Are you tired of spending a lot of money on flights? Good news: Southwest Airlines has got your back with some of the most affordable airfares around, especially if you’re flying within California. Keep reading to find the best time to book Southwest flights. Since its inception in the 1970s, Southwest has revolutionized the industry by making flying affordable and accessible to everyone. Thanks to their unique approach and focus on customers, they’ve built a loyal fan base and even snagged an impressive 47 years of nonstop profits. So, next time you plan a trip, consider Southwest for a wallet-friendly ride in the sky!
What is the Best Time to Book Southwest Flights?
The best time to book Southwest flights depends on your travel schedule, flexibility, and budget. However, there are some key strategies to help you secure the best airline tickets:
- ✅ Book on Tuesdays at 3 PM EST – Southwest typically launches fare sales on Tuesdays, making it the best time to secure discounted flights.
- ✅ Book 3-6 Weeks in Advance – For domestic travel, booking 3-6 weeks before your departure is usually the best way to find lower prices.
- ✅ Book 3-4 Months in Advance for Peak Seasons – If you plan to travel during holidays, summer, or spring break, try to book 3-4 months in advance to secure the best rates.
- ✅ Fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays – These days are typically the least expensive to fly with Southwest.
- ✅ Set Fare Alerts – Given that Southwest flight prices fluctuate, use their Low Fare Calendar or third-party tools to monitor price drops.
What Are the Benefits of Traveling with Southwest Airlines?
Free 2 Checked Bags on All Fares
Unlike most U.S. airlines that charge $30-$40 for checked luggage, Southwest allows two free checked bags for each passenger on every flight. If you’re traveling alone, this can save up to $140 on a round-trip. For families, it could mean savings of up to $240 on luggage alone.
No Cancellation or Change Fees
One of Southwest’s most flexible advantages is that there are no additional fees for changing or canceling a flight, regardless of the ticket type or destination. If you need to make last-minute changes, you only pay for the fare difference (if applicable).
💭 Flying Tip: Remember to cancel at least 10 minutes before departure to avoid losing travel funds. For any questions regarding Southwest reservations or flight booking, call us at our phone.
Flight Credits Upon Cancellation
If you cancel a flight at least 10 minutes before departure, you’ll receive flight credits. These credits don’t expire and are non-transferable. Plus, if you book using Rapid Rewards points, you can keep your points safe by canceling on time.
For just $30 extra each way, Wanna Get Away Plus offers additional flexibility, including same-day changes, standby options, and flight credit transfers.
Easy Refunds
Cancel your flight at least 10 minutes before departure, and you can get a full refund to your original payment method. If you used flight credits for a Business Select or Anytime fare, you’ll receive transferable credits. If you booked with Rapid Rewards points, they will be refunded to your account.
💡 Flying Tip: Always book flight tickets through Southwest’s official website for the best rates.
How to Find Cheap Flights on Southwest Airlines?
To book an affordable Southwest flight and know the best time to book Southwest flights, follow these key tips:
- Use the Low Fare Calendar – This tool allows you to view the lowest fares available for an entire month, providing flexibility to find the best deals.
- Look Out for Sales – Southwest often offers sales on Tuesdays, reducing fares on various routes.
- Fly on Weekdays and Off-Peak Hours – Traveling during weekdays or off-peak hours (such as early mornings, late evenings, or red-eye flights) is generally more affordable than traveling on weekends.
- Check Alternate Airports – If your destination has multiple airports, consider flying into a smaller one to save money potentially.
- Become a Rapid Rewards Member – Sign up for Southwest’s loyalty program to earn points towards future flights. There are also credit cards that can accelerate your point accumulation.
- Use Third-Party Tools with Caution – You can use third-party sites to explore flights, but for the best price, you’ll need to book directly through Southwest.
💡 Flying Tip: Use the Southwest Low Fare Calendar and check the best time to book Southwest flights to find the best airline deals.
How to Use Southwest Flight Price Tracker?
While Southwest doesn’t offer its price tracker, you can use these methods to track fares:
- Google Flights or Hopper: Track price changes for alternative flights on Google Flights or Hopper app, though they don’t include Southwest’s data.
- Subscribe to Email Alerts: Sign up for Southwest’s email notifications to receive updates about fare sales and promotions.
- Use Third-Party Trackers: Services like Airfarewatchdog and Thrifty Traveler track price drops and sales on Southwest flights.
- Southwest Low Fare Calendar: This tool allows you to search for the lowest fares by month, making it easier for flexible travelers to find deals.
- Track with a Spreadsheet: If you fly specific routes often, manually track fare trends in a spreadsheet.
When Does Southwest Have Sales?
Southwest frequently holds fare sales, especially on Tuesdays. Common sales include:
- Semi-Annual Sales: Summer (June/July) and Fall/Winter (October).
- Holiday Sales: Occurring around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year.
- Special Event Sales: These events take place during national holidays, such as Labor Day, Memorial Day, and the Fourth of July.
Southwest Airlines Promotional Flights
- $39 Flights: Occasionally, Southwest offers short-haul flights (typically less than 400 miles) for $39. These are often advertised during larger sales.
- $49 Flights: These deals apply to short routes, such as flights within California or between Phoenix, Las Vegas, and San Diego.
- $53 Flights: These deals are typically available during Southwest’s frequent fare sales and are usually for midweek travel or short routes.
- $59 Flights: These fares are common for regional travel and often appear during promotional sales.
- $69 Flights: Available during large sales, these fares apply to more routes across the U.S.
To catch these airline deals, regularly check the Low Fare Calendar or sign up for email alerts.
Final Thoughts
For the cheapest Southwest flights, aim to book on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays. Booking during non-peak times, like early mornings or weekdays, can also help you save money. If you need help with the best time to book Southwest flights, consider using a travel planner to assist in finding the best days and fares for your trip.
💡 Flying Tip: Avoid traveling during peak times, such as Christmas, and keep an eye on special deals to find the lowest prices. Contact Flying Getaway at our phone for more information on Southwest Airlines offers and to get the latest flight reservations.
Also Read: How to Book and Manage Southwest Airlines Flights?
FAQs
What’s the Best Month to Book Southwest Airlines Deals?
Southwest typically releases flights 6–8 months in advance, so start looking for deals during that time. Check their Low Fare Calendar for the latest sales updates.
Does Southwest Change Flight Fares at the Last Minute?
Southwest’s pricing is generally transparent and not subject to last-minute changes. Book early to get the best deals.
Are Southwest Tickets Cheaper at Airports?
Southwest offers the same price online and at the airport. However, booking online through Southwest’s website is often more convenient.
Does Southwest Charge a Fee for Changing Flights?
Southwest does not charge fees for changing flights, making it one of the most flexible airlines when it comes to flight changes.
Which Southwest Airlines Tickets Are Refundable?
While Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus tickets are non-refundable, they can qualify for travel credits. Business Select, and Anytime tickets are refundable with no cancellation fees if you cancel within 10 minutes of departure.
When Are Southwest Flights Cheapest?
Flights are typically cheapest midweek (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and during fare sales.
How Far in Advance Does Southwest Release Flights?
Southwest releases flights about 6-8 months ahead. Check the website for specific dates.
What Are the Cheapest Days to Fly Southwest Airlines?
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and occasionally Saturdays offer the cheapest fares, making them the best time to book Southwest flights.
How Often Does Southwest Have Sales?
Sales occur frequently, often on Tuesdays, with significant sales held semi-annually.
What Are Southwest Wanna Get Away® Flights?
These are Southwest’s budget-friendly, non-refundable tickets with fewer perks.
