Sure, I can help you with that! To give you the most accurate and up-to-date information on Southwest Airlines round-trip ticket prices, I need to perform a quick search. This is because airfares are highly dynamic and change frequently based on various factors. Ever wondered what it truly costs to fly round-trip on Southwest Airlines, or how to snag the best deals? You're in the right place! Unlike many airlines with complex fare structures, Southwest prides itself on its unique approach, which can sometimes make understanding prices a little different. Let's embark on a journey to demystify Southwest round-trip ticket prices, giving you the knowledge to confidently book your next adventure.
Understanding Southwest's Unique Approach
Southwest Airlines operates on a point-to-point system and is well-known for its Transfarency® philosophy, which means "low fares, no unexpected fees, and bags fly free." This is a significant differentiator, especially the "two free checked bags" policy, which can save you a considerable amount compared to other airlines. While they don't typically participate in third-party online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia or Kayak for direct flight bookings, you can find their fares directly on their website.
 |
| How Much Is A Round Trip Ticket On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Where are you going and when? (Engage!)
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of pricing, let's get personal! Where are you dreaming of flying from and to? What are your desired travel dates? Are you flexible with your dates, or are they set in stone? Jot down your ideal itinerary now, as this is the first crucial step in understanding potential costs.
The cost of a round-trip ticket on Southwest Airlines, like any airline, is highly variable. It depends on numerous factors, including:
Route (origin and destination)
Time of year (peak season vs. off-peak)
Day of the week (weekends are usually pricier)
Time of day (red-eye flights can be cheaper)
How far in advance you book
Fare class (Southwest offers different fare types)
Current promotions or sales
Demand for the specific flight
Step 2: Navigating the Southwest Airlines Website for Fares
The best and often only place to find accurate Southwest flight prices is directly on their official website.
Sub-heading: Step 2.1: Head to Southwest.com
Open your web browser and go to Southwest.com.
You'll immediately see the flight search widget on the homepage.
Sub-heading: Step 2.2: Input Your Travel Details
Trip Type: Select "Round-trip."
Departure City: Start typing your departure city or airport code. A dropdown list will appear as you type.
Arrival City: Do the same for your arrival city or airport.
Depart Date & Return Date: Click on the calendar icons to select your desired departure and return dates. Remember, flexibility is key for finding lower fares!
Passengers: Select the number of passengers.
Promo Code (Optional): If you have a Southwest promo code, enter it here.
"Show fares in points" (Optional): If you're a Rapid Rewards member and want to see prices in points, check this box.
Click the "Search Flights" button.
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
Step 3: Understanding Southwest's Fare Types
Once you hit search, Southwest will display available flights and their prices. Unlike many airlines with Basic Economy, Economy, Business, First Class, etc., Southwest simplifies this with a few distinct fare types, each offering different benefits:
Wanna Get Away®: This is typically the lowest-priced fare. It's non-refundable to the original form of payment (unless canceled within 24 hours of booking), but if you cancel, you'll receive a flight credit for future use. It's often the most popular choice for budget-conscious travelers. As of May 28, 2025, checked bag fees may apply to Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares.
Wanna Get Away Plus®: Introduced to offer more flexibility than Wanna Get Away. These fares include a transferable flight credit (meaning you can transfer the credit to another person) and free same-day confirmed changes. Checked bag fees may apply here as well.
Anytime®: These fares are generally refundable to the original form of payment if canceled at least 10 minutes prior to departure. They also include benefits like EarlyBird Check-In (automatic check-in 36 hours in advance) and free same-day changes/standby. Checked bag fees may apply.
Business Select®: The highest tier offers the most benefits. These fares are refundable, include A1-A15 boarding positions (meaning you board first), EarlyBird Check-In, security priority lanes (where available), and 12 Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent. Business Select continues to receive two free checked bags.
Important Note: Always review the specific terms and conditions for each fare type before booking, as policies can change.
Step 4: Analyzing Your Search Results and Pricing
The search results page will show you a calendar view or a list of flights for your selected dates and nearby dates. You'll see the prices for each fare type (Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select) for various flights.
Sub-heading: Factors Influencing the Price You See
Demand: If a flight is popular or seats are filling up fast, the price will likely be higher.
Time of Booking: Booking further in advance generally yields lower prices, though Southwest is known for its frequent sales, so sometimes last-minute deals can pop up (but don't rely on it for crucial travel!). AirHint suggests the safest approach to find the best deal is to book no later than 9 weeks to departure, though chances are still over 50% at 7 weeks.
Day of Week: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays often have lower fares than Fridays and Sundays, which are popular travel days.
Seasonality: Peak travel seasons (holidays, summer, spring break) will always be more expensive.
Route Popularity: Routes with high competition or less demand might have lower prices.
Step 5: How to Potentially Save Money
While Southwest prides itself on "low fares," there are still strategies to potentially reduce your round-trip ticket cost:
Sub-heading: 5.1: Be Flexible with Dates and Times
 |
Use the Low Fare Calendar: Southwest's website often has a "Low Fare Calendar" option when you search. This is your best friend for finding the cheapest days to fly within a broader date range. Even shifting your travel by a day or two can result in significant savings.
Consider Off-Peak Travel: If your schedule allows, traveling during the off-season for your destination or on less popular days (like Tuesdays or Wednesdays) can yield lower fares.
Early Morning/Late Night Flights: These flights are often less convenient, but can be cheaper due to lower demand.
Sub-heading: 5.2: Book in Advance (But Not Too Far!)
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
While booking well in advance is generally a good idea, Southwest does run sales. Keep an eye out for these promotions, but for crucial travel, don't wait too long.
Sub-heading: 5.3: Leverage Rapid Rewards Points
If you fly Southwest frequently, enroll in their Rapid Rewards program. You earn points on every flight and with various partners, and these points can be redeemed for flights with no blackout dates. This is a fantastic way to essentially get "free" round-trip tickets.
Sub-heading: 5.4: Look for Sales and Promotions
Southwest frequently announces sales on their website and through their email newsletters. Sign up for their email alerts to be notified of flash sales or limited-time offers.
Sub-heading: 5.5: Consider Southwest Vacations
Southwest Vacations allows you to bundle flight + hotel, and sometimes flight + car, often at a discounted rate compared to booking them separately.
Step 6: The "All-Inclusive" Factor: What Southwest Prices Include
One of Southwest's biggest advantages is its transparent pricing. When you see a fare, it generally includes:
Two Free Checked Bags: This is a huge cost-saver compared to other airlines that charge for every checked bag. Each bag must not exceed 50 lbs and 62 inches (L+W+H).
No Change Fees: Southwest does not charge change fees. If you need to change your flight, you only pay the fare difference (if any). If the new fare is cheaper, you'll receive a flight credit.
No Cancellation Fees: While the "Wanna Get Away" fare converts to a flight credit, you won't lose the entire value if you cancel. "Anytime" and "Business Select" are refundable to the original form of payment.
In-flight Entertainment: Southwest offers free in-flight entertainment (movies, TV shows) and messaging.
This "no hidden fees" approach contributes to a clearer understanding of your total round-trip cost.
Tip: Don’t just scroll to the end — the middle counts too.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to estimate the cost of a Southwest round-trip ticket?
To estimate the cost, the best way is to go to Southwest.com and input your desired origin, destination, and dates. This will give you real-time prices for the different fare types available.
How to find the cheapest dates to fly on Southwest Airlines?
Utilize Southwest's "Low Fare Calendar" tool on their website, which allows you to view prices for an entire month, helping you identify the cheapest days to travel for your round trip. Being flexible with your travel dates is key.
How to purchase EarlyBird Check-In for a Southwest round-trip flight?
EarlyBird Check-In can be purchased during the booking process on Southwest.com or added later to an existing reservation up to 36 hours before departure. It typically costs between $15 and $99 per person, per one-way flight, and automatically checks you in 36 hours prior to departure for a better boarding position.
How to change or cancel a Southwest round-trip ticket?
You can change or cancel your Southwest ticket online via the "Change/Cancel" option on Southwest.com or through their mobile app. There are no change fees, only the fare difference applies. For cancellations, "Wanna Get Away" fares convert to flight credit, while "Anytime" and "Business Select" fares are refundable.
How to earn Rapid Rewards points for a Southwest round-trip?
Tip: Scroll slowly when the content gets detailed.
Enroll in the free Rapid Rewards program on Southwest.com. You earn points on every qualifying flight, based on the fare type and fare amount. You can also earn points through Rapid Rewards credit cards and various partners.
How to check baggage for a Southwest round-trip flight?
Southwest famously offers two free checked bags per ticketed customer, provided they meet the size (62 inches L+W+H) and weight (50 lbs) limits. You can check your bags at the airport ticket counter or self-tagging kiosks (where available).
How to get a refund for a Southwest round-trip ticket?
Refunds to the original form of payment are available for "Anytime" and "Business Select" fares if canceled at least 10 minutes prior to the original scheduled departure. "Wanna Get Away" and "Wanna Get Away Plus" fares convert to a flight credit for future use.
How to travel with an unaccompanied minor on a Southwest round-trip?
Southwest allows children aged 5-11 to travel as unaccompanied minors on nonstop flights only. There is a service charge ($50 each way as of current data), and the booking must be made via phone or at the ticket counter.
How to book a Southwest flight using Rapid Rewards points?
On Southwest.com, when searching for flights, select the "Show fares in points" option. You can then redeem your accrued Rapid Rewards points for any available seat, as Southwest has no blackout dates for point redemptions.
How to find out about Southwest Airlines military discounts?
Southwest offers military and government fares, but these are not available on Southwest.com. To book a military fare, you need to call Southwest Airlines directly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) or visit a Southwest ticket counter. Active-duty military also receive exemptions for baggage limits (up to 100 pounds and 80 inches for up to two bags).
 |
