Southwest Companion Pass 2026 lets you fly your kids for $5.60 on every flight! Learn how to earn 135,000 points fast with credit card bonuses.

Melissa breaks down everything you need to know about earning the Southwest Companion Pass in 2026 - the ultimate family travel hack that lets you bring a companion on every Southwest flight for just $5.60 in taxes. Despite Southwest's recent changes, the Companion Pass remains one of the best travel rewards for families who want to travel more without breaking the budget.

In this Quick Tip Tuesday episode, you'll learn exactly how to earn your Companion Pass using two Southwest credit cards, why January 2026 is the perfect time to start, and how this travel hack has enabled our family of four to take trips to Hawaii, Costa Rica, and countless weekend getaways we couldn't otherwise afford.

Episode Highlights:

• What the Southwest Companion Pass is and how it works
• Step-by-step credit card strategy to earn 136,000+ qualifying points
• Real examples: Hawaii, Costa Rica and more family trips for just taxes
• Southwest's 2025 changes
• Perfect combination of Southwest credit cards
• Total cost analysis: $400 in fees for $1500+ in travel value

00:00 Welcome to Quick Tip Tuesday
00:26 Introducing the Southwest Companion Pass
01:02 What is the Southwest Companion Pass?
02:29 How to Earn the Companion Pass
02:52 Credit Card Strategies for Earning Points
05:10 Why Now is the Best Time to Get the Companion Pass
06:54 Conclusion and Additional Resources

Compare Southwest credit cards here*

Complete Companion Pass Guide

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*This is a referral link. When you apply for a credit card through this link, I may earn a commission or bonus at no cost to you. This helps support the free content on this site. I only recommend products and services I personally use and believe will benefit families traveling with kids.

Don't miss this inspiring, practical travel with kids podcast hosted by family travel expert Melissa Conn, founder of The Family Voyage, certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, and mom of two who proves family travel is achievable for everyone.

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