Would someone explain the SW different fares please?

[tchrrx]

Does it matter if I choose Fun Fares, Advance Purchase, Special Fares, etc? I'd like to just grab the cheapest, of course, but I'm not sure if that's necessarily the best thing to do. I don't really need refundable anytime tickets, but other than that, what's the difference between all the others?

BTW- Are you tired of all of my questions yet? I'm tired of asking them & I'm about ready to just buy any tickets just to be done with it! Then, I'll just avoid this board so that I don't know what all I missed out on!

 

[DBC]

This is the best explanation out there I think:

http://www.southwest.com/fares/farerule.html#YADT

 

[mareed]

While the link provided gives the technical difference between the fares... I think I can clear it up and tell you that any of the fares other than the fully refundable are going to be the same as far as ability to change, and you should just go with whichever one is available at the lowest price for your flights.

Some of the other fares may only be available if you book round-trip, but usually Southwest's pricing is such that you're not penalized for booking one-way and there won't be a price difference between booking 2 one-ways versus a round-trip. In fact, it's recommended to book one-way so you have more flexibility in case a lower fare such as a Ding special comes out for only one-way and not the other.

Hope this helps!