When I first started flying Southwest regularly for work, I honestly had no idea what all those fare types — Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select — actually meant. I just picked whatever was cheapest. But one trip from Nashville to Phoenix changed that for me.
I had booked a Wanna Get Away fare months in advance for a work conference. A week before my flight, the meeting got rescheduled, and I had to change my ticket. That’s when I learned how Southwest’s fare classes and codes really work. Because I had a Wanna Get Away fare, I could change my flight without paying a penalty, but I did have to pay the difference in fare. When I looked at the Anytime and Business Select options, I realized they cost more upfront, but they’re fully refundable and come with more flexibility.
Now, if I’m flying for something time-sensitive — like business or family events — I’ll go with Anytime or Business Select because I know I can easily modify or cancel if plans shift. But for vacations or weekend trips, Wanna Get Away is perfect for saving money.
I also discovered that each fare earns a different number of Rapid Rewards points, so booking higher fare classes can actually help you reach Companion Pass faster. It took a bit to understand, but once you get familiar with Southwest’s fare codes, booking becomes way easier — and you can really make the system work for you.
