How long should I wait to book Southwest?

[DannyDisneyFreak]

I have the Ding and check the SW site frequently, we are going 1/7 - 1/14/06 Southwest is not yet booking for those dates, I think just thru 1/6. I want to get the best fair, I would be upset if I book a good rate like $99 round trip and then a few days or weeks later they had a special for like $49! I have seen some great rates like that other times of the year? On the other hand I don't want to pass up a good deal in hopes for a better on and end up paying more! How should I do it?!

 

[kaytieeldr]

You can book now. Then if the fare goes down later, Southwest will (not automatically, you have to call and request it) credit you the FULL amount of the difference, to be applied to another flight within one year of your original booking.

 

[karrit2000]

They can't book now because the dates they need aren't available yet. Unfortunately SW just added the December 13 - Jan 6 dates this week so it will probably be at least another month before they add anymore. Keep checking for your dates through the reservation site, don't rely on DING. As soon as the dates you need become available you can book or wait to see if the fares drop lower. If yoiu notice good fares for earlier dates chances are they will eventually become available for the dates you need but not always the time you would prefer. When I start to worry that the lowest fare might sell out I book my flights. Then I keep checking to get a better rate which usually happens a day or two after I buy my tickets. I just use the credit to book my next trip. SW doesn't charge a fee to change the reservation.

 

[Brendita]

Check the website daily.
Book as soon as they release your dates.
The lowest fares go fast.
If they do have a Ding & goes lower.
Check with SWA for adjustment.
Good luck.

 

[mareed]

Southwest is currently booking through Jan. 9, so you could go ahead and book the first part of your flight. Since almost all of Southwest's flights lowest fares are available one-way, I'd go ahead and be checking and book your first flight if you see a good price. Since they just released dates, it may be a while before they extend the schedule again.