Southwest’s Companion Passes from 2020 valid all this year

Southwest Airlines is giving its 2020 Companion Pass holders another six-month extension, meaning they can fly free with a buddy through the end of this year.

It’s an example of the moves airlines are making to hold on to frequent flyers during the pandemic.

Southwest previously extended the offer from the end of 2020 to June 30 of this year, considering that few people flew enough last year to qualify for the elite privilege.

It was part of a broader move that included giving credits toward earning elite frequent flying status next year, including 15,000 to 25,000 points on programs and adding 10 to 25 qualifying flights toward certain statuses.

With passenger loads still down, the Dallas-based carrier joins American and United in trying to make air travel more appealing.

Southwest’s Companion Pass is among the most sought-after elite perks in the travel world, usually requiring a customer to make 100 one-way flights in a year or log 125,000 miles. Southwest increased the miles requirement in 2019.

The pass allows holders to essentially get a buy one, get one free ticket with any ticket purchase.

Still, hitting frequent flyer qualifications could be tough in 2021 for traditionally loyal customers.

Commercial passenger traffic comparisons have fallen back into the 30 percent to 40 percent range from prepandemic levels.