You're ready to plan your next adventure, and you're wondering, just how far in advance can I book that Southwest Airlines flight? Excellent question! Unlike many other airlines that open their schedules a full year out, Southwest operates on a unique system, releasing flights in "batches." This approach can be a fantastic opportunity for savvy travelers to snag some incredible deals, but it requires a bit of understanding and strategic planning.
So, let's dive deep into the world of Southwest Airlines booking and equip you with everything you need to know!
Step 1: Understanding Southwest's Unique Release Schedule - Why It Matters!
Before we even talk about when to book, let's understand the "why." Southwest Airlines doesn't release its flight schedule 11-12 months in advance like many legacy carriers. Instead, they release blocks of flights typically six to eight months out. This staggered release allows them to better manage pricing, demand, and availability.
Why is this important for you?
Opportunity for Lower Fares: When a new batch of flights drops, especially for less popular times or routes, you often find the lowest "Wanna Get Away" fares. Being among the first to book can lead to significant savings.
Flexibility is Your Friend: Because they release in chunks, having some flexibility with your travel dates can be a huge advantage. If you're tied to a very specific date that falls outside the current booking window, you'll simply have to wait.
No Change Fees: This is a game-changer for Southwest. Even if you book a flight and the price drops later, you can rebook and receive a travel credit for the difference, thanks to their no-change-fee policy (fare difference may apply). This makes booking early less risky.
 |
| How Far In Advance Can I Book Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Knowing the Current Booking Window - When Can You Book RIGHT NOW?
This is the most crucial piece of information! Southwest Airlines regularly updates their website and social media with their current booking window.
Tip: Look out for transitions like ‘however’ or ‘but’.
As of July 13, 2025, Southwest Airlines is currently accepting air reservations through January 26, 2026.
Sub-heading: Looking Ahead - The Next Schedule Release Southwest also announces upcoming schedule extensions. The next announced extension will open their schedule for sale through March 4, 2026, and this is expected to happen on July 29, 2025.
Important Note: These dates are subject to change! Southwest explicitly states this on their travel tools page. Always double-check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Step 3: How to Stay Ahead of the Game - Be Ready for the Drop!
If you want to maximize your chances of snagging those coveted low fares, preparation is key.
Sub-heading: Setting Alerts and Reminders
Southwest Email Notifications: Sign up for Southwest's email updates. They often send out announcements when a new schedule is about to drop.
Calendar Reminders: Set a reminder on your phone or digital calendar for the announced release date. Many savvy travelers set alarms for early morning on release days. Southwest often updates their schedule around 5:00 AM CST on these days.
Follow Travel Blogs/News Sites: Many travel-focused websites and blogs track Southwest's schedule releases and will announce them as soon as they are public.
Sub-heading: Having Your Travel Details Ready
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
Know Your Dates (Even if Flexible): Have a general idea of your desired travel dates and destinations. The quicker you can search, the better.
Passenger Information: If you're traveling with others, have their names and Rapid Rewards numbers (if applicable) ready for quick entry.
Payment Method: Have your credit card or Rapid Rewards points ready to go.
Step 4: Executing Your Booking Strategy - Snagging Those Deals!
Once the booking window opens for your desired dates, it's time to act!
Sub-heading: Utilizing the Low Fare Calendar Southwest's Low Fare Calendar is your best friend for finding the cheapest dates.
Go to Southwest.com.
Click on "Low Fare Calendar" (usually found below the flight search fields).
Enter your origin, destination, and desired month of travel.
The calendar will display the lowest available fares for each day, making it easy to spot the best deals. This is especially useful for "Wanna Get Away" fares.
Sub-heading: The "Book First, Adjust Later" Mantra This is a core tenet of Southwest booking strategy.
Book as soon as flights drop: If you see a good price for your desired route, book it. Don't hesitate waiting for it to get lower.
Monitor prices: Even after booking, keep an eye on the flight price.
Rebook if price drops: If the fare for your exact flight or an equally suitable one drops, you can easily change your reservation online. If you paid with cash, you'll receive a travel credit for the difference. If you paid with points, the points will be redeposited into your Rapid Rewards account. This is a significant advantage of Southwest!
Sub-heading: Understanding Fare Types Southwest offers several fare types, each with different benefits and flexibility:
Basic (formerly Wanna Get Away): The most restrictive, typically the lowest fare. As of May 28, 2025, Basic fares have a six-month flight credit expiration.
Wanna Get Away Plus: Offers more flexibility, including a 12-month transferable flight credit.
Anytime: More flexible than Wanna Get Away fares, often refundable to the original form of payment, and includes EarlyBird Check-In.
Business Select: The most flexible and highest fare, includes A1-A15 boarding, refundable, and a complimentary premium drink.
For early booking, you'll often be aiming for those Basic or Wanna Get Away Plus fares to get the best price.
QuickTip: Look for lists — they simplify complex points.
Step 5: Maximizing Your Rapid Rewards Points - Travel for Less!
If you're a Rapid Rewards member, booking early with points can be incredibly valuable.
Sub-heading: Dynamic Pricing with Points Southwest uses a dynamic pricing model for award redemptions, meaning the number of points required for a flight is tied to the cash price of the ticket. When cash fares are low (especially during a new schedule release), the point redemption rates will also be low, giving you more value for your points.
Sub-heading: Companion Pass Strategy If you have the Southwest Companion Pass, booking as early as possible is even more crucial. You can add your companion for just the cost of taxes and fees, meaning huge savings. Secure your flight first, then add your companion!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about booking Southwest flights, starting with "How to":
1. How to find out the exact date Southwest will release new flights? Southwest typically announces upcoming schedule extensions on their official "Travel Tools" or "Flight Schedule" pages on Southwest.com. They also often share these updates on their social media channels and via email to Rapid Rewards members. As of July 13, 2025, the next extension through March 4, 2026, is set for July 29, 2025.
Reminder: Revisit older posts — they stay useful.
2. How to get the absolute cheapest fares on Southwest? Book as soon as a new flight schedule is released, typically very early in the morning (around 5:00 AM CST) on the release date. Be flexible with your travel dates and use the Low Fare Calendar to identify the cheapest days to fly.
3. How to change a Southwest flight if the price drops after booking? Go to your reservation on Southwest.com, click "Change Flight," select the same flight, and if the price is lower, you will be issued a flight credit (or points returned to your account) for the difference. There are no change fees.
4. How to use Rapid Rewards points to book a flight? When searching for flights on Southwest.com, select the "Points" option instead of "Dollars." The search results will display the cost in points.
5. How to determine which Southwest fare type is best for my trip? Consider your flexibility needs. Basic and Wanna Get Away Plus are generally the cheapest, with Wanna Get Away Plus offering more flexibility (transferable credit). Anytime and Business Select offer more perks like refunds to original payment and better boarding positions, but at a higher cost.
6. How to check if a Southwest flight credit has expired? You can check your travel funds balance and expiration date on Southwest.com under "Travel Funds" or in your Rapid Rewards account. Note that for flights booked on or after May 28, 2025, flight credits from Basic fares expire in six months, while Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares result in transferable flight credits that expire in 12 months.
7. How to ensure I get an "A" boarding group on Southwest? Purchase a Business Select fare, purchase EarlyBird Check-In (available up to 36 hours before the flight), or achieve A-List or A-List Preferred status through the Rapid Rewards program. Checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight can also help you get a better position.
8. How to add a Southwest Companion to an existing reservation? After booking your own flight, log into your Rapid Rewards account, go to your reservation, and there should be an option to "Add Companion." You will only pay the taxes and fees for your companion's ticket.
9. How to book a multi-city trip on Southwest? On the Southwest.com flight search tool, select "Multi-City" instead of "Round Trip" or "One-Way." This will allow you to enter multiple segments for your journey.
10. How to use a Southwest LUV Voucher or Gift Card for booking? When you reach the payment screen during the booking process on Southwest.com, there will be an option to apply a Southwest LUV Voucher or Gift Card. You'll need the voucher/card number and security code. You can use up to two LUV Vouchers or three Gift Cards per passenger per reservation, but a credit card will be needed for taxes and fees not covered by the voucher.
 |
