Southwest is changing how the Companion Pass is earned, and the biggest effect lands on its Chase co-brand cards. Starting January 1, 2027, Companion Pass qualifying points are retired and Companion Pass benefits will be earned through Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) instead.
What stops counting
Under the new rules, several card-related earnings will still add Rapid Rewards points to your account but will not earn TQPs, so they will not help toward a Companion Pass:
- New cardmember welcome bonuses
- Referral bonuses
- Card anniversary points
- Bonus points from spend, such as 2x on gas
- Partner spend, such as hotels and car rentals
Everyday card spending still helps. Southwest says purchases on a Rapid Rewards credit card will earn 1 TQP for every $1 spent starting in 2027.
New thresholds
- Three Companion Pass trips (a Milestone Reward): 95,000 TQPs or 75 qualifying one-way flights
- Unlimited Companion Pass trips (Platinum status): 140,000 TQPs or 100 qualifying one-way flights
Today, the pass requires 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points, which a card welcome bonus can cover a large share of.
What stays the same for now
The current rules apply for the rest of 2026. Members who earn a Companion Pass in 2026 keep unlimited Companion Pass trips through December 31, 2027, and members already registered for a Companion Pass promotion will have it honored once they meet its requirements.