It's time to embark on a journey to unlock the secrets of snagging the absolute best prices on Southwest Airlines! Ready to become a fare-finding ninja? Let's dive in!
How to Get the Best Price on Southwest Airlines: Your Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide
Southwest Airlines, with its unique open seating and "Bags Fly Free" policy, is a favorite for many travelers. But even with their transparent pricing, there's an art to consistently finding the lowest fares. This comprehensive guide will equip you with all the strategies you need to master Southwest's booking system and save big on your next flight.
Step 1: Understand Southwest's Unique Fare System (and Why It Matters to You!)
Before we even start searching, let's get acquainted with Southwest's philosophy. Unlike many other airlines, Southwest doesn't play the game of dynamic pricing based on personalized Browse history (though prices do fluctuate based on demand). They also have a simpler fare structure.
Sub-heading: The "Wanna Get Away" Advantage
Southwest primarily offers four fare types:
Basic: This is their newest and often lowest fare. Be aware that it comes with more restrictions, including no changes allowed without upgrading and potentially checked bag fees for some Rapid Rewards members (unless you're Business Select, A-List Preferred, or A-List, or a Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember).
Wanna Get Away: This is your bread and butter for cheap flights. These are non-refundable, but their value can be applied as a flight credit for future travel if you cancel (with expiration dates applying to credits created on or after May 28, 2025). This is the fare type you'll primarily be targeting.
Wanna Get Away Plus: Offers more flexibility, including transferable flight credits and same-day changes without airline charges.
Anytime: More flexible than Wanna Get Away, offering refundable fares and automatic EarlyBird Check-In.
Business Select: Their premium fare, offering the highest flexibility, priority boarding (A1-A15), and fully refundable tickets.
Your goal is almost always to find a "Wanna Get Away" fare, or even a "Basic" fare if its restrictions don't impact your travel plans.
Step 2: Leverage the Power of Flexibility (Your Secret Weapon!)
This is arguably the most crucial step in getting the best price on Southwest. Southwest's pricing is highly dependent on demand, and flexibility allows you to exploit this to your advantage.
Sub-heading: Mastering the Low Fare Calendar
Southwest's website has a fantastic tool that many travelers overlook: the Low Fare Calendar.
Navigate to Southwest.com: On the main booking page, enter your origin and destination.
Select Flexible Dates: Instead of picking specific dates, look for the "Low Fare Calendar" option (often a green button after you input your initial search).
Browse by Month: The calendar will display the lowest "Wanna Get Away" fares (or "Basic" fares if they are lower) for an entire month, sometimes even showing multiple months. Look for the green dots or the lowest prices highlighted.
Adjust Your Travel: If you see a significantly cheaper day a few days before or after your initial preference, consider shifting your travel dates. Even moving your trip by a day or two can save you a substantial amount.
Consider Off-Peak Travel: Generally, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are the cheapest days to fly. Avoid peak travel times like holidays, spring break, and major events in your destination city. Early morning and late-night flights often have lower fares.
Sub-heading: Be Open to Different Airports
Southwest often serves multiple airports in larger metropolitan areas (e.g., Dallas Love Field and Dallas/Fort Worth, or Chicago Midway and Chicago O'Hare). While you might have a preferred airport, check prices for all nearby Southwest-served airports. The difference can be significant!
Step 3: Book Early, But Keep Checking (It's Not a One-and-Done Deal!)
Southwest's fares can change constantly. What you see today might be different tomorrow, or even an hour from now.
Sub-heading: The Benefit of Early Booking
While you don't always need to book a year in advance, booking as early as your travel plans are firm is generally a good strategy, especially for popular routes or peak seasons. Southwest often releases blocks of flights in advance, and the initial fares are often the lowest "Wanna Get Away" fares.
Sub-heading: The Rebooking Advantage (A Southwest Superpower!)
This is where Southwest truly shines and sets itself apart from most other airlines. Southwest does not charge change fees.
Book Your Flight: Once you find a "Wanna Get Away" fare you're comfortable with, book it. Don't wait too long, as it might disappear.
Monitor Prices Regularly: After you've booked, continue checking the price of your exact flight. Do this a few times a week, especially if you booked far in advance.
Rebook if the Price Drops: If you find the same flight at a lower price:
Log into your Rapid Rewards account (or access your reservation as a guest).
Select "Change Flight" for your existing reservation.
Choose the exact same flight you've already booked.
If the fare has dropped, Southwest will issue you a flight credit for the difference if you paid with cash (for Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus), or return the points to your Rapid Rewards account if you paid with points.
Remember, for "Basic" fares, you cannot simply change the flight and get a credit; you would need to upgrade to a higher fare type first to make changes.
This rebooking strategy is incredibly powerful and can save you a lot of money or points over time.
Step 4: Maximize Your Rapid Rewards Points (Fly for Nearly Free!)
Southwest's Rapid Rewards program is revenue-based, meaning the number of points required for a flight is tied to the cash price of the ticket. This makes finding low cash fares equally important for point redemptions.
Sub-heading: Earning Rapid Rewards Points Strategically
Southwest Credit Cards: This is hands-down one of the fastest ways to accumulate a large number of Rapid Rewards points. Sign-up bonuses for their co-branded credit cards (Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards cards) can often give you enough points for several free flights.
Rapid Rewards Shopping and Dining: Link your credit cards to the Rapid Rewards Shopping portal and Dining program. You'll earn points on everyday purchases and dining at participating merchants.
Hotel and Car Rental Partners: Book hotels and car rentals through Southwest's partners to earn additional points.
Fly Southwest! Of course, flying Southwest itself earns you points, with different fare types earning at different rates (Basic earns 2x points per dollar, Wanna Get Away earns 6x, Wanna Get Away Plus earns 6x, Anytime earns 10x, and Business Select earns 12x).
Sub-heading: The Holy Grail: The Companion Pass
The Southwest Companion Pass is arguably the best deal in domestic travel. If you earn 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year (or fly 100 qualifying one-way flights), you can choose one person to fly with you for free (plus taxes and fees from $5.60 one-way) on every single flight you take, whether you pay with cash or points, for the remainder of the year you earn it and the entire following calendar year.
How to Earn It: The most common way to earn the Companion Pass quickly is through a combination of credit card sign-up bonuses. Timing your applications is key to maximize the pass's validity.
Maximize the Value: If you can earn it early in the year, you get almost two full years of BOGO (Buy One Get One Free) flights!
Step 5: Stay Informed (Don't Miss Out on Deals!)
Being proactive and staying in the loop about Southwest's promotions can lead to significant savings.
Sub-heading: Sign Up for Email Alerts
Go to Southwest.com and sign up for their email list. They frequently send out notifications for sales, flash deals, and limited-time offers. You can also opt-in for promotional text messages.
Sub-heading: Follow Southwest on Social Media
Airlines often announce sales and deals on their social media channels. Follow Southwest on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook to catch these announcements in real-time.
Step 6: Consider "Upgraded Boarding" (and When It's Not Worth It)
Southwest's open seating policy means boarding position matters for seat choice and overhead bin space. While EarlyBird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding can improve your position, evaluate if the cost is worth it for your specific trip.
Sub-heading: EarlyBird Check-In vs. Upgraded Boarding
EarlyBird Check-In: Automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, securing an earlier boarding position. Costs vary ($15-$99 per one-way flight).
Upgraded Boarding: Can be purchased at the gate or ticket counter (if available) for a spot in the A1-A15 group (starting at $30 per segment).
When to Consider It: If you're traveling with a group and want to ensure you sit together, have a bulky carry-on, or have a strong preference for a window or aisle seat, these options might be worth it.
When to Skip It: If you're traveling solo, don't mind a middle seat, or are a Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred member (who receive priority boarding), you can often skip the extra cost. Also, families with children aged six or younger can utilize Family Boarding, which allows them to board after the A group and before the B group, often making EarlyBird unnecessary for seating together.
Step 7: Factor in All Costs (Beyond the Base Fare)
While Southwest is known for "Bags Fly Free" (two checked bags per passenger), there are other potential costs to consider.
Sub-heading: Checked Bags
Two Free Checked Bags: This is a huge perk and a significant saving compared to other airlines. Ensure your bags meet the weight and size limits to avoid excess baggage fees.
Basic Fare Caveat: As mentioned, with the new Basic fare, checked bag fees will apply for some Rapid Rewards members. Always double-check the specifics of your fare type.
Sub-heading: Inflight Amenities
Southwest offers free inflight entertainment (movies, TV shows) and messaging (iMessage and WhatsApp) on WiFi-enabled aircraft. If you need full internet access, there's a charge. Factor this in if constant connectivity is crucial for your flight.
Step 8: Group Travel Considerations
If you're traveling with a large group, Southwest has specific programs that might offer benefits.
Sub-heading: Southwest Group Travel Services
For groups of 10 or more passengers traveling together, you can contact Southwest's Group Travel Services. They might be able to assist with reservations and provide information on available options.
Sub-heading: GroupEase® with Southwest Vacations
If your group requires hotel accommodations as well, Southwest Vacations' GroupEase® program (for 5 or more rooms) offers flexible booking without a contract and potential discounts and amenities.
By diligently following these steps and understanding the nuances of Southwest's system, you'll be well on your way to securing the best possible prices for your air travel!
10 Related FAQ Questions: How to Get the Best Price on Southwest Airlines
Here are some frequently asked questions about getting the best prices on Southwest Airlines, with quick and concise answers.
How to: Use the Southwest Low Fare Calendar Effectively?
Quick Answer: On Southwest.com, after entering your origin and destination, look for the "Low Fare Calendar" option. This displays the lowest fares for an entire month, allowing you to easily identify the cheapest days to fly if your dates are flexible.
How to: Know When Southwest Airlines Sales Happen?
Quick Answer: Sign up for Southwest's email alerts and follow their social media channels. They frequently announce flash sales and promotional offers through these platforms.
How to: Get a Refund if Southwest Fares Drop After Booking?
Quick Answer: If you booked a "Wanna Get Away" or "Wanna Get Away Plus" fare with cash, you can rebook the same flight online if the price drops, and Southwest will issue you a flight credit for the difference. If you paid with points, the difference in points will be returned to your Rapid Rewards account.
How to: Maximize Rapid Rewards Points for Free Flights?
Quick Answer: The most efficient way is through Southwest co-branded credit card sign-up bonuses. Also, earn points through Rapid Rewards Shopping, Dining, and by booking with their hotel and car rental partners.
How to: Earn the Southwest Companion Pass Quickly?
Quick Answer: The fastest method is typically by earning sign-up bonuses from two Southwest co-branded credit cards (one personal, one business, if eligible) within the same calendar year, aiming for a combined 135,000 qualifying points.
How to: Decide if EarlyBird Check-In is Worth It?
Quick Answer: Consider EarlyBird Check-In if you prioritize specific seating (window/aisle), are traveling with a group and want to sit together, or have a bulky carry-on. If you don't mind a middle seat or are traveling with young children (who qualify for Family Boarding), it may not be necessary.
How to: Find the Cheapest Days to Fly on Southwest?
Quick Answer: Historically, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays often offer lower fares due to less demand. Utilizing the Low Fare Calendar will show you the exact cheapest days for your specific route.
How to: Save Money on Checked Bags with Southwest?
Quick Answer: Southwest famously allows two checked bags per passenger for free (within size and weight limits) on most fares. Ensure your bags comply to avoid excess baggage fees. Note that Basic fares may have different checked bag policies for some Rapid Rewards members.
How to: Book Group Travel with Southwest Airlines?
Quick Answer: For groups of 10 or more, contact Southwest's Group Travel Services directly. If your group also needs hotel accommodations, explore the GroupEase® program with Southwest Vacations.
How to: Handle Price Changes on Southwest's New Basic Fare?
Quick Answer: Basic fares cannot be changed directly without upgrading. If you wish to make a change or rebook for a lower price, you must first upgrade your Basic fare to a Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fare.