Are you looking for ways to save money on your next flight? The Southwest Low Fare Calendar is an indispensable tool for travelers aiming to find the best deals on flights with Southwest Airlines. In this guide, we’ll explain how to use the Southwest Low Fare Calendar, the benefits it offers, and how it can help you secure the lowest fares for your trips. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with all the tips and tricks to make your flight bookings more budget-friendly and efficient.
Article Outline
1. What is the Southwest Low Fare Calendar?
2. How to Use the Southwest Low Fare Calendar
3. Benefits of Using the Southwest Low Fare Calendar
4. Tips for Finding the Cheapest Flights
5. Booking Your Southwest Flight
6. Understanding Southwest Airlines Fare Types
7. Maximizing Savings with Southwest Rapid Rewards
8. Utilizing Southwest Companion Pass
9. Handling Changes and Cancellations
10. Additional Southwest Airlines Booking Tips
What is the Southwest Low Fare Calendar?
The Southwest Low Fare Calendar is a feature offered by Southwest Airlines that helps travelers find the lowest fares available for their desired travel dates. By displaying the cheapest flights across a month or more, the calendar provides a visual overview of when it is most affordable to fly.
How Does It Work?
The Southwest Low Fare Calendar displays flight prices for each day of a given month, allowing you to compare fares across different dates easily. This feature is especially useful if you have flexible travel dates and want to find the cheapest options available.
Why Use the Southwest Low Fare Calendar?
Using the Southwest Low Fare Calendar can significantly lower your travel costs. By identifying the lowest fare available for your preferred destination, you can plan your trip around the cheapest dates, ensuring you get the best deal possible.
How to Use the Southwest Low Fare Calendar
Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit the Southwest Airlines Website: Go to the Southwest Airlines website and navigate to the Low Fare Calendar section.
- Enter Your Travel Details: Input your departure city, destination, and preferred travel month.
- View the Calendar: The calendar will display the lowest fares available for each day of the month.
- Select Your Dates: Choose the dates with the best fares that fit your schedule.
- Book Your Flight: Proceed to book your flight with the selected dates and fares.
Tips for Using the Calendar
- Be Flexible with Dates: Flexibility can lead to significant savings. Check different months and days to find the best deals.
- Plan Ahead: Booking in advance often results in lower fares. Use the calendar to plan your trips months ahead.
- Monitor Fare Changes: Prices can fluctuate. Regularly check the calendar for updates on fare changes.
Benefits of Using the Southwest Low Fare Calendar
Significant Savings
The primary benefit of using the Southwest Low Fare Calendar is the potential for significant savings on flight costs. By identifying the cheapest travel dates, you can save a considerable amount on airfare.
Easy to Use
The calendar is user-friendly and straightforward. With its clear layout, you can quickly find the lowest fares without extensive searching.
Flexible Travel Planning
For those with flexible travel dates, the Southwest Low Fare Calendar is an invaluable tool. It allows you to adjust your travel plans based on fare availability, ensuring you get the best possible deal.
Tips for Finding the Cheapest Flights
Use the Low Fare Calendar Tool
The Low Fare Calendar tool is designed to help you find the cheapest flights available. Use it regularly to keep track of fare changes and identify the best times to book.
Book in Advance
Booking your flights well in advance can often result in lower fares. Use the calendar to plan and book your trips early.
Monitor Fare Alerts
Sign up for fare alerts from Southwest Airlines. This way, you’ll be notified of any significant price drops or special promotions.
Booking Your Southwest Flight
Step-by-Step Booking Process
- Search for Flights: Use the Southwest Low Fare Calendar to find the best dates.
- Select Your Flight: Choose the flight with the lowest fare that fits your schedule.
- Enter Passenger Details: Provide the necessary information for each traveler.
- Review Your Booking: Double-check all details, including travel dates and passenger information.
- Complete Payment: Pay for your flight using your preferred method.
Things to Remember
- Check for Additional Fees: Be aware of any taxes and fees that may apply.
- Use Rapid Rewards: If you have Southwest Rapid Rewards points, consider using them to reduce your fare.
Understanding Southwest Airlines Fare Types
Wanna Get Away Fares
Wanna Get Away fares are the lowest fare option offered by Southwest Airlines. They are nonrefundable but can be applied as flight credits for future travel.
Anytime Fares
Anytime fares are more flexible than Wanna Get Away fares. They are fully refundable and offer more benefits, such as priority boarding.
Business Select Fares
Business Select fares are the highest fare class, offering priority boarding, additional Rapid Rewards points, and access to premium amenities.
Maximizing Savings with Southwest Rapid Rewards
Earning Points
Southwest Rapid Rewards points can be earned through flights, Southwest credit card purchases, and partner offers. Accumulating points can lead to significant savings on future flights.
Redeeming Points
Points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more. Use your points wisely to maximize savings.
Rapid Rewards Promotions
Keep an eye out for Rapid Rewards promotions that offer bonus points or discounts on flights. Participating in these promotions can boost your points balance quickly.
Utilizing Southwest Companion Pass
What is the Companion Pass?
The Southwest Companion Pass allows you to designate one person to fly with you for free (excluding taxes and fees) whenever you purchase or redeem points for a flight.
How to Earn the Companion Pass
You can earn the Companion Pass by accumulating a specific number of points in a calendar year or by taking a certain number of flights with Southwest Airlines.
Benefits of the Companion Pass
The Companion Pass can lead to significant savings, especially for frequent travelers. It essentially offers two-for-one flights, making it one of the most valuable perks of flying with Southwest Airlines.
Handling Changes and Cancellations
Flexible Change Policy
Southwest Airlines offers a flexible change policy. If your plans change, you can alter your travel dates without incurring change fees, although you may need to pay the difference in fare.
Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel your flight, Southwest allows cancellations up to 10 minutes before your scheduled departure. Non-refundable Wanna Get Away fares will be converted into flight credits for future use.
Flight Credits
Flight credits from cancelled flights can be used for future bookings. Ensure you track your credits and use them before they expire.
Additional Southwest Airlines Booking Tips
Utilize the Low Fare Calendar
Always use the Low Fare Calendar to check for the best deals before booking your flight. This tool is invaluable for finding the lowest fares.
Monitor Special Offers
Southwest frequently runs special promotions and sales. Keep an eye on their website and sign up for their newsletter to stay informed about these deals.
Join Rapid Rewards
Joining the Southwest Rapid Rewards program is free and offers numerous benefits. Earn points on every flight and redeem them for free flights and other rewards.
Book Directly Through Southwest
Booking directly through the Southwest website or app ensures you get the best deals and access to all available fare options.
Plan Your Travel Dates Wisely
Flexibility with travel dates can lead to substantial savings. Use the Low Fare Calendar to identify the cheapest days to fly.
Use a Southwest Credit Card
A Southwest credit card can help you earn Rapid Rewards points faster. Additionally, cardholders often receive exclusive benefits and offers.
Summary
- Use the Southwest Low Fare Calendar : This tool helps you find the lowest fares available for your desired travel dates.
- Book in Advance: Planning and booking your flights early can result in significant savings.
- Maximize Rapid Rewards: Earn and redeem points to reduce travel costs.
- Utilize the Companion Pass: This pass allows a designated person to fly with you for free, making it a valuable benefit for frequent travelers.
- Monitor Changes and Cancellations: Take advantage of Southwest’s flexible change and cancellation policies.
- Stay Informed About Deals: Keep an eye on Southwest’s promotions and sales to find additional savings.
- Use a Southwest Credit Card: Earn more points and enjoy exclusive benefits by using a Southwest credit card.
By following these tips and utilizing the Southwest Low Fare Calendar, you can enjoy substantial savings on your flights with Southwest Airlines. Happy travels!
