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Companion Pass

ok529
Explorer A

Is there anyone else that interpreted Gary Kelly's letter concerning extension of Companion pass to mean they were giving you an extra 6 months to earn companion pass? Shocked to learn that my Companion pass expires at the end of June, unless I pull off the 125K points in 6 months! This is certainly seems contrary to every other travel company such as Marriott & Hilton that extended status through 2021. Not feeling the Love! 

37 REPLIES 37

Re: Companion Pass

dfwskier
Aviator A

Yes the companion pass you earned in 2019 for the 2020 calendar year was extended to mid 2021. So you already got an extra six months.

 

Also, In 2020 the company gave everyone 25,000 companion pass point to make it easier to qualify for CP last year. I am unaware f any extension of time in this year to earn any points used for CP qualifying last year..

 

Sometimes in the past, the company has reached out to people that just missed CP,  and offered a way to retroactively qualify.Will that happen this year? I dunno

 

As far as extending status, Southwest did what the hotels did. So if you were A-List last year, you will be this year. If you were A-List Preferred last year, you will be this year.

Re: Companion Pass

ok529
Explorer A

Not exactly like the other hospitality groups, SWA extended your A-list Preferred status not Companion. It would be like Hilton saying you are currently a Diamond member so we are extending you as a Gold member, next level down. 

Re: Companion Pass

TheMiddleSeat
Aviator A

@ok529 wrote:

Not exactly like the other hospitality groups, SWA extended your A-list Preferred status not Companion. It would be like Hilton saying you are currently a Diamond member so we are extending you as a Gold member, next level down. 


 

Companion Pass is not a status.

 

--TheMiddleSeat

Re: Companion Pass

ok529
Explorer A

It is one step above A-List Preferred, not sure why it would not be considering a status. Sounds like Southwest just playing word games!

Re: Companion Pass

TheMiddleSeat
Aviator A

@ok529 wrote:

It is one step above A-List Preferred, not sure why it would not be considering a status. Sounds like Southwest just playing word games!


No, Companion Pass is not above A-List and has never been a status tier.  The two status tiers (A-List and A-List Preferred) rely heavily on actually flying.  It's possible, but very difficult to earn A-List without flying, thus A-List and A-List Preferred are actual status tiers.  Companion Pass can be earned without ever stepping foot on a plane.  Additionally, it's common to earn a Companion Pass without earning A-List so there's clearly no tier ladder from A-List up to Companion Pass.

 

Southwest even has this description on their website: "That’s why we offer two different tiers and benefits to make every trip your favorite trip."

https://www.southwest.com/rapidrewards/tiers-more-alist?clk=GSUBNAV-RR-TIER

 

--TheMiddleSeat

Re: Companion Pass

dfwskier
Aviator A

Let's compare A-list preferred status to Hilton's highest status (diamond)

 

Hilton gives free wi-fi - so does Southwest

Hilton gives an 100% points bonus on stays  - Southwest gives a 100% points bonus on flights

Hilton gives space available upgrades - Southwest gives space available standby

Hilton offers Honors Experience - Southwest offers Fly By TSA access 

 

 

Re: Companion Pass

ok529
Explorer A

That makes no sense how could you earn 120,000 points without flying? 

Re: Companion Pass

TheMiddleSeat
Aviator A

@ok529 wrote:

That makes no sense how could you earn 120,000 points without flying? 


Lol, sorry if this is news to you. Credit card spend is the easiest way to earn CP. Combine with a sign up bonus and it's super easy to earn CP for the first time. Numerous threads here in the Community talk about other various earning options including hotel stays, car rentals, and online shopping. No flying required. 

 

--TheMiddleSeat

 

 

Re: Companion Pass

dfwskier
Aviator A

@ok529 wrote:

That makes no sense how could you earn 120,000 points without flying? 


Well, the easiest first step is a new Chase credit card. At this moment Chase is offering one with an 80,000 point bonus. Then RR shopping, dining, and various other special points offerings-- plus a lot of money spent with the credit card.