Flying can be a costly endeavor, but Southwest Airlines makes it easier for travelers to find affordable flights without compromising on quality. The key to saving money on flights lies in knowing when to book and understanding the airline's low fare patterns . In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the cheapest day to fly with Southwest Airlines , how to use the Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar , and other insider tips to make sure you snag the best deals.
Understanding the Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar
The Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar is one of the airline's most powerful tools for budget-conscious travelers. This feature helps you view the lowest possible fares for any given month, ensuring you get the most out of your travel budget. You simply enter your departure city, destination, and the month you want to travel, and Southwest shows you the cheapest available flights.
How to Use the Low Fare Calendar Efficiently
Plan Ahead : The further in advance you book your flight, the better your chances of securing a low fare. Southwest typically releases flight schedules in blocks, so being among the first to book when these schedules open gives you access to the lowest fare tiers .
Be Flexible with Dates : When using the Low Fare Calendar, you can search for the cheapest fares across a range of dates. Typically, mid-week days—particularly Tuesdays and Wednesdays —tend to offer the best prices. If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you're more likely to find a cheaper ticket.
Check Frequently : Fares on Southwest Airlines fluctuate frequently based on demand. By checking the Low Fare Calendar regularly, you might catch an unexpected price drop, especially for less popular travel dates.
Cheapest Day to Fly with Southwest Airlines
Travel experts often suggest that Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly on Southwest Airlines. These days generally have fewer business travelers, which drives down demand and lower ticket prices. Weekends, especially Fridays and Sundays, tend to be more expensive as they are peak times for both business and leisure travelers.
Why Are Midweek Flights Cheaper?
Airlines price tickets based on supply and demand. Tuesdays and Wednesdays see fewer people flying for business or vacation, leading to a drop in ticket prices. By choosing a midweek flight, you are likely to pay significantly less than if you fly during the weekend or on busy Monday mornings and Friday afternoons. Furthermore, early morning and late-night flights during these days often come with even steeper discounts.
Booking Hacks for Securing the Lowest Prices
Book in the "Goldilocks Zone" : Southwest Airlines typically opens its booking window around 6 to 12 months in advance. While booking early can get you great deals, sometimes the best prices are found 6-8 weeks before your travel date . Monitor the calendar and act when you see fares drop.
Monitor Price Drops : Southwest does not charge a change fee, which means if you book a flight and then later notice that the price has dropped, you can rebook at the lower fare and get credit for the difference.
Use Points : If you're a member of the Southwest Rapid Rewards program, you can redeem your points for flights. The number of points needed for a flight is often tied to the cash price, so booking during a low-fare period will also help you stretch your points further.
The 24-Hour Rule: Leverage Southwest's Flexible Cancellation Policy
One of the standout features of Southwest Airlines is its flexible cancellation policy. If you book a flight and then notice a cheaper fare within 24 hours , you can cancel your original reservation and rebook at the lower price without any penalties. This policy makes it easy to lock in a fare while still having the flexibility to take advantage of future discounts.
Use Companion Pass for Even Greater Savings
If you travel frequently with Southwest Airlines, the Companion Pass is one of the best perks available. Once you earn a Companion Pass, your designated companion can fly with you for free (excluding taxes and fees) on any Southwest flight for the remainder of the calendar year and the entire following year. Achieving this pass requires earning 125,000 qualifying points or flying 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year, but it can lead to significant savings if you travel often.
Additional Money-Saving Tips When Flying Southwest
1. Sign Up for Fare Alerts
Southwest offers an alert system that notifies you when fares drop on your selected routes. Signing up for these alerts ensures you never miss a price drop.
2. Fly During Off-Peak Hours
Aside from flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, booking flights during early mornings or late nights can result in significant savings. These time slots are less popular, which means lower demand and, therefore, lower prices.
3. Book with Points and Use Your Travel Credit
Southwest's Rapid Rewards program allows you to earn points on flights, car rentals, hotel stays, and other services. By accumulating points, you can reduce or even eliminate the cost of future flights. Furthermore, if you've earned travel credits from previously canceled or rebooked flights, ensure to apply them when making a new booking.
When Should You Avoid Flying with Southwest?
While Southwest Airlines offers great deals, there are certain times when flying with the airline may not yield the most savings. For instance, major holidays , such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year, see a spike in airfare. Flights during these periods are typically more expensive due to high demand, and deals are harder to come by. Spring break and other school vacation periods also lead to elevated ticket prices.
Additionally, popular travel routes, such as flights to Las Vegas, Orlando, and other tourist-heavy destinations, tend to see higher fare prices, especially on weekends and holidays. To avoid paying top dollar, try to book your flights well in advance if you're traveling during these peak times.
Customer Support and Booking Assistance
For those who prefer more personalized assistance, Southwest Airlines provides excellent customer service through its hotline. You can reach the airline's booking and support team by dialing 1-888-873-0241 . This number connects you with a customer service representative who can help you navigate the Low Fare Calendar , find the best fares, or assist with other booking-related inquiries.
Conclusion
When flying with Southwest Airlines, finding the cheapest day to fly and making use of the Southwest Low Fare Calendar can save you a substantial amount of money. By booking your flights on Tuesdays or Wednesdays , planning ahead, and being flexible with your travel dates, you can enjoy affordable travel without compromising comfort. Remember to frequently check the calendar, book flights during off-peak times, and leverage loyalty perks like the Companion Pass to maximize your savings.
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