Tips on How to Get the Cheapest Southwest Flights
Tips on How to Get the Cheapest Southwest Flights is known for its affordable fares and customer-friendly policies, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking budget-friendly options. Whether you’re planning a vacation, visiting family, or traveling for business, finding the cheapest Southwest flights can save you money that you can use elsewhere during your trip. Here are some effective tips to help you secure the best deals on Southwest Airlines:
1. Book Early (or Late)
Booking your Southwest flight early or at the last minute can sometimes yield the lowest fares. Generally, booking well in advance — ideally 3–4 months ahead — can help you snag the cheapest seats, especially if you have specific dates in mind. On the other hand, if you’re flexible with your travel dates and destinations, last-minute deals might be available as the airline tries to fill remaining seats.
2. Be Flexible with Dates and Times
Flexibility is key to finding cheap flights on Southwest. Consider flying on weekdays rather than weekends, as flights tend to be cheaper when demand is lower. Similarly, early morning or late-night flights often come with discounted fares because they are less popular. Using Southwest’s flexible date search tool can help you identify the cheapest days to fly within your desired timeframe.
3. Sign Up for Fare Alerts
Stay informed about Southwest Airlines’ fare sales and promotions by signing up for fare alerts. You can receive notifications via email or the Southwest mobile app when fares drop on routes you’re interested in. This proactive approach allows you to catch deals quickly before they sell out.
4. Use Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar
Southwest Airlines offers a Low Fare Calendar on its website, which shows you the lowest available fares for specific routes across an entire month. This tool is invaluable for budget-conscious travelers looking to compare prices and choose the most affordable travel dates.
5. Consider Southwest’s Wanna Get Away Fare
Southwest Airlines offers different fare types, with the ‘Wanna Get Away’ fare being the most budget-friendly option. These fares are generally non-refundable but can be changed without incurring hefty fees. By opting for the ‘Wanna Get Away’ fare, you can secure lower prices while still enjoying many of Southwest’s amenities, such as two free checked bags.
6. Utilize Southwest’s Companion Pass
Frequent Southwest flyers can benefit from the Companion Pass, which allows a designated companion to fly with them for free (excluding taxes and fees) on both paid and reward tickets. To earn a Companion Pass, you need to accumulate a certain number of qualifying points or flights within a calendar year. Once earned, the pass is valid for the remainder of that year and the entire following year, offering significant savings on airfare.
7. Join Southwest Rapid Rewards
Enroll in Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program to earn points every time you fly with the airline. Accumulated points can be redeemed for future flights, effectively reducing your travel costs. Additionally, Rapid Rewards members gain access to exclusive promotions and special offers, further enhancing their chances of finding cheap Southwest flights.
8. Consider Booking Vacation Packages
Sometimes, booking a vacation package (flight + hotel or flight + car) can result in lower overall costs compared to booking each component separately. Southwest Airlines offers vacation packages that can include discounted airfare, accommodations, and rental cars, providing additional savings for travelers.
9. Check for Southwest Promo Codes
Keep an eye out for Southwest promo codes, which can offer discounts on specific flights or routes. These codes are typically distributed through Southwest’s promotional emails, social media channels, or third-party travel deal websites. Applying a promo code during the booking process can significantly reduce your travel expenses.
10. Follow Southwest on Social Media
Follow Southwest Airlines on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay updated on the latest news, promotions, and flash sales. Airlines often announce exclusive deals and limited-time offers through their social media channels, giving followers the opportunity to book cheap flights before they are widely advertised.
Conclusion
Finding the cheapest Southwest flights requires a combination of strategic planning, flexibility, and awareness of the airline’s various booking tools and promotional offers. By booking early or at the last minute, being flexible with your travel dates and times, signing up for fare alerts, and taking advantage of Southwest’s unique features such as the Low Fare Calendar and Rapid Rewards program, you can maximize your chances of securing affordable airfare. Remember to always compare prices, consider all available options, and plan ahead to make the most of your travel budget with Southwest Airlines.
FAQs about Tips on How to Get the Cheapest Southwest Flights
- How can I find the cheapest Southwest flights?
- To find the lowest fares on Southwest Airlines, use their official website or mobile app. You can also set up fare alerts or check their Low Fare Calendar for the best deals.
- When is the best time to book Southwest flights?
- Generally, booking early is advisable to secure lower fares. Southwest fares are known to fluctuate, so monitoring prices and booking as soon as you see a good deal is recommended.
- Are there specific days of the week that offer cheaper flights on Southwest?
- Yes, typically Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays tend to have cheaper fares compared to Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays. However, this can vary, so it’s good to compare prices for different days.
- What should I do if I miss a sale on Southwest?
- If you miss a sale, don’t panic. Southwest often has frequent sales, so keep checking their website or set up fare alerts to be notified of the next sale.
- Does Southwest Airlines offer any discounts?
- Southwest does not offer traditional discounts like other airlines (senior discounts, military discounts, etc.). Instead, they focus on keeping base fares low and offering occasional sales.
- Can I save money by booking Southwest flights as part of a package deal?
- Sometimes booking a flight and hotel together through Southwest Vacations can save you money compared to booking separately. It’s worth comparing prices if you’re planning a trip.
- Are there any fees I should be aware of when booking Southwest flights?
- Southwest Airlines does not charge change fees for altering your flight, which can save you money if your plans change. However, there may be fees for additional services like EarlyBird Check-In or upgraded boarding positions.
- Is it cheaper to fly from specific airports with Southwest?
- Southwest operates from many airports, and fares can vary based on demand and competition. Sometimes flying from a nearby airport or checking multiple departure cities can result in lower fares.
- What is the Southwest Low Fare Calendar, and how can it help me?
- The Southwest Low Fare Calendar shows you the lowest available fares for your desired route across an entire month. It helps you identify the cheapest days to fly and plan your travel accordingly.
- Does joining Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program help me get cheaper flights?
- Yes, joining the Rapid Rewards program allows you to earn points on flights and other purchases. You can redeem these points for future flights, potentially reducing your out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, members often receive exclusive offers and promotions.