Southwest Low Fare Calendar – Cool Leather RFID Wallets

Traveling can be an exhilarating experience, but the costs associated with flights often pose a significant hurdle. For budget-conscious travelers, finding affordable airfare is a top priority. Southwest Airlines, renowned for its customer-friendly policies and competitive pricing, offers a powerful tool called the Low Fare Calendar. This feature simplifies the process of finding the lowest fares available, allowing travelers to plan their trips more economically.

This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of the Southwest Low Fare Calendar, providing step-by-step instructions on how to use it effectively. We'll explore its benefits, offer tips for securing the best deals, and include illustrative tables to enhance your understanding.

What is the Southwest Low Fare Calendar?

The Southwest Low Fare Calendar is an online feature that displays the lowest available fares over a range of dates for specific routes. Instead of searching for flights on individual dates, the calendar provides a monthly overview, highlighting the cheapest days to fly. This tool is particularly useful for travelers with flexible schedules who are looking to maximize savings.

Benefits of Using the Low Fare Calendar

Cost Savings: Easily identify the most affordable travel dates.
Flexibility: Adjust your travel plans based on fare variations.
Efficiency: Save time by viewing a month's worth of fares at once.
Transparency: Compare prices without hidden fees or surprises.
Convenience: User-friendly interface simplifies the booking process.

How to Use the Southwest Low Fare Calendar

Follow these detailed steps to make the most of the Low Fare Calendar:

Step 1: Visit Southwest Airlines' Website

Go to the official Southwest Airlines website.
Locate the "Low Fare Calendar" option, typically found under the "Flights" or "Special Offers" section.

Step 2: Enter Your Travel Information

Departure City: Enter the airport or city from which you plan to depart.
Arrival City: Enter your destination airport or city.
Trip Type: Select either "Round Trip" or "One Way."
Number of Passengers: Indicate how many people are traveling.
Month of Travel: Choose the month you wish to travel from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Access the Low Fare Calendar

Click on the "Search" or "View Calendar" button.
The calendar will display, showing the lowest fares for each day of the selected month.

Step 4: Analyze the Fare Options

Review the fares displayed on each date.
Identify dates with the lowest fares that fit your schedule.

Step 5: Select Your Travel Dates

Click on the preferred departure and return dates.
Ensure that both dates offer the best combination of price and convenience.

Step 6: Review Available Flights

After selecting your dates, you'll see a list of available flights.
Review the departure times, duration, and any layovers.

Step 7: Choose Your Fare Type

Southwest offers several fare options:

Wanna Get Away: The most economical fare with basic amenities.
Anytime: Offers more flexibility, including refundable tickets.
Business Select: Includes priority boarding and additional perks.

Step 8: Complete the Booking Process

Enter passenger details as prompted.
Review your itinerary and total cost.
Proceed to payment to finalize your booking.

Understanding Fare Types

Wanna Get Away

Features:
- Lowest fares available.
- Non-refundable but reusable funds for future travel.
- Two free checked bags.
Ideal For: Budget travelers who are certain of their travel plans.

Anytime

Features:
- Fully refundable and changeable tickets.
- Priority boarding after Business Select.
- Two free checked bags.
Ideal For: Travelers needing flexibility.

Business Select

Features:
- Fully refundable tickets.
- Priority boarding (Group A, positions 1–15).
- Complimentary premium drink.
- Higher Rapid Rewards points earning.
Ideal For: Business travelers or those seeking extra comfort and convenience.

Sample Fare Table

Below is an illustrative example of how the Low Fare Calendar might display fares for a route from Dallas (DAL) to Denver (DEN) in a given month.

Date	Lowest One-Way Fare
January 1	$79
January 2	$99
January 3	$69
January 4	$89
January 5	$109
January 6	$79
January 7	$89
January 8	$69
January 9	$79
January 10	$99
January 11	$109
January 12	$89
January 13	$69
January 14	$79
January 15	$99

Note: These fares are for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect current prices.

Tips for Securing the Best Deals

Book Early: Fares generally increase as the departure date approaches.
Be Flexible with Dates: Traveling on less popular days can yield lower fares.
Travel Off-Peak: Avoid peak travel seasons and holidays.
Set Fare Alerts: Keep an eye on fare trends for your desired routes.
Join Rapid Rewards: Earn points that can be redeemed for future travel.
Consider Nearby Airports: Sometimes flying from a different airport can save money.
Check for Promotions: Southwest frequently offers special deals and discounts.
Use Companion Pass: If eligible, a companion can fly with you free of airline charges.

Maximizing Benefits with Rapid Rewards

Earning Points

Flights: Earn points based on the fare type.
- Wanna Get Away: 6 points per dollar.
- Anytime: 10 points per dollar.
- Business Select: 12 points per dollar.
Partners: Earn points through car rentals, hotels, and dining partners.

Redeeming Points

Use points to book flights with no blackout dates.
Points can also be redeemed for gift cards and merchandise.

Achieving Tier Status

A-List: Earn 25 one-way qualifying flights or 35,000 tier qualifying points.
- Benefits include priority boarding and check-in.
A-List Preferred: Earn 50 one-way qualifying flights or 70,000 tier qualifying points.
- Includes all A-List benefits plus free in-flight Wi-Fi.

Advantages of Flying with Southwest Airlines

No Change Fees: Modify your booking without incurring additional fees (fare differences may apply).
Two Free Checked Bags: Save on baggage fees, which can be substantial with other airlines.
Open Seating Policy: Choose your seat upon boarding, allowing for flexibility.
Customer Service: Southwest is known for its friendly and accommodating staff.
Community Involvement: The airline is committed to social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use the Low Fare Calendar for international flights?

Yes, the Low Fare Calendar includes both domestic and select international destinations served by Southwest Airlines.

2. Do the fares shown include taxes and fees?

The fares displayed typically include government taxes and fees. However, always review the final price during the booking process.

3. Is the Low Fare Calendar available on the mobile app?

As of the latest updates, the Low Fare Calendar is accessible via the Southwest mobile app, providing convenience for on-the-go travelers.

4. How often are the fares updated?

Fares are dynamic and can change frequently based on demand, availability, and promotions. It's advisable to check regularly.

5. Can I book for multiple passengers using the Low Fare Calendar?

Yes, you can select the number of passengers before viewing the calendar, and the fares will reflect the total number of travelers.

Case Study: Saving with the Low Fare Calendar

Scenario: Emily plans a vacation from San Francisco (SFO) to Honolulu (HNL) in April. Her dates are flexible within the first two weeks of the month.

Using the Low Fare Calendar:

She enters her departure and arrival cities, selects April, and views the calendar.
The calendar shows that flying out on April 5th and returning on April 12th offers the lowest fares at $199 each way.
Alternative dates, such as April 7th to April 14th, show fares at $249 each way.
By choosing the optimal dates, Emily saves $100 on her round-trip flight.

Additional Tips for Using the Low Fare Calendar

Check Multiple Months: If your travel dates are highly flexible, compare fares across several months.
Book as Soon as Possible: Great deals can sell out quickly.
Monitor Fare Sales: Southwest often has sales that can further reduce prices.
Understand the Cancellation Policy: Knowing the terms can save you money if plans change.
Combine with Other Discounts: Use credit card rewards or partner offers for additional savings.

Understanding Southwest's Policies

Baggage Policy

Checked Bags: First two checked bags are free, with size and weight restrictions.
Carry-On Bags: One carry-on bag and one personal item are allowed.

Check-In Process

Online Check-In: Available 24 hours before departure.
Boarding Positions: Assigned at check-in; earlier check-in can result in better boarding positions.

In-Flight Experience

Seating: Open seating policy; choose any available seat upon boarding.
Wi-Fi and Entertainment: Wi-Fi available for a fee; free live TV and movies on personal devices.

Conclusion

The Southwest Low Fare Calendar is a valuable resource for travelers looking to minimize airfare expenses without sacrificing quality or convenience. By providing a clear and comprehensive view of the lowest fares available, it empowers users to make informed decisions and optimize their travel plans.

Whether you're planning a business trip, a family vacation, or a spontaneous getaway, utilizing the Low Fare Calendar can lead to significant savings and a smoother booking experience. Remember to combine this tool with Southwest's other customer-friendly policies, like free checked bags and no change fees, to maximize the benefits.

Final Thoughts

Stay Informed: Sign up for Southwest's newsletter to receive updates on promotions and fare sales.
Plan Ahead: While last-minute deals can occur, planning in advance often yields better prices.
Leverage Rewards: Participate in the Rapid Rewards program to earn points towards future travel.
Be Flexible: Flexibility with travel dates and times can result in substantial savings.

By integrating these strategies and making full use of the Southwest Low Fare Calendar, you can enjoy affordable and stress-free travel experiences. Safe travels!