What is The cheapest day to book flights on Southwest?

Finding affordable flights requires strategic planning and knowledge of airline policies. This guide delves into cost-saving opportunities with Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines, covering optimal booking times, available discounts, and tools to secure the best deals.

Optimal Days to Book and Fly with Southwest Airlines

While there's no definitive "cheapest day" to book flights on Southwest Airlines, certain trends can help travelers save money. Historically, airlines have released sales and adjusted fares on specific days, leading to potential savings for consumers.

• Booking Flights: Tuesdays and Wednesdays have often been considered favorable days to book flights. This is based on patterns where airlines release mid-week sales, prompting competitive pricing. However, recent studies suggest that Sundays might offer better deals. According to a 2024 Expedia study, booking flights on Sundays can save travelers around 8% compared to Fridays.

• Flying Days: Traveling on certain days can also result in lower fares. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are typically less busy, and airlines may offer reduced prices to fill seats on these days. For domestic trips, flying on a Saturday can save about 17%, while international departures on Thursdays can offer savings of approximately 15%.

Southwest Airlines Senior Discounts

Southwest Airlines previously offered Senior Discount Fares for passengers aged 65 and older. However, as of December 11, 2019, these fares have been discontinued. Despite this change, seniors can still find affordable travel options by exploring Southwest's other fare types and special offers. Utilizing tools like the Low Fare Calendar can help identify the most budget-friendly travel dates.

Southwest's $59 Fare Destinations

Southwest Airlines periodically offers promotional fares starting as low as $59 one-way. These deals are typically available during special sales events and are subject to specific routes and travel dates. To find current $59 fare destinations, travelers should regularly check Southwest's official website and subscribe to their email notifications for updates on the latest promotions.

Spirit Airlines' Low Fare Calendar

Spirit Airlines provides a "Flight Deal Finder," commonly referred to as the Spirits Airlines Low Fare Calendar, to assist travelers in locating the most economical fares. This tool displays the lowest available prices over a range of dates, allowing for flexible travel planning.

To utilize the Low Fare Calendar:

Access the Tool: Visit Spirit Airlines' official website and navigate to the "Flight Deal Finder" section.

Input Travel Details: Enter your departure and arrival cities, select your trip type (one-way or round-trip), and specify the number of passengers.

View Available Deals: Click on "Search Flights" to display a calendar view of fares. This will showcase the lowest prices available on different dates, enabling you to choose the most cost-effective travel times.

By being flexible with travel dates and regularly monitoring the Low Fare Calendar, travelers can capitalize on the best deals offered by Spirit Airlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does booking on a specific day guarantee the lowest fare?

While certain days like Sundays have been associated with lower fares, prices are influenced by various factors, including demand, seasonality, and promotions. It's advisable to monitor fares over time and set up price alerts.

Are there any discounts available for senior travelers on Southwest Airlines?

As of December 11, 2019, Southwest Airlines has discontinued its Senior Fares. Seniors can still find competitive prices by exploring other fare options and utilizing tools like the Low Fare Calendar.

How can I find the lowest fares on Spirit Airlines?

Utilize Spirit's "Flight Deal Finder" to view a calendar of low fares. Being flexible with your travel dates and booking in advance can also help secure better deals.

Do airlines offer $59 fares regularly?

Promotional fares, such as Southwest's $59 one-way tickets, are offered periodically and are subject to specific routes and dates. Regularly checking the airline's official website and subscribing to newsletters can keep you informed about upcoming sales.

Is it cheaper to book flights well in advance?

Booking flights in advance can often lead to better deals. For domestic flights, purchasing tickets 63 to 72 days before departure can save travelers up to 16%. For international flights, booking 43 to 54 days in advance can result in savings of up to 5%.

By staying informed and utilizing available tools and resources, travelers can navigate airline offerings to find the most affordable and suitable flight options.