Alright, buckle up, future savvy traveler! Ready to unlock the secrets to scoring amazing deals on Southwest Airlines? Forget those sky-high prices; with a little know-how, you'll be jet-setting for less in no time. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from understanding their unique approach to leveraging loyalty programs and knowing exactly when to click "book."
Let's dive in!
How to Get a Deal on Southwest Airlines: Your Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide
Southwest Airlines operates a bit differently from other carriers, especially with its "Bags Fly Free" policy (two checked bags, always!) and open seating. Understanding these nuances is key to maximizing your savings.
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| How To Get A Deal On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Engage with Southwest's Ecosystem (and Become a Smart Shopper!)
This isn't just about finding a flight; it's about entering the world of Southwest's deals.
Sub-heading: Sign Up for Rapid Rewards (It's Free!)
The first and most crucial step is to enroll in Southwest's Rapid Rewards program. This is their loyalty program, and it's absolutely free to join. Why is it so important? Because every dollar you spend on a Southwest flight, or with their partners, earns you points that can be redeemed for future flights. These points never expire, and there are no blackout dates for using them.
Sub-heading: Subscribe to Southwest's Email Alerts
Don't miss out on those flash sales! Head to the Southwest Airlines website and sign up for their email newsletters and fare alerts. Southwest frequently announces sales and promotions directly to their subscribers. These sales can be incredibly short-lived, so getting notified instantly is a huge advantage. You might even see deals as low as $39 or $49 one-way!
Step 2: Master the Art of Timing Your Purchase
Timing is everything when it comes to cheap flights. Southwest is no exception.
Sub-heading: When to Look for Sales – The "Tuesday Trick"
Many travel experts will tell you that Tuesdays around 3 PM ET are often the best time to find Southwest fare sales. While not a guarantee every week, Southwest is known to release new sales on Tuesdays that can last through Thursday. Keep a close eye during this window!
Sub-heading: Booking in Advance vs. Last-Minute
Generally, for domestic flights, booking 3 to 6 weeks in advance can help you secure lower fares. For peak travel seasons (holidays, summer, spring break), aim for 3 to 4 months ahead to lock in the best rates. However, Southwest also has a unique policy: if the price of your already booked flight drops, you can rebook it and get the difference back as a Southwest Travel Fund or points (depending on how you paid). This is a game-changer!
Sub-heading: Utilize the Low Fare Calendar
Tip: Skim only after you’ve read fully once.
Southwest's website features a fantastic tool called the Low Fare Calendar. This allows you to view the cheapest fares across an entire month, rather than specific dates. If your travel dates are flexible, this is your best friend. You can easily spot cheaper days to fly, often leading to significant savings. It's especially useful for finding those "sweet spots" for destinations like Hawaii.
Step 3: Be Flexible with Your Travel Plans
Flexibility is a superpower when hunting for flight deals.
Sub-heading: Fly During Off-Peak Days and Times
The cheapest days to fly with Southwest are typically Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Avoid peak travel times like weekends, major holidays, and early morning/late evening flights if possible. Red-eye flights can also be significantly cheaper.
Sub-heading: Consider Alternative Airports
If your destination has multiple airports, always check fares for each one. Sometimes flying into a smaller, less-busy airport nearby can result in substantial savings, even after factoring in ground transportation.
Sub-heading: Adjust Your Trip Duration
Sometimes, staying an extra day or returning mid-week instead of over the weekend can lead to better deals. Play around with different departure and return date combinations using the Low Fare Calendar.
Step 4: Leverage Southwest's Unique Benefits
Southwest offers some unparalleled advantages that can save you serious money.
Sub-heading: "Bags Fly Free" – A Game Changer
Unlike most airlines that charge for checked bags, Southwest allows two checked bags per person for free. This alone can save you $60-$100 or more per round trip, depending on other airlines' policies. Factor this into your total cost comparison!
Sub-heading: No Change Fees (with Fare Difference)
Southwest is famous for its no change fees policy. If your plans change, you can modify your flight without incurring a penalty, though you'll pay the fare difference if the new flight is more expensive. This flexibility is invaluable and can save you from costly cancellations or rebooking fees.
Sub-heading: Southwest Companion Pass – The Holy Grail
Tip: Don’t skip the small notes — they often matter.
This is perhaps the most powerful way to save money on Southwest flights. The Companion Pass allows you to choose one person to fly with you for free (you only pay taxes and fees, starting from $5.60 one-way) an unlimited number of times whenever you purchase or redeem points for a flight. To qualify, you need to fly 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. Many people achieve this through Southwest credit card sign-up bonuses. If you travel frequently with a companion, this is an absolute must-have.
Step 5: Consider Southwest Credit Cards
Southwest offers several co-branded credit cards through Chase that can accelerate your path to deals.
Sub-heading: Earn Big Welcome Bonuses
Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards often come with generous sign-up bonuses in the form of Rapid Rewards points after meeting a certain spending requirement. These points can be enough for several free flights or a significant head start on earning the Companion Pass.
Sub-heading: Annual Anniversary Points and Perks
Many Southwest credit cards offer annual anniversary points bonuses, ranging from 3,000 to 7,500 points, just for keeping the card open. Some cards also offer perks like upgraded boarding positions or travel credits. These benefits can easily offset the annual fee.
Sub-heading: Earn Points on Everyday Spending
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Beyond flights, you can earn Rapid Rewards points on everyday purchases using your Southwest credit card, including dining, gas, and internet/cable/phone services. Every point counts!
Step 6: Explore Vacation Packages and Partners
Sometimes, bundling can lead to better overall value.
Sub-heading: Southwest Vacations
Southwest offers vacation packages that include flights, hotels, and sometimes car rentals or theme park tickets. These can occasionally provide discounted rates compared to booking each component separately. Always compare the bundled price to individual bookings.
Sub-heading: Rapid Rewards Shopping and Dining
Southwest has a shopping portal and a dining program where you can earn extra Rapid Rewards points for purchases made at participating retailers and restaurants. These are easy ways to accumulate points without flying.
Step 7: Rebook When Fares Drop (Seriously, Do It!)
Tip: Reflect on what you just read.
This is a critical strategy unique to Southwest.
Sub-heading: How to Rebook for a Lower Price
Because Southwest has no change fees, you can rebook your flight if the fare drops after you've purchased it. Simply go to "My Trips" on the Southwest website, find your flight, and select "Change Flight." If the price has decreased, you'll receive the difference back as a Travel Fund (if paid with cash for a Wanna Get Away fare) or Rapid Rewards points (if paid with points). Set up fare alerts to notify you of price drops!
Step 8: Understanding Fare Types
Southwest has different fare types, and knowing them can help you choose the best deal for your needs.
Sub-heading: Wanna Get Away (and Wanna Get Away Plus)
This is typically your cheapest option. "Wanna Get Away" fares are non-refundable, but if you cancel, the funds become a Southwest Travel Fund for future use (which expires). "Wanna Get Away Plus" offers transferable flight credit and the flexibility for same-day changes. While these are the lowest fares, they come with fewer perks.
Sub-heading: Anytime and Business Select (now Choice Preferred and Choice Extra)
These are more expensive but offer greater flexibility, higher Rapid Rewards earning rates, and perks like earlier boarding and refundability. For most deal-seekers, Wanna Get Away fares are the target.
By diligently following these steps and staying informed, you'll significantly increase your chances of snagging fantastic deals on Southwest Airlines and enjoying their customer-friendly policies. Happy travels!
10 Related FAQ Questions: How to...
Here are 10 common questions about getting deals on Southwest, with quick answers:
How to use Southwest Travel Funds?
Quick Answer: Log into your Southwest account, go to "My Account" or "My Trips," and you'll see your available Travel Funds. When booking a new flight, select "Southwest Travel Funds" as a payment option during checkout and enter the confirmation number.
How to find the Southwest Low Fare Calendar?
Quick Answer: On the Southwest.com homepage, after entering your origin and destination, look for a green button that says "Low Fare Calendar" on the flight options page. Click it to see a month-by-month view of fares.
QuickTip: Check if a section answers your question.
How to get a Southwest Companion Pass quickly?
Quick Answer: The fastest way is often by earning the sign-up bonuses on two different Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards in the same calendar year, as the bonus points typically count towards the Companion Pass qualifying points.
How to rebook a Southwest flight if the price drops?
Quick Answer: Log into your Southwest account, go to "My Trips," find your booked flight, and click "Change Flight." If a lower fare is available, select it, and the difference will be credited as a Travel Fund or points.
How to check my Rapid Rewards points balance?
Quick Answer: Log into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com. Your points balance will be prominently displayed on your account dashboard.
How to join Southwest Rapid Rewards?
Quick Answer: Visit Southwest.com and look for the "Rapid Rewards" section. You can enroll for free by providing some basic personal information.
How to get notified of Southwest sales?
Quick Answer: Sign up for Southwest's email alerts and newsletters on their official website. This ensures you receive direct notifications about new fare sales and promotions.
How to know if Southwest flies to my desired destination?
Quick Answer: Use the "Flight" search tool on Southwest.com. Enter your desired departure and arrival cities, and it will show you available routes.
How to use a Southwest gift card?
Quick Answer: During the payment step of booking a flight on Southwest.com, select "Southwest Gift Card" as a payment option. You can use up to three gift cards per passenger per reservation.
How to get the best boarding position on Southwest?
Quick Answer: Check in exactly 24 hours before your flight's departure. Alternatively, purchase EarlyBird Check-In, have A-List or A-List Preferred status, or buy a Business Select fare or Upgraded Boarding at the gate (if available).
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