How Far in Advance Should You Book Southwest Flights?

[zohii]

How Far in Advance Should You Book Southwest Flights?

 

[AskMe]

I’ve flown with Southwest quite a bit over the years, and figuring out how far in advance to book really depends on your travel plans. Last year, I learned this lesson while planning a trip from Dallas to Phoenix for my cousin’s wedding. I waited too long — I thought Southwest’s flexible fares meant I could grab a deal closer to the date. Nope! Prices jumped a lot during the final two weeks. Ever since then, I try to book at least 6–8 weeks ahead for the best fares, especially for popular routes or holidays.


One cool thing about Southwest, though, is their no-change-fee policy. When I spot a lower fare after booking, I just rebook at the new price and get the difference back as credit. The easiest way to do that, honestly, is by calling 844-734-0813. Their team can instantly modify or cancel flights, and they’ve saved me from a few booking headaches. I actually used that number when I had to switch my flight time last minute — it took less than five minutes.


So if you want the best deal, book early, but don’t stress too much — Southwest’s flexible policies (and that 844-734-0813 hotline) make it easy to adjust later if plans change.

 

[laiba]

I’ve flown Southwest for years, and if there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s that timing your booking can make a big difference in what you pay. Last year, I was planning a trip from Austin to Seattle to visit friends and wanted to get the best deal possible. I started checking prices about five months in advance, thinking I was being smart — but I noticed something interesting. The fares were actually higher that far out than they were a few weeks later.


After a bit of trial and error (and a lot of browsing on the Southwest app), I found that the sweet spot is usually between six to eight weeks before your flight. That’s when Southwest tends to have their best sales and fare drops. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are especially good days to check because that’s when they often launch new deals.


The best part about Southwest, though, is their flexibility. If you book early and the fare goes down later, you can simply rebook and get the difference as travel credit — no change fees, no hassle. I’ve done that multiple times and saved quite a bit over the years.


Now, I book early enough to lock in my plans but always keep an eye on prices as the date gets closer. If there’s a sale, I just rebook in minutes and pocket the savings. It’s one of the reasons I stick with Southwest — they make it easy to fly smart without stressing over timing.