The Southwest Low Fare Calendar is a simple yet powerful tool that helps travelers find the lowest available fares on Southwest Airlines. Instead of entering specific dates and searching day by day, this calendar view lets you scan prices across an entire month, allowing you to find the cheapest travel days at a glance.
Benefits of Using the Calendar
Save money with date flexibility
Plan vacations around the best fares
Easily compare fare options for outbound and return flights
Ideal for flexible travelers, families, and budget-conscious flyers
Whether you’re planning a summer getaway or booking a last-minute trip, the swa low fare calendar can save you both time and money.
How Does the Southwest Low Fare Calendar Work?
Step-by-Step Guide
Visit Southwest.com
Select “Low Fare Calendar” under the “Flight” tab
Enter your departure and destination cities
Choose either one-way or round-trip
Click “Search”
The calendar displays the lowest available fares per day
Booking Tips
Be flexible: Even a one-day shift can save you hundreds
Watch for “Wanna Get Away” fares—the lowest fare class
Pair with Southwest sales for double the savings
SWA Low Fare Calendar vs Traditional Booking
Flexibility Comparison
Feature | Low Fare Calendar | Traditional Booking |
---|---|---|
View fares by month | ✅ | ❌ |
Best for flexible travelers | ✅ | ❌ |
Fast date comparison | ✅ | ❌ |
Direct fare display | ✅ | ✅ |
Best Use Cases
Planning vacations with flexible dates
Avoiding peak holiday pricing
Finding last-minute budget flights
Top 7 Insider Tips to Maximize Savings
Book in Advance: The earlier, the better. Prices typically rise closer to departure.
Use Points: Combine Rapid Rewards with the low fare calendar to maximize value.
Leverage Sales: Keep an eye out for the famous Southwest sales, often in January, June, and October.
Travel Midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the cheapest.
Set Fare Alerts: Use tools like Google Flights or Hopper for tracking.
Flexible Dates: Use the calendar to shift by a few days to uncover hidden savings.
Track Price Drops: No change fees means you can rebook if your fare drops.
When to Use the Southwest Low Fare Calendar
Best Times to Book
Tuesday afternoons: Historically the sweet spot for flight deals
3–6 weeks before departure for domestic travel
Mid-January and September for off-peak fare drops
Peak vs Off-Peak Travel
Avoid school vacations, major holidays, and long weekends. The calendar often reveals cheaper fares during off-peak periods.
How to Access the Calendar on Different Devices
Desktop Access
Go to Southwest
Navigate to the flight search and select “Low Fare Calendar”
Offers the most detailed interface
Mobile App Experience
Available on Android and iOS
Tap “Book” “Low Fare Calendar”
Offers mobile-optimized results
Integrating Rapid Rewards with the Low Fare Calendar
Earning Points
Earn Rapid Rewards points for every dollar spent
Boost your points with a Southwest credit card
Redeeming with the Calendar
Toggle to “Points” view on the low fare calendar
See reward seat availability alongside prices
No blackout dates—redeem anytime
Using the Calendar for Group and Family Travel
Group Bookings
Book up to 8 passengers directly
For 10+, contact Southwest’s group travel desk
Traveling with Kids
Look for child fares if applicable
Use low fare calendar to match school breaks with the lowest fares
Southwest Low Fare Calendar for International Flights
Coverage and Limitations
While mostly geared toward domestic flights, the calendar also supports many international routes including:
Mexico
Caribbean
Central America
Note: International taxes and fees may make prices seem higher but the calendar still highlights the cheapest options.
Why Flexible Travelers Benefit Most
Spontaneous Travel Deals
If you’re the kind of traveler who’s ready to jet off at a moment’s notice, the low fare calendar is your best friend.
Weekend Getaways
Check Friday-to-Monday ranges on the calendar to plan a budget-friendly mini-vacation.
The Role of Sales and Promotions in the Calendar
Annual Events
Southwest runs promotional sales several times a year:
Spring Sale
Summer Fare Event
Fall Frenzy
Holiday Deals
These promos often trigger fare drops on the low fare calendar, unlocking even more value.
Special Discounts
Student discounts
Military rates
Companion Pass savings
Common Myths About the Low Fare Calendar
Myth | Truth |
---|---|
Only works for domestic flights | Works for many international destinations too |
Only shows basic fares | Includes all fare types (Wanna Get Away, Anytime, Business Select) |
Not accurate | Pulled directly from live fare inventory |
Real-Life Examples of Using the Calendar
Case Study: Emily’s $49 California Getaway
Emily wanted to visit LA but didn’t have a fixed date. She used the calendar and scored a $49 flight from Denver by shifting her dates two days forward.
Testimonial
“I saved over $300 on a family trip just by using the Southwest low fare calendar. It’s now my go-to tool.” – David R., Atlanta
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does Southwest Low Fare Calendar work?
It shows the lowest fares available for each day over a month. You can select flexible dates and find the best-priced flights at a glance.
2. Can I use points with the low fare calendar?
Yes! Simply toggle to “Points” view and book using your Rapid Rewards balance.
3. Is the low fare calendar available on the mobile app?
Absolutely. The mobile app supports full calendar functionality and is easy to use on the go.
4. Does the calendar include international flights?
Yes, it includes many international destinations such as Mexico and the Caribbean.
5. How often are the fares updated?
The calendar pulls from live fare data and updates in real-time, so you always see the current lowest price.
6. Is there a fee to change my flight after booking with the calendar?
No, Southwest does not charge change fees. You can rebook at any time if you find a lower fare.
Conclusion
The Southwest Low Fare Calendar isn’t just a search tool—it’s a strategic advantage for smart travelers. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip, a family vacation, or a last-minute escape, this calendar can help you save hundreds on airfare.
From using Rapid Rewards to booking during seasonal sales, this tool makes your travel budget go further. So the next time you’re planning to fly, skip the guessing game and let the swa low fare calendar guide your way.