How To Get Cheap Flights On Southwest Airlines

Introduction

Southwest Airlines is one of the most popular and well-known airlines in the United States, offering affordable air travel options to various destinations across the country. Known for its excellent customer service and no-frills approach to flying, Southwest Airlines has become a favorite among budget-conscious travelers.

Despite already offering competitive fares, there are several strategies you can employ to score even cheaper flights on Southwest Airlines. By utilizing these tips and tricks, you can save money and make your travel dreams a reality without breaking the bank.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of finding and booking cheap flights on Southwest Airlines. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a first-time traveler, these strategies are designed to help you maximize your savings and enjoy a hassle-free travel experience.

So, if you’re ready to embark on an affordable journey with Southwest Airlines, keep reading to discover the best ways to find cheap flights and make the most of your travel budget.

Understanding Southwest Airlines

Before we delve into the tips for booking cheap flights on Southwest Airlines, it’s important to have a good understanding of the airline itself. Southwest Airlines is a major low-cost carrier based in the United States, operating an extensive network of domestic flights.

One of the key factors that sets Southwest Airlines apart from other airlines is its unique business model. Unlike most carriers, Southwest does not operate on a hub-and-spoke system. Instead, it employs a point-to-point routing strategy, allowing for more direct flights and shorter travel times.

Another distinguishing feature of Southwest Airlines is its no-frills approach to flying. While other airlines may charge additional fees for things like checked baggage or choosing a seat, Southwest includes many of these amenities in its base fare. This can help you save money, especially if you don’t require additional add-ons.

Additionally, Southwest Airlines offers a frequent flyer program called Rapid Rewards. This loyalty program allows you to earn points for every flight you take, which can then be redeemed for future travel or various other rewards.

Now that we have a better understanding of Southwest Airlines, let’s move on to the tips and tricks for finding and booking cheap flights on this popular low-cost carrier.

Tips for Booking Cheap Flights on Southwest Airlines

When it comes to booking cheap flights on Southwest Airlines, there are several strategies you can employ to secure the best deals. By following these tips, you can maximize your savings and find affordable travel options. Here are some effective ways to book cheap flights on Southwest Airlines:

1. Sign up for Fare Sales and Promotions: Southwest Airlines regularly offers fare sales and promotions, which can provide significant savings on flights. Be sure to sign up for their email alerts or follow them on social media to stay in the loop and be the first to know about these limited-time offers.
2. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates: Being flexible with your travel dates can greatly increase your chances of finding cheap flights. Consider traveling on weekdays or during off-peak seasons when fares tend to be lower.
3. Use the Low Fare Calendar: Southwest Airlines offers a Low Fare Calendar feature on their website, allowing you to view the lowest fares available for different dates. This tool can help you identify the most cost-effective travel options for your desired destination.
4. Join the Rapid Rewards Program: By joining Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards Program, you can earn points for every flight you take. Accumulated points can be redeemed for future travel, saving you money on your next trip.
5. Consider Booking a Wanna Get Away Fare: Southwest Airlines offers different fare options, including Wanna Get Away fares, which are typically the lowest-priced tickets. Keep an eye out for these fares when searching for cheap flights.
6. Keep an Eye Out for Southwest’s Flash Sales: Southwest Airlines occasionally offers flash sales where they release discounted fares for a limited period. These flash sales can provide excellent opportunities to snag cheap flights, so be sure to stay updated on their promotions.
7. Book Early or Last Minute: Booking your flight well in advance or last minute can sometimes result in lower fares. If you have fixed travel dates, booking early can help you secure better deals. On the other hand, if you’re flexible, booking last minute can sometimes lead to discounted prices.
8. Use Southwest’s Price Match Policy: Southwest Airlines has a price match policy, which means if you find a lower fare for the same flight on another website, they will refund you the difference. Take advantage of this policy to ensure you’re getting the best price possible.
9. Take Advantage of Companion Pass: Southwest Airlines offers a Companion Pass program that allows you to bring a designated person with you on flights for free (except for taxes and fees). Earning the Companion Pass can lead to significant savings, so consider meeting the requirements to obtain this valuable perk.
10. Follow Southwest Airlines on Social Media: Southwest Airlines often shares exclusive deals and promotions on their social media platforms. By following them on platforms like Twitter and Facebook, you can stay informed about any special offers that can help you book cheap flights.

By utilizing these tips and tricks, you can increase your chances of finding and booking cheap flights on Southwest Airlines. Remember to be proactive, stay flexible, and keep an eye out for promotions to make the most of your travel budget.

Sign up for Fare Sales and Promotions

One of the best ways to score cheap flights on Southwest Airlines is to sign up for their email alerts and newsletters. By doing so, you’ll be among the first to know about any fare sales and promotions, giving you the opportunity to snag discounted tickets before they sell out.

Signing up for Southwest Airlines’ email alerts is quick and easy. Simply visit their website and navigate to the “Sign Up” or “Subscribe” section. Enter your email address and select the preferences for the types of alerts you’d like to receive, such as fare sales, promotions, or general news updates.

Once you’re signed up, you’ll receive regular emails notifying you of any upcoming sales or special offers. These emails will often include important details like travel dates, eligible destinations, and the duration of the sale. Be sure to read through the emails promptly as some sales may have limited availability or specific booking windows.

By staying informed about fare sales and promotions, you’ll have the opportunity to book cheap flights before they’re advertised to the general public. This can give you a significant advantage in securing the best deals and saving money on your travel expenses.

Additionally, Southwest Airlines occasionally offers exclusive promotions to their email subscribers, such as promo codes or discounted fares for specific routes. These exclusive deals are a great way to further reduce the cost of your flights and maximize your savings.

Remember to check your email regularly and keep an eye out for any Southwest Airlines fare sales and promotions. By signing up for their email alerts, you’ll be taking a proactive step towards finding and booking cheap flights, helping you make the most of your travel budget.

Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

One of the key factors in finding cheap flights on Southwest Airlines is being flexible with your travel dates. By having some leeway in your departure and return dates, you can increase your chances of securing the best deals and saving money.

When searching for flights, consider flying on weekdays instead of weekends. Typically, flights on weekdays tend to be cheaper as there is less demand for travel on these days. By adjusting your travel schedule to avoid peak travel times, you can take advantage of the lower fares.

Furthermore, being open to traveling during off-peak seasons can also result in significant savings. Popular travel seasons, such as holidays and school breaks, tend to have higher airfare prices due to increased demand. However, if your travel plans allow for flexibility, consider booking your flights during less busy times of the year to take advantage of lower fares.

It’s important to note that being flexible with your travel dates doesn’t always mean compromising on the duration of your trip. Sometimes, adjusting your departure or return date by just one day can make a big difference in the cost of your flight.

When using flight search engines or booking websites, take advantage of their flexible date options. These tools allow you to view fare calendars or search with flexible date ranges, giving you a comprehensive overview of the fares available on different days. This feature enables you to easily compare prices and choose the most affordable travel dates.

Remember, being flexible with your travel dates can significantly impact the cost of your flights on Southwest Airlines. By considering alternative departure and return dates and being open to flying on weekdays or during off-peak seasons, you can increase your chances of finding cheap airfare and save money on your travel expenses.

Use the Low Fare Calendar

When it comes to finding cheap flights on Southwest Airlines, the Low Fare Calendar is a valuable tool that can help you identify the most cost-effective travel options. This feature allows you to view a monthly calendar that displays the lowest available fares for different dates and destinations.

To access the Low Fare Calendar, visit the Southwest Airlines website and navigate to the “Low Fare Calendar” section. Enter your departure city and destination, then select the month and year you plan to travel. The calendar will then display a range of dates with corresponding fares, making it easy to identify the cheapest days to fly.

The Low Fare Calendar is especially useful if you have flexibility in your travel plans and want to save money on your flights. It allows you to compare prices across different dates, enabling you to make an informed decision based on affordability.

Keep in mind that the prices shown on the Low Fare Calendar are for one-way flights and may vary depending on availability. Additionally, the calendar displays fares for Wanna Get Away fares, which are typically the lowest fares offered by Southwest Airlines.

By using the Low Fare Calendar, you can take advantage of the lowest available fares and plan your travel accordingly. This tool is particularly helpful if you have a specific destination in mind but can be flexible with your travel dates.

Remember to regularly check the Low Fare Calendar, as fares may change or new discounts may become available. By using this feature, you can stay updated on the best deals and ensure that you secure the most affordable flights on Southwest Airlines.

Join the Rapid Rewards Program

If you’re a frequent flyer or even a casual traveler, joining Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards Program can be a great way to save money on flights. This loyalty program allows you to earn points for every flight you take with Southwest Airlines, which can then be redeemed for future travel or other rewards.

Signing up for the Rapid Rewards Program is free and easy. Simply visit the Southwest Airlines website and navigate to the “Rapid Rewards” section. Follow the instructions to create an account and start earning points right away.

With each flight, you’ll accumulate Rapid Rewards points based on the price of your ticket and your membership tier. The more you fly, the more points you earn. You can also earn points by using Southwest Airlines’ partners such as hotels, car rental companies, and credit card affiliates.

Once you’ve accumulated a sufficient number of points, you can redeem them for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and even gift cards. The flexibility of the Rapid Rewards Program allows you to maximize the value of your points and use them in a way that suits your travel needs.

In addition to earning and redeeming points, there are other benefits to being a Rapid Rewards member. These include exclusive access to promotions and offers, priority boarding, and the ability to earn the coveted Companion Pass.

The Companion Pass is a sought-after benefit of the Rapid Rewards Program. When you earn it, you can choose a designated person to fly with you for free (excluding taxes and fees) on any Southwest flight you take. This can result in significant savings, especially if you frequently travel with a companion.

By joining the Rapid Rewards Program, you not only earn points for your flights but also gain access to valuable perks and benefits. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, being part of this loyalty program can help you save money and make your travels more rewarding.

Consider Booking a Wanna Get Away Fare

When looking to secure cheap flights on Southwest Airlines, one option worth considering is the Wanna Get Away fare. These fares are typically the lowest-priced tickets available and can help you save money on your airfare.

Wanna Get Away fares are available on most Southwest flights and offer significant discounts compared to other fare options. They are designed for travelers who are flexible with their travel dates and do not require additional perks or amenities.

While Wanna Get Away fares do not include certain benefits like priority boarding or same-day standby, they provide a cost-effective option for budget-conscious travelers. If you don’t mind a basic level of service and are primarily focused on securing the lowest fare, booking a Wanna Get Away fare is a great choice.

When searching for flights on the Southwest Airlines website, you can easily identify Wanna Get Away fares by selecting the fare type after entering your travel details. The website will display various fare options, and you can choose the Wanna Get Away fare to see the associated prices.

It’s important to keep in mind that Wanna Get Away fares are subject to availability, and the prices can vary depending on the flight and travel dates. Being flexible with your travel plans and booking in advance can increase your chances of finding these discounted fares.

While Wanna Get Away fares offer great savings, it’s essential to review the fare conditions before booking. Make sure you understand the fare rules, including any restrictions or change fees, to avoid any surprises down the line.

By considering booking a Wanna Get Away fare, you can take advantage of Southwest Airlines’ lowest-priced tickets and enjoy significant savings on your flights. Just be sure to weigh the pros and cons and ensure that this fare option aligns with your travel preferences and needs.

Keep an Eye Out for Southwest’s Flash Sales

If you want to catch the best deals on Southwest Airlines, it’s crucial to keep an eye out for their flash sales. These limited-time promotions offer heavily discounted fares that can save you a significant amount of money on your flights.

Southwest Airlines periodically announces flash sales, during which they release a limited number of seats at incredibly low prices. These sales typically last for a short period, ranging from a few hours to a couple of days, and the available seats can sell out quickly.

To stay informed about Southwest Airlines’ flash sales, it’s essential to follow them on social media and sign up for their email alerts. They often announce these promotions through these channels, providing subscribers with exclusive access to the discounted fares before they are widely advertised.

When a flash sale is announced, it’s important to act quickly. The discounted seats tend to sell out rapidly, so having your travel plans and desired dates in mind beforehand can help you make a swift decision.

To increase your chances of securing a cheap flight during a flash sale, it’s recommended to be flexible with your travel dates. The more flexible you are, the more likely you’ll find available seats at the discounted prices.

Be sure to regularly check your email for notifications from Southwest Airlines and stay active on their social media platforms. By staying tuned in to their flash sales, you can make the most of these limited-time promotions and enjoy substantial savings.

Remember, flash sales are a fantastic opportunity to find cheap flights on Southwest Airlines. By being proactive and keeping an eye out for these promotions, you can snag incredible deals and make your travel dreams a reality without breaking the bank.

Book Early or Last Minute

When it comes to booking cheap flights on Southwest Airlines, timing can play a critical role. Depending on your travel plans and flexibility, you can take advantage of either booking early or waiting until the last minute to secure the best deals.

Booking your Southwest Airlines flights well in advance can often result in lower fares. As the departure date approaches, seats become limited, and prices tend to increase. By planning ahead and booking early, you can lock in lower prices and ensure availability for your preferred travel dates.

On the other hand, if you have the flexibility to wait until the last minute, you may find discounted fares. Airlines often offer last-minute deals to fill any remaining unsold seats. This is particularly true for flights departing on weekdays or during off-peak periods.

While booking early or last minute can potentially lead to cheaper flights, it’s important to note that there are risks associated with both approaches. Booking too early may mean missing out on future fare sales or promotions, while waiting until the last minute might result in limited seat availability or higher fares.

To make an informed decision, monitor Southwest Airlines’ fare sales and stay updated on any upcoming promotions. If you notice that fares for your desired travel dates are consistently low, it might be a good idea to book early and secure your seats. Conversely, if you have travel flexibility and notice last-minute deals that align with your plans, waiting until closer to the departure date could be beneficial.

Remember to consider the potential risks and benefits of booking early or last minute and weigh them against your travel preferences and needs. By understanding the dynamics of pricing and availability, you can choose the best timing to book your Southwest Airlines flights and maximize your savings.

Use Southwest’s Price Match Policy

When searching for cheap flights on Southwest Airlines, it’s worth utilizing their Price Match Policy to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal. This policy allows you to request a refund or voucher if you find a lower fare for the same flight on another website.

If you come across a lower fare on a third-party website, such as an online travel agency or another airline’s website, simply contact Southwest Airlines’ customer service. Provide them with the details of the lower fare, including the website, flight details, and price.

Upon verification, Southwest Airlines will refund you the difference in fare or issue you a voucher for future travel. This ensures that you are paying the same, if not a lower price, for your flight compared to other available options.

Keep in mind that there are a few key points to consider when using Southwest’s Price Match Policy:

1. Price match requests must be made within 24 hours of booking your Southwest flight.
2. The lower fare you find must have the same flight number, dates, times, and cabin class as your Southwest flight.
3. Southwest Airlines’ Price Match Policy only applies to fares available to the general public and excludes discounted or negotiated rates.
4. The refund or voucher will be issued in the form of the original payment method or as travel funds, which can be used towards future Southwest Airlines bookings.

By taking advantage of Southwest’s Price Match Policy, you can ensure that you’re getting the best price for your flight. It’s always a good practice to comparison shop and check multiple websites before making your booking to be aware of any lower fares available.

Remember to act promptly and contact Southwest Airlines’ customer service within the specified 24-hour window to make use of their Price Match Policy. This way, you can secure the lowest fare and make the most of your travel budget.

Take Advantage of Companion Pass

If you frequently travel with a companion, Southwest Airlines’ Companion Pass can be a game-changer in terms of saving money on flights. The Companion Pass allows you to bring a designated person with you on flights for free, excluding taxes and fees.

To earn the Companion Pass, you need to accumulate a certain number of qualifying points within a calendar year. Southwest Airlines offers two ways to qualify for the pass:

1. Earn 125,000 qualifying points by flying on Southwest Airlines or through eligible partner activities.
2. Qualify through a combination of flying on Southwest Airlines and by earning points through Southwest Airlines’ credit card partners.

Once you’ve earned the Companion Pass, it is valid for the remainder of the year it was earned, as well as the entire following calendar year. Having the Companion Pass means you can bring your designated companion on any Southwest flight with you, whether you’re traveling on a Wanna Get Away fare or any other fare type.

One of the best strategies to earn the Companion Pass is to take advantage of Southwest Airlines’ welcome bonuses and promotions on their affiliated credit cards. These credit cards often offer sign-up bonuses that count towards the qualifying points for the Companion Pass.

It’s essential to plan your travel accordingly to make the most of the Companion Pass. Whether it’s a family vacation, a weekend getaway, or a business trip, having the Companion Pass can result in substantial savings on airfare for both you and your companion.

Keep in mind that the Companion Pass is not limited to a specific person. You have the flexibility to change your designated companion up to three times during the validity period of your pass.

By earning and utilizing the Companion Pass, you can significantly reduce the cost of flying with Southwest Airlines when traveling with a companion. It’s an excellent way to stretch your travel budget and enjoy the benefits of discounted or even free airfare.

Follow Southwest Airlines on Social Media

If you want to stay up-to-date with the latest deals, promotions, and flash sales, it’s essential to follow Southwest Airlines on social media. By becoming a follower or fan on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, you’ll gain access to exclusive offers and be among the first to know about any special discounts.

Southwest Airlines often uses their social media channels to announce flash sales, limited-time promotions, and discounted fares. They may share promo codes, offer special deals for specific routes, or provide early access to sale fares for their followers.

By following Southwest Airlines on social media, you’ll be able to take advantage of these exclusive offers before they are widely publicized. This gives you a competitive edge in securing the best deals and maximizing your savings.

In addition to flash sales and promotions, Southwest Airlines’ social media platforms are also a great source of travel inspiration, helpful tips, and important updates. You’ll find information about new routes, travel guides, customer service announcements, and much more.

Make sure to enable notifications or regularly check Southwest Airlines’ social media accounts so you don’t miss out on any time-sensitive promotions or flash sales. Engaging with their posts by liking, commenting, and sharing can also increase your visibility and chances of finding exclusive offers.

As a bonus, Southwest Airlines occasionally holds contests or giveaways on their social media platforms. By participating in these contests, you have a chance to win free flights, travel vouchers, or other exciting prizes. It’s a fun and potentially rewarding way to interact with the airline and add some extra value to your travel experience.

So, if you want to be in the know when it comes to cheap flights and special offers from Southwest Airlines, be sure to follow them on social media. Take advantage of the exclusive access, stay updated on their latest promotions, and make the most of your travel budget.

Conclusion

Booking cheap flights on Southwest Airlines is an achievable goal with the right strategies and a little flexibility. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can maximize your savings and make your travel budget go further.

Signing up for fare sales and promotions, being flexible with your travel dates, utilizing the Low Fare Calendar, and joining the Rapid Rewards Program are just a few of the ways you can save money when booking with Southwest Airlines.

Booking a Wanna Get Away fare, keeping an eye out for flash sales, and taking advantage of Southwest’s price match policy are additional techniques that can help you secure the best possible fares.

For those traveling with a companion, earning and using the Companion Pass can lead to significant savings on airfare. Additionally, following Southwest Airlines on social media ensures you stay informed about exclusive deals and promotions.

Remember, timing is key when it comes to finding cheap flights. Whether you choose to book early, wait for last-minute deals, or take advantage of flash sales, being proactive and staying updated can make a big difference in securing the best fares.

Overall, by combining these various strategies, you can leverage the affordability and convenience Southwest Airlines offers, allowing you to travel more for less. So, start planning your next adventure, implement these tips, and get ready to embark on an affordable and enjoyable journey with Southwest Airlines.