Does Southwest Have Red-Eye Flights? Here’s How to Book

Southwest Airlines has launched red-eye flights for the first time in its history, giving travelers greater flexibility on long-haul routes, especially from the West Coast and Hawaii to cities on the East Coast. Launched in 2025, these late-night departures are ideal for those who want to arrive early without losing a full day to travel. 

By summer 2025, Southwest will operate 33 red-eye routes, with open seating, light snacks, and Rapid Rewards points earned as standard. Enjoy your trip comfortably and smoothly with the Southwest Airlines red-eye flights.

What is a Red-Eye Flight?

A red-eye flight is an overnight flight that departs late at night (typically between 9:00 PM and 1:00 AM) and arrives early in the morning (often before 7:00 AM) at its destination. The term red-eye comes from the tired, red eyes passengers may have from limited sleep. These flights are designed to help travelers maximize daytime hours, often appealing to business travelers and budget-conscious flyers. These are often cheaper due to lower demand, and are common on long-haul routes, like Southwest’s West Coast to East Coast or Hawaii to mainland flights.

How to Book Red-Eye Flights on Southwest

Booking a red-eye flight on Southwest is easy, as they are integrated into the standard booking system and have no separate process, but since the airline doesn’t label flights as “red-eyes,” you’ll need to pay close attention to departure and arrival times. Booking opens up to 8 months ahead.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Visit the official website.
• Enter your origin, destination, and travel dates.
• Click ‘Search’ to view available flights.
• Look for flights that depart between 10:00 PM and 1:00 AM and arrive early the next morning.
• Select your preferred fare type, such as Wanna Get Away, Anytime, or Business Select.
• Proceed to booking.
• Don’t forget to check in 24 hours before departure, or purchase EarlyBird Check-In for better seating.

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Also Read: Southwest Airlines Review

Tips for Booking Red-eyes:

• Best Time to Book: 1–3 months in advance for deals; avoid peak days like holidays. Red-eyes save 20–30% vs. daytime flights.
• Service on Board: Get light snacks and drinks only; cabin lights dimmed for sleep, and also earn points like any flight.
• Current Availability: All 33 routes are active, so search now for fall or winter deals.

What to Expect on Southwest Airlines Red-Eye Flights

Seating and Boarding:

• Open Seating: There are no assigned seats on Southwest. You board in groups (A, B, C), based on your check-in time, or purchase an EarlyBird Check-In to secure a better spot.
• Comfort: All seats are standard economy, no first class or lie-flat seats. Bring a neck pillow or small blanket for extra comfort.

Food and In-Flight Service:

• Snacks Only: There are no full meal services or hot food available. You’ll get a small snack like pretzels or crackers and a non-alcoholic drink such as water, soda, or coffee. So eat before your flight or bring your own snacks.
• Quiet Service: Crew does one quick snack and drink pass early on, then keeps things quiet for sleeping.

Wi-Fi and Entertainment:

• Wi-Fi: Available on most planes for $8 per flight. It works for email and browsing, and is not great for streaming or big downloads. Wi-Fi may be limited on some overnight or Hawaii flights, so it's better to check availability in advance.
• Entertainment: Access free live TV, movies, and messaging through Southwest’s onboard portal.
• Tip: Charge your devices and bring a portable charger. Some planes have power outlets, but not all.

Cabin Comfort:

• Cabin Lights: The cabin may not be fully dark as some overhead lights may stay on, but lights are dimmed after takeoff to help you rest.
• No Free Comfort Items: Southwest doesn’t provide pillows, blankets, or amenity kits, so bring your own for comfort.

Atmosphere and Sleep:

• Quiet Vibe: Lights are kept low, and the crew minimizes announcements to help you rest.
• Sleep Tips: red-eyes are usually 5 to 7 hours long. You may lose hours due to time zone changes, so plan for rest after you land.
• Less Crowded: Some red-eyes have fewer passengers, especially midweek, which gives you a better chance to get an empty seat next to you.

Baggages and Perks:

• Free Bags: You get 2 free checked bags up to 50 lbs each, plus a carry-on and personal item, even on red-eye flights.
• Rapid Rewards: You still earn points based on your fare type. The more you spend, the more you earn.
• Accessibility: Flight crew is available for anyone who needs extra help with mobility, medical, or other special needs.

Bring These for a Better Red-Eye Flight

• Light blanket or jacket, as the cabins can get chilly.
• Eye mask to block out cabin lights.
• Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to reduce engine noise and chatter.
• Essential medications for emergency use.
• Portable charger to keep your devices powered overnight.
• Snacks in case you are still hungry after the in-flight snack.
• Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated (fill after security).
• Fully charged device with entertainment such as movies, podcasts, or sleep sounds.
• A travel kit including a toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, hand lotion, etc., for a quick refresh after landing.

Ready to Book Your Southwest Red-Eye Flight

If you’ve ever asked, ‘Does Southwest have red-eye flights?’ the answer is finally yes. Since launching in February 2025, the Southwest Airlines red-eye flights have opened up a new world of flexibility for travelers. These late-night departures are now available on 33 long-haul routes, ideal for those who want to fly overnight and arrive early the next morning. Whether you're planning a business trip or looking to save money and time, red-eye flights on Southwest offer plenty of perks, including two free checked bags, Rapid Rewards points, and free onboard entertainment.

Book your Southwest red-eye flight hassle-free, quickly, and easily with Travelpodium. We provide you with real-time fare comparisons, exclusive deals, affordable prices, and a user-friendly booking experience. You’ll find the best red-eye and daytime flights in minutes with Travelpodium.

So, call Travelpodium now to book your Southwest Airlines red-eye flights and fly smarter.