pkerr

You don't need to have the CP to book your spring tickets. Just book like normal and when you actually get your CP you can add the companion then.

And as far as your spend goes, I'd try and do most of my spend on Chase cards that will give me "extra" points in the categories you are spending on. Once earned you can always move those points to SWA if you needed the points. Keeping your spend on the Chase cards gives you much more flexibility in using your points. Transfer them to SWA or Hyatt or any number of partners that they have.