southwest schedule release for end of year 2014

[GWhitten98]

I am trying to book flights for our Nov vaction. I have found that southwest will release the schedule for until May 19, but our of shear luck that is also my 180ADR day. So I have a few quesitons:

What time of day does the schedule normally get released?
Is it essential to book immediately for the best rates.flights?

Lastly I have been tracking the rate for jetblue for a while now and its holding stead(and low), but I don't love the times. Is it likely that those prices will jump or that sold out quickly after Southwests schedule and prices come out? I have to assume there are people doing the same thing I am, waiting to see if SW is better then JB....

 

[mdsd8700]

We fly SW nearly all the time out of Chicago. I have never flown Jet Blue as SW seems to always work for us. The flights have gone on sale between 5-5:30 CST for the last several flights we have booked, but of course that is not set in stone. Actually one of the last times there was a fluke in the system and I was able to book about 3 am but I doubt that happens often.

Typically I have found that our flights at the cheapest when they come out, but there have been times they have gone a bit lower resulting in a SW credit. I am sure for everyone it is different but for us the best price has usually been when they are released.

I wouldn't expect the flight to sell out immediately but I have often seen the prices go up within hours of being released or at least within sometime that same day. Other times it will take longer for the price to rise, but eventually they do.

Generally I have dollar amount in mind based on the what seems to be price point prior to my purchase and as long as the flight is within that range I purchase immediately.

There doesn't seem to be a set answer and it seems it can vary from city to city in regards to price and schedule.

Good luck, hope it all works out in regards to price and time!

 

[nisiemouse]

Thanks for posting the release date. I am assuming 5-530 am is what usually occurs. Trying to book after Christmas flights.

 

[McKelly]

I'm looking to book Xmas flights too - 12/20-1/1. I thought Free Dining was stressful - this will probably be just as bad. I am hoping my family will have enough points for a one way. We each have about 14,000 points each.

 

[nisiemouse]

I'm looking to book Xmas flights too - 12/20-1/1. I thought Free Dining was stressful - this will probably be just as bad. I am hoping my family will have enough points for a one way. We each have about 14,000 points each.

I am looking for 12/27-1-4. Stressed out too. I only get one week a year off work guaranteed where I can plan really far ahead. Needed a time where my 20 year old could go. I have the room split between BCV and OKW. Now just need the last piece to fall in place.

 

[GWhitten98]

Thanks I am looking to book a Nov flight for the week before thanksgiving. I am flexible on my days somewhat although I have already booked by FD resort package and hate to risk losing it by adjusting my days....those reservations seem to be like gold these days.

I am kicking myself already b/c the jet blue price has jumped about $10/person this past week. Even at that price I am still under my absolure cutoff for us to driving, but I am really hoping to get under 1000 for the 5 of us

 

[Minniekins]

Ooh, I'm looking to book for black friday out of Chicago to Orlando, and back home on the 7th. Hoping for good fares and will be stalking site for sure, lol! Good thing I'm a nite owl, lol! Last year I got lucky, not knowing the release time or day, and just checked and jumped on the prices, opening morning, lol! Glad I know this year, and will start stalking this week just to be sure not to miss anything, lol! I am ready!!

 

[debknight]

Where do you find the "release dates" on the SW website? I was looking earlier today and could not find it?

 

[amomma23]

Where do you find the "release dates" on the SW website? I was looking earlier today and could not find it?

In the upper right corner there is a drop down box that says "travel tools". From this menu, choose "view all travel tools". The release dates will be listed at the top of that page.

 

[Linda T.]

We're also waiting to book or after Christmas tickets - December 27th to January 3rd....

 

[stitchfan18]

Along the same lines does Southwest usually keep the same schedule? Will the schedule at the end of October likely be the same for the beginning of November?

 

[My2Kidzmom]

Jut booked our flights for Nov and saved $600! Disney here we come!

 

[NEV2OLD4DIS]

OMG, 12/29 flights are $198 home to PVD! Vacation is on hold for now.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

OMG, 12/29 flights are $198 home to PVD! Vacation is on hold for now.

From ISP to RSW on that date they are over $400 one way....I'd love to see $198

 

[GWhitten98]

Went ahead and book first this this morning. Prices were virtually the same as the jet blue ones I have been watching, but much better time wise. We get in at 1210 vs 830pm and don't fly out until 6pm(vs 1100) our last day....That basicly means we gain an entire days worth of activity time I need to revamp some of my plan

5 people from Austin to Orlando was under 1200...I don't fly much but I feel like that is a pretty good deal!