SouthWest Jumping the Gun on Release Dates - How Early?

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PSUGuy

Bill From PA

Joined

Jan 21, 2009

• Apr 28, 2015

• #1

I almost blew it when our Oct 29 PHL to MCO date was released by SW several days, or more, before the date they originally scheduled for this. I did get the rate I wanted, less than in Oct 2014, but I don't want to stumble into this late again. SW veterans clued me into the fact that early release is not uncommon, can anyone tell me the earliest release they've seen, a week? more? SW says May 14 for our return flight release, when should I just start checking every morning?

Thanks,
Bill From PA

 

lvdis

love disney

Joined

Aug 20, 2009

• Apr 28, 2015

• #2

I would love to know this as well. I'm keeping a watch for early December flights!

 

hollypoast

Travel Planner Specializing in Disney

Joined

Dec 31, 2007

• Apr 28, 2015

• #3

I think they released those dates about a week to 2 weeks early so I plan to start watching daily now.

 

Flynnismine

Being at Disney = Best Day Ever

Joined

May 2, 2013

• Apr 28, 2015

• #4

I'm waiting for the December flights to come out with the next schedule release so I've been osessively checking the SW website every morning at 6am

 

DisneyFirstTimer10

DIS Veteran

Joined

Mar 4, 2010

• Apr 29, 2015

• #5

also waiting for december flights- never booked this early so curious as to how much of a savings to expect- from akron, ohio to orlando we paid $262 round trip for our upcoming May trip and booked about four months out- prices have stayed steady at that price. When december is realeased is it usual less than the typical fare the months approaching the trip?

 

Flynnismine

Being at Disney = Best Day Ever

Joined

May 2, 2013

• Apr 29, 2015

• #6

I've never flown to Orlando in December so hopefully I'm not in for to much of a price shock when the SW flight schedule comes out. I did book our October flight the day SW opened the schedue and I'll do the same with our December flight only because the cheapest fare, and only non-stop flight out of Louisville and back, quickly sold out.

 

LisaS

DIS Veteran

Joined

Feb 7, 2005

• Apr 29, 2015

• #7

I would check their Flight Schedules page once a day starting now to see if the posted release date changes. It just takes a minute. I would be surprised if they change it at this point since the release date is just a little over 2 weeks away. I think if it was going to change they would have published the new date by now. But keep checking, just to be sure.

 

5DisneyNuts

Head might be in NY, but my heart is in WDW

Joined

Nov 8, 2004

• Apr 29, 2015

• #8

Thanks for the info. I am waiting it out too. I tried searching but couldn't find a recent answer. Is 6am the time the new schedules are posted? And I'm guessing that is CT since HQ is in Texas?

 

LisaS

DIS Veteran

Joined

Feb 7, 2005

• Apr 29, 2015

• #9

5DisneyNuts said:

Thanks for the info. I am waiting it out too. I tried searching but couldn't find a recent answer. Is 6am the time the new schedules are posted? And I'm guessing that is CT since HQ is in Texas?

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The schedule is usually released shortly after 6am EASTERN time.

 

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DonnaL

DIS Veteran

Joined

Feb 4, 2005

• Apr 29, 2015

• #10

Bill....we've been using Southwest almost exclusively since they arrived in PHL and I wouldn't really worry too much about getting the absolute best price as soon as the window opens. Unless you're traveling during a prime holiday season I have always found I get my best prices (either in dollars or points) about 12 to 14 weeks out. Also, if you haven't already looked into getting the SWA credit card......it's a GREAT deal.....especially when they're running a 50,000 point special (check the seat back on your next flight....they sometimes have a placard there offered only to recent passengers). We truly haven't paid cash...except for the taxes... for a flight in about 5 years (usually a minimum of four round trips a year....some years six round trips...most to MCO...but we've also done California/Orange County, Portland, OR, Fort Myers and Tampa.....all for only the taxes). We put everything we possibly can on that card and just pay it off monthly.

 

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emily94

Mouseketeer

Joined

May 26, 2014

• Apr 30, 2015

• #11

I have also heard May 14 from multiple people at SWA... Maybe just check everyday since it'll be coming up in a few weeks!

 

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Apopper74

Mouseketeer

Joined

Aug 9, 2009

• Apr 30, 2015

• #12

I think with rising gas prices they won't move the date up since they pre-purchase their fuel.

 

5DisneyNuts

Head might be in NY, but my heart is in WDW

Joined

Nov 8, 2004

• Apr 30, 2015

• #13

Thanks Lisa! Good reason to get up and maybe be early for work (at least for the next 2 weeks).

LisaS said:

The schedule is usually released shortly after 6am EASTERN time.

Click to expand...

 

LisaS

DIS Veteran

Joined

Feb 7, 2005

• Apr 30, 2015

• #14

5DisneyNuts said:

Thanks Lisa! Good reason to get up and maybe be early for work (at least for the next 2 weeks).

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You're welcome. In the past when they have changed the release date, they let everyone know by updating the information a few weeks ahead of the new date on their Flight Schedules page. They don't surprise people and release the schedule extension one morning without letting customers know ahead of time. Just keep an eye on the Flight Schedules page on Southwest's website so you will know if that May 14th date changes. Good luck to everyone waiting for the next schedule release!

 

phillymummer

DIS Veteran

Joined

Jun 30, 2012

• Apr 30, 2015

• #15

I'm watching that date too. I'm flying during Jersey Week, which is close enough to a holiday in this area!