
• 3 Roundtrip Tickets to Maui, Hawaii   Total Cost: $33.60
•  3 Roundtrip Tickets to Chicago, Illinois from Boise, Idaho     Total Cost: $33.60
• 2 One Way Tickets from Cancun     Total Cost: $90 
• One Way Ticket from Seattle    Total Cost: $5.60
•  4 Nights at the 5 Star, Adults Only, All-Inclusive Hyatt Zilara in Cancun, Mexico     Total Cost: FREE

Happy Free Flying Friends!

-Serena