Southwest Companion Pass Baggage Fees 2026
The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most valuable travel perks, allowing a designated companion to fly with you for just taxes and fees. But does your companion get free checked bags? This comprehensive guide explains companion baggage policies and strategies to save money.
Companion Pass Baggage Policy Overview
While the Companion Pass provides free flights, baggage benefits require separate qualification. Here's how it works:
How Companion Baggage Fees Work
What Companion Pass Includes
- • Free companion ticket (taxes/fees only)
- • Same flight as pass holder
- • Same boarding position
- • Free carry-on bag + personal item (all passengers get this)
What Companion Pass Does NOT Include
- • Automatic free checked bags for companion
- • Companion's own A-List status benefits
- • Credit card baggage benefits (unless companion has card)
- • Companion Pass holder's status/benefits transferring
When Companions Get Free Checked Bags
There are several ways your companion can qualify for free checked bags even without the benefit being included in the Companion Pass itself.
Companion Has Their Own Southwest Credit Card
If your companion has their own Southwest Rapid Rewards® credit card, they get:
- • 1st checked bag free (up to 50 lbs)
- • Benefit applies even on Companion Pass reservations
- • Must use the credit card to check bag (doesn't need to pay for ticket)
- • Saves $35 first bag + $45 second bag = $80 round trip
Companion Has A-List or A-List Preferred Status
If your companion qualifies for Southwest status independently:
- • A-List: 1 free checked bag
- • A-List Preferred: 2 free checked bags
- • Status must be earned through companion's own Rapid Rewards number
- • Requires 25 one-way flights (A-List) or 50 flights (Preferred) per year
Pass Holder Books Choice Extra Fare
When the Companion Pass holder upgrades to Choice Extra fare:
- • Pass holder gets 2 free checked bags (with Choice Extra)
- • Companion still pays standard baggage fees ($35/$45)
- • Companion gets better boarding position with pass holder
- • Choice Extra costs ~$30-100 more per ticket
Pass Holder Has Southwest Credit Card with 8-Passenger Benefit
Some Southwest credit cards extend benefits to companions:
- • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Card
- • Extends 1st free bag to up to 8 passengers on same reservation
- • Companion included in this benefit if on same booking
- • Pass holder must use this card to purchase the original ticket
Companion Baggage Fee Examples
| Scenario | Pass Holder | Companion | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Both have no status/card, 1 bag each | $35 | $35 | $70 |
| Pass holder has A-List, companion doesn't, 1 bag each | $0 | $35 | $35 |
| Both have SW credit cards, 1 bag each | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Pass holder A-List Preferred, companion no status, 2 bags each | $0 | $80 | $80 |
| Both A-List Preferred, 2 bags each | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Strategies to Save on Companion Baggage Fees
Get Your Companion a Credit Card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® credit card pays for itself quickly for frequent companions:
- • Annual fee: ~$99/year
- • Saves per round trip: $70 (1 bag × 2 flights)
- • Pays for itself in: 2 round trips
- • Additional perks: Sign-up bonus points, anniversary points
Share Bags Between You
If the pass holder has free bags but companion doesn't:
- • Pass holder checks 2 bags (free with A-List Preferred)
- • Companion packs items in pass holder's bags
- • Both travel with carry-on + personal item
- • Save companion's $35-80 in baggage fees
Changing Your Companion Mid-Year
You can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year. Here's how it affects baggage:
Changing Companions & Baggage Impact
Each Companion Has Independent Benefits
New companion's baggage fees depend on their own status/card, not the previous companion's benefits.
Benefits Don't Transfer
If companion #1 had A-List but companion #2 doesn't, companion #2 pays standard baggage fees.
Existing Reservations Retain Benefits
If you change companions, previously booked flights with old companion keep their baggage setup.
Business Use of Companion Pass
Many business travelers use the Companion Pass for work trips. Understanding baggage implications helps manage costs.
Business Travel Scenarios
Bringing a Colleague as Companion
- • Colleague pays standard baggage fees unless they have their own card/status
- • Company policy may reimburse companion's baggage fees
- • Consider getting colleague a Southwest card if they travel frequently
Mixing Business & Personal
- • Pass holder on business (A-List from business travel) gets free bags
- • Personal companion pays unless they have card/status
- • Consider timing: earn status through work, use companion pass for personal
Common Questions About Companion Pass Baggage
Does my companion automatically get my A-List baggage benefits?
No. Your companion does NOT inherit your A-List or A-List Preferred baggage benefits. They must have their own status, Southwest credit card, or be covered by your Performance Business Card to get free checked bags.
If I have the Southwest Performance Business Card, does my companion get free bags?
Yes! The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card extends the first free checked bag benefit to up to 8 passengers on the same reservation, which includes your companion. This is one of the best ways to get free bags for your companion.
Can my companion and I share my 2 free checked bags?
Yes! If you have A-List Preferred (2 free bags) but your companion doesn't have free bags, you can pack both of your items into your two free bags. Your companion just needs to travel with carry-on only, saving their checked bag fees.
What if my companion books Choice Extra when I don't?
The Companion Pass means your companion flies on the same fare as you. If you book Wanna Get Away, your companion gets Wanna Get Away. You can't book different fare types. To get Choice Extra benefits for your companion, YOU must book Choice Extra (they get it too).
Should I get my companion a Southwest credit card?
If you travel together more than twice per year, absolutely yes. The card's $99 annual fee is recovered after just 2 round trips ($70 savings × 2 = $140). Plus they get sign-up bonus points and anniversary points worth $100+.
Do companion baggage fees apply on international Southwest flights?
Yes. The same baggage policies apply on international Southwest flights (Mexico, Caribbean, Central America). Companions pay standard baggage fees unless they qualify for free bags through their own status or credit card.
Calculate Your Companion Pass Savings
Planning trips with your companion? Calculate total baggage fees for both travelers and see if getting a second Southwest credit card would save you money over the year.
Calculate Companion Baggage Fees →All information provided is for general informational purposes only and is based on publicly available data. Fee information was last verified against official Southwest baggage policy in March 2026. While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information contained on this website.
Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. In no event will the owner of this website be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising out of or in connection with the use of this website.