Southwest is changing how you earn a Companion Pass, and there's some bad news

There's a lot of news today from Southwest Airlines, including new elite status tiers and qualification requirements, a first look at its forthcoming Icon Lounges, faster ways to earn Tier Qualifying Points toward elite status and more.But there's one change that really jumped out at me: The way you qualify for a Southwest Companion Pass is changing in 2027, and some points travelers aren't going to like it.For years, the Southwest Companion Pass has allowed a designated companion to fly with the passholder for just the cost of taxes and fees. It's a valuable and much-loved perk that many travelers chase year after year.But beginning in 2027, the Companion Pass will become a benefit of Southwest's newly announced top-tier Platinum status, meaning travelers will need to qualify using Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) or qualifying flights.And that comes with a pretty big catch for those who have relied on credit card welcome bonuses to earn the Companion Pass.A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 at Nashville International Airport (BNA). SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUYCredit card welcome bonus points will no longer count for the Companion PassPreviously, the Companion Pass was earned with Comp...