Do Southwest prices go down on Tuesday?

Yes, Southwest Airlines prices often go down on Tuesdays — but it’s not a guarantee. Many travelers have heard the “myth” that Tuesday is the best day to book flights, and there’s some truth to it. In this article, we’ll break down why prices can drop on Tuesdays, how airline pricing works, and tips to help you get the best deal when flying Southwest.

Why Do People Say Prices Drop on Tuesdays?

Airline ticket pricing is a complex system. Airlines, including Southwest, constantly change prices based on demand, competition, and available seats.

Here’s why Tuesday has a reputation:

Airlines release deals on Monday night: Many airlines post new sales late on Monday or early Tuesday.

• Competitors react Tuesday morning: Once a sale is posted, other airlines may match the lower prices to stay competitive. This can cause a small price war, especially on popular routes.

• Travelers can take advantage mid-Tuesday: By late Tuesday morning or early afternoon, many price adjustments have been made, and deals are easier to spot.

While Southwest doesn’t always follow the same patterns as other airlines, it does take part in competitive pricing. That means it sometimes lowers prices to match or beat other airlines.

How Southwest Sets Prices

Southwest Airlines uses a pricing model that’s a bit different from other major airlines. Here’s what you should know:

• No third-party websites: Southwest doesn’t allow sites like Google Flights or Expedia to show its fares. You have to go directly to the Southwest website or app.

• Dynamic pricing: Prices are based on demand, route popularity, and how close you are to the travel date. The more people want a flight, the higher the price goes.

• No change fees: While many airlines charge to change your ticket, Southwest does not. This makes it easier for you to book early and rebook if the price drops.

Do Prices Always Drop on Tuesdays?

No, not always. While Tuesday often brings new sales, there’s no hard rule. Prices can go up or down at any time of the week.

Here are a few things that can affect pricing:

• High demand: If a lot of people are searching for or booking a flight, prices may rise, even on a Tuesday.

• Holidays and events: Flights around holidays, festivals, or major sports events are often more expensive, no matter the day.

• Last-minute bookings: Prices usually increase the closer you get to the flight date, especially in the last 7–10 days.

Best Tips for Booking Cheap Southwest Flights

If you want to find the best deals, use these tips:

• Book early: Southwest usually opens its flight schedule about 6 to 8 months in advance. Prices are often cheapest when the schedule is first released.

• Check on Tuesdays and Wednesdays: While not guaranteed, these days often have lower prices or new sales.

• Set fare alerts: Use Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar or third-party alert tools (for general fare trends) to see when prices drop.

• Use points if possible: If you have Rapid Rewards points, you can book with points and rebook if the points needed go down.

• Rebook if prices drop: Because Southwest doesn’t charge change fees, you can cancel and rebook if the price goes down. You’ll get travel credit or points refunded.

• Fly midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often cheaper travel days than weekends or Mondays.

Final Thoughts

While Southwest prices can go down on Tuesdays, it’s not a guaranteed rule. Tuesday is just a good day to check, not the only day to buy. The best way to get a deal is to plan ahead, keep an eye on prices, and be flexible with your dates. If you’re flying with Southwest, you have the bonus of being able to rebook without fees — giving you more chances to grab a lower fare.