Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

Southwest Companion Pass in 2026 with Max Craig

Nov 14, 2025
Guest
Max Craig
Max Craig, the mastermind behind Points-to-the-Max and a miles-and-points expert, joins to unravel the secrets of earning the Southwest Companion Pass for 2026. He shares top credit card strategies and the ideal timing to maximize points efficiency. Listeners will discover the impacts of recent program changes, how to navigate hub routes, and when to avoid chasing the Companion Pass. With practical tips for both beginners and seasoned travelers, Max provides a roadmap to travel savings like no other!
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ADVICE

Rotate Pass Between Household Members

  • Rotate the Companion Pass between household members to extend coverage across years.
  • Use your spouse or partner as P2 and have them get cards to renew the pass when needed.
ADVICE

Sequence Cards Around 5/24

  • Apply for the business Southwest card before the personal card if you're near Chase's 5/24 limit because business cards don't count toward 5/24.
  • Sequence cards based on your 5/24 status to avoid denial and keep flexibility.
ADVICE

Pick Cards To Preserve Flexibility

  • Consider the highest-fee personal Southwest card for seat-assignment and best multipliers if you value booking-time seats.
  • For the two-card method pair the top personal card with a lower-tier business card to preserve higher business bonuses for later.
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