Southwest Fares

[AInWonderland]

How good are the fares when Southwest releases them? Is it good to purchase right away or wait?

 

[CarolynNC]

How good are the fares when Southwest releases them? Is it good to purchase right away or wait?

I think it all boils down to personal preference. I always wait for a sale or a DING fare. My dates are usually flexible so I don't worry. I like living on the edge!

If you are more comfortable having all your plans in place then you should probably book when the fares are released and then hope for a credit situation.

 

[eeyoreiscool]

Other than the possibility of Dings and the occasional destination discount, I have never seen their fares go down once they come out. Most of the time, the low ones sell out quickly and everything else is expensive. We usually buy them once they come out and have never been able to get a cheaper rate.

 

[ptrbryant]

Last year, I was waiting for low fares for May and, in February, the fares were still high for my time period. I never did end up getting any great DINGS from Nashville to Orlando, but once they had their system-wide website special featuring Florida, I got an airfare of $39 each way. I noticed on their current website, it says their present system-wide sale to California, Texas and the Midwest is in its last days. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Florida will be in the next sale, like last year!

Karla B.

 

[msklcassidy]

...because with Southwest you can "cancel" your flight and bank your money and apply it to other tickets if the fare goes down...which...in St. Louis, it rarely does!

Have a great trip.

 

[wdwfan1]

If you are traveling on the weekend, I find it best to buy as soon as the fares are released. In my area, the cheaper fares often sell out before I get home from work!

 

[DonnaL]

As long as you travel (using SW of course) a few times a year always buy the tickets as soon as they come out. And then check a few times every week on the prices of your flight. As you get closer it pays to check every day. SW is the only airline which will give the lower price if your flight goes down AND give you a credit for the difference to use within 12 months time. That's why it's important that you travel at least twice a year. Other posters have said they've gotten extensions on the 12 month timeframe, but, I haven't had to try it yet, so can't say for sure. Right now I'm sitting on a $240 credit from our trip (for 4) last December which I need to use by end of July, so I'm patiently waiting for the new schedule!!!

 

[arielsleepingbeauty]

I have seen them go down on SW after they have been posted. Last year my family booked as soon as the schedule was avaiable. A few weeks later my mother checked to see if there was any availability on the same flight and the fare was actually cheaper. I don't know how long they went lower because the next day the rate went higher, but not as high as i paid. I like booking right away because i want as early as possible and non stop, but if you are flexible and want to take a chance i would say to wait.

 

[clkelley]

Last year, I was waiting for low fares for May and, in February, the fares were still high for my time period. I never did end up getting any great DINGS from Nashville to Orlando, but once they had their system-wide website special featuring Florida, I got an airfare of $39 each way. I noticed on their current website, it says their present system-wide sale to California, Texas and the Midwest is in its last days. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Florida will be in the next sale, like last year!

Karla B.

I hope so too!!!!

I have a choice of Nashville or Birmingham, either one will work!! I need two more tickets for my oldest son and two girlfriends. Me, hubby and youngest son already have FF tickets out of Huntsville. Oldest son wasn't going. Then all of a sudden oldest son wanted to go and both boys want to bring their girlfriends!!! Of course the Huntsville fares went through the roof as soon as the boys told me this

Carol