You're planning a trip, and Southwest Airlines is on your radar! Excellent choice, as Southwest is known for its unique policies and often competitive pricing. But how much are Southwest Airlines tickets really? That's the million-dollar question, and the answer, like with all airlines, is a bit nuanced. It's not a fixed price; it's a dynamic landscape influenced by several factors.
Ready to dive in and unlock the secrets to scoring great deals on Southwest flights? Let's get started!
Understanding Southwest Airlines Fares: It's Not Just One Price
Unlike many airlines that offer a tiered cabin system (Economy, Business, First Class), Southwest operates with a different model. They offer various "fare families" that come with different levels of flexibility and perks. Knowing these is your first step to understanding pricing.
 |
| How Much Are Southwest Airlines Tickets |
Step 1: Get to Know Southwest's Fare Families
Southwest has evolved its fare structure over time. As of recent updates, you'll primarily encounter four fare types, each offering different benefits and, consequently, different price points.
1. Basic (Most Restrictive & Generally Cheapest)
This is Southwest's newest and most restrictive fare, designed to compete with basic economy offerings from other airlines.
-
Price Point: Typically the lowest fare available.
-
Flexibility:
-
Non-refundable: If you cancel, you receive a flight credit that expires six months from the original purchase date.
-
Limited changes: Flight changes are allowed but require an upgrade to a Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fare, with the fare difference applying.
-
No same-day changes/standby: You cannot make same-day changes or fly standby with this fare.
-
-
Baggage: Two free checked bags (weight and size limits apply).
-
Boarding: Boarding position assigned at check-in; typically later boarding groups.
-
Rapid Rewards Points: Earns 2 Rapid Rewards points per dollar.
-
Other Perks: Free in-flight entertainment (where available).
2. Wanna Get Away Plus (Good Value with More Flexibility)
This fare offers a sweet spot for many travelers, balancing affordability with increased flexibility.
-
Price Point: A step up from Basic, but still generally very competitive.
-
Flexibility:
-
Transferable Flight Credit: If you cancel, you receive a flight credit that is transferable to another person and expires 12 months from the original ticketing date. This is a major advantage over the Basic fare.
-
Changes allowed: You can change your flight, with the fare difference applying.
-
Free same-day confirmed change: A significant perk! If a seat is available on another flight on the same day to the same destination, you can switch for free (taxes and fees may apply).
-
-
Baggage: Two free checked bags (weight and size limits apply).
-
Boarding: Boarding position assigned at check-in.
-
Rapid Rewards Points: Earns 6 Rapid Rewards points per dollar.
-
Other Perks: Free in-flight entertainment.
3. Anytime (Most Flexible for Refunds)
As the name suggests, this fare offers significant flexibility, particularly regarding refunds.
-
Price Point: Significantly higher than Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus.
-
Flexibility:
-
Refundable to original form of payment: If you cancel, you are eligible to receive 100% of your ticket value as a refund back to your original payment method.
-
EarlyBird Check-In®: Often included, giving you an earlier boarding position automatically.
-
Changes allowed: You can change your flight, with the fare difference applying.
-
Free same-day confirmed change/standby: Similar to Wanna Get Away Plus.
-
-
Baggage: Two free checked bags (weight and size limits apply).
-
Boarding: Earlier boarding position, often including EarlyBird Check-In.
-
Rapid Rewards Points: Earns 10 Rapid Rewards points per dollar.
-
Other Perks: Priority and Express Lanes at security (where available), free in-flight entertainment.
4. Business Select (Premium Experience)
This is Southwest's most premium fare, offering the highest level of perks and flexibility.
-
Price Point: The most expensive fare, comparable to flexible economy fares on other airlines.
-
Flexibility:
-
Refundable to original form of payment: Just like Anytime fares, you get a full refund if you cancel.
-
Priority boarding (A1-A15): Guarantees one of the first 15 boarding positions, ensuring you get your preferred seat and overhead bin space.
-
Changes allowed: You can change your flight, with the fare difference applying.
-
Free same-day confirmed change/standby: Included.
-
-
Baggage: Two free checked bags (weight and size limits apply).
-
Boarding: Guaranteed A1-A15 boarding.
-
Rapid Rewards Points: Earns 14 Rapid Rewards points per dollar.
-
Other Perks: Complimentary premium drink onboard (on flights over 250 miles), free in-flight internet (where available), priority and Express Lanes at security (where available).
Step 2: Unpacking the Factors That Drive Southwest Ticket Prices
QuickTip: Reread for hidden meaning.
Now that you understand the fare types, let's explore the key elements that make a Southwest ticket cheaper or more expensive. This is where you can truly influence the price you pay!
1. Demand and Popularity of the Route
This is perhaps the single biggest factor.
-
High-demand routes: Flights between major business hubs or popular vacation destinations (e.g., Los Angeles to Las Vegas, New York to Orlando) will generally be more expensive.
-
Less popular routes/times: Flights to smaller airports or at off-peak hours (red-eyes, early mornings, late nights) often have lower fares.
-
Competition: Routes with more airlines competing will sometimes see lower prices due to competitive pressure.
2. Time of Booking (The Early Bird Gets the Worm... Usually)
Southwest, like most airlines, uses dynamic pricing, meaning prices fluctuate constantly.
-
Booking in advance: Generally, the earlier you book, the better your chances of finding lower Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus fares. Southwest typically releases flights about 6-8 months in advance.
-
Last-minute bookings: Unless it's a specific sale or a very unpopular route, last-minute tickets tend to be significantly more expensive. Airlines know you're often desperate and will pay more.
-
"Shop early and shop often": This is Southwest's advice! Fares can change multiple times a day. If you find a good price, it's often best to book it. Remember Southwest's flexible change policy for non-Basic fares.
3. Day of the Week and Time of Day
Travel patterns play a huge role in pricing.
-
Mid-week travel (Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday): These days are typically cheaper for both departures and returns as they are less popular for leisure and business travel.
-
Peak travel days (Friday, Sunday, Monday): These days, especially Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons/evenings, are usually the most expensive due to high demand from weekend travelers and business commuters.
-
Holiday periods and school breaks: Expect prices to skyrocket around Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Spring Break, and major long weekends.
-
Early morning or late-night flights: Often cheaper than mid-day flights because they are less convenient for most travelers.
4. Seasonality
The time of year you travel drastically impacts prices.
-
Off-season/Shoulder season: Traveling during the "shoulder" seasons (e.g., late spring/early summer, fall) or true off-season for a destination (e.g., Florida in summer, though that can vary) can yield much lower fares.
-
Peak season: Summer, major holidays, and popular event times at your destination will always be more expensive.
5. Special Promotions and Sales
Southwest is famous for its fare sales!
-
"Click 'N Save" and other promotions: Keep an eye on Southwest's website and sign up for their email alerts. They frequently announce sales that can significantly drop prices, often for specific travel periods or routes.
-
Limited-time offers: These sales are often for a very specific window, so acting quickly is key.
6. Connecting Flights vs. Direct Flights
While Southwest is known for direct flights, sometimes connections come into play.
-
Direct flights: Generally more convenient and often slightly more expensive due to the demand for direct travel.
-
Connecting flights: Can sometimes be cheaper, especially if there are fewer direct options or the connection is inconvenient.
7. Rapid Rewards Points vs. Cash
Tip: Read aloud to improve understanding.
 |
Southwest's Rapid Rewards program is revenue-based.
-
Points value: The value of your Rapid Rewards points is directly tied to the cash price of the ticket. Generally, 1 Rapid Rewards point is worth about 1.3 to 1.5 cents.
-
"Sweet spots": You might find slightly better value for your points on close-in bookings or during fare sales.
-
No blackout dates: A major advantage of Rapid Rewards is that any seat that is for sale can be purchased with points. This makes finding award travel much easier than with some other airlines.
Step 3: Practical Steps to Finding and Booking Southwest Tickets
Now that you're armed with knowledge, let's put it into action!
1. Start Your Search on Southwest.com
-
Official Website: The best place to start your search is always the official Southwest Airlines website (Southwest.com). Unlike many other airlines that distribute their fares widely, Southwest is often most competitive when booked directly.
-
Input your details: Enter your departure and arrival airports, travel dates, and number of passengers.
2. Utilize the Low Fare Calendar
This is your secret weapon for flexibility!
-
Finding it: After you search for a flight, look for an option to view the "Low Fare Calendar" or "Flexible Dates" (the exact phrasing might vary slightly but look for something that shows a month-at-a-glance).
-
How it works: This calendar displays the lowest available fare for each day of the month for your chosen route. This is incredibly helpful for identifying the cheapest days to fly if your dates are flexible.
-
Be aware of fare types: The prices shown on the Low Fare Calendar will typically be for the lowest available fare type (often Basic or Wanna Get Away Plus). Click on a date to see all available fare types and their respective prices.
3. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates and Times
As highlighted in Step 2, this is paramount for savings.
-
Adjusting dates: If the Low Fare Calendar shows significantly lower prices a day or two before or after your initial search, consider adjusting your plans.
-
Consider odd hours: Don't dismiss early morning or late-night flights if saving money is your priority.
-
Mid-week travel: If leisure travel, aim for departures and returns on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays.
4. Consider Different Fare Types
Don't just jump for the cheapest fare without understanding the trade-offs.
-
Basic vs. Wanna Get Away Plus:
-
Basic is great if you are absolutely certain of your travel plans and don't foresee any changes, and you're comfortable with potentially later boarding.
-
Wanna Get Away Plus offers valuable flexibility with transferable flight credits and free same-day changes, which can be worth the slight price increase for peace of mind.
-
-
Anytime/Business Select: These are primarily for those needing maximum flexibility (cash refunds) or priority perks for business travel. For most leisure travelers, the cost difference isn't usually justified.
5. Sign Up for Southwest Email Alerts
Stay informed about sales!
-
Direct to your inbox: Southwest frequently announces sales to its email subscribers. These can be regional, system-wide, or for specific travel periods.
-
Act fast: Sales often have limited booking windows or specific travel dates, so being aware immediately is crucial.
6. Track Prices with Price Alerts (Optional, but useful)
While Southwest's own tools are great, third-party trackers can offer another layer.
Tip: Focus on one point at a time.
-
Google Flights, Kayak, etc.: Set up price alerts for your desired route. While these sites might not always show the exact Southwest price or all fare types, they can give you a general idea of trends and notify you of significant drops. Always verify on Southwest.com.
7. Leverage Rapid Rewards Points
If you're a frequent flyer or have a Southwest credit card, this is your key to "free" flights.
-
Check point redemption: When searching for flights, you'll see both cash prices and the equivalent Rapid Rewards points required. Compare the value to see if using points is a good deal.
-
Southwest credit cards: These cards offer generous sign-up bonuses and ongoing point earning, which can quickly add up to free flights or significant discounts.
-
Companion Pass: If you fly Southwest frequently, working towards the Companion Pass is highly recommended. It allows a designated companion to fly with you for free (plus taxes and fees) on both paid and award flights for a full calendar year after earning. This drastically reduces the cost of two-person travel.
8. Consider Southwest Vacations
Sometimes, bundling can save you money.
-
Flight + Hotel/Car: Southwest Vacations allows you to book flights, hotels, and rental cars together. Occasionally, these packages can offer better overall value than booking each component separately. This is especially true for groups with their GroupEase program.
Step 4: What to Expect When Booking
Once you've found your ideal fare, the booking process is straightforward.
-
Review details: Double-check your dates, times, and passenger information.
-
Add-ons: You'll have options for EarlyBird Check-In (if not included with your fare), upgraded boarding, and sometimes travel insurance. Decide if these are worth the extra cost for your specific trip.
-
Payment: Use a credit card that earns bonus points on travel, if you have one.
-
Confirmation: You'll receive an email confirmation with your itinerary and confirmation number.
Step 5: Post-Booking Price Adjustments (Southwest's Unique Perk)
This is where Southwest truly shines and can save you money after you book!
-
No change fees (on most fares): Southwest famously does not charge change fees on Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fares. If you need to change your flight, you only pay the fare difference (if the new flight is more expensive) or receive a flight credit (if the new flight is cheaper).
-
Price drop refunds: Even better, if the price of your already booked flight (for Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select) drops after you've purchased it, you can re-book at the lower fare and receive the difference back as a flight credit (for Wanna Get Away Plus) or a refund to your original payment method (for Anytime and Business Select). This is a fantastic policy that encourages early booking.
-
How to do it: Simply go to "Change/Cancel Flight" on Southwest.com, enter your confirmation number, and re-select your original flight. If a lower fare is available, it will show you the difference.
-
Basic fare exclusion: Remember, Basic fares cannot be changed for a lower price difference. You'd have to upgrade the fare first.
-
By following these steps and understanding the dynamics of Southwest pricing, you'll be well on your way to securing affordable and flexible flights for your next adventure!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Find the Cheapest Southwest Flights?
The cheapest Southwest flights are typically found by booking well in advance, being flexible with your travel dates (especially flying mid-week), utilizing the Low Fare Calendar on Southwest.com, and signing up for their email alerts to catch sales.
How to Use Southwest's Low Fare Calendar Effectively?
Navigate to Southwest.com, enter your route, and then look for the "Low Fare Calendar" option (often a link after your initial search results). This calendar shows the lowest available price for each day of the month, allowing you to easily identify the cheapest dates to fly if you have flexibility.
Tip: Be mindful — one idea at a time.
How to Know When Southwest Has Sales?
The best way to know about Southwest sales is to sign up for their email alerts on Southwest.com. They frequently announce promotions and limited-time offers to their subscribers. Also, keep an eye on their "Flight Deals" page.
How to Change a Southwest Flight After Booking?
For Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fares, go to "Change/Cancel Flight" on Southwest.com, enter your confirmation number, and follow the prompts. You will either pay the fare difference (if the new flight is more expensive) or receive a flight credit for the difference (if cheaper). Basic fares require an upgrade to change.
How to Get a Refund from Southwest Airlines?
Only Anytime and Business Select fares are refundable to your original form of payment if canceled at least 10 minutes prior to departure. Wanna Get Away Plus fares result in a transferable flight credit, and Basic fares result in a non-transferable flight credit with a shorter expiration period.
How to Check Baggage on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines famously offers two free checked bags per passenger (within weight and size limits). You can check your bags at the airport counter or a self-service kiosk.
How to Use Southwest Rapid Rewards Points?
Log into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com and search for flights. You'll have the option to view prices in points, and you can redeem your points directly for flights. The number of points required is tied to the cash price of the ticket.
How to Qualify for a Southwest Companion Pass?
To earn the Southwest Companion Pass, you need to earn 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year. These can be earned through flying, Southwest credit card spending, and partner activities. Once earned, a designated companion flies free with you (plus taxes and fees) for the remainder of that year and the entire next calendar year.
How to Get Military or Senior Discounts on Southwest?
Southwest offers military and government fares, but these are not available online. You must call Southwest at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) or visit a Southwest ticket counter to inquire and book these fares. Senior discounts (for passengers 65 and older) are also often available by phone, as they may not appear online.
How to Book Group Travel with Southwest Airlines?
For groups of 10 or more passengers, you can call Southwest's Group Travel Services at 1-800-433-5368. For smaller groups looking to book flight+hotel packages, consider Southwest Vacations' "GroupEase" program, which offers special discounts and benefits for groups of 5 rooms or more.
 |
