Maximizing Southwest Points with Chase Ultimate Rewards and the Companion Pass
If you're a fan of flying Southwest and you're racking up Chase Ultimate Rewards, transferring those points to Southwest can stretch your travel budget. Let’s break down how to maximize the value of those points, especially when combined with the Southwest Companion Pass.
Why Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to Southwest?
Chase Ultimate Rewards are highly flexible, and one of their best features is the ability to transfer points to travel partners like Southwest at a 1:1 ratio. This means that every Chase Ultimate Reward point you transfer becomes a Southwest Rapid Rewards point. Given that the average Southwest point is worth about 1.4 cents, transferring just 50,000 Chase points could net you $700 worth of flights. This makes your Chase points highly valuable for family travel, especially if you’re flying Southwest, where there are no blackout dates, and points go far.
Companion Pass: Doubling the Value
Now, let's talk about the Southwest Companion Pass, which can easily double the value of those points. The Companion Pass allows you to bring a companion for free, aside from taxes and fees, every time you fly. So, every time you redeem Southwest points for a flight, you’re essentially getting two flights for the price of one.
For example, if you transfer 50,000 Chase points and use them to book $700 worth of flights, your Companion Pass turns that into $1,400 worth of flights since your companion flies for free. That’s an insane deal and a must-have for frequent flyers!
How to Earn the Companion Pass
If you’re new to this strategy, here’s a breakdown of how to earn the Companion Pass:
- Learn how to earn a single pass by combining welcome bonuses and spending requirements.
- Find out how to unlock two passes. Yes, it’s possible for both you and a partner to each earn a pass!
Estimating the Value of Welcome Bonuses
If you're just starting out, here’s how to calculate the value of one welcome offer. Let’s assume you sign up for a Chase Sapphire Preferred(R) Card, earning 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. By transferring those 60,000 points to Southwest, you’re looking at approximately $840 worth of flights (60,000 points x 1.4 cents per point). Add the Companion Pass, and the value of those points doubles to around $1,680!
How to Make the Most of Your Southwest Points
- Flexibility: Southwest points never expire, and you can cancel or change flights without fees, making them perfect for families with unpredictable schedules.
- Strategic Booking: The best time to book with Southwest points is during fare sales when your points can stretch even further. Watch for those "Wanna Get Away" fares!
Final Thoughts
Combining Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers with the Southwest Companion Pass is one of the smartest travel hacks out there. It’s not just about flying cheap; it’s about maximizing the value of every point, especially when you can turn one welcome bonus into multiple flights for two people.
Start earning and plan your next family getaway with Southwest, maximizing your rewards along the way! ✈️
