Are you looking to book a flight on Southwest Airlines (SWA) but worried about the costs? Community colleges are often tight on budget and finding affordable flights can be a daunting task. However, with the right knowledge and strategies, you can score some great deals on SWA flights. In this blog post, we will explore some tips and tricks that can help you find the best deals on SWA flights. From understanding SWA flight pricing to leveraging credit card offers, we’ve got you covered.
Understanding SWA Flight Pricing
Before diving into tips for finding affordable SWA flights, it’s important to understand how SWA determines its flight prices. Unlike traditional airlines, SWA uses a point-to-point routing system rather than a hub-and-spoke system. This means that flights depart from and arrive at multiple cities without connecting through a central hub. This allows SWA to offer more direct flights and keep its costs lower.
In addition, SWA has a unique “no-frills” approach, offering only one type of seating arrangement and no assigned seats. This helps in keeping costs low as well. However, despite these cost-saving measures, SWA still needs to make a profit, which is why they have a dynamic pricing model. This means that flight prices can fluctuate depending on demand, time of booking, and other factors.
Now that we have a basic understanding of how SWA determines its flight prices, let’s explore some tips for finding the best deals.
Utilizing Fare Sale Alerts and Notifications
One of the best ways to stay updated on SWA flight deals is by signing up for fare sale alerts and notifications. SWA frequently runs sales and promotions that offer discounted flights to various destinations. By subscribing to their email list or following them on social media, you can be among the first to know about these deals.
Apart from SWA’s own notifications, you can also sign up for fare sale alerts through third-party websites such as Airfarewatchdog or Skyscanner. These websites track flight prices and send notifications when prices drop, allowing you to snag a deal before it’s gone.
Best Times to Book SWA Flights
Timing is crucial when it comes to booking affordable SWA flights. Generally, the best time to book a flight is at least 3-4 weeks in advance. This allows you to take advantage of any early bird deals or promotions that SWA may be offering. However, if you are flexible with your travel dates, you can score even better deals by booking during off-peak times.
SWA often runs sales on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so consider booking your flight on these days to save some money. Additionally, flying during mid-week rather than weekends can also result in lower prices.
Maximizing Rapid Rewards Points for Savings
SWA has a loyalty program called Rapid Rewards that allows you to earn points every time you fly with them. These points can then be redeemed for future flights, giving you significant savings. The key to maximizing your Rapid Rewards points is by signing up for a Southwest credit card.
Southwest offers several credit cards that allow you to earn bonus points upon signing up. These points can then be combined with your regular points earned from flying, giving you more rewards for your money. In addition, you can also earn bonus points by using your credit card for everyday purchases and paying off your balance in full each month.
Exploring Companion Pass Benefits
Another great benefit of Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program is the Companion Pass. This pass allows you to choose one person to fly with you for free on any Southwest flight (excluding taxes and fees) for the entire duration of your pass. To qualify for a Companion Pass, you need to earn 125,000 qualifying points or take 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year.
You can earn Rapid Rewards points through flying, credit card spending, and even certain hotel partners. By utilizing these methods, you can easily earn enough points for a Companion Pass, giving you even more savings on your SWA flights.
Flexibility with Dates and Destinations
Being flexible with your travel dates and destinations can also result in significant savings on SWA flights. If you have the option to choose between multiple travel dates, use the low-fare calendar on SWA’s website to find the cheapest days to fly. Similarly, consider alternate airports or nearby cities when choosing a destination. Sometimes, flying into a smaller airport can result in lower prices.
In addition, by being open to different destinations, you can take advantage of SWA’s “Wanna Get Away” fares. These are the lowest fare category offered by SWA and are usually available on non-peak travel days and times.
Tips for Avoiding Hidden Fees
While SWA is known for its low-cost approach, there are still some fees that can add up if you’re not careful. To avoid any hidden fees, it’s important to read the fine print and understand what is included in your ticket price. For example, SWA offers two free checked bags per passenger, but any additional bags will incur a fee. By packing light and only bringing necessary items, you can avoid this extra cost.
Additionally, SWA charges a fee for seat selection, so be prepared to potentially sit next to strangers if you don’t want to pay for a specific seat. In-flight meals and drinks are also not included in the ticket price, so consider bringing your own snacks and water to save money.
Leveraging SWA Credit Card Offers and Bonuses
As mentioned earlier, signing up for a Southwest credit card can help you earn more Rapid Rewards points and ultimately save money on flights. In addition to the sign-up bonuses, these credit cards often offer other benefits such as statement credits, travel insurance, and priority boarding.
If you’re a frequent flyer on SWA, it may be worth considering one of their credit cards to take advantage of these perks. However, be sure to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges that can negate any savings from rewards.
Conclusion
By understanding how SWA determines its flight prices and utilizing various strategies, you can find affordable flights for your next trip. Remember to stay updated on fare sales, book during off-peak times, maximize your Rapid Rewards points, and be flexible with dates and destinations. By following these tips, flying with Southwest can be budget-friendly for community college students. Happy travels!
