Southwest Airlines launches limited-time free companion travel offer

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Airbus A380 | Airbus

By Sky Industry News

Sep 3, 2024

Southwest Airlines has introduced a limited-time promotion offering customers the opportunity to receive two months of free companion travel. To qualify, customers must book one round trip or two one-way flights by September 5 and complete their travel by November 20. Upon meeting these conditions, participants will earn a companion ticket valid from January 6 to March 6, 2025. Registration for the promotion is required.

This strategy aims to boost incremental ticket sales while limiting the usage period to times when Southwest anticipates having ample empty seats. The airline has run similar promotions in previous years, including offers in the spring and late summer of last year, as well as in March and May of this year.

The flexibility of the promotional companion pass allows customers to change their selected companion up to three times during its validity period, making it more adaptable compared to a regular annual pass. "Take anyone with you that you wish," stated a frequent flyer who has benefited from past promotions.

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In addition, Southwest's current promotion includes four ways for travelers to fast-track earning status, adding further value for participants.

One customer shared their experience: "My last companion pass, earned in January 2022, ran through December 2023. I’d buy a ticket for myself; my wife was my companion (so most trips cost just TSA fees for her travel), and then I redeemed Rapid Rewards points for my daughter’s seat."

For those living in major Southwest hubs like Austin and with flexible schedules, this promotion presents a valuable opportunity. As one traveler noted, "I’m flying Southwest next week and may rebook just to earn this."