Earn 135K qualifying points → companion flies free (just taxes) on every SW flight for ~2 yrs.
Southwest Companion Pass: earn 135K qualifying points in a calendar year → designated companion flies free (only taxes) on EVERY SW flight (paid or points) for rest of that year AND all of next year. Fastest path: open Chase SW Personal + Business cards, get 100K sign-up bonuses at optimal timing (Feb 1 apply → Companion Pass valid ~23 months). Save $8K–$25K/yr for family of 4.
Click Generate advisory deep dive for mechanics, IRC citations, a step-by-step execution plan, a worked numeric example on your profile, costs, risks, and this-week actions.
Buy Visa gift cards → liquidate to money order/deposit → earn points at ~1% cost.
$695 fee offset by $1,600+ in credits if you actually use them — net positive.
Have status at one chain → status-match to Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond.
Complete 30 Hyatt nights/yr for Globalist — suite upgrades, breakfast, 4pm checkout worldwide.
Redeem 90K–130K miles for $6K–$15K international business seats.
IRS treats points/miles earned on personal purchases as rebates — NOT taxable income.
Deduct real business travel — combine with personal side trips at 50/50 rule.
Time Chase applications first (5/24 rule) before Amex/Cap One that don't have the restriction.