7 Southwest flights to book for cheap using the airline's Companion Pass promotion in 2019
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- Southwest Airlines, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a major US airline, with flights spanning the country, as well as to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. In total, Southwest flies to around 100 destinations, with a fleet complete of over 700 aircraft.
- Their loyalty program, Rapid Rewards, is one of the best because of the valuable Companion Pass.
- Until February 11, when you open a new Southwest personal credit card and spend $4,000 in the first three months, you'll get get an amazing deal: 30,000 points and a free Companion Pass that is valid for travel through 2019.
- If you are on the fence, read on for some of the best flights, both domestic and international, to book on Southwest.
There are plenty of fun, adventure-packed, and historical destinations you can travel to with Southwest Airlines.
Better yet, if you sign up for a credit card now, you can take a friend or a loved one for the cost of taxes and fees (which are typically as low as $5.60 each way) for the rest of the year, even if you booked your ticket with miles!
If you apply for a personal Southwest credit card between now and February 11, 2019, you'll earn 30,000 Southwest points and a Companion Pass that is valid through the end of 2019 after completing minimum spending requirements. Our favorite of Southwest's three personal credit card is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card, but you can read more and decide between your three options here.
This is the easiest it has ever been to earn the Companion Pass (you normally have to earn 110,000 qualifying points within a calendar year.). If you have travel planned with another person between now and the end of the year, you can save some serious cash with this offer.
Whether you want to follow along Boston's historic Freedom Trail or soak in the California sunshine, here are seven of the best possible routes you can fly on Southwest Airlines:
Portland, Maine > Salt Lake City, Utah
Facebook/Park City Mountain Resort
Northeastern-bred skiers and snowboarders are experiencing tough conditions at popular local ski destinations in New Hampshire and Maine. Luckily, with flights to Salt Lake City, snowbirds can experience some of the country's best skiing and boarding in nearby Park City, Utah.
While there are several beautiful mountains to choose from, including Deer Valley and Alta, few are quite as unique as Park City. With ski lifts that take you straight into the center of town, you can swoop in during lunchtime and take a respite from the cold. Eat at Harvest Café, where you can fill up on healthy salads and bowls, treat yourself to a decadent hot chocolate or turmeric latte, and share a caramelized banana and paleo-friendly banana bread with honeyed ricotta. No matter what you get, you won't go wrong. Before getting back to the slopes, explore more of downtown Park City by shopping for cozy clothing at We Norweigans. For those who don't ski, hang out at Dolly's bookstore or admire the luxurious clothing and home goods at Gorsuch.
Dallas, Texas > Boston, Massachusetts
If everything is bigger in Texas, everything in Massachusetts is old. With more statues than you can count and a trail that you can follow all the way to Paul Revere's house, there is plenty of rich American history to explore in Boston. Just hop on one of the numerous daily flights from Dallas and experience it for yourself!
When you need to refuel (Boston is a huge walking city), head to the famous Italian North End and stand in line for Giacomo's, an Italian gem flocked to by locals and tourists alike. The small, wooden-walled, cash-only eatery is most definitely worth the wait. The made-in-house seafood and pasta dishes are big enough to share - though, once you take a bite, you probably won't want to. If you happen to have enough room for dessert, Mike's Pastry is across the street and is known for their lobster tail pastry and chocolate-covered chocolate chip cannoli. Round out your trip with a walk along the Boston harbor and breathe in some fresh saltwater air before returning to the heart of Texas.
Read more: 10 lucrative credit card deals new cardholders can get in February 2019 - including a free Southwest Companion Pass
Orlando, Florida > Portland, Oregon
Escape Disney-mania for a foodie's dream vacation to Portland, Oregon. To begin your day, head to Pearl Bakery for some tasty pastries and coffee and take them to go. With Powell's Books only a couple of blocks away, you won't want to waste any time. There are enough levels and rooms to make you feel like you're in a library, not a bookstore. Pick up something for the flight home and then make your way around the rest of the Pearl District.
There are plenty of cafes and boutiques in Portland to fill up an entire day. When you want to get out of the city, a plethora of waterfalls hikes are located just an hour away by car. And if you fly to Portland during the winter months, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Mount Hood. In warmer months, take a nice drive to one of the many vineyards and orchards on the Hood River Fruit Loop and discover the magic of the new Sonoma - the Willamette Valley.
Newark, NJ > Turks and Caicos, Caribbean
The New York area from January through March can be pretty dismal. It turns dark early. Rapid winds blow bone-chilling cold fronts right through you, and the highly anticipated weekend beach getaways are still months away. With mid-priced flights on Southwest ($600 round-trip in February), you can stave off winter and frolic in the Caribbean.
The newly built Shore Club on Long Bay Beach is the place to stay if you can swing it. With an airy lobby, a glamorous pool, beautifully finished suites, and postcard-quality ocean views, a stay at the Shore Club will be one to remember.
If you're looking for a healthy and delicious dining option on the island, Retreat Kitchen will offer full-flavor dishes without sacrificing your beach body. The bohemian-chic eatery serves homemade, plant-based dishes, with a special salad or soup each day. Thai sweet potato soup, spicy kale, and roasted butternut squash salad, and red pepper pesto zucchini noodles are examples of some of the delicious meals on offer. Pair your dish with an anti-everything shot, made fresh with turmeric, ginger, orange, and hemp seed, to infuse each day with plenty of energy. It is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day except Sunday and is located next door to a wonderful yoga studio, if you're so inclined. Or if it's adventure you seek, sign up for a snorkel excursion with Caicos Dream Tours.
Denver, CO > Liberia, Costa Rica
Most folks in Colorado wait for winter all year long so that they can hit the slopes, but if skiing is not your style, head for white sand instead of white snow. Standard fare will run less than $600 each way, but this could be a great route to use your Companion Pass on after signing up for a Southwest credit card.
Liberia is Costa Rica's jungle antithesis to the capital city of San Jose, and it's perfect for nature lovers and explorers. Weather-wise, a great time to visit this region of Costa Rica is between December and March, which makes it the perfect destination for a winter getaway. Head north of town to Rincón de la Vieja National Park for rainforest trekking near Costa Rica's largest and most active volcano, and don't forget to look for waterfalls, mud pots, and geothermal springs on the way.
Los Angeles > Nashville
You would not leave LA for better weather in Nashville, but if you are looking for cooler temperatures, Nashville is a nice compromise between frigid slopes and balmy beaches. Trade Hollywood Boulevard for Music Row and get swept up in the vibrant world of country music superstardom when you visit the Country Music Hall of Fame.
There is more to Nashville than a thriving music scene, though. If you are a fan of barbecue, Nashville has its share of spicy goodness. Head to Edley's Bar-B-Que for your choice of tacos, barbecue platters, Nashville hot chicken, and classic Southern sides. Alternatively, head to the Nashville Farmer's Market that functions as an indoor food court, featuring foods from all over the world. From Greek favorites to Korean barbecue to ice creams and juices, you are likely to find something to quench any craving.
California > Hawaii
If you are based in San Jose, Oakland, San Diego, or Sacramento, get ready for non-stop Southwest routes to Hawaii. Pending required government clearances and approvals, Southwest should be wheels-up toward America's favorite Pacific island in no time.
Once the routes are approved, you will have the opportunity to fly to one of four different Hawaii destinations. Southwest will fly to Kona on the Big Island, Kahului on Maui, Honolulu on Oahu, and Lihue on Kauai. Once you arrive you will also have the option to take a Southwest island hopper between the four islands, making Hawaiian vacations more affordable and accessible than ever before.
The bottom line
From the mountains to the shore, Southwest Airlines offers a myriad of flights to take you to your destination. While some fares may seem higher than competitors, Southwest offers no-fee changes should your plans change, as well as up to two checked bags free.
Plus, if you take advantage of the current credit card offering, you can fly two for the price of one.