Luis Diaz Morales Southwest Airlines Flights
Are you looking to make your cheap Southwest flights even more affordable? Although Southwest Airlines is a low-cost airline that operates flights to more than 100 cities, there are certain techniques that smart travelers can use to save more money.
Here’s our best tip for finding low-cost Southwest flights.
Five strategies to reduce costs while you travel with Southwest Airlines. Southwest Airlines
In addition to the usual advice about flying during the week or in the early hours, you should keep these points in mind when booking your next Southwest flight to save money.
1. Utilize the Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar
The Low Fare Calendar provides a monthly summary of flight costs for a specific route. For example, if you want to fly from Chicago-Midway to Salt Lake City in March 2022 but are unsure about the exact date, you can search for flight prices throughout the month, in points or cash.
Prices in cash
The most affordable flights are on those first 9 days in the month.
Price in points of Rapid Rewards
Similar to that, flights booked with points are cheapest during the first 9 weeks of each month.
If you’re flexible with your plans and looking for low-cost Southwest flights, you should check the Low Fare Calendar to maximize your savings.
2. Skip EarlyBird (but you can still secure an excellent position in the line for boarding)
Travelers who are concerned about experiencing delays in Southwest’s unique boarding procedure often choose to purchase EarlyBird Check-In. For an additional fee ranging between $15 and $25 one way (depending on the fare), the passenger will be automatically checked in and receive the best boarding position.
If you’re traveling with an infant under six years old, you can avoid paying fees for EarlyBird and still secure a comfortable seat. Under Southwest’s Family Boarding policy, two adults traveling with a child under six years old are allowed to board after the “A” group, regardless of whether their seats are in the “B” group or the “C” group.
This means that families of four can save up to $100 each way in EarlyBird check-in fees through Family Boarding. Plus, you’ll have no trouble finding seats on the plane.
3. Free WiFi (365 times)
Although Southwest does not provide built-in screens for watching TV or films, it does offer in-flight entertainment at no cost when you bring your own smartphone or tablet. You can enjoy a wide selection of television shows, including certain live channels, as well as movies, music, and games completely free of charge.
If you want to use the internet to browse or check your email during your flight, there is a charge of $8 per device per flight.
However, here’s a simple way to access free Wi-Fi: consider using the Southwest(r) Rapid Rewards(r) Performance Business Credit Card. One of the benefits of having this card, in addition to receiving 9,000 bonus points on your cardmember anniversary and four upgraded boardings each year, is the potential to receive up to 3,000 Wi-Fi credits on flights annually.
Since you probably don’t travel with Southwest throughout the entire year, you can use the credit to purchase Wi-Fi for others traveling with you. For example, if you’re traveling with your family and everyone wants Wi-Fi on the plane, you can simply charge all the expenses to your Southwest(r) Rapid Rewards(r) Performance Business Credit Card, and they’ll be covered for up to 365 days per year.
4. Holidays are a great time to fly for complimentary drinks
Do you enjoy drinks while flying? If you travel with Southwest at certain times of the year, passengers can receive a complimentary beer or wine at the bar. To enjoy these alcoholic beverages, passengers must be 21 years of age or older.
There are several holidays during which passengers have been eligible for free drinks in the past: New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Southwest’s Birthday (June 18th), 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas.
Keep an eye on your mailbox for any free Southwest coupon codes for drinks. While it’s not an official policy, Southwest Rapid Rewards members typically receive four coupons for free drinks per every 10 one-way segments flown. Cheers!
5. Be on the lookout for sales (They occur frequently)
Contrary to other airlines that do not offer ticket discounts, Southwest regularly puts flights on sale. This happens almost every Tuesday, in fact. The sales usually apply to both cash bookings and the redemption of Southwest points.
Southwest offers an unofficial but consistent fare sale calendar that reduces the cost of certain routes every Tuesday. Although it’s not a public schedule, these sales typically run from Tuesday to Thursday, offering one-way prices on select routes starting as low as $39.
Final thoughts on how to find low-cost Southwest flights
Although Southwest frequently offers the lowest prices, there are still a few ways to save even more.
One of the most effective savings opportunities with Southwest is the Companion Pass. If you are eligible and in the right place at the right time, you can earn the chance to travel with a companion nearly free for two years. To be eligible for the Companion Pass, you must fly a significant number of Southwest flights. However, spending on Southwest credit cards can help you reach that threshold more quickly (learn more here).
Even if you don’t obtain the card, you can still benefit from the lowest rates and enjoy peace of mind knowing that Southwest has the industry’s best cancellation and change policies.
How can you maximize your reward
You’re looking for a credit card that aligns with your priorities. Here are our top picks for the most popular travel credit cards in 2023, which include the following options:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Ideal for point transfers, flexibility, and significant rewards.
- Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card: No annual fee option.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Offers travel rewards at a flat rate.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Provides travel rewards, bonus travel options, and luxury benefits.
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Offers luxurious perks.
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Designed for business travelers.
These cards cater to different preferences and offer various benefits based on individual needs.
