What Is the Cheapest Day to Book with Southwest?

David Johnson
Jul 2
3 min read

If you’re someone who refreshes flight search pages looking for the best price before hitting "book now," you’re definitely not alone. Travelers everywhere wonder the same thing—when’s the absolute best day to lock in a great deal? And when it comes to Southwest Airlines, timing can truly make a difference.

In this guide, we’ll talk about what day is generally the cheapest to book with Southwest, why that’s the case, and a few handy tips to help you save even more.

So, What’s the Cheapest Day to Book a Southwest Flight?

In most cases, Tuesday takes the crown.

Why? Airlines—including Southwest—often launch sales late Monday or early Tuesday. By mid-day Tuesday, other airlines have typically matched those prices, making it one of the most competitive—and cost-effective—days to book a flight.

That said, prices constantly change. There’s no guarantee Tuesday will always be the cheapest, but statistically, it’s one of the best bets for scoring low fares.

Why Tuesday Works for Southwest

Unlike many other airlines, Southwest doesn't list its flights on third-party travel sites like Expedia or Fly Fair Travels. That means if you want to catch the best fares, you need to go directly to southwest.com or use the Southwest mobile app.

Here’s why Tuesday is often your golden window:

New deals often go live Monday night
Price matching kicks in by Tuesday noon
Availability is still decent mid-week
Sales usually run until Thursday—but best seats go early

Does the Day You Fly Matter Too?

Absolutely.

Booking on Tuesday is one thing, but actually flying on Tuesday or Wednesday can save you even more. These are typically less busy travel days, meaning lower fares and more available seats.

If you have flexibility in your travel schedule, aim to depart mid-week and avoid Sunday returns—those are generally the most expensive.

Tools to Help You Track Prices

Southwest doesn’t show up on big-name flight trackers, but they offer great internal tools:

Low Fare Calendar – Shows the cheapest flights by day for your route
Email Subscriptions – Sign up for fare alerts and sale announcements
Fare Sales Page – A dedicated section for active discounts and flash sales

Remember: what looks like a great deal today could vanish by tomorrow. So when you see a fare that fits your budget, don’t sit on it for too long.

Bonus Tips to Book Smart with Southwest

Book early: The cheapest seats sell fast, especially on popular routes
Use Rapid Rewards points: Redeemable on sale fares, and fully refundable
Travel light: Good news—two checked bags fly free with Southwest
Be flexible: Adjusting your dates even slightly can unlock better fares
Re-check your fare: If your booked flight drops in price, you can rebook and get travel credit for the difference—no change fees!

Conclusive Thought : Timing Matters, but So Does Strategy

While Tuesday is often the cheapest day to book with Southwest, smart travelers know it's not just about the day—it’s about being flexible, staying alert, and using the right tools.

The airline’s unique model—no hidden fees, two free checked bags, and flexible cancellations—already puts money back in your pocket. Combine that with strategic booking, and you’re well on your way to flying smarter for less.

To know more, Visit Fly Fair Travels