Finding affordable airfare can feel overwhelming, especially when prices seem to change by the minute. Fortunately, Southwest Airlines offers a powerful tool that simplifies the process: the Low Fare Calendar. This feature allows travelers to view the lowest available fares across an entire month, making it easier to plan trips around the best deals instead of guessing travel dates.
TLDR: Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar helps travelers quickly identify the cheapest flights within a given month. By entering flexible travel dates, users can compare daily fares and book the lowest-priced option. The tool works best when travelers remain flexible, check multiple months, and monitor pricing trends. With a few simple steps, anyone can significantly reduce their flight costs.
Below is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to use the Southwest Low Fare Calendar effectively, including expert tips for maximizing savings.
What Is the Southwest Low Fare Calendar?
The Southwest Low Fare Calendar is an online fare-comparison feature available directly on Southwest Airlines’ website. Instead of searching for flights on specific fixed dates, this tool displays the lowest available fare for each day within a selected month.
This makes it especially useful for:
- Travelers with flexible schedules
- Vacation planners looking for the cheapest week to travel
- Business travelers trying to reduce expenses
- Families coordinating school breaks or holidays
Unlike traditional search tools that show one day at a time, the Low Fare Calendar gives a broader view, helping travelers quickly spot patterns and price dips.
Step 1: Visit the Southwest Website
Start by navigating to Southwest Airlines’ official website. On the homepage, travelers will see the flight booking section prominently displayed.
To access the calendar:
- Select “Low Fare Calendar” instead of the standard booking option.
- Choose whether the trip is Round Trip, One Way, or Multi-City.
- Enter the departure and arrival cities.
- Select the month intended for travel (instead of specific dates).
This immediately activates the expanded monthly pricing view.
Step 2: Select Your Departure Month
Once origin and destination cities are entered, users must choose a departure month. The system will display fares for each day in that month.
Important tips at this stage:
- Choose months surrounding your preferred travel time to compare pricing.
- If dates are flexible, check off-peak months for substantial savings.
- Avoid major holidays unless necessary, as prices usually increase.
Southwest highlights the lowest available fare for each day, making it easy to see which dates offer the best value.
Step 3: Review Daily Fare Options
After selecting a month, travelers will see a grid-style calendar displaying fares for each available day. Fares are shown as starting prices and reflect the least expensive ticket option, typically labeled Wanna Get Away.
When reviewing daily options:
- Look for noticeably lower price clusters mid-week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often cheaper).
- Compare weekends versus weekdays.
- Take note of price gaps between adjacent days.
A small one- or two-day shift in departure can often result in meaningful savings.
Step 4: Select Return Flights
For round-trip bookings, selecting a departure date moves the user to the return-date calendar. Southwest will again display the monthly grid for return flights.
Smart strategies here include:
- Choosing a slightly longer or shorter stay if return fares are high.
- Avoiding Sunday returns when possible, as they often cost more.
- Matching the lowest outbound flight with the lowest inbound option.
This pairing process helps optimize total trip cost.
Step 5: Compare Fare Types
After selecting travel dates, Southwest presents available fare categories. While the lowest fare is typically highlighted, travelers should review all options:
- Wanna Get Away – Lowest base fare, generally non-refundable but reusable as flight credit.
- Wanna Get Away Plus – Additional flexibility and benefits.
- Anytime – More refundable options.
- Business Select – Premium benefits and priority boarding.
Budget-conscious travelers typically select Wanna Get Away, but those prioritizing flexibility may prefer upgraded options.
Step 6: Log In for Additional Benefits
Before finalizing a booking, travelers should log into their Rapid Rewards account. Members can:
- Earn points on flights
- Use accumulated points for bookings
- Access member-exclusive promotions
Sometimes fares booked with points offer even greater value than cash purchases.
Step 7: Monitor Prices After Booking
One of Southwest’s biggest advantages is its flexible change policy. If a fare drops after booking, travelers can rebook at the lower price and receive the difference as a credit.
To do this:
- Log into the booked reservation.
- Select Change Flight.
- Search for the same flight using the Low Fare Calendar.
- If the fare is lower, confirm the change and receive credit.
This risk-free flexibility makes early booking less stressful.
Expert Tips for Maximizing Savings
Although the Low Fare Calendar is simple to use, these expert tactics can help travelers save even more:
Be Flexible With Airports
If multiple airports are nearby, compare pricing across each one. Fares can vary significantly.
Check Multiple Months
If travel dates are flexible, scanning adjacent months may reveal dramatic price differences.
Book Early (But Monitor Prices)
Southwest typically releases flight schedules months in advance. Booking early secures a seat, and the flexible change policy protects against price drops.
Travel Midweek
Tuesdays and Wednesdays frequently offer lower fares compared to peak weekend travel days.
Use Points Strategically
Sometimes lower cash fares mean fewer points required as well, increasing redemption value.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Only checking one month – Always compare surrounding months.
- Waiting too long to book – Lower fares can sell out.
- Ignoring early morning or late-night flights – These are often cheaper.
- Not rechecking prices – Missing potential credits after booking.
Avoiding these pitfalls ensures the best possible experience with the tool.
Why the Low Fare Calendar Is So Effective
The Low Fare Calendar works well because it provides something most airline search engines do not: price transparency across time. Instead of limiting users to fixed dates, it visually displays fluctuation patterns.
This shifts the booking strategy from:
“What does it cost to fly on these dates?”
to:
“When is the cheapest time to fly?”
That small mindset change can lead to significant savings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the Southwest Low Fare Calendar accurate?
Yes, the calendar reflects real-time available fares. However, prices may change quickly depending on seat availability.
2. Can travelers use points with the Low Fare Calendar?
Yes. Users can toggle between cash and Rapid Rewards points to compare redemption options.
3. Does the calendar show all available flights?
It shows the lowest available fare per day. After selecting a date, travelers can see multiple flight times and pricing tiers.
4. When is the best time to check the Low Fare Calendar?
There is no official best day, but many travelers report finding lower fares midweek. Price drops can appear at any time.
5. Can flights booked through the calendar be changed?
Yes. Southwest does not charge change fees, and fare drops can result in travel credits.
6. Is the Low Fare Calendar available on mobile devices?
Yes, it is accessible via both desktop and mobile browsers, though many users prefer desktop for easier monthly comparison viewing.
7. How far in advance does Southwest release flight schedules?
Southwest typically releases schedules in phases, covering several months at a time. Travelers can monitor announcements for new booking windows.
By following this step-by-step guide, travelers can confidently use the Southwest Low Fare Calendar to identify the most affordable travel dates, take advantage of pricing dips, and book flights with greater flexibility. With a little patience and strategic planning, this tool can transform the way airfare is searched and purchased.