If you’re a budget-conscious traveler, you’ve likely heard about the Southwest Airlines cheap flights calendar—a powerful tool that can help you find the lowest airfare available on your desired travel dates. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway, a cross-country vacation, or a business trip, using this tool strategically can save you hundreds of dollars.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Southwest low fare calendar—how it works, how to use it, tips for getting the best deals, and answers to frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in and unlock the savings potential of this essential flight-search feature.
Table of Contents
What Is the Southwest Airlines Cheap Flights Calendar?
The Southwest Airlines cheap flights calendar, often referred to as the Low Fare Calendar, is a fare comparison tool available on Southwest’s official website. It allows travelers to view the cheapest available flights for each day in a selected month across all routes that Southwest serves.
Rather than searching for flights on a specific date and toggling between individual days, this calendar shows an entire month of fare options at a glance. This feature is especially useful for travelers with flexible schedules who are looking to maximize their savings.
How to Access the Southwest Low Fare Calendar
Using the Southwest Airlines cheap flights calendar is simple and user-friendly. Here are the steps to access it:
Visit the official Southwest Airlines website.
Navigate to the flight booking section.
Click on the “Low Fare Calendar” option beneath the departure and return date fields.
Select your departure city, destination, and preferred month.
Hit Search, and you’ll be presented with the cheapest fares available for each day.
This quick process gives you a month-long overview of the lowest fares for your selected route.
Key Features of the Cheap Flights Calendar
Understanding what the calendar offers can help you better utilize it for your travel planning. Here’s what makes the Southwest Airlines cheap flights calendar so effective:
Monthly Fare Overview – Compare daily fares within a full month to find the best travel date.
Round-Trip Visibility – View both outbound and return fares side by side.
Color-Coded Pricing – Southwest often uses bold, easy-to-spot price indicators to highlight lowest available fares.
Fare Categories – See available options for Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select fares.
Rapid Rewards Eligibility – Book with points if you’re a Rapid Rewards member.
Benefits of Using the Southwest Airlines Cheap Flights Calendar
1. Flexibility Saves You Money
If your travel dates are not fixed, shifting your trip by even a day or two can significantly lower your fare. The calendar makes it easy to identify those cheaper days.
2. Transparency Without Hidden Fees
Southwest is known for transparent pricing. What you see on the cheap flights calendar typically includes:
Two free checked bags
No change fees
No cancellation fees
These extras add value beyond just the base fare.
3. Rapid Rewards Points Optimization
If you’re booking using Southwest Rapid Rewards points, the calendar shows the lowest point requirements per day. This is perfect for maximizing your reward points.
4. Easier Vacation Planning
Whether you’re coordinating family travel or group bookings, the calendar view simplifies planning by showing fare trends over time.
Tips to Find the Best Deals Using the Low Fare Calendar
To truly maximize your savings, follow these expert strategies when using the Southwest Airlines cheap flights calendar:
Be Flexible With Dates and Destinations
Traveling midweek (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) often yields cheaper fares.
Early morning and late-night flights are typically less expensive.
Explore alternative airports near your intended destination.
Book Early When Possible
Southwest flights open for booking in bulk. Check their flight schedule release dates and book early to snag the best fares.
Set Fare Alerts
While Southwest doesn’t offer fare alerts directly, you can use third-party tools like Google Flights to monitor similar routes, then confirm via the Southwest calendar.
Use Points Strategically
Even if you’re paying with points, fares fluctuate. The calendar helps identify the best value for your rewards.
Recheck Prices Often
Southwest doesn’t charge change fees. If you see a lower price after booking, rebook and receive a travel credit for the difference.
Booking a Flight Using the Cheap Flights Calendar: Step-by-Step
Here’s a practical example of how to book your flight:
Go to Southwest.com.
Click on “Low Fare Calendar.”
Input your departure and destination cities.
Choose your desired month of travel.
Browse the calendar to find the lowest-priced days.
Select your travel dates and review fare options (Wanna Get Away, Anytime, Business Select).
Enter passenger details and proceed to payment.
Confirm your booking and save your confirmation number.
Southwest Fare Types Explained
When you use the Southwest Airlines cheap flights calendar, you’ll see multiple fare types. Here’s what each includes:
1. Wanna Get Away
Cheapest fare
Limited refundability (credit for future travel)
2 free checked bags
No seat selection
2. Anytime
Fully refundable
Higher flexibility
Earlier boarding
3. Business Select
Priority boarding
Free premium drink
Fully refundable
Best for business travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How far in advance can I book using the Southwest cheap flights calendar?
Southwest typically releases schedules 6–8 months in advance. You can view the latest schedule release dates on their official website.
Q: Are there any blackout dates or restrictions?
Southwest does not have traditional blackout dates, but fares can be higher during peak holiday periods or major events.
Q: Can I use the calendar for international flights?
Yes, the cheap flights calendar includes Southwest’s international routes to destinations in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Q: Do I need to create an account to use the calendar?
No account is required to search fares. However, logging into your Rapid Rewards account lets you search using points and manage bookings.
Q: What if the price drops after I book?
You can cancel or rebook at the lower fare and receive a travel credit for the difference—at no extra charge.
Final Thoughts: Should You Use the Southwest Airlines Cheap Flights Calendar?
Absolutely. The Southwest Airlines cheap flights calendar is a must-use tool for travelers looking to score low fares without compromising on quality or flexibility. Its intuitive design, combined with Southwest’s customer-friendly policies, makes it one of the best airline fare tools available in 2025.
Whether you’re booking a vacation, a family trip, or a last-minute getaway, using the low fare calendar can unlock savings you might otherwise miss. Explore your options today, and travel smarter with Southwest.
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