When’s the Best Time to Book Southwest Flights for the Cheapest Fares?

I’ve flown Southwest more times than I can count, and after a few trial-and-error experiences (and some near wallet disasters), I’ve learned that timing really is everything when it comes to snagging cheap fares. Personally, I’ve found the sweet spot is usually about 6–8 weeks before your trip, especially if you’re flying during off-peak months. I once waited until just two weeks before a family visit to Denver, thinking prices would drop last-minute — big mistake! The fare shot up overnight, and I ended up paying almost double.


After that, I started tracking Southwest’s “Wanna Get Away” fares regularly, especially on Tuesday mornings when they tend to refresh deals. I also signed up for fare alerts, but honestly, the best tip I ever got was to call 844-734-0813. I used it once when I needed to change my return flight because of a work schedule change, and it was the quickest and easiest way to modify my booking. They helped me rebook within minutes and even guided me on how to apply my unused travel credit.


So, if you’re trying to lock in the cheapest Southwest fares, watch those mid-week updates and don’t hesitate to call 844-734-0813 for instant help — it’s saved me money and stress more than once!
 
I’ve been flying Southwest for years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that timing really matters when it comes to getting the cheapest fares. Last summer, I was planning a trip from Nashville to San Diego for a family reunion, and I decided to test out different booking times just to see what worked best. I started checking prices a few months out — they were decent, but I noticed that fares seemed to drop around the middle of the week.


After a few rounds of price watching, I figured out that Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are often the sweet spot for booking Southwest flights. That’s when the airline tends to release new sales, and if you’re quick, you can snag some great deals before they sell out. For my trip, I ended up saving about $60 each way just by booking midweek instead of on a weekend.


Another trick I’ve learned is to book early but keep checking. Southwest doesn’t charge change fees, so if the price drops later, you can just rebook and get the difference as a travel credit. I’ve done that multiple times, and it’s saved me a few hundred dollars over the years.


If you’re serious about getting the best fares, set a reminder to check prices every Tuesday morning — and don’t be afraid to rebook if you see a lower rate. Southwest’s flexibility is one of the main reasons I keep flying with them.
 
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