southwest september fares?

[donaldtutter]

when does southwest release their fares for travel in september? tia.

 

[Pumbaa_]

That is the million dollar question. Check this board, there is a thread of folks waiting for the next release. Historically, they are overdue (and I am getting tired of waiting )

Hope they come out soon!

 

[DonnaL]

My guess is this week .....either Tuesday or Thursday. It seems the past few days there have been a lot of Dings and SW is also running a sale in a lot of markets thru 4/18 for travel in May and June, so it seems they're trying to fill up the current schedule a bit more before releasing more dates.

 

[MickeyMouseGal]

Slightly OT, but for those of you who have flown on Southwest, are the discounted fares (fun fares, ding fares, etc.) standby or guaranteed seat? I usually fly Delta, but I'm afraid to book with them.

 

[tinkerbell60]

They are a guarenteed seat - the only difference is there is no assigned seating. When you check in (you can do this online 24 hrs in advance) you are assigned a boarding group (either A, B, or C). After they preboard persons needing assistance, they board the rest of the plane in those 3 groups. You get on and choose a seat. It may sound confusing, but I have never had a problem.

 

[MickeyMouseGal]

Thanks.
What makes them cheaper if it's no assigned seating? I'm assuming you're in the last group to choose, right? And that you can't change reservations without penalty.

 

[gypsydoodlebug]

Thanks.
What makes them cheaper if it's no assigned seating? I'm assuming you're in the last group to choose, right? And that you can't change reservations without penalty.

No, you're assigned a Boarding Group depending on when you check in for your flight. Those who check in early (usually within the first 4-8 hours) will get an A and will get to board first.

And the pricing tiers are based on how early you book. Book early and you get the cheaper fares. The cheapest fares are sold until they're, well, sold out. Then you're offered the next highest price or you can choose a different flight at the cheaper fare. HTH!

 

[MrsMud]

Thanks.
What makes them cheaper if it's no assigned seating? I'm assuming you're in the last group to choose, right? And that you can't change reservations without penalty.

Gypsydoodlebug answered most of your questions, I just wanted to add the reason we LOVE Southwest... Yes, you CAN change reservations without penalty. Southwest has NO change fees, so if you have to cancel, postpone or change your flights, your entire purchase price is credited to your account. The only "fine print" is that the credit will expire one year after the initial booking. HTH!

 

[MickeyMouseGal]

Thanks all for answering. I live about 10 minutes from a huge Delta hub, so I usually fly Delta. (The closest Southwest service is about 100 miles away.) But with prices like that, I may have to consider a small commute and a flight on Southwest!

 

[gypsydoodlebug]

Thanks all for answering. I live about 10 minutes from a huge Delta hub, so I usually fly Delta. (The closest Southwest service is about 100 miles away.) But with prices like that, I may have to consider a small commute and a flight on Southwest!

I don't think you'll be sorry. I fly SWA once or twice a month for magazine articles (I admit, we choose our destinations based on where SW flies so we can get our Rapid Rewards awards faster!!). As soon as they open up these stupid dates I'm booking THREE RR tickets. The airline is almost ALWAYS on time (I've had maybe three flights that have been late in the two years I've been flying them for business). I like the laid-back atmosphere, and the flight attendants wear shorts and don't take themselves too seriously. Plus, the in-flight mag is killer!