What a Southwest Airlines credit card buddy pass is
A Southwest Airlines credit card buddy pass is a free ticket that Southwest gives to cardholders, usually as a welcome benefit or annual reward. The pass lets someone fly on Southwest at no fare cost — though the person using it still pays taxes and fees, which typically run $5 to $15 per flight segment.
The pass is not a discount code or a coupon. It is a physical or digital document that Southwest treats as a paid ticket for seat assignment and boarding purposes. You give it to someone else to use, or you can use it yourself on a flight where you are not the cardholder on record.
Each card issuer sets its own rules about how many passes you get, when you get them, and how long they last. Some cards include one pass per year; others include them as a sign-up bonus only. The pass usually expires within one year of issue, though the exact window depends on your card agreement.
Key Takeaways
- Buddy passes cover the base fare but not taxes and fees, which the person using the pass must pay out of pocket.
- You can give a buddy pass to anyone — there is no requirement that they be a family member or close friend.
- The pass must be used by the expiration date printed on it, and most expire within 12 months of issue.
- Southwest does not may provide seat availability when you use a buddy pass, and you cannot use it to book a flight that is already full.
- Buddy passes are non-transferable after they are issued to you; you cannot sell them or give them to someone who then gives them to a third person.
How to get a buddy pass from your Southwest credit card
The way you receive a buddy pass depends on which Southwest card you hold and whether the pass is a sign-up bonus or an annual benefit. Most cardholders receive their pass by mail within 4 to 8 weeks after the card is approved, or after the anniversary of their account opening if it is an annual perk.
Check your card's benefits guide — the document that came with your card or is available on the Southwest website under your card product page — to see whether your card includes buddy passes and when you should expect to receive one. If you do not see the pass arrive within the timeframe listed, contact the card issuer's customer service line and ask them to confirm the status.
Some Southwest cards now issue buddy passes digitally through the Southwest app or your online account portal instead of by mail. Log into your account and look for a "Benefits" or "Rewards" section; if your pass is available, it will appear there with an expiration date and instructions for use.
Who can use your buddy pass
You can give your buddy pass to anyone — a friend, family member, coworker, or anyone else. Southwest does not require you to prove a relationship or provide the person's name when you receive the pass. The person using the pass straightforward needs to present it at check-in or when boarding, along with a valid government-issued photo ID.
You can also use the buddy pass yourself on a flight where you are not the cardholder on record. For example, if your spouse holds the Southwest credit card and receives a buddy pass, you can use that pass to fly, and your spouse can book a separate ticket for the same flight.
The pass is non-transferable after it is issued to you, which means you cannot give it to someone and have them pass it along to a third person. The person who receives it from you must be the one to use it.
How to book and use a buddy pass
To book a flight with a buddy pass, the person using it should go to Southwest.com or call Southwest reservations at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). They will need the buddy pass number, which is printed on the physical pass or displayed in your account if it is digital.
During booking, they will enter the pass number instead of a credit card. Southwest will then show available flights and seat options. The pass covers the base fare, so the price shown will be only taxes and fees — usually between $5 and $15 per one-way flight, depending on the route.
Once the booking is confirmed, the person using the pass will receive a confirmation number by email. They should bring the original buddy pass (or a printed copy if it was digital) and a valid photo ID to the airport. At check-in, the agent will scan or record the pass number and issue a boarding pass just like for any other ticket.
Taxes, fees, and what the buddy pass does not cover
A buddy pass covers only the base airfare. The person using it must pay all taxes and government fees, which Southwest cannot waive. On a domestic flight, this is typically $5 to $15 per segment. On international flights or longer routes, fees can be higher.
The buddy pass does not cover baggage fees, seat selection fees, or any other add-ons. However, Southwest does not charge for checked bags or carry-ons, so baggage is included. If the person using the pass wants to pay for Early Bird Check-In, seat upgrades, or other add-ons, those costs are separate.
If the flight is cancelled or significantly delayed, Southwest will rebook the person on the next available flight at no additional cost, just as it would for any other passenger. The buddy pass remains valid for rebooking.
Blackout dates and seat availability
Southwest does not publish a blackout date calendar for buddy passes the way some other airlines do. However, you cannot use a buddy pass to book a flight that is already full or oversold. If a flight shows no available seats, the pass cannot be used for that flight.
Buddy passes are treated as revenue tickets for seat inventory purposes, so they compete with regular bookings for available seats. On a busy travel day or during peak season, you may find that many flights are full and the pass cannot be used.
The best strategy is to search for flights with visible seat availability before attempting to book with the pass. If you see open seats on Southwest.com, the pass should work for that flight. If you do not see seat counts displayed, call Southwest reservations and ask an agent to check availability for your desired date and route.
What happens if your buddy pass expires
Buddy passes have a fixed expiration date, usually 12 months from the date of issue. Once that date passes, the pass cannot be used and Southwest will not extend it or issue a replacement.
If you receive a buddy pass and do not use it before the expiration date, you lose the benefit. There is no refund, credit, or alternative form of compensation. Some cardholders choose to give an unused pass to someone else before it expires so the benefit is not wasted.
Mark the expiration date on your calendar or set a phone reminder so you do not forget. If you are unsure of the expiration date, check the physical pass or log into your Southwest account to see the details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell my buddy pass to someone?
No. Southwest buddy passes are non-transferable and cannot be sold. If you sell a pass and Southwest discovers the transaction, the pass will be cancelled and the person who purchased it will not be able to use it. The only legal way to use a buddy pass is to give it to someone at no cost.
What if I want to use the buddy pass but I am the cardholder?
Yes, you can use your own buddy pass. You will book it under your name and present it at check-in along with your ID. You can also book a separate paid ticket for yourself on the same flight if you want to travel together with someone else.
Do I need to tell Southwest who will use the buddy pass when I receive it?
No. You do not need to register the person's name or provide any information to Southwest when you receive the pass. The person using it just needs to have the pass number and a valid photo ID at check-in.
Can I use a buddy pass for a connecting flight?
Yes. A buddy pass works for any Southwest flight, including flights with connections. If you book a round-trip or multi-leg itinerary, the pass covers the base fare for the entire itinerary, and the person pays taxes and fees for all segments combined.
What if the flight I want to book with a buddy pass is full?
You cannot use the buddy pass for a full flight. Southwest will show you available flights when you search. If the flight you want is sold out, you will need to choose a different date or flight, or the person can purchase a regular ticket instead.