Last Updated on February 6, 2026 by Rick Spiegel
You love Southwest Airlines for its flexible change policy, friendly service, and generous baggage rules, but one question keeps coming up: What is the best day to buy Southwest tickets to score the lowest prices? Airfare prices can change multiple times a day, making it tricky to know exactly when to book for the lowest fare. Southwest Airlines is especially popular among you thanks to its flexible policies, frequent sales, and generous baggage rules. Still, knowing when Southwest runs sales, how pricing works, and even details like Southwest cabin baggage size can make a big difference in your overall travel cost.
How Southwest Airfare Pricing Works?
Before we pinpoint the best day to buy Southwest tickets, it helps to understand how their pricing system functions. Southwest uses a dynamic pricing model. In other words, there is not a magic number printed somewhere, but there are patterns you can use to your advantage.
- Prices change frequently based on demand.
- There are no fixed fare classes.
- Seats sell out at each price level
- The cheapest tickets disappear early
When Does Southwest Run Sales?
One of the most important ways to save on flights is to time your purchase to airline promotions. Southwest sometimes releases “Wanna Get Away” fares during these sale periods; these are their lowest fare bracket and should be snapped up quickly. Southwest does not publish a strict schedule for sales, but there are consistent trends.
Southwest usually has fare sales.
- In late winter (January–March)
- Mid-spring (April–May)
- Early fall (September–October)
These are typically strategic revenue-management periods when airlines adjust fares to fill ahead of travel peaks.
Tips for catching Southwest sales
- Subscribe to Southwest’s email list; they send sale alerts first.
- Follow seasonal trends, prices often drop before school breaks and holidays.
- Look for announcements early in the week (many airlines start sales Monday–Tuesday).
What Is the Best Month to Buy Southwest Tickets?
Now let’s get to the big question: Is there a best month to purchase Southwest tickets? In general, booking about 6–8 weeks before departure for domestic flights on Southwest can balance price and availability well.
For Domestic Summer Travel
- January–March: Great time to start watching prices for summer trips.
- April–May: Often the release point for summer sale fares.
For Fall and Winter
- July–August: Southwest releases lower fares for travel later in the year.
- September–October: A smaller wave of promotional sales.
What is the Best Day of the Week to Buy Southwest Tickets?
There is a persistent travel industry rumor that Tuesday is considered the best day to buy airline tickets. Does Southwest follow that pattern?
The Real Truth
There is not a single guaranteed best weekday to purchase flights, but data shows:
✔️ Tuesday–Thursday often have slightly lower average prices
✔️ Weekend pricing tends to be higher because leisure travelers are browsing
Why? Many airlines update their pricing at the start of the business week, introducing new deals.
What Time of Day Is Best to Buy?
Airline pricing changes constantly, sometimes multiple times per hour, driven by real-time demand. If you check prices at one time and don’t see a deal, revisit later in the day — Southwest may have updated prices.
Best Times to Search
- Early morning (6–9 AM) — Some fares reset overnight
- Late evening (8–11 PM) — After daily pricing adjustments
What is the Best Timeframe to Book Before Travel?
In addition to the day of the week, the lead time before your flight matters.
Southwest Domestic Flights
- Book between 6 and 8 weeks before departure for most deals.
- 9–12 weeks out can also yield strong prices, especially during seasonal sales.
- Within 1 month of travel, fares generally rise.
Southwest International Flights
International bookings often benefit from purchases made even earlier, usually around 2–4 months before departure, for the best pricing.
How Much is the Southwest cabin baggage size rule?
As you plan your perfect trip, it is important to know Southwest’s packing limits and how they can save you money.
Southwest Cabin Baggage Size
Passengers on Southwest are allowed:
✔️ One personal item
✔️ One carry-on bag
Carry-On Bag
- Up to 10” x 16” x 24” (including handles & wheels)
Personal Item
- Must fit behind the seat in front of you
- Typical examples: backpack, purse, briefcase
Because Southwest still includes two free bags, it is one of the most generous luggage policies in the U.S. Being efficient with your cabin baggage means you do not pay extra fees for checked bags, and that is a savings travelers love.
What are the Different Types of Southwest Fares?
Understanding fare types helps you know which options are worth buying. For the best savings, focus on Wanna Get Away fares, especially during sales.
Wanna Get Away
- Lowest price
- Non-refundable (travel credit offered for cancellations)
- Great for budget travelers
Anytime
- More flexible
- Higher price
- Good for business or unpredictable plans
Business Select
- Most expensive
- Priority boarding
- Extra rewards points
When NOT to Buy Southwest Tickets?
Just as important as knowing when to buy is knowing when not to buy. Instead, set price alerts and watch trends mid-week for adjustments.
Avoid buying:
- Less than three weeks before departure (prices often spike)
- Around major holidays without checking early
- On weekends, if you can help it
How to Use Price Alerts and Watch Tools?
Even without mentioning competitors, you can still use tools wisely. This turns airfare hunting into a habit, and a profitable one.
- Set fare alerts for your desired route
- Compare prices on multiple days of the week
- Check prices at different times of the day
- Follow seasonal sale trends
Southwest’s Seasonal Pricing Patterns
Summer Travel
- Peak travel months: June–August
- Prices tend to rise early
- Best to book by March–April
Fall Getaways
- Shoulder season: September–October
- Occasional fare drops
- Best bookings: July–August
Winter Trips
- December holidays spike prices
- Best deals from late January onward
Spring Break
- High demand: March
- Sales often start late fall or early winter
How to Capture the Best Deals Every Time?
There is a process to start your plan to lock in low Southwest prices.
- Start Early: Begin searching at least 3 months before travel.
- Check Mid-Week: Look at fares Tuesday through Thursday.
- Monitor for Sales: Especially during peak sales windows, such as early spring.
- Be Flexible: Shift your flight dates by a few days to see lower fares.
- Act Fast: When you see a sale or low fare, grab it! Southwest seats between price bands disappear quickly.
Common Myths About Southwest Ticket Prices
Myth: There is a single best day of the week with guaranteed lowest fares.
Truth: Prices fluctuate. Tuesdays and Wednesdays may be more likely to show deals, but it’s not guaranteed.
Myth: Booking too early always saves money.
Truth: Booking too early can lock you into mid-tier fares. Aim for optimal windows instead.
Myth: Southwest increases all prices on weekends.
Truth: Weekend browsing prices can be higher, but the most important thing is comparing across dates and times.
What are the Southwest Perks That Work with Your Savings Strategy?
Southwest is not just known for fares; it is known for perk policies that reduce travel costs. Knowing these perks helps you plan more effectively and avoid extra costs.
Two Free Checked Bags
This can help you save $60–$100+ per direction for many of you.
No Change Fees
If your plans shift, you can often change your flight without a penalty.
Open Seating with Boarding Groups
Early check-in can get you good overhead bin space, especially important when planning around cabin baggage size limits.
How Advance Booking Windows Affect Southwest Prices?
One of the most overlooked strategies for saving money is understanding how far in advance you should book Southwest tickets. Unlike airlines that open schedules far in advance with ultra-low teaser fares, Southwest often releases competitive pricing in stages. Early listings may not always be the cheapest.
If you want to book too early sometimes pay more than those who monitor prices patiently. The smart approach is to book when flights first appear, then track prices regularly. If fares drop later.
The Role of Demand-Based Pricing on Southwest Flights
Southwest relies heavily on demand-based pricing, meaning fares rise and fall depending on how fast seats are selling. Popular routes, peak travel days, and limited-seat flights tend to increase in price quickly, while lower-demand routes may see gradual reductions. By choosing off-peak departure times and less popular travel days, you can often find better fares even outside major sale periods.
- Flights around school vacations and long weekends fill faster
- Morning and evening departures are more expensive than midday flights
- Nonstop routes usually cost more than connecting options
Why Flexible Travel Dates Unlock Better Deals?
Flexibility is one of the most powerful tools for finding lower Southwest fares. Even shifting your departure or return by one day can significantly reduce the ticket price.
Midweek flights, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have lower demand. Early morning or late-night flights are also priced more competitively because in case you prefer those schedules. If your travel plans allow flexibility, use date comparison tools to identify the cheapest combinations.
Being flexible does not just help with price. it also increases availability in lower fare categories.
How Route Popularity Influences Ticket Costs?
Not all Southwest routes behave the same way. High-traffic routes between major cities tend to have more frequent flights, which can lead to better pricing competition within the airline itself. On the other hand, routes with limited daily flights often sell out quickly, causing fares to rise faster. However, understanding route dynamics allows you to act early on routes where prices tend to increase rapidly.
- Monitor routes with multiple daily departures
- Consider nearby alternate airports when available
- Avoid last remaining flights of the day, which are often pricier
How can Seasonal Travel Trends can Impact Southwest Fares?
Seasonality plays a major role in airfare pricing. Southwest fares respond strongly to travel seasons, weather patterns, and vacation schedules. You must plan trips during shoulder seasons, which not only saves money but also provides a less crowded travel experience.
Peak Seasons
During summer vacations, spring breaks, and winter holidays, prices rise earlier and stay high longer. Booking well in advance is essential for these periods.
Shoulder Seasons
Late winter and early fall often offer the best balance between price and availability. These periods see lighter demand, which gives you more chances to book at lower fares.
How Fare Drops Happen After Initial Purchase?
A unique advantage of Southwest booking is the ability to benefit from future fare drops. Prices can decrease weeks after purchase due to:
- Slow booking pace on certain flights
- New promotional pricing
- Adjustments to seat inventory
If you want to check prices periodically after booking can reprice your ticket and capture savings. This strategy works especially well for trips booked several weeks in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book Southwest tickets for the best price?
For most domestic routes, booking 6 to 8 weeks before departure offers a good balance between price and availability. Popular routes and peak travel seasons may require earlier planning, while off-peak trips sometimes see price drops closer to the travel date.
Do Southwest ticket prices change multiple times a day?
Southwest fares can change several times throughout the day based on demand and seat availability. Prices may adjust in the morning, afternoon, or late evening, so checking at different times can help identify better deals.
Is it better to book Southwest flights on weekdays or weekends?
Weekdays generally offer better opportunities to find lower fares, as pricing updates often occur during the business week. Weekend searches may show higher prices due to increased leisure traveler demand.
Does flight time affect Southwest ticket prices?
The departure times play a role in pricing. Early morning and late-night flights often cost less because they are less popular than midday or evening departures. Choosing these times can lead to noticeable savings.
What happens if the price drops after I book a Southwest ticket?
If the fare decreases after booking, you can rebook the flight and keep the difference as a travel credit, provided your fare type allows changes. It can make monitoring prices after purchase a smart money-saving strategy.
