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When planning a trip, one of the biggest factors to consider is the cost of your flight. Fortunately, Southwest Airlines offers a fantastic tool to help you find the best fares: the Low Fare Calendar. This calendar allows travelers to quickly see the cheapest flights available on specific dates, making it easier to plan your trip without breaking the bank. Here's a guide on how to use the Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar to score the best deals on your next adventure.

Understand What the Low Fare Calendar Is

The Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar is an online tool that displays a month's worth of flight fares on one page. This tool is designed to help you quickly spot the lowest possible fares for your desired destinations. By comparing different dates, you can easily identify the cheapest days to fly, whether you're looking for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.

Accessing the Low Fare Calendar

To get started, visit the Southwest Airlines website and navigate to the Low Fare Calendar. Here’s how you can find it:

• Go to Southwest.com.
• Enter your departure city, destination, and travel dates (choose “flexible dates” or leave the dates open).
• Look for the "Low Fare Calendar" option that appears on the search results page.

Alternatively, you can click the "Flexible Dates" option when searching for flights, which will take you directly to the calendar.

Choosing Flexible Dates

One of the main benefits of using the Low Fare Calendar is its ability to show you the full month’s flight prices at a glance. If you have flexible travel dates, this feature is perfect for finding the lowest fares. Here’s how it works:

• Flexible Dates Option: When you search for a flight, choose "Flexible Dates" to see prices for an entire month.
• Color-Coded Fares: The calendar uses color coding to help you quickly spot low fares. Green represents the lowest fares, while yellow and red indicate higher prices.
• Choose the Cheapest Date: Look for green-colored dates, as these represent the cheapest flights available for that month.

Use the Calendar for Round Trip or One-Way Flights

The Low Fare Calendar can be used to search for both round-trip and one-way flights. You can use the flexible date option for either type of trip, which gives you even more control over finding the best prices.

• Round Trip: Select your departure and return cities and check out the calendar to find the most affordable departure and return dates.
• One-Way Flights: If you’re only flying one way, the calendar can still help you spot the best price for your journey.

Check for Deals and Discounts

Southwest Airlines often runs special promotions, and you can spot these deals through the Low Fare Calendar. These discounts will typically be reflected in the green-colored dates. Make sure to sign up for Southwest’s Email Alerts to stay updated on limited-time promotions and sales.

• Special Offers: Check for “Sales” or “Flash Sales” that may appear in the calendar. These offers often include deeply discounted flights, which can be perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Members: If you’re a member of Southwest's loyalty program, you may receive exclusive deals, discounts, or points promotions that you can apply to these low fares.

Booking Your Flight

Once you’ve selected the dates that offer the best price, it’s time to book your flight. Here’s a quick rundown of how to do this:

• Select the Date: Click on the green or low-cost date to view flight options.
• Choose Your Flight: Southwest will show you flight times and prices for that day. Choose the time that works best for your schedule.
• Enter Passenger Info: Provide the necessary details, including your name and payment information, to complete the booking.

Be Aware of Additional Fees

While Southwest Airlines is known for its relatively low base fares and no hidden fees (such as change or cancellation fees), it's essential to consider any optional add-ons. These include:

• EarlyBird Check-In: This service ensures you get an earlier boarding position.
• Upgraded Fares: Southwest also offers "Business Select" tickets, which provide priority boarding, extra Rapid Rewards points, and other perks.
• Bags: Southwest is one of the few airlines that offer free checked bags (two per passenger), which can save you a lot of money compared to other airlines.

Check for Price Drops

One of the best features of Southwest Airlines is its no change fee policy, which means you can rebook a flight if the price drops after you’ve purchased a ticket. This gives you a lot of flexibility, as you can monitor prices even after booking.

If you find a better price, you can change your flight without paying extra fees. You may even receive a refund for the difference if you booked a refundable ticket.

Conclusion

Using the Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar is an easy and effective way to find the cheapest flights for your next trip. By taking advantage of flexible travel dates and checking for sales, you can save money while exploring new destinations. Keep in mind that the best fares often show up on weekdays and in the off-season, so planning ahead and being flexible can help you score great deals. Happy travels!