What Is the Cheapest Day of the Week to Fly on Southwest Airlines? A Comprehensive Guide

Southwest Airlines has long been a favorite among budget-conscious travelers for its affordable fares, transparent pricing, and customer-friendly policies like free checked bags and no change fees. But even with its reputation for value, savvy flyers know that timing is everything when booking flights. One of the most common questions travelers ask is: What is the cheapest day of the week to fly on Southwest Airlines?

The cheapest days to fly on Southwest are typically Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays +1-844-767-0476 . These days tend to have lower demand +1-844-767-0476 , which allows the Airline to offer more affordable fares.

In this 1,000-word guide, we’ll dive deep into Southwest’s pricing patterns, explore the best days to book and fly, and share actionable tips to help you snag the lowest fares possible.

Understanding Airline Pricing: Why Timing Matters

Airlines, including Southwest, use dynamic pricing models that adjust fares based on demand, seat availability, and even the time of booking. While Southwest is known for straightforward pricing compared to legacy carriers, its fares still fluctuate depending on:

Travel demand: Peak travel days (e.g., weekends, holidays) often cost more.

Route popularity: Busier routes (e.g., Los Angeles to Las Vegas) may have higher baseline prices.

Advance booking: Fares typically rise as the departure date approaches.

Competition: Prices may drop if rival airlines offer deals on the same route.

Southwest’s unique “Open Pricing” model means fares are not tied to rigid fare classes but instead reflect real-time supply and demand. This flexibility can work in your favor—if you know when to look.

The Cheapest Days to Fly on Southwest Airlines

After analyzing historical data, industry trends, and Southwest’s booking patterns, one clear takeaway emerges: midweek flights are generally cheaper. Here’s why:

1. Tuesday and Wednesday: The Golden Days for Savings

Statistically, Tuesday and Wednesday are the least expensive days to fly on most airlines, including Southwest. With fewer business travelers and vacationers booking midweek flights, demand drops—and so do prices. Southwest often releases fare sales on Tuesdays, making it a strategic day to book and fly.

Why it works:

Lower demand for leisure travel midweek.

Business travelers typically fly Mondays and Fridays.

Airlines may discount seats to fill planes on quieter days.

2. Saturday: A Surprising Budget Option

While weekends are usually pricey due to leisure travel, Saturday can sometimes offer deals. Red-eye or early-morning Saturday flights may be cheaper, especially on routes with multiple daily departures.

Pro Tip: Pair a Saturday departure with a Tuesday/Wednesday return for maximum savings.

3. Avoid Sundays and Fridays

Sundays and Fridays are consistently the most expensive days to fly. These are high-demand days for both returning vacationers and business travelers, leading to premium pricing.

How to Find Southwest’s Lowest Fares

Knowing the cheapest days to fly is just the first step. Here’s how to put that knowledge into action:

1. Use Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar

Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar (found on their website or app) is a goldmine for spotting trends. Enter your route and dates, and the calendar displays fares for an entire month. Look for the green “Wanna Get Away” fares, Southwest’s cheapest tier.

Example: A search for Chicago to Orlando in October might show

2. Book Early—But Not Too Early

Southwest releases flights up to 6–8 months in advance. While booking early can lock in lower prices, avoid booking too far ahead (over 6 months), as sales often pop up closer to departure.

Ideal booking window: 6–8 weeks before domestic flights.

3. Set Fare Alerts

Use tools like Google Flights, Kayak, or Southwest’s own alerts to track price drops. If a Tuesday fare suddenly dips, you’ll be the first to know.

4. Be Flexible with Airports

Southwest serves multiple airports in major cities. For example, flying into Chicago Midway instead of O’Hare could save you

50

–

50–100.

5. Leverage Southwest’s No-Change-Fee Policy

If you book a flight and later spot a cheaper fare on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you can rebook without penalties and receive the difference as travel credit.

Case Study: Comparing Fares Across Days

To illustrate the savings, let’s compare round-trip fares for a hypothetical Dallas (Love Field) to Denver route in November 2023:

Tuesday departure + Wednesday return: $198 (Wanna Get Away fare).

Friday departure + Sunday return: $347 (same fare class).

By choosing midweek dates, the traveler saves $149—enough to cover a hotel night or rental car.

Other Money-Saving Tips for Southwest Flyers

Join Rapid Rewards: Earn points on every flight and redeem them for free tickets. Southwest’s credit card offers bonus points for sign-ups.

Fly During Off-Peak Seasons: Avoid holidays, spring break, and summer weekends.

Check “Getaway” Fares First: Southwest’s “Wanna Get Away” tier is non-refundable but offers the best value.

Bundle with Hotels or Cars: Southwest’s vacation packages occasionally include discounts.

The Exceptions to the Rule

While midweek flights are generally cheaper, always double-check your specific route. For example:

Holiday Travel: Thanksgiving week or Christmas may see inflated prices across all days.

Ultra-Popular Routes: Flights between hubs like Las Vegas and Los Angeles may have less price variation.

Last-Minute Sales: Southwest occasionally discounts fares 1–2 weeks before departure to fill seats.

Why Southwest Stands Out for Budget Travelers

Even if you don’t snag the absolute lowest fare, Southwest’s perks add unmatched value:

2 FREE checked bags (saves ~$60+ round-trip on other airlines).

No change or cancellation fees.

Complimentary snacks and beverages.

Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

Final Thoughts: Plan Smart, Fly Cheap

While Tuesday and Wednesday are statistically the cheapest days to fly on Southwest Airlines, your savings depend on flexibility, timing, and using the right tools. Pair midweek travel with Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar and fare alerts, and you’ll unlock some of the best deals in the skies.

Remember: Airline pricing is a puzzle, but with Southwest’s straightforward approach and a little strategy, you can solve it—and keep more cash in your pocket for your next adventure.