Navigating airline discounts as a senior can feel like a puzzle, especially when policies change. While Southwest Airlines used to have a more explicit "senior fare," their current approach focuses on offering generally low fares and encouraging passengers, including seniors, to find the best deals through other means. However, there are still smart strategies you can employ to potentially save money on your Southwest flights!
This lengthy guide will walk you through everything you need to know, step-by-step, to maximize your chances of getting a great deal with Southwest Airlines as a senior traveler.
Your Ultimate Guide to Senior Savings on Southwest Airlines
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| How To Get Senior Discount On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Are you ready to unlock some serious travel savings?
Before we dive into the specifics, let's get you excited about the possibilities! While Southwest's "senior discount" might not be what it once was, their dedication to low fares and customer-friendly policies means there are still plenty of ways to make your travel more affordable. Think of it less as a direct discount and more as a strategic approach to booking. Let's explore how!
Step 2: Understanding Southwest's Current Approach to Senior Fares
It's crucial to understand that Southwest Airlines, unlike some other carriers, does not currently offer a dedicated, publicly advertised "senior fare" on their website that you can simply select. This is a key difference and often where confusion arises.
Sub-heading: What Happened to the Traditional Senior Discount?
Historically, some airlines offered specific senior fares that you could select during the booking process, often requiring proof of age (usually 65+). While Southwest did have something similar in the past, their current model emphasizes their "Wanna Get Away" fares and their Low Fare Calendar as the primary way for all customers, including seniors, to find the most economical flights.
Sub-heading: The Importance of the "Wanna Get Away" Fares
Southwest is famous for its "Wanna Get Away" fares. These are typically the lowest available fares and are designed to be highly competitive. For seniors looking to save, these are often your best bet. The trick is knowing how to find them and when to book.
Step 3: Your Go-To Method: Calling Southwest Airlines Directly
Despite the lack of an online senior fare option, calling Southwest Airlines directly remains your most reliable path to inquire about any special considerations for seniors. They may still have unadvertised senior-specific rates or be able to guide you to the best available low fares.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling fast, start reading slow.
Sub-heading: Why a Phone Call is Crucial
Access to Unadvertised Fares: Sometimes, airlines have limited-time or specific routes where senior-specific pricing might be available, but not published online. A phone agent will have access to this information.
Personalized Assistance: A representative can help you navigate different fare types, explain terms, and search for the most economical options for your specific travel dates and destinations.
Clarification of Eligibility: They can confirm the exact age requirement for any senior offers that might be active (typically 65 years or older).
Sub-heading: How to Make the Call
Gather Your Information: Before you call, have your desired travel dates, departure and arrival airports, and any flexibility you have with dates or times ready.
Dial the Right Number: The general customer service number for Southwest Airlines is 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). It's always a good idea to double-check the latest contact information on the official Southwest Airlines website (
Southwest.com/contact Be Polite and Clear: When you connect with an agent, politely state that you are a senior traveler (aged 65+) and are inquiring about any senior discounts or the best available fares for your trip. Ask if there are any specific "senior fares" or other promotions they can apply.
Be Patient: You might experience hold times, especially during peak hours. Be patient and polite; the agent is there to help you.
Step 4: Strategic Online Booking for Savings (Even Without a "Senior" Button)
Even if you don't find a direct "senior discount" button online, Southwest's website is excellent for finding low fares that can often be better than or comparable to traditional senior discounts.
Sub-heading: Utilizing the Low Fare Calendar
Southwest's Low Fare Calendar is an invaluable tool for finding the cheapest days to fly.
Access the Calendar: On Southwest.com, when you initiate a flight search, look for an option to view the "Low Fare Calendar" or "Flexible Dates."
Browse Monthly Views: The calendar displays fares for entire months, allowing you to easily spot days with significantly lower prices. Flexibility is key here! If you can adjust your travel by a day or two, you might save a substantial amount.
Identify "Wanna Get Away" Fares: The lowest prices displayed on the calendar will typically be for "Wanna Get Away" fares. Select these whenever possible for maximum savings.
Sub-heading: Booking in Advance
Generally, the earlier you book a Southwest flight, the better the chances of securing a "Wanna Get Away" fare. Fares tend to increase as the departure date approaches, especially for popular routes. Aim to book several weeks or even months in advance if your travel plans are firm.
Sub-heading: Be Flexible with Travel Days and Times
Mid-week travel: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are often the cheapest days to fly.
Off-peak hours: Early morning or late-night flights can also be less expensive.
Shoulder Seasons: Consider traveling during shoulder seasons (e.g., late spring/early fall) rather than peak holiday periods for better deals.
Step 5: Joining Southwest Rapid Rewards – Your Path to Free Flights!
The Rapid Rewards program is Southwest's loyalty program, and it's free to join. For seniors who fly Southwest regularly, this is a fantastic way to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights.
Sub-heading: How Rapid Rewards Works
Tip: Compare what you read here with other sources.
Earn Points: You earn points for every dollar you spend on Southwest flights (the number of points per dollar varies by fare type). You can also earn points through Southwest credit cards and partners.
Redeem for Flights: Points can be redeemed for flights with no blackout dates. The number of points required for a flight varies based on the cash price of the ticket, so higher cash fares will require more points.
Points Don't Expire: One of the best features of Rapid Rewards is that your points do not expire as long as your account remains active (by earning or redeeming points at least once every 24 months).
Sub-heading: Why it Benefits Seniors
Even if you don't find a specific senior discount, accumulating Rapid Rewards points means you can eventually fly for free, which is arguably the ultimate discount! For seniors who may be on a fixed income, this can significantly reduce travel costs.
Step 6: Exploring Southwest Credit Cards for Additional Benefits
Southwest offers co-branded credit cards with Chase that can provide significant travel benefits, including bonus points, A-List status qualifying points, and even a Companion Pass.
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Sub-heading: Potential Cardholder Perks
Welcome Bonuses: New cardholders often receive large point bonuses after meeting spending requirements, which can be enough for several free flights.
Annual Point Bonuses: Many cards offer a fixed number of Rapid Rewards points annually, helping you accrue points faster.
Companion Pass Qualifying Points: Some cards offer a boost to Companion Pass qualifying points, making it easier to earn this coveted benefit.
Sub-heading: The Power of the Companion Pass
The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most valuable airline perks available. If you earn it (by flying 100 qualifying one-way flights or earning 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year), you can choose one person to fly with you for free (you only pay taxes and fees) on every Southwest flight you take for the remainder of the year you earned it, plus the entire following calendar year. This is a huge saving if you travel with a spouse, family member, or friend frequently. For seniors, this can effectively cut your travel costs in half for a designated period.
Step 7: Stay Informed About Southwest Promotions and Deals
Southwest frequently runs sales and promotions. Being aware of these can lead to significant savings.
Sub-heading: Sign Up for Email Alerts
Go to Southwest.com and sign up for their email newsletters. This is the best way to be notified directly about flash sales, limited-time offers, and special promotions that could include discounted fares.
Sub-heading: Follow Southwest on Social Media
Tip: Don’t skip — flow matters.
Airlines often announce deals on their social media channels (Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram). Following them can give you an edge in catching sales early.
Step 8: Consider A-List Status for Enhanced Travel Experience
While not a direct discount, achieving A-List status with Southwest offers perks that can make your travel more comfortable and potentially save you time and minor expenses.
Sub-heading: A-List Benefits for Seniors
Priority Boarding: A-List members (and everyone on their reservation) get earlier boarding positions, which is great for seniors who might prefer to board earlier and settle in without a rush.
Priority Lane and Express Lane Access: Faster check-in and security lines can make the airport experience less stressful.
Dedicated Phone Line: A special phone line connects you directly to a customer representative, reducing wait times for assistance.
Free Same-Day Standby: This offers flexibility if your plans change last-minute (though taxes and fees may apply).
Sub-heading: How to Earn A-List Status
You can earn A-List status by flying 20 qualifying one-way flights or earning 35,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year. Certain Southwest credit cards also offer tier qualifying points, making it easier to achieve status.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my eligibility for a Southwest senior discount?
You should call Southwest Airlines directly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) and ask if there are any current senior fares or promotions for which you qualify. The general age for senior consideration is 65+.
How to book a senior fare on Southwest Airlines online?
Currently, Southwest Airlines does not offer a specific "senior fare" selection option on their website. Your best approach online is to use their Low Fare Calendar to find the cheapest "Wanna Get Away" fares available, or call customer service.
How to find the cheapest days to fly on Southwest as a senior?
Tip: Reread tricky sentences for clarity.
Utilize the Low Fare Calendar on Southwest.com, which allows you to view an entire month's worth of fares. Look for Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, as these are often the cheapest travel days.
How to join the Southwest Rapid Rewards program?
You can easily sign up for the Rapid Rewards program for free on the Southwest Airlines website (
How to use Rapid Rewards points to book a flight?
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, search for flights, and select the option to view fares in "points." You can then choose a flight that fits your point balance.
How to qualify for a Southwest Companion Pass as a senior?
To earn the Companion Pass, you need to fly 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. Earning points through Southwest credit cards is a common way to achieve this.
How to change my Southwest flight reservation if I have a senior fare?
Southwest offers flexible change policies. If you have a senior fare (or any other fare type), you can usually change your flight, though a fare difference may apply. It's best to call Southwest customer service for assistance with changes.
How to check for AARP discounts on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines does not offer a specific AARP discount. However, AARP members can still benefit by booking early, using the Low Fare Calendar, and leveraging Rapid Rewards points.
How to contact Southwest Airlines customer service for senior-related questions?
The best number to call for general inquiries, including senior-related questions, is 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).
How to get email alerts for Southwest Airlines flight deals?
Visit Southwest.com and look for the option to "Sign Up for Email" or "Email Deals." Enter your email address to receive notifications about their latest sales and promotions.
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