Have you ever found yourself dreaming of a spontaneous getaway, a quick trip to visit family, or an affordable escape to a new city? If so, you've likely encountered Southwest Airlines' "Wanna Get Away" fares. For years, these tickets have been synonymous with budget-friendly travel on Southwest, offering a compelling blend of low prices and the airline's signature no-frills, customer-friendly approach. But how exactly does this popular fare class work, and what should you know before you click "book"? Let's dive deep into the world of "Wanna Get Away" fares!
Understanding the Southwest Fare Landscape
Before we pinpoint "Wanna Get Away," it's helpful to understand where it sits within Southwest's overall fare structure. Southwest prides itself on transparent pricing and doesn't have traditional "first class" or "economy" cabins. Instead, they offer different fare types that come with varying levels of flexibility and benefits.
Historically, Southwest has offered four primary fare types:
-
Wanna Get Away: The classic low-cost option. This was the entry-level fare, offering the lowest prices but with some limitations on flexibility.
-
Wanna Get Away Plus: A newer addition, offering more flexibility than the standard Wanna Get Away without jumping to the Anytime fare.
-
Anytime: A more flexible fare, often fully refundable as a cash refund if canceled.
-
Business Select: The highest tier, offering maximum flexibility, priority boarding, and premium perks.
Important Note (as of May 28, 2025): Southwest Airlines has made some significant changes to its fare structure. While the spirit of "Wanna Get Away" lives on, the actual name has been retired and replaced with Basic fares. Many of the characteristics we'll discuss still apply, but it's crucial to be aware of this nomenclature shift and any associated policy updates. This guide will focus on the principles that made "Wanna Get Away" so popular, which are largely carried over to the "Basic" fare.
 |
| How Does Wanna Get Away Work On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Embarking on Your Southwest Journey: Finding That "Wanna Get Away" (or Basic!) Fare
So, you're ready to find that sweet spot for your travel budget! The first step is always to search for flights on Southwest's official website or app.
1.1. Navigating the Southwest Website/App
When you head to Southwest.com or open their mobile app, you'll see the familiar flight search interface.
-
Input Your Travel Details: Enter your origin and destination cities, desired travel dates (one-way or round trip), and the number of passengers.
-
Choose Your Payment Method: You'll have the option to search using dollars or Rapid Rewards points. "Wanna Get Away" (or Basic) fares are available for both.
-
Hit "Search": Once you've filled in the details, click the search button to see available flights.
1.2. Identifying the Lowest Fares
After your search loads, you'll typically see a list of flights for your chosen dates, often with prices displayed for each fare type.
-
Look for the Lowest Price: The "Wanna Get Away" (now Basic) fare will almost always be the lowest price listed for a given flight. Southwest's website is designed to highlight these entry-level fares.
-
Utilize the Low Fare Calendar: If your travel dates are flexible, Southwest's Low Fare Calendar is your best friend! This tool allows you to view prices across an entire month, making it incredibly easy to spot the cheapest "Wanna Get Away" fares on specific days. Often, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday tend to have lower fares.
-
Be Flexible with Dates and Times: The key to snagging the lowest fares is flexibility. Mid-week flights, early morning departures, or late-night arrivals often carry the lowest "Wanna Get Away" prices compared to peak travel times or weekends.
Tip: Don’t skip the small notes — they often matter.
1.3. Understanding the Fare Display
When you see the flight options, pay close attention to the fare types presented. Each fare type will have a different price and a summary of its benefits. For "Wanna Get Away" (now Basic), you'll notice:
-
Price: This will be the most attractive aspect.
-
Rapid Rewards Points Earned: This fare type earns the lowest number of Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent compared to other fare types.
-
Cancellation Policy Summary: A quick overview of what happens if you cancel (typically, flight credit, not a refund to original payment).
-
Change Policy Summary: What to expect if you need to change your flight.
Step 2: The Nuances of "Wanna Get Away" (Basic) Fares: What You Get (and Don't Get)
Now that you've identified a "Wanna Get Away" fare, it's crucial to understand the specific terms and conditions associated with it. This is where you balance the savings with the flexibility.
2.1. Baggage Policy: Two Bags Fly Free (Usually!)
One of Southwest's most beloved perks, and a major differentiator from other low-cost carriers, is its generous baggage policy.
-
Two Checked Bags Fly Free: Yes, you read that right! Even with the lowest "Wanna Get Away" (Basic) fare, Southwest historically allowed passengers to check two bags for free, provided they meet the standard size and weight limits (50 lbs and 62 linear inches). This is a huge value proposition that can save you significant money compared to airlines that charge for every checked bag.
-
Important Update: As of May 28, 2025, for the new Basic fares, checked bags do incur fees. Only Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares still include the two free checked bags. This is a significant change to be aware of! For older "Wanna Get Away" bookings, the two-bags-free policy would still apply.
-
-
Carry-on and Personal Item: You are also allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item (like a backpack or purse) for free, provided they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
2.2. Change and Cancellation Policies: Flexibility with a Caveat
This is where "Wanna Get Away" fares differ most from higher fare types. Southwest is known for its no change fees, but for the lowest fares, this comes with a specific nuance.
-
No Change Fees (with Fare Difference): Southwest does not charge a separate change fee if you need to alter your "Wanna Get Away" flight. However, you will be responsible for any increase in fare if the new flight is more expensive. If the new flight is cheaper, the difference will be issued as a flight credit (for "Wanna Get Away" fares) or forfeited (for the new "Basic" fares if you don't upgrade to a higher fare type to make the change).
-
Cancellation Policy (Flight Credits): If you cancel a "Wanna Get Away" flight, you will not receive a cash refund to your original form of payment. Instead, the value of your ticket will be converted into Southwest flight credit.
-
Flight Credit Expiration: Historically, flight credits from "Wanna Get Away" fares did not expire. However, as of May 28, 2025, flight credits created from Basic (the new "Wanna Get Away") tickets have an expiration of six months from the original purchase date. For Wanna Get Away Plus and higher, flight credits are valid for 12 months. This is a critical change to be aware of!
-
Non-Transferable: These flight credits are generally non-transferable and must be used by the original traveler for future Southwest flights. (The new "Wanna Get Away Plus" fares, however, do offer transferable flight credits, which is a major upgrade).
-
-
No-Show Policy: Crucially, you must cancel your flight at least 10 minutes prior to its scheduled departure time. If you don't cancel and don't show up for your flight, you will forfeit the entire value of your "Wanna Get Away" (or Basic) ticket.
2.3. Rapid Rewards Points Earning: A Lower Yield
While you can earn Rapid Rewards points on "Wanna Get Away" (Basic) fares, they earn points at the lowest rate compared to other fare types.
-
Point Earning Rate: Typically, "Wanna Get Away" (Basic) fares earn 2 points per dollar spent on the base fare. This is significantly less than the 6 points per dollar for Wanna Get Away Plus, 10 points for Anytime, or 12 points for Business Select.
-
No Tier Qualifying Points (Historically): For older "Wanna Get Away" bookings, Cash + Points bookings generally did not earn tier qualifying points for A-List or A-List Preferred status, or Companion Pass qualifying points. However, beginning January 1, 2025, Cash + Points bookings will earn Rapid Rewards points, tier qualifying points, and Companion Pass qualifying points on the cash portion of the booking.
Tip: Skim only after you’ve read fully once.
2.4. Boarding Position: Check-in Early!
Southwest has an open seating policy, meaning there are no assigned seats. Your boarding position (A, B, or C, followed by a number 1-60) determines when you board the plane.
-
First Come, First Served: With "Wanna Get Away" (Basic) fares, your boarding position is assigned when you check in for your flight. The earlier you check in (up to 24 hours before departure), the better your boarding position will generally be.
-
Consider EarlyBird Check-In (Extra Cost): If securing a better boarding position is important to you, you can purchase EarlyBird Check-In for an additional fee. This automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure, giving you an earlier boarding position.
-
Upgraded Boarding (Day of Travel): On the day of travel, you might also have the option to purchase "Upgraded Boarding" at the gate or ticket counter, which can get you an A1-A15 boarding position if available.
Step 3: Making Changes and Cancellations to Your "Wanna Get Away" (Basic) Fare
Life happens, and plans change. Understanding how to modify or cancel your "Wanna Get Away" flight is crucial.
3.1. Changing Your Flight
-
Online or Via App: The easiest way to change your flight is through the "Manage Reservations" section on Southwest's website or app.
-
Selecting a New Flight: You'll be able to search for new flights. If the new flight costs more, you'll pay the difference in fare. If it's cheaper, the difference will be held as a flight credit for future use (for "Wanna Get Away" fares). For the new "Basic" fares, if you want to change, you must first upgrade to a Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fare, and then pay any fare difference.
-
Timing is Key: You can make changes up to 10 minutes before your original scheduled departure time.
3.2. Canceling Your Flight
-
Online or Via App: Similar to changes, you can cancel your flight through the "Manage Reservations" section.
-
Receiving Flight Credit: Upon cancellation, the value of your ticket will be converted into a Southwest flight credit.
-
Expiration (Crucial Update!): Remember, for "Basic" fares (the new "Wanna Get Away"), these credits now expire six months from the original purchase date. Use them or lose them!
-
10-Minute Rule: Don't forget to cancel at least 10 minutes before departure to avoid forfeiting your funds.
3.3. Same-Day Change and Standby (For Plus and Higher)
-
"Wanna Get Away" (Basic) fares do not include free same-day confirmed changes or same-day standby benefits. These are valuable perks offered with "Wanna Get Away Plus," "Anytime," and "Business Select" fares. If you have a "Basic" fare and want to change your flight on the same day, you would need to upgrade your fare to a higher category first.
Step 4: Maximizing Your "Wanna Get Away" (Basic) Experience
While it's the most restrictive fare, you can still make the most of your "Wanna Get Away" (Basic) ticket!
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
4.1. Check-in Punctually (24 Hours Out)
-
Set a Reminder: For the best possible boarding position without paying extra, set an alarm for exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time and check in immediately. This can significantly improve your chances of getting an A or early B boarding group, allowing you to choose a good seat and secure overhead bin space.
4.2. Leverage Southwest's Unique Perks
-
Free Inflight Entertainment: Southwest offers free movies, TV shows, and live TV (where available) via their in-flight entertainment portal on your own device.
-
Free Non-Alcoholic Drinks and Snacks: Enjoy complimentary beverages and a small snack during your flight.
-
Friendly Service: Southwest is renowned for its friendly and personable flight attendants and ground crew.
4.3. Consider the "Wanna Get Away Plus" Upgrade if Flexibility is Key
-
If the new limitations of the "Basic" fare (especially the six-month flight credit expiration and lack of same-day change/standby) are a concern, it's worth comparing the price difference to the Wanna Get Away Plus fare. For a slightly higher cost, you gain:
-
Transferable Flight Credits: A major benefit allowing you to transfer your flight credit to another Rapid Rewards member.
-
Same-Day Change: The ability to change to another flight on the same calendar day for free (if seats are available).
-
More Rapid Rewards Points: Earn 6 points per dollar instead of 2.
-
4.4. Be Aware of Dynamic Pricing
-
Southwest, like many airlines, uses dynamic pricing. This means fares can change rapidly based on demand, time of booking, and other factors. If you see a "Wanna Get Away" fare you like, it's often best to book it quickly as it may not last.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about "Wanna Get Away" (Basic) Fares
Here are 10 common questions about Southwest's lowest fare type, with quick answers:
How to find the lowest "Wanna Get Away" fares?
-
Use Southwest's Low Fare Calendar, be flexible with your travel dates (mid-week and off-peak times are often cheaper), and book as far in advance as possible.
How to change a "Wanna Get Away" flight?
-
Go to "Manage Reservations" on the Southwest website or app. You can change your flight up to 10 minutes before departure, but you will pay any fare difference. For new "Basic" fares, you must first upgrade to a higher fare type to make the change.
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
How to cancel a "Wanna Get Away" flight?
-
Cancel online via "Manage Reservations" at least 10 minutes before departure. The value will be converted to a flight credit.
How long are "Wanna Get Away" flight credits valid?
-
Crucially, for "Basic" fares (the new "Wanna Get Away"), flight credits expire six months from the original purchase date. For older "Wanna Get Away" bookings, they historically did not expire.
How many bags fly free with a "Wanna Get Away" fare?
-
As of May 28, 2025, "Basic" fares do not include free checked bags; fees apply. Older "Wanna Get Away" bookings still include two free checked bags. All fares still include one free carry-on and one personal item.
How many Rapid Rewards points do "Wanna Get Away" fares earn?
-
They typically earn 2 Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent on the base fare, which is the lowest earning rate among Southwest's fare types.
How to get a better boarding position with a "Wanna Get Away" fare?
-
Check in exactly 24 hours before your flight's departure, or purchase EarlyBird Check-In or Upgraded Boarding for an additional fee.
How to get a cash refund for a "Wanna Get Away" ticket?
-
"Wanna Get Away" (Basic) tickets are non-refundable to the original form of payment. You will only receive a flight credit upon cancellation.
How to use a "Wanna Get Away" flight credit?
-
When booking a new flight on Southwest, you can apply your flight credit as a form of payment during the checkout process.
How does "Wanna Get Away Plus" differ from "Wanna Get Away" (Basic)?
-
Wanna Get Away Plus offers more Rapid Rewards points, the ability to make same-day changes for free, and transferable flight credits, making it a more flexible option for a slightly higher price.
 |
