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.
