Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank—especially when you take full advantage of the Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar. Designed to help budget-savvy travelers find the most affordable fares, this tool displays a month-by-month breakdown of the lowest ticket prices across Southwest’s routes. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a long vacation, here are some expert tips to help you save big using this feature.

Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

The key to maximizing the Low Fare Calendar is flexibility. Fares can vary significantly from day to day. Instead of locking in specific travel dates, browse the calendar to see when flights are cheapest. Mid-week flights—especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays—often come with the best prices.

Plan in Advance

Booking early is another smart way to snag deals. Southwest opens its schedule up to six months in advance, and lower fares tend to get booked quickly. Use the Low Fare Calendar as soon as schedules are released to lock in the best prices.

Check Fares Frequently

Southwest doesn’t charge change fees, which means you can rebook if prices drop after your initial purchase. Keep checking the Low Fare Calendar for your travel route even after booking. If you see a lower fare, rebook and get travel credit for the difference.

Use Points with the Calendar

If you’re a Rapid Rewards member, you can toggle the calendar to show prices in points instead of dollars. This is especially useful for maximizing the value of your points and finding the best points-to-dollar conversion rate.

Avoid Peak Travel Times

Holidays, weekends, and major events often see a spike in demand—and prices. To get the most from the Low Fare Calendar, try to travel during off-peak seasons and non-holiday periods when there’s less competition for seats.

Use Nearby Airports

If you're flying to or from a region with multiple airports, compare fares across each one. For example, flights into Chicago Midway may be cheaper than flights into O’Hare. The Low Fare Calendar can help you spot price differences between alternate airports.

Set Fare Alerts (Using Third-Party Tools)

While Southwest doesn’t offer direct fare alerts, you can use third-party tools like Google Flights or Hopper to track prices. Then, cross-reference with the Low Fare Calendar to catch the best window for purchase.

Book One-Way Tickets

Southwest fares are priced per leg, so booking two one-way tickets can sometimes be cheaper than a round-trip fare. The calendar helps you mix and match the cheapest departure and return dates more effectively.

Final Thoughts

The Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar is a powerful tool for budget-conscious travelers. By staying flexible, planning ahead, and monitoring prices, you can easily unlock major savings on your next trip. Whether you're flying for business or leisure, a little strategy goes a long way in stretching your travel dollars further.

Tips to Maximize Savings with the Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar