Booking a Southwest Airlines flight at the right time can make a big difference in your travel budget. Whether you're planning a quick domestic getaway or a longer international trip, it’s important to understand when Southwest releases new schedules or launches fare sales so you can save significantly. Discover how to spot sales, the best time, and the cheapest day to book flights on Southwest. Whether you're flying for a weekend trip or planning a vacation, these simple strategies will help you get the most for your money.
Timing is everything when booking with Southwest Airlines. The best time to book Southwest flights depends on when and where you're flying. Here are some strategies to help you secure the best deals:
Southwest often launches new sales on Tuesdays, typically around mid-afternoon (3 PM EST). If you’re hunting for discounted tickets, this is one of the best times to search and book.
For most domestic U.S. routes, booking about 1 to 2 months (4 to 8 weeks) in advance before departure hits the sweet spot between price and availability. If you wait too long, fares tend to spike.
For longer domestic or high‑demand routes, the best time to book a Southwest flight is 6 to 8 weeks before your travel date. This window typically offers a balance between availability and competitive pricing.
For international routes, it’s safer to plan your trip 3 to 5 months in advance to secure the best prices. As you get within 3 weeks of departure, fares often rise steeply for many routes.
For peak travel seasons, such as major holidays or school breaks, consider booking 3 to 4 months in advance to avoid rising fares.
There’s no guarantee that booking on Tuesday or Wednesday will always yield the lowest fare. Pricing is dynamic and depends on route, season, competition, and how full the flights are.
While Tuesday is considered the best day for booking, flying on off-peak days helps you score lower fares. Southwest often follows this trend:
These days usually have the lowest demand, which leads to cheaper fares. Avoid flying on Fridays and Sundays, as those are popular travel days and often carry premium pricing.
Southwest doesn’t open its flight schedule a full year in advance like some airlines. Instead, they release schedules in blocks, usually about 6 to 8 months ahead, depending on the season and demand. They often announce schedule extension dates on their website, so it’s a good idea to check when new dates will be available and book early if you’re planning travel around major holidays or events.
Flying with Southwest isn't just about affordability; it’s about flexibility and simplicity, too. It offers several unique benefits that make it a favorite among budget-conscious and flexible travelers:
Also Read: Southwest Multi City Flights
Save even more compared to other carriers that charge extra. Unlike most airlines, Southwest includes 2 free checked bags for every passenger.
If you’re booking more than 6 months in advance, fares may be higher than necessary. Don’t rush unless you're flying during a major holiday or peak-season travel. Set fare alerts and monitor sales before locking in.
Last-minute bookings, especially within 2–3 weeks of departure, often cost more. Southwest fares usually increase as the departure date nears. So don’t wait for a better deal that may not come.
Southwest allows free changes, so if the price drops after you book, rebook your flight and get credit back. Check back during sales or use fare tracking tools.
To keep your funds or Rapid Rewards points, cancel at least 10 minutes before your flight. If you miss this window, you will lose the value of your ticket.
Southwest has open seating and boarding order matters. So, check in exactly 24 hours before departure for the best seat options, or purchase EarlyBird Check-In to board earlier automatically.
To get the best deals with Southwest Airlines, remember that timing really matters. The best day to book flights on Southwest is usually Tuesday afternoon, when new fare sales often drop. When looking for the lowest prices, consider Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays as the cheapest days to book flights on Southwest. If you are wondering how far in advance can you book Southwest flights, then note that Southwest releases schedules in blocks, so check their site regularly. For the best value, aim to book 4 to 8 weeks before departure for domestic trips and 3 to 5 months ahead for international or peak-season travel. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a family vacation, knowing the best time to book Southwest flights helps you save more and fly smarter. Book your flights with Travelpodium today, and get expert guidance, 24/7 support, and personalized service to make booking your Southwest flight easy and affordable.
Southwest typically runs sales every few weeks, especially on Tuesdays. They also run larger seasonal sales throughout the year.
For most domestic flights, aim to book 4 to 8 weeks before departure. For international or holiday travel, 3 to 5 months in advance is usually best.
Many travelers find that midday on Tuesday, around 3 PM ET, is a great time to check fares, as Southwest often refreshes sales or adjusts prices then.
Yes, one of the best things about Southwest is that you can rebook your flight at a lower fare if the price drops without change fees. You’ll either get a refund or travel credit, depending on your ticket type.
Yes. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays tend to be cheaper days to fly, while Fridays and Sundays are usually more expensive due to higher demand.
You are safe. If the fare increases, your price is locked in. And if it drops, you can rebook at the lower rate.
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