When to book with Southwest?

[daughtryfan114]

We are planning a 2 week trip in June. Should I book right when our dates open, or wait a few weeks to see if prices go down? We (4 adults, 1 child) have set dates and would like to fly out of PHL on a Saturday am, and return on a Friday afternoon.

Thanks!

 

[rwdavis2]

There is no way to predict prices. Book when you are comfortable with the price. With Southwest you can always re-book if the prices go down and receive a credit.

 

[jerseygal]

Same dilemma, next booking window through August is Tuesday, Dec.8th I think. Best way to book is by points because there is no penalty for cancellation and if points go down, point difference can be adjusted in your SW account. If you have a revenue paying ticket, if the price goes down, I wish that SW offered a "credit" to the credit card used, but SW only offers a travel credit that must be USED by booking another ticket with travel COMPLETED within one year from date of purchase of original ticket.

 

[hollypoast]

I always book as soon as fares are released. I have only experienced one instance where the flight price dropped significantly after I booked. (Spring break trip, Milwaukee to Phoenix flight)

Good Luck!

 

[Gillyrose779]

I book 3 to 4 months out. I used southwest points so, if they go lower, I call and have them adjust and get my points back. It's really great. Usually I see the lowest at 3-4 months.

Also, I just received an email from southwest that I can invite up to 10 friends to get a southwest card and you will get 50,000 points after you spend 2K on the card. It really is an awesome deal b/c it almost covers a round trip flight for 4 people if you get the tickets low enough. I've been able to work it to get the companion pass which allows 1 person to fly with us for free! Our last 4 flights with SW have been free b/c of it.

 

[PSUGuy]

Book the SECOND the fares open. I was poised to get our dates first thing in the morning, got our PHLtoMCO flight OK but while booking the return had our preferred time at a good price but before I could check out the rate was gone. Didn't want to pay the higher rate so I took an earlier flight than I wanted to . Be Fast!

Bill From PA

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I have had great luck booking when they open the booking window. for June keep an eye on your flight prices in May. They usually run a great sale in the month of May which covers the month of June

 

[dashofsunshine]

I generally always book when the window opens, if I can catch it. I've had great luck with fares that way.

 

[DisDadDVC]

We are planning a 2 week trip in June. Should I book right when our dates open, or wait a few weeks to see if prices go down? We (4 adults, 1 child) have set dates and would like to fly out of PHL on a Saturday am, and return on a Friday afternoon.

Thanks!

Book it the first day fares are available.

 

[kwdw]

I also book as soon as I can. Unless they end up running a sale, the prices don't go down, only up! When they open - I know I'll get a "good" price. It might not be the absolute best you can get - but it's always reliably not bad.

 

[daughtryfan114]

Thanks everyone!