Finding Southwest flight deals is one of the most effective ways to reduce travel costs. Southwest Airlines is known for its unique approach to low-cost travel, offering features like two free checked bags and no change fees. Because the airline does not list its fares on third-party travel sites, travelers must learn how to navigate Southwest’s own tools to find the best prices.
This guide provides a straightforward look at how to identify, track, and book the most affordable fares on Southwest. Whether you are planning a vacation months in advance or looking for a last-minute getaway, understanding these strategies will help you secure the lowest possible price for your seat.
Use the Southwest Low Fare Calendar
The most powerful tool for finding Southwest flight deals is the Low Fare Calendar. This tool allows you to view the lowest available fares across an entire month rather than searching day by day. It is ideal for travelers with flexible schedules who want to find the cheapest window for their trip.
To use the Low Fare Calendar, follow these steps:
- Visit the Southwest Airlines website and select the “Low Fare Calendar” link in the booking widget.
- Enter your departure and arrival cities.
- Select the month you plan to travel.
- Review the grid of prices to find the dates with the lowest “Wanna Get Away” fares.
Often, shifting your flight by just one or two days can result in significant savings. Mid-week flights, particularly those on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are frequently the least expensive options shown on the calendar.
Understand Southwest Sales Cycles
Southwest is famous for its recurring sales, which often feature one-way fares as low as $29, $49, or $59. These sales typically happen several times a year and follow a predictable pattern. Knowing when these sales occur can help you time your booking for maximum savings.
The most common sales include the “72-Hour Sale” and the “Wanna Get Away Day” celebration in June. Additionally, Southwest often runs seasonal sales in the spring and fall to fill seats during slower travel periods. Most of these major sales begin on a Tuesday and require booking at least 21 days in advance.
When a sale is active, the discounted prices are automatically reflected in the search results. However, these fares are limited in quantity. If you see a price that fits your budget during a sale, it is generally best to book immediately before the promotional seats are sold out.
The Importance of “Wanna Get Away” Fares
Southwest offers several fare classes, but the best deals are always found in the “Wanna Get Away” and “Wanna Get Away Plus” categories. These are the airline’s most basic and affordable tickets. While they are non-refundable to your original form of payment, they still offer the core benefits of flying Southwest.
If you cancel a “Wanna Get Away” flight, you receive a flight credit that does not expire. This provides a safety net that many other low-cost carriers do not offer. The “Plus” version of this fare offers additional flexibility, such as same-day confirmed changes and more Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent.
Comparing Fare Benefits
- Wanna Get Away: Lowest price, two free bags, no change fees, non-refundable flight credit.
- Wanna Get Away Plus: All basic benefits plus same-day standby and transferable flight credits.
- Anytime: Refundable fares with more flexibility and early check-in.
- Business Select: Priority boarding, refundable fares, and premium drink coupons.
Book Directly Through Southwest
A critical piece of information for finding Southwest flight deals is that they are not available on sites like Expedia, Kayak, or Google Flights. Southwest intentionally keeps its inventory exclusive to its own website and mobile app. If you only search through aggregators, you will miss Southwest’s pricing entirely.
To ensure you are seeing every available deal, you must check Southwest.com directly. You can also use the Southwest mobile app, which sometimes features app-exclusive notifications for flash sales. Using the official channels ensures you are seeing real-time availability and the most accurate pricing.
Leverage Rapid Rewards Points
Southwest flight deals are not limited to cash purchases. You can often find excellent value by booking flights using Rapid Rewards points. The number of points required for a flight is directly tied to the cash price of the ticket. When the cash price drops during a sale, the points price drops as well.
If you have accumulated points through flying or a co-branded credit card, wait for a fare sale to redeem them. This allows your points to go further. Additionally, there are no blackout dates when booking with points, meaning any seat available for cash can also be purchased with points.
The 24-Hour Rule and Price Adjustments
Southwest has a very consumer-friendly policy regarding price drops. If you book a flight and the price decreases later, you can often capture the difference in value. This is a unique way to “create” a deal after you have already purchased your ticket.
If the price of your flight goes down, you can go to the “Change Flight” section on the website. Select your current flight and “change” it to the exact same flight at the new, lower price. If you paid with cash, you will receive a flight credit for the difference. If you paid with points, the difference will be refunded to your Rapid Rewards account.
This strategy allows you to book early with confidence, knowing that you aren’t necessarily locked into the higher price if a sale occurs later. Regularly checking your existing itineraries against current prices is a highly effective habit for frequent Southwest travelers.
Sign Up for “The Click” Email Notifications
To stay informed about the latest Southwest flight deals without constantly checking the website, you should sign up for their email newsletter, known as “The Click.” This newsletter sends alerts directly to your inbox whenever a new promotion or nationwide sale begins.
Because many Southwest sales are time-sensitive, receiving an email the moment the sale goes live gives you the best chance at securing the lowest fares. You can customize your preferences to receive alerts for specific airports, ensuring the deals you see are relevant to your location.
Practical Tips for Maximum Savings
Beyond using specific tools, adopting certain booking habits can help you find better deals consistently. Travel demand heavily influences pricing, so avoiding peak times is essential for finding the lowest rates.
- Fly on off-peak days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are typically the cheapest days to fly.
- Book early: While last-minute deals occasionally happen, booking at least 21 days in advance is the standard requirement for the lowest fare classes.
- Check nearby airports: If you live in a city with multiple airports (like Chicago, Dallas, or Houston), check the fares for both. One airport may have significantly lower prices or more “Wanna Get Away” availability.
- Travel during shoulder season: Late August, September, and January often see the deepest discounts as travel demand drops after holidays and summer vacations.
Conclusion
Securing Southwest flight deals is a straightforward process when you use the right tools and timing. By utilizing the Low Fare Calendar, booking directly on the official website, and monitoring for seasonal sales, you can significantly lower your travel expenses. Remember that Southwest’s unique policies, like free checked bags and the ability to reclaim credit if prices drop, add even more value to every deal you find.
For more practical travel advice and tips on saving money, explore our other articles on budget travel strategies and maximizing loyalty programs. Staying informed is the best way to ensure your next trip is both enjoyable and affordable.