Southwest November fares?

[Nickymouse]

When will Southwest release their flights for November? We'll be flying them for the 1st time this year (if I can figure out what day to call them).

 

[Nanajo1]

I'm checking everyday but I don't expect the fares to be listed for another couple of weeks.

 

[bicker]

Didn't they just release their August through October schedules and fares, a couple of weeks ago?

 

[Nickymouse]

Yes they did. How often do they release new dates? Is this a monthly thing?

 

[bicker]

Well, if I remembered the timeframe correctly (August to October) it's three months at a time, so it would have to be every three months, so that would mean November flights and fares would be available in July.

 

[sln88]

so, that means if I want to fly back on 10/31, I have to wait til July to book?!

seems like they need to come up with a better system

 

[bicker]

It's a dual-edged sword, for them. They're evidently trying to offer you lower airfares and also trying to avoid the situation where you're subject to schedule changes. Personally, I'd prefer to book my flight and deal with schedule changes, but I've read lots of messages from folks here on the DIS who are clearly very upset when airlines change schedules on them. So Southwest is appealing to those folks who are content to make their reservations later, but have assurance that the schedule will not change. Therefore, any system that would resolve the issue you're raising would cause dissatisfaction from schedule changes or substantially higher costs.

 

[Hockeychic]

I am waiting also but only for my return flight. I am leaving Oct 27 but not coming home till Nov 5th. So I may book a one way if a good DING rate comes up or even just book and apply the credit to my return flight.

I do like knowing that my flight will not be changed but it drives me nuts not knowing exactly when I am leaving....I am such a to the minute planner it is driving me nuts. However, I would prefer to wait a bit and know for sure that my 7AM flight won't get changed to 7PM....except due to weather and mechanical issues.

Lets keep our fingers crossed and hope they will be out soon.

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

I called Southwest the other night. The person on the phone said last year it was July 15th, for November, and December. She also said to start looking about a week before that, but it could be a week later.

Not good enough for me though- I still keep checking everyday.

 

[goofyforlife]

that's funny...when I called SW last week. The guy told me it might be mid june.

guess we'll all be waiting in suspense...

 

[Rpsemont]

Historically:
6/28/02 released to 12/14/02
6/26/03 released to 12/13/03
last year it was really late. I think they were adding planes or airports or something
7/15/04 released to 12/11/04

for flights after those december dates, they were released the last week of July in 03 and 04

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

that's funny...when I called SW last week. The guy told me it might be mid june.

guess we'll all be waiting in suspense...

I hope it is in June. The person I spoke w/ must have been basing her answer from last years time frame. Hopefully they will be earlier this year.

 

[sln88]

It's a dual-edged sword, for them. They're evidently trying to offer you lower airfares and also trying to avoid the situation where you're subject to schedule changes. Personally, I'd prefer to book my flight and deal with schedule changes, but I've read lots of messages from folks here on the DIS who are clearly very upset when airlines change schedules on them. So Southwest is appealing to those folks who are content to make their reservations later, but have assurance that the schedule will not change. Therefore, any system that would resolve the issue you're raising would cause dissatisfaction from schedule changes or substantially higher costs.

I can understand holding off on releasing schedules, BUT, I have a problem with the fact that they can release them for 10/28, but then have to wait 3 more months to release the next set of dates? I am in the same boat as Hockeychic. We want to leave 10/21 or 10/22, but not return until 10/30. I am very nervous about booking one way, but not being able to book the return. But, if I wait, the fare to Orlando could go way up. Hopefully they will be out in June. Otherwise, maybe something good will come up on another airline. I have never flown SW, and the reason I have not is because of their goofy schedule release.

 

[bicker]

That's surely a down-side of keeping fares low.