As Southwest Prepares Service to Hawaii, the Companion Pass Can Get You There For Less

Chris O'SheaJanuary 10, 2019

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This article is being updated.

Southwest Airlines originally announced that it would be adding flights to Hawaii in 2018. Now that 2018 is over, the airline is aiming for service to begin this winter — the exact time of year you might be seeking warmer locations.

The routes

When Southwest finally does launch service to Hawaii, the airline will land at the following airports:

  • Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Oahu.

  • Lihue Airport in Kauai.

  • Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport in Keahole, Hawaii.

  • Kahului Airport in Maui.

The first nonstop routes to Hawaii will depart from Oakland, San Diego, San Jose and Sacramento. Everyone else will have to make a stop in one of those cities before heading to Hawaii.

A boost from the Companion Pass

If you qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass, you may soon be able to go to Hawaii for essentially half-price. With a Companion Pass, you can choose one traveler to fly with you for just the cost of fees and taxes.

» Learn more: Which Southwest Airlines credit card should I get?

Currently, Southwest is offering new cardholders of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card a promotional Companion Pass and 30,000 Rapid Rewards points if they apply by Feb. 11 and meet the spending requirement of $4,000 in purchases within three months. The promotional Companion Pass is good through Dec. 31, 2019.

» Learn More: Find the best airline credit card for you

A flight to Hawaii could be a perfect way to use that Companion Pass and save you money on a trip to paradise. But is this Southwest Companion Pass sign-up bonus right for you? Here's how to figure it out.

NerdWallet does not guarantee promotions, prices or dates. They are subject to change or expiration.

How to Maximize Your Rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2020, including those best for:

Planning a trip? Check out these articles for more inspiration and advice: Southwest Rapid Rewards program: The complete guide The Southwest Companion Pass: Why you want it and how to get it Which Southwest credit card should I choose?

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