The travel blog A View From the Wing has gone into detail about how the Southwest Companion Pass will work under the new assigned seating rules set to go into effect in 2026. If you aren't familiar with the Companion Pass: it allows you to designate a "companion" who will fly with you for free (excluding minor airport fees and the possible upgrade charges) on any flight throughout the year you have it. For our Austin located household's domestic (plus Mexico) air travel needs, this is the best deal we've run across.
2024 was a slow year for us to travel together, and we were still able to use it on three trips. It would have been five, but for some last-minute scheduling conflicts (we'll have 2025, Nashville and Santa Fe). I did end up in Santa Fe and Nashville this summer, but the former was a camping road trip with friends and the latter a cross country road trip helping family move. Both stops were fun, with many enchiladas and BBQ items consumed in their respective locales.
