Last Chance to Score Free Southwest Tickets with Return of Popular Deal

Southwest Airlines has returned a hugely popular deal which allows Rapid Rewards Members to score a free seat on each trip, but you’ll have to act now to claim your complimentary tickets.

Southwest’s Companion Pass promotion allows Rapid Rewards Members to choose a friend or family member (or complete stranger) to fly with them for free each time they purchase a ticket or redeem points for a qualifying flight.

"We love offering this Companion Pass promotion because it allows our Members to experience one of the many benefits of our award-winning Rapid Rewards program," Jennifer Bridie, Vice President of Marketing at Southwest Airlines, said in a press release.

However, the deal is only valid through 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 5, meaning you’ll have to act now to lock in your free companion tickets. You can register here for the promotion and then purchase a qualifying Southwest flight, which the airlines says can be one round trip ticket or two one-way qualifying flights, between now and Nov. 20, 2024. Then, you may designate a companion to fly with you for free between Jan. 6, 2025, and March 6, 2025.

This year, Southwest is also offering Rapid Rewards Members more payment options to secure their itineraries. "Earlier this year, we launched Cash + Points, giving our Customers extra flexibility to make their points go further. And now, for the first time, Members can use their Rapid Rewards points, a combination of cash and points, or other eligible forms of payment to book qualifying flights that count toward this Companion Pass promotion," Bridie explained.

The deal’s announcement comes after Southwest made a major change to its infamous seating policy in July. The airline has moved to assigning seats for passengers after for many years being the only major airline not to do so. In June, the company similarly changed its boarding process, allowing customers who pay a nominal fee to enter the plane early.