When to purchase South West airfare?

[sailored]

I just now discovered the transportation section, love it! We have a trip planned for September 15th-22nd. We plan on using South West and are just waiting until February 26th when they release rates. When is usually the best time to purchase airfare?

 

[sam_gordon]

I just now discovered the transportation section, love it! We have a trip planned for September 15th-22nd. We plan on using South West and are just waiting until February 26th when they release rates. When is usually the best time to purchase airfare?

Before you get on the plane?

OK, seriously, I'll tell when when EXACTLY to book your tickets (I assume you want the cheapest price) under one condition... you give me the winning powerball numbers for the next drawing. Is it a deal?

Honestly, no one can tell you when prices will go up or go down. Even looking at past history doesn't mean that will increase your odds. I believe it was cheaptickets.com that did a test that said ON AVERAGE, 7 weeks out is supposed to be the best time. However, they also said in the same article there's enough exceptions to not use that as a rule.

 

[katallo]

Very true. We are 7 weeks and rates all jumped today. I don't think there is any pattern. Weekend rates for SW have been awful for the Spring. We went the same week last year and there is a 120 increase for one way flights.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Generally, you will get a very good (if not the best deal) the day fares are released. This is even more so if you are traveling during a busy period ie:holidays.

I booked back in August for March, the day fares were released, and within a month the fare had gone up approx $200 pp.

 

[friend2Figment]

I am also trying to figure their prices. Waiting and hoping our trip home will drop. The trip down I booked then it dropped $40
If I extend our trip 2 days I could do round trip for under $200 but would be flying out of Sanford.

 

[Gillyrose779]

I'm pretty sure there is no change fee with southwest so buy when you can and then watch for the price to drop then call. We flew using points and I got nearly 15,000 points back doing this.

 

[friend2Figment]

I'm pretty sure there is no change fee with southwest so buy when you can and then watch for the price to drop then call. We flew using points and I got nearly 15,000 points back doing this.

If you are not using points do they refund you money or do you get future travel credits?

 

[Gillyrose779]

If you are not using points do they refund you money or do you get future travel credits?

I would double check but I'm pretty sure they refund the money BC I had to pay $4 with the initial reservations and they had to refund it to my credit card and then recharge it when I made the change.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

If you are not using points do they refund you money or do you get future travel credits?

No refund; you get credits which must be used within one year of the original purchase.

 

[dancin Disney style]

No refund; you get credits which must be used within one year of the original purchase.

correct