Best Time to Book Southwest Airlines Flights

By AirTrackBot • Posted Dec 11, 2024

Southwest Airlines is one of the largest and most recognized low-cost carriers in the United States, serving over 100 destinations at budget-friendly rates. Like any other airline, Southwest’s fares fluctuate due to factors such as demand, seasonality, day of the week, and even the time of day you plan to travel. To consistently find the lowest prices, it’s essential to understand the best time to secure Southwest Airlines tickets and how to leverage resources like the Southwest Low Fare Calendar.

In this article, we’ll help you pinpoint the ideal time to book your Southwest tickets and share insider tips to maximize savings. We’ll explain how to use the airline’s booking tools, reveal strategies for choosing the best travel dates, and highlight the cheapest days to fly. With these insights, you’ll be better prepared to find affordable flights, whether you’re planning a family vacation, a business trip, or a weekend getaway.

What Is the Best Day to Book Southwest Airlines Flights?

There is no one-size-fits-all rule for choosing the best day to book your flights. Some research suggests Sundays might offer good deals, while many industry insiders often point to Tuesdays as a prime time to buy. Airlines, including Southwest, frequently release weekly sales on Tuesdays, making that day a strong contender. Still, no single day guarantees rock-bottom fares — prices vary, and trends shift. Instead of relying solely on a specific day, use a combination of proven tactics and tools.

How to Get the Cheapest Southwest Flights

Southwest already offers competitive pricing, but the right approach can help you do even better. Below are several techniques for identifying the best time to buy Southwest tickets, using the Low Fare Calendar, and taking advantage of flexible booking policies to secure deals.

1. Use the Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar

One of the most effective ways to find Southwest’s lowest fares is by using the airline’s Low Fare Calendar. By selecting your route and travel month, you’ll see a monthly view of prices, making it easier to identify the most affordable days. For example, if you’re traveling from Los Angeles (LAX) to New York (LGA), the calendar shows that January 12 and 20 are the cheapest days to fly. This tool is invaluable for determining the optimal time to purchase tickets.

2. Plan Ahead and Book Early

Generally, the best time to book domestic Southwest flights is about 1–3 months before departure. For international routes, consider booking 3–5 months in advance. Southwest often releases its schedule 6–8 months prior, giving you ample time to monitor prices.

Keep the “21-day rule” in mind: fares tend to rise significantly within three weeks of departure. By booking early, you’re more likely to avoid last-minute price spikes and secure the most budget-friendly fares.

3. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

Flexibility is key to unlocking savings. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and sometimes Saturdays often have lower demand, resulting in cheaper flights. Avoid peak travel periods—such as weekends and holidays — to find more affordable options. Midweek travel and off-peak seasons can lead to significant discounts.

4. Use Price-Tracking Tools

While Southwest doesn’t offer its own fare tracker, you can monitor price changes through third-party tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or the Telegram bot AirTrack, which sends instant notifications right to your messenger. These services alert you to fare drops, helping you capitalize on the best time to book before prices rise again.

5. Watch for Tuesday Sales and Special Deals

Southwest frequently launches sales that start on Tuesdays and run through Thursdays. Keep an eye out for special offers, such as $39 or $49 one-way deals, by checking the official website’s promotions page or signing up for fare alerts. This ensures you won’t miss out on short-lived discounts.

6. Enroll in Rapid Rewards

Joining the Rapid Rewards loyalty program lets you earn points on every trip, which can be redeemed for future flights. Displaying fares in points helps you understand exactly how many you need for a route. By accumulating and using points, you can often score outstanding deals on future trips.

7. Take Advantage of Southwest’s Generous Baggage Policy

Unlike many low-cost carriers, Southwest allows two checked bags per passenger at no extra charge, as well as one free carry-on. These policies can save you up to $120 round-trip compared to other airlines, helping you keep overall costs down and avoid unexpected fees.

8. Consider Family Boarding Instead of EarlyBird Check-In

EarlyBird Check-In costs $15–$25 one-way, but if you’re traveling with a child under six, you can skip this fee and use Family Boarding. This option allows families to board after Group A, ensuring decent seats without the added cost — perfect for budget-conscious travelers.

9. Utilize the Companion Pass

For frequent flyers traveling with a regular partner, the Companion Pass is a valuable perk. Once earned, it allows your chosen companion to fly with you for just taxes and fees. Combine this with savvy booking tactics and you can save a substantial amount over the course of a year.

10. Take Advantage of No-Change and No-Cancellation Fees

Southwest stands out with its flexible policies—no change or cancellation fees. If you find a lower fare after booking, you can rebook at the new price and receive the difference as a credit, penalty-free. This flexibility lets you lock in a fare early while retaining the option to adjust if prices drop.

Conclusion

By using a strategic approach, you can make traveling with Southwest even more budget-friendly. From exploring the Low Fare Calendar and booking well in advance to staying flexible with dates and taking advantage of loyalty programs, these strategies help ensure you’re getting the best possible price. Keep an eye on sales—often launched on Tuesdays—and remember the airline’s generous baggage policies to save even more.

In short, with careful planning and the right tools, you’ll consistently find the best time to book Southwest Airlines flights, secure outstanding low fares, and enjoy a stress-free, affordable journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Southwest Airlines

What is the Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar?

The Low Fare Calendar is a tool on the Southwest website that displays the cheapest available fares for your chosen route over an entire month. It’s a great way to identify the most affordable travel days.

When is the best time to book Southwest Airlines flights?

For domestic trips, aim to book about 1–3 months in advance. For international travel, consider booking 3–5 months ahead. Since Southwest releases its schedule 6–8 months in advance, you have plenty of time to monitor fares and find low prices.

What is the best day to book Southwest flights?

Many travelers suggest Tuesdays because airlines often announce sales that day. However, no single day guarantees the absolute lowest fare—using the Low Fare Calendar and staying flexible is key.

When are Southwest flights cheapest?

You’ll often find cheaper fares on midweek days like Tuesday or Wednesday, and sometimes Saturdays. Lower demand on these days can result in significant savings.

How often does Southwest Airlines have sales?

Southwest runs weekly sales frequently, often starting on Tuesdays, with additional seasonal promotions throughout the year. Sign up for alerts and check their website regularly to stay updated.

What is Southwest’s Wanna Get Away fare?

Wanna Get Away fares are Southwest’s lowest-priced, nonrefundable tickets. During sales, these can be incredibly inexpensive, sometimes as low as $39 or $49 one-way.

How far in advance can I book Southwest flights?

Southwest generally opens its booking window about 6–8 months before departure. Checking early lets you monitor prices and take advantage of the best available deals.

How can I track Southwest flight prices?

While Southwest doesn’t provide a dedicated tracker, third-party tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or AirTrack can notify you of fare drops so you can grab lower prices quickly.

Can I change or cancel a Southwest flight for free?

Yes. Southwest does not charge change or cancellation fees. If fares drop after booking, you can rebook at the lower price and receive the difference as credit, risk-free.

What are Southwest’s $39 flights?

During select sales, Southwest sometimes offers short-haul routes at exceptionally low prices, starting around $39. These promotions typically launch on Tuesdays, making it a great day to look for deals.

What is the Companion Pass on Southwest Airlines?

The Companion Pass allows one designated companion to fly with you for just taxes and fees, once you’ve earned it. This perk can lead to substantial savings over time.

How to find the cheapest days to fly on Southwest Airlines?

Use the Low Fare Calendar and remain flexible with your travel dates. Midweek flights often offer the best prices, helping you spot the cheapest days to travel.

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