When it comes to booking budget-friendly flights, Southwest Airlines stands out from the competition with its flexible and customer-friendly approach. One of its most powerful tools is the Southwest Low Fare Calendar, a feature that makes it easier than ever to find the cheapest days to fly. Whether you're a frequent traveler or planning your first trip, understanding how this tool works can save you hundreds of dollars.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down how the Southwest Low Fare Calendar works, how to use it effectively, and insider tips to ensure you never miss a deal. Whether you’re searching for last-minute flights or planning months in advance, the SWA Low Fare Calendar could become your best travel buddy.
What Is the Southwest Low Fare Calendar?
The Southwest Low Fare Calendar is a feature on Southwest Airlines' website that shows the lowest available fares for each day of the month. Instead of manually entering different dates to compare prices, you can view an entire month and see which day offers the best fare for your route.
It’s particularly helpful for travelers with flexible dates who prioritize price over exact travel days. By using the calendar, you can save significantly compared to booking without this tool.
How Does the Southwest Low Fare Calendar Work?
You might wonder, how does the Southwest Low Fare Calendar work? It’s refreshingly simple:
Visit Southwest.com and select the “Low Fare Calendar” under the “Flights” tab.
Enter your departure and destination cities.
Select a month (you can search one-way or round-trip).
The calendar will populate with the lowest available fares for each day in that month.
Click on your preferred travel date and proceed to book.
The fares shown are for Wanna Get Away tickets, which are the lowest class of Southwest fares. They are ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want to fly without frills.
Why Use the SWA Low Fare Calendar?
There are numerous benefits to using the SWA Low Fare Calendar:
Save Money: It helps you find the cheapest possible dates to fly.
Easy to Use: The interface is user-friendly and doesn’t require complicated filters.
Time-Saving: You don’t need to search day by day to compare prices.
Flexible Options: Great for travelers who are open to flying a day or two earlier or later.
Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees and taxes are clearly included.
Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple planning a getaway, or a family booking a vacation, this tool makes budgeting much easier.
Booking a Flight Using the Southwest Low Fare Calendar: Step-by-Step
Let’s walk through a real-world example of how to use the Southwest Low Fare Calendar to book a flight:
Step 1: Go to the Low Fare Calendar Page
Start by heading to Southwestdotcom and clicking on “Low Fare Calendar.”
Step 2: Input Your Travel Details
Enter the departure city, destination, and the month you’re considering. You can choose one-way or round-trip.
Step 3: View the Fare Grid
Once you hit search, you’ll see a grid of fares for each day of that month. Prices can vary dramatically—sometimes by over $100—so this visual display helps you pick the best deal.
Step 4: Select the Best Date
Click on the date with the lowest fare, and proceed to see available flight times.
Step 5: Book Your Flight
Continue through the booking process. You can even apply Rapid Rewards points if you’re a Southwest loyalty member.
Tips for Using the Southwest Low Fare Calendar
Here are some expert tips to maximize the benefits of the SWA Low Fare Calendar:
1. Book Early
The earlier you book, the more likely you are to grab the lowest fares. Southwest releases its schedule in batches, so planning ahead gives you an edge.
2. Fly Midweek
Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have the cheapest fares. Use the calendar to verify this pattern on your specific route.
3. Use Points Strategically
If you have Rapid Rewards points, the low fare calendar also shows points prices, helping you stretch your miles further.
4. Avoid Peak Seasons
Traveling around holidays or during summer can be pricey. Use the calendar to see which shoulder-season dates are budget-friendly.
5. Set Fare Alerts
Although Southwest doesn’t partner with most third-party fare alert systems, checking the calendar regularly is your best bet for catching deals.
Understanding Fare Types on the Low Fare Calendar
When you view the calendar, you’ll usually see the Wanna Get Away fare class. But Southwest also offers:
Anytime: Refundable fares with more flexibility.
Business Select: Premium perks, including priority boarding and extra Rapid Rewards points.
The Southwest Low Fare Calendar typically focuses on the lowest available Wanna Get Away fare but lets you upgrade once you select your flight.
Key Features That Complement the Low Fare Calendar
Besides the fare calendar, Southwest offers additional features to support budget travel:
No Change Fees
You can change your flight without incurring change fees, which makes it less risky to book early.
Two Free Checked Bags
Southwest is one of the few airlines that lets you check two bags for free, adding to the value of your low fare.
Companion Pass
If you travel frequently, the Companion Pass lets you bring someone along for free (except for taxes and fees) on every flight.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While using the Southwest Low Fare Calendar is straightforward, avoid these common errors:
Waiting too long to book: Prices can change quickly.
Not checking return flight prices: Just because your departure is cheap doesn't mean your return will be.
Ignoring other fare types: Sometimes an Anytime fare might not be much more expensive and comes with added flexibility.
Who Should Use the Southwest Low Fare Calendar?
This tool is especially useful for:
Budget travelers who want the best deal.
Remote workers with flexible schedules.
Families trying to save on group travel.
Students and backpackers traveling during off-peak seasons.
Anyone flying Southwest, really!
Alternatives and Limitations
While the Southwest Low Fare Calendar is a powerful tool, it’s important to note a few limitations:
It only works for Southwest flights, which aren’t shown on Google Flights, Expedia, or other travel aggregators.
It doesn’t display prices for code-share or partner airlines, as Southwest doesn’t participate in those.
Sometimes prices shown may change slightly by the time you check out.
Despite these limitations, it’s still one of the most transparent and useful fare tools in the industry.
Conclusion
The Southwest Low Fare Calendar is a goldmine for budget-conscious travelers. With its intuitive interface and transparent pricing, you can plan your trips more efficiently and economically. Whether you're planning a business trip or a beach getaway, using the SWA Low Fare Calendar can make all the difference.
So next time you’re planning a trip, don’t just pick a random date—use the Low Fare Calendar and book smarter, not harder. Happy flying!
FAQs
1. What is the Southwest Low Fare Calendar?
The Southwest Low Fare Calendar is a tool that displays the lowest available fares for each day of the month, helping travelers find the best deal.
2. How does Southwest Low Fare Calendar work?
It shows a grid of daily prices for your selected route, allowing you to choose travel dates based on the lowest available fares.
3. Can I use the calendar for round-trip bookings?
Yes, you can use it for both one-way and round-trip bookings by selecting your desired month and viewing fare options for both legs.
4. Is the SWA Low Fare Calendar available on mobile?
Yes, you can access the Low Fare Calendar on Southwest’s mobile website or app for both Android and iOS devices.
5. Are prices shown on the calendar final?
The prices shown are typically the lowest available but may fluctuate slightly before you complete your booking.
