Ever searched Google Flights or Expedia for Southwest fares and found nothing? You’re not alone. Unlike most airlines, Southwest doesn’t sell tickets through third-party booking sites. That means the only way to find and book the cheapest Southwest flights is directly with the airline.
But here’s the good news: booking direct comes with unique perks and money-saving opportunities. Let’s dive into where—and how—you can snag the lowest Southwest fares.
Where Can You Book Southwest Flights?
Southwest flights are only available:
- On Southwest.com
- Through the Southwest mobile app
- At the airport counter
- Or by calling customer service
You won’t find them on Google Flights, Expedia, or Kayak. Southwest uses a direct-only model, keeping pricing simple and transparent.
Traveler story: One flyer wasted hours searching OTAs before discovering the flight they wanted was only on Southwest.com. Lesson learned: always check direct.
How to Find the Cheapest Southwest Flights
Booking direct doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get the best deal—you need the right tools and timing. Here’s how to maximize savings:
Use the Low Fare Calendar
Southwest’s
Low Fare Calendar shows the cheapest fares by day across an entire month. If your schedule is flexible, this is the fastest way to spot $49–$59 deals.
Book During Southwest Sales
Southwest runs frequent fare sales, often starting on
Tuesdays and lasting a few days. These sales are your best shot at snagging deeply discounted fares.
Rebook When Prices Drop
Here’s a Southwest perk most travelers miss: if your fare drops, you can rebook at the lower price with
no change fees. The difference comes back as travel credit (or points if you booked with points).
Example: A traveler booked San Diego–Phoenix for 9,200 points, rebooked twice after fare drops, and ended up paying just 6,500 points total.
Book Early for Peak Travel
For holidays, spring break, or summer travel, book as soon as schedules are released (usually 6–8 months in advance). Prices climb quickly as flights fill.
Visual idea: Comparison chart showing Regular Fare vs. Sale Fare vs. Rebooked Fare savings.
Hacks for Maximizing Value with Southwest
Want to stretch your dollars (and points) even further? Try these proven hacks:
- Use Rapid Rewards Points: Since Southwest ties points to fares, points go further during sales.
- Get a Southwest Credit Card: Earn bonus points faster and unlock perks like anniversary points.
- Companion Pass = Two-for-One: Earn enough points or flights, and your designated companion flies free (just pay taxes). Many frequent travelers consider this the best value in U.S. air travel.
- Real-world story: A couple used Companion Pass and saved over $2,000 in one year by booking flights with points during fare sales.
Final Thoughts — Where to Book the Cheapest Southwest Flights
So, where can you actually book the cheapest Southwest flights?
Always directly through Southwest.com or the Southwest app.
The key isn’t about
where you book but
when and how you book:
- Use the Low Fare Calendar for flexible dates.
- Watch for Tuesday sales and flash deals.
- Rebook when prices drop to keep credits or points.
- Leverage points and the Companion Pass for maximum value.
With these strategies, you’ll always know you’re getting the lowest Southwest fares possible.
Call (831-298-4213) today to compare Southwest deals and book the cheapest flight for your next trip.