Flying can be an expensive endeavor, but with Southwest Airlines Flights, there are several strategies to help you save money and get the best value for your travel dollars. Known for its customer-friendly policies and budget-friendly fares, Southwest airlines offers numerous opportunities to make your travel more affordable.
In this blog post, Flightquezt, Cover 10 Smart Ways to Save Money on Southwest Airlines Flights
I. Tips to save money on Southwest Airlines Flights
Here are some tips to help you save money on Southwest Airlines flights.
1. Book Early – Southwest Airlines Flights
One of the simplest ways to save money on Southwest Airlines is to book your flight as early as possible. Southwest’s fare structure often rewards early birds with lower prices. The airline typically releases its flight schedules about six months in advance, so as soon as you know your travel dates, start looking for deals. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to snag the lowest fare available.
2. Take Advantage of Sales and Special Offers – Southwest Airlines Flights
Southwest Airlines frequently offers sales and special promotions, which can significantly reduce the cost of your flight. These sales are usually advertised on their website and through their email newsletter. Signing up for the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards program and subscribing to their email alerts will keep you informed about the latest deals and flash sales.
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3. Use Rapid Rewards Points – Southwest Airlines Flights
Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards program is one of the most generous frequent flyer programs available. Accumulating points through flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and everyday purchases with a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card can lead to free or heavily discounted flights.
Additionally, Rapid Rewards points don’t expire as long as you have activity in your account every 24 months, making them a valuable tool for frequent and occasional travelers alike.
4. Watch for Fare Drops and Rebook – Southwest Airlines Flights
One unique advantage of Southwest Airlines is their flexible rebooking policy. If the price of your flight drops after you book, you can rebook at the lower fare without incurring a change fee. The difference in fare will be refunded to you as a travel credit, which you can use for future travel. Keeping an eye on fare changes after booking can lead to substantial savings.
5. Take Advantage of Companion Pass – Southwest Airlines Flights
The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the best deals in the airline industry. If you earn 135,000 Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year, you’ll qualify for a Companion Pass, which allows a designated companion to fly with you for free (excluding taxes and fees) for the remainder of the year in which you earn it and the entire following year. This can effectively cut your travel costs in half if you frequently fly with the same companion.
6. Fly on Off-Peak Days and Times – Southwest Airlines Flights
Flying on less popular travel days, such as Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and at non-peak times can result in cheaper fares. Southwest’s fare calendar can help you identify the cheapest days to fly. Flexible travelers who can avoid the busiest travel times, such as weekends and holidays, will find the best deals.
7. Utilize the Southwest Low Fare Calendar – Southwest Airlines Flights
Southwest Airlines offers a Low Fare Calendar on their website, which allows you to see the lowest fares available over a range of dates. This tool is incredibly useful if your travel dates are flexible. By comparing fares across a month, you can select the most affordable option and save a significant amount of money.
8. Consider Southwest’s Fare Types – Southwest Airlines Flights
Southwest offers three main fare types: Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select. Wanna Get Away fares are typically the cheapest and still include two free checked bags and no change fees. If your plans are firm, these fares provide excellent value.
Anytime fares offer more flexibility with no cancellation fees, and Business Select fares come with additional perks like priority boarding and a higher Rapid Rewards points earning rate. Understanding the differences can help you choose the best fare for your needs and budget.
9. Pack Smart and Avoid Extra Fees – Southwest Airlines Flights
Southwest Airlines is known for its generous baggage policy, allowing two checked bags for free. To maximize this benefit, pack efficiently and avoid bringing more than what’s allowed to prevent additional baggage fees. Also, bringing your own snacks and entertainment can save money you might otherwise spend at the airport.
10. Leverage Credit Card Benefits – Southwest Airlines Flights
Southwest offers co-branded credit cards through Chase, which come with generous sign-up bonuses, additional points for purchases, and travel benefits. The points earned through these cards can quickly add up, helping you earn free flights and even the Companion Pass.
Additionally, some cards offer perks like priority boarding or in-flight discounts, which can enhance your travel experience without added costs.
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11. Sign Up for the Southwest Credit Card – Southwest Airlines Flights
Southwest offers several co-branded credit cards through Chase, which come with lucrative sign-up bonuses that can significantly boost your Rapid Rewards points balance. These cards often offer benefits such as additional points on Southwest purchases, travel credits, and even Companion Pass-qualifying points. Leveraging these bonuses and ongoing rewards can help you save money on future flights.
12. Monitor Social Media for Flash Sales – Southwest Airlines Flights
Southwest Airlines occasionally announces flash sales and special promotions on their social media channels. Following them on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram can give you early access to these limited-time offers. These flash sales often feature significantly discounted fares that can help you save a considerable amount on your flights.
13. Book One-Way Tickets – Southwest Airlines Flights
Sometimes booking two separate one-way tickets instead of a round-trip can be cheaper. This flexibility allows you to mix and match different fare classes or take advantage of sales that apply to only one leg of your journey. Compare the costs of one-way and round-trip options to find the best deal.
14. Use Flexible Date Search Tools – Southwest Airlines Flights
Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar is a great tool, but there are also other third-party websites and apps that offer flexible date search capabilities. Tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner allow you to compare prices across a range of dates and airlines, ensuring you get the best possible fare. Using these tools in conjunction with Southwest’s own tools can maximize your savings.
15. Combine Flights with Other Discounted Travel Services – Southwest Airlines Flights
Consider bundling your flight with other travel services such as hotel stays and car rentals. Websites like Expedia, Kayak, and even Southwest’s own website offer package deals that can result in significant savings. Additionally, using travel rewards programs in conjunction with these packages can further reduce your overall travel costs.
Conclusion
By employing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the cost of flying with Southwest Airlines. From booking early and taking advantage of sales to using Rapid Rewards points and keeping an eye on fare drops, there are numerous ways to ensure you get the best deal on your next flight. With a bit of planning and flexibility, you can enjoy affordable travel without compromising on convenience or comfort. Happy flying!