Quick Summary for Busy Travelers
Southwest Airlines is known for making air travel affordable, and if you play your cards right, you can score some serious deals. From exclusive sales to booking tips, here’s how you can take advantage of Southwest’s low fares without sacrificing the perks.
Introduction: Budget Flying – But Hold the Frills (and the Fees!)
Southwest Airlines has mastered the art of affordable flying, and while it may not come with the glitz and glamour of a champagne-filled cabin, it will get you to your destination without maxing out your credit card. Known for its cheeky attitude, no-change-fees policy, and free checked bags (yes, you read that right), Southwest is a top choice for budget travelers. So grab your peanuts, adjust your seatbelt, and get ready for a deep dive into how to fly Southwest without breaking the bank.
1. What Makes Southwest Airlines Different?
For starters, Southwest does cheap flights a little differently. Unlike most budget airlines, they don’t hide costs in a million fees. Here are a few things that make them stand out:
- No Change Fees: Plans change, and Southwest gets that. Unlike many other airlines, they let you change your flight without fees (you only pay the fare difference).
- Two Free Checked Bags: This isn’t an “only if you buy our special package” deal; two bags fly free as a standard part of the Southwest experience.
- Open Seating Policy: Southwest has a unique open-seating policy, meaning you choose your seat as you board. Get a good boarding number, and you’re golden!
These perks alone set Southwest apart, but there are more ways to cut your costs and make sure your trip is affordable.
2. The Best Time to Book Southwest Flights: When Are the Sales?
Southwest Airlines has a reputation for releasing sales on Tuesdays, and savvy travelers know to check their site around that time. Here’s what to look out for:
- The Tuesday Morning Drop: Most of Southwest’s fare sales pop up on Tuesday mornings. They’ll typically run until late Thursday, so checking in early on Tuesday can score you a steal.
- Holidays and Events: Keep an eye out for major U.S. holidays or seasonal changes. Southwest often promotes winter or summer specials.
- The Southwest Sale Calendar: Periodically, Southwest has big, across-the-board sales. Think of them as the Black Friday of airline tickets – you don’t want to miss them!
Getting a cheap Southwest flight means knowing when to pounce, and with these regular sales, you’ll have plenty of chances to snag a deal.
3. The Wanna Get Away Fare: The Ultimate Southwest Bargain
Southwest’s “Wanna Get Away” fare isn’t just a clever name; it’s the backbone of their budget-friendly approach. This fare class comes with limitations, but if you’re flexible, it’s the best deal in the sky:
- Non-Refundable but Credit-Friendly: The fare is non-refundable, but you’ll get credit if you cancel, which is a huge win in the budget airline world.
- The Flex Factor: Wanna Get Away fares often get cheaper as the travel dates approach. If your dates aren’t set in stone, you might be able to save even more by booking later.
- Add Early Bird Check-In for Priority Boarding: This fare doesn’t come with early boarding, but for an extra fee, you can add Early Bird Check-In to get a better boarding position.
For travelers willing to take a little gamble, the Wanna Get Away fare can make a big difference in your travel budget.
4. Using Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar to Find the Cheapest Dates
One of the biggest perks of Southwest is its Low Fare Calendar, a feature that lets you see the cheapest days to fly. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Filter by Month: If you have flexibility, this calendar will show you the best days to fly within your chosen month.
- Look Out for Peak Days: Southwest prices can vary widely, especially around peak travel seasons, so avoiding Fridays and Sundays can save you big.
- Book Round-Trips Separately: Sometimes, you’ll find that booking two one-way tickets can be cheaper than a round-trip. Use the Low Fare Calendar to experiment!
The Low Fare Calendar is your ticket to budget bliss. You might just find your ideal vacation dates – and prices – without too much legwork.
5. Southwest Credit Cards: The Magic Behind Free Flights
Southwest’s Rapid Rewards credit cards are packed with points and perks, making them a fantastic choice if you’re a regular Southwest flyer. Here’s how to maximize them without going into credit card debt:
- Rapid Rewards Points: These points add up fast, especially if you use the card for everyday expenses. You can redeem them for flights, hotels, and even gift cards.
- Companion Pass: The ultimate Southwest perk. If you accumulate enough points in a year, you’ll earn a Companion Pass, which allows one person to fly free with you – as often as you want.
- Anniversary Bonuses: Most Southwest credit cards come with an annual bonus just for holding the card, which is a great way to keep your points balance topped up.
With some strategic spending, you can start earning free flights – and even bring a friend along for the ride.
6. Tips for Finding the Best Seats with Southwest’s Boarding System
Southwest’s open seating policy means you’ll want to board as early as possible for the best seat selection. Here’s how to game the system without breaking a sweat:
- Check-In 24 Hours Before Check-in opens exactly 24 hours before departure, so set an alarm and be ready to snag an early boarding position.
- Buy Early Bird Check-In: This is an additional fee but can be worth it if you’re particular about your seat.
- Sit in the Aisle or Window: Once on board, look for a window or aisle seat, as these fill up first. If you’re traveling with a group, the back rows tend to have more seating options.
With a little planning, you’ll be able to secure a comfy spot for your journey.
7. Pack Smart with Southwest’s Two Free Checked Bags Policy
One of the great perks of flying Southwest is that two checked bags are free – no small thing in the age of airline fees. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Don’t Overpack: Remember that just because you can bring two bags doesn’t mean you need to. Think carefully about what you really need, especially for short trips.
- Plan for Souvenirs: If you’re heading to a destination where you’re likely to bring home souvenirs, the second bag is a lifesaver.
- Pack Light on Carry-Ons: Southwest allows one carry-on and a personal item, so aim to pack efficiently to make boarding smoother.
Free bags are one of the reasons Southwest is so popular among budget-conscious travelers. Use this perk to its full advantage and save on packing fees.
8. Flexibility is Key: Why Flexible Dates Can Help You Fly Cheaper
Being flexible with your travel dates can open up a world of savings with Southwest. Here’s how to keep your options open and find the best deals:
- Travel Mid-Week: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are usually the cheapest days to fly.
- Fly During Off-Peak Times: Avoiding peak travel seasons like holidays and school breaks can help you score lower fares.
- Stay on Top of Sales: Southwest often runs unannounced sales. Sign up for fare alerts to catch these as soon as they’re available.
Flexibility can save you hundreds, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends.
9. What to Expect During the Flight: Perks, Snacks, and Entertainment
Southwest may not have seatback screens or a full in-flight meal, but they do have some perks that make the experience enjoyable:
- Free Snacks: You’ll get a selection of nuts and pretzels, and sometimes there are surprises like snack mix.
- In-Flight Entertainment: Southwest offers free movies and TV streaming on your device – just remember to download the app before takeoff.
- Friendly Staff: Southwest’s cabin crew are known for their humor, so expect a few laughs during announcements.
Southwest’s service keeps things light, which is often a breath of fresh air on a budget flight.
10. FAQs: Answering Your Burning Questions about Southwest Cheap Flights
How far in advance should I book to get the cheapest fares?
Typically, booking two to three months out offers the best prices, though last-minute deals do pop up.
What if I find a cheaper fare after booking?
Southwest lets you rebook at the new rate without any fees – a big win if prices drop.
Can I change my itinerary easily?
Yes! Southwest’s no-change-fee policy makes it easy to adjust your plans.
Final Thoughts: Fly More, Spend Less with Southwest Airlines
If affordable, no-frills flights are your goal, Southwest Airlines is hard to beat. Their transparent pricing, free checked bags, and flexible policies make them a top choice for budget travelers. So next time you’re planning a getaway, give Southwest a try – your wallet will thank you, and who knows, maybe you’ll have enough left over for an extra round of in-flight peanuts.
