Southwest Airlines is known for its competitive fares, flexibility, and customer-friendly policies. One of its most helpful tools is the Low Fare Calendar, which allows travelers to see the cheapest flights available across an entire month. If you’re looking to save money on your next flight, the Low Fare Calendar is an essential resource. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use it effectively, along with tips to help you secure the best possible fare for your trip.

 What is the Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar?

The Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar is a feature on the airline’s website that displays the lowest fares for each day of the month. It allows you to compare prices quickly across various dates, making it easy to identify when the most affordable flights are available. This tool is especially beneficial for travelers with flexible schedules who can adjust their travel dates to take advantage of lower prices.

 Benefits of Using the Low Fare Calendar

1. Easily Find the Cheapest Days to Fly: The calendar provides an overview of the lowest fares available each day, so you can identify which dates offer the best savings.

2. Flexibility and Freedom to Choose: If you’re open to flying on different days or times, you can potentially save a significant amount of money.

3. Compare One-Way and Round-Trip Options: The Low Fare Calendar works for both one-way and round-trip flights, so you can search for the best prices for either option.

4. Accessible on Mobile and Desktop: The calendar is available on both mobile and desktop versions of Southwest’s website, making it easy to access whenever you need it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar

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

 Step 1: Visit the Southwest Airlines Website

• Go to the official Southwest Airlines website ([www.southwest.com](http://www.southwest.com)). 

• From the homepage, locate the Flight option at the top of the page.

 Step 2: Select the “Low Fare Calendar” Option

•  On the homepage, click on the “Flights” tab in the menu.

•  Below the flight booking options, you’ll see the Low Fare Calendar link. Click on this link to proceed.

 Step 3: Enter Your Travel Information

•  Once you’re on the Low Fare Calendar page, enter your departure and destination cities in the designated fields.

•  Select whether you’re booking a one-way or round-trip ticket. 

•   You’ll also need to specify the number of passengers and if you’re using any specific fare types, such as Wanna Get Away, Anytime, or Business Select.

 Step 4: Choose Your Travel Month

• Select the month you’re interested in traveling by clicking on the calendar icon next to the date fields.

•  The Low Fare Calendar will display the entire month at once, making it easy to compare fares on different days.

 Step 5: Review the Lowest Fares by Date

•  The Low Fare Calendar will show the cheapest fare available each day of the month for your selected route.

•  The prices shown are typically for Wanna Get Away fares, which are the lowest fare category offered by Southwest.

•  If your dates are flexible, you can choose the day with the lowest fare to save the most on your flight.

 Step 6: Select Your Desired Travel Dates

•  Once you identify the dates with the lowest fares, click on the corresponding dates to view flight options.

•  The system will show the available flights and fare options for those specific dates, allowing you to choose the best time for your trip.

 Step 7: Complete the Booking Process

•  After choosing your preferred flight times, proceed with the booking process.

•  Southwest Airlines allows you to check two bags for free, but additional options like priority boarding and Wi-Fi access can be added for an extra fee.

•  Once you’ve confirmed your flight details and entered your passenger information, proceed to payment to secure your booking.

 Tips for Finding the Best Deals with the Southwest Low Fare Calendar

1. Book Early: Southwest fares generally increase as the departure date approaches. By booking well in advance, you can access the lowest fares available.

2. Be Flexible with Your Dates: Flexibility is key to finding the lowest prices. If you have the freedom to adjust your travel dates, use the calendar to explore different options.

3. Check Fares Frequently: Southwest doesn’t always offer consistent prices, and fares can fluctuate. Check the Low Fare Calendar periodically to catch any new fare reductions.

4. Utilize Southwest’s “Wanna Get Away” Fare: This fare type is usually the cheapest. It’s non-refundable, but the fare difference can be applied as a credit toward a future flight if you need to change your plans.

5. Consider Booking Two One-Way Tickets: Sometimes, booking two one-way tickets can be cheaper than a round-trip ticket. You can use the Low Fare Calendar to search for one-way flights in each direction to see if it’s a better deal.

6. Sign Up for Fare Alerts: Although the Low Fare Calendar is an excellent tool for immediate savings, Southwest also offers fare alerts for additional deals and sales. Sign up to receive notifications about fare sales that might save you even more.

 Additional Features and Policies to Keep in Mind

• No Change Fees: Southwest is unique in its policy of not charging change fees. If you find a cheaper fare after booking, you can change your reservation and receive a credit for the difference.

• Rapid Rewards Program: If you’re a frequent flyer with Southwest, make sure to sign up for their Rapid Rewards program. You can earn points on every flight, which can be redeemed for future travel.

• Refundable Options Available: If you prefer flexibility and the option for a refund, you might consider Southwest’s Anytime or Business Select fares, which are refundable and include additional perks.

 When to Use the Low Fare Calendar

The Low Fare Calendar is most useful in these situations:

• Planning Vacation Travel: If you’re planning a vacation and your dates are flexible, the Low Fare Calendar can help you find the cheapest travel days.

• Booking Holiday Flights: Holidays are peak travel times, and fares can be high. Using the Low Fare Calendar early can help you book at the lowest possible rate.

• Weekend Getaways or Quick Trips: If you’re planning a weekend getaway or a short trip and want to minimize costs, this tool can show you the most affordable dates around your preferred time frame.

• Last-Minute Travel: Although prices are generally higher for last-minute flights, the Low Fare Calendar can still help you find the best available option for immediate travel.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Low Fare Calendar available for all Southwest routes?

   Yes, the Low Fare Calendar covers all domestic and international Southwest routes, helping you find the cheapest flights regardless of where you’re traveling.

2. Can I use points from the Rapid Rewards program with the Low Fare Calendar?

   Yes, you can use Rapid Rewards points for flights booked through the Low Fare Calendar, making it a great way to maximize your points for low-cost travel.

3. Are there blackout dates for the Low Fare Calendar?

   Southwest sometimes has blackout dates, especially during peak holiday seasons. However, the calendar will display only available dates, making it easy to see which days you can travel.

4. Can I apply vouchers or gift cards to flights booked with the Low Fare Calendar?

   Yes, you can use Southwest vouchers or gift cards during the checkout process, even if you found your flight through the Low Fare Calendar.

 Conclusion

The Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar is an invaluable tool for budget-conscious travelers. By allowing you to view the lowest available fares across an entire month, it simplifies the process of finding affordable flights. With a bit of flexibility and a few extra tips, you can make the most of the Low Fare Calendar and score great deals on your next trip. Whether you’re a frequent Southwest flyer or new to the airline, this tool can help you save on airfare and make travel planning easier. So, next time you’re booking a flight, give the Low Fare Calendar a try and watch how much you can save.