Southwest Low Fare Calendar – Find the Cheapest Flights with FaresMatch
When it comes to booking affordable flights in the United States, Southwest Airlines is one of the most popular choices. Known for its flexible policies, free checked bags, and friendly customer service, Southwest has built a loyal customer base. But one feature that truly sets it apart is the Southwest Low Fare Calendar, a tool designed to help travelers find the cheapest fares available throughout the month.
At FaresMatch, we know that travelers are always looking for ways to save money without compromising on comfort or convenience. That’s why we recommend exploring the Low Fare Calendar when planning your next trip. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know: how to use it, why it’s beneficial, and some insider tips to maximize your savings.
What is the Southwest Low Fare Calendar?
The Southwest Low Fare Calendar is an online feature offered by Southwest Airlines that allows travelers to see the lowest available fares across an entire month. Instead of searching day by day, you can view a calendar format that highlights the cheapest flights for your selected route.
For example, if you’re flying from Dallas to Las Vegas, you can view the calendar for September and instantly see which days have the lowest prices. This feature is particularly useful for flexible travelers who are not locked into specific dates.
Why Use the Southwest Low Fare Calendar?
There are several benefits to using the Low Fare Calendar:
- Save Money Instantly – Instead of guessing which day might be cheaper, the calendar displays the lowest fares upfront.
- Flexible Planning – If your travel dates are adjustable, you can simply pick the cheapest option and plan around it.
- Transparent Pricing – Southwest is known for no hidden fees, so the fare you see is close to the final cost.
- Great for Families & Groups – When booking multiple tickets, even small savings per ticket can add up.
- Seasonal Deals – The calendar helps spot seasonal discounts like spring break specials or holiday sales.
How to Use the Southwest Low Fare Calendar
Using the Southwest Low Fare Calendar through FaresMatch or directly via Southwest’s site is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Go to the Southwest Website or App
- Start your search on the official Southwest Airlines site.
- Select “Low Fare Calendar”
- Instead of using the standard flight search, click on “Low Fare Calendar.”
- Enter Your Departure and Arrival Cities
- Example: Chicago (MDW) to Orlando (MCO).
- Choose Your Month of Travel
- You can pick a specific month or browse through multiple months.
- View the Lowest Prices
- The calendar will show you the cheapest available fares for each day of the month.
- Select and Book
- Once you find a fare that fits your budget, click on it to continue booking.
Example: How Much Can You Save?
Let’s say you’re planning a trip from Los Angeles to Denver. If you use the standard search, you might see fares around $200 round trip on your selected dates. However, when you check the Low Fare Calendar, you notice that by leaving two days earlier, the price drops to $120 round trip. That’s an $80 saving per person. For a family of four, that’s a total of $320 saved, just by being flexible.
Tips for Maximizing Savings with the Low Fare Calendar
- Book Early – Fares tend to rise as the departure date gets closer.
- Fly Midweek – Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often cheaper than Fridays and Sundays.
- Avoid Peak Holidays – Travel around holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas usually costs more.
- Check Round-Trip vs. One-Way – Sometimes booking two separate one-way flights is cheaper than a round trip.
- Sign Up for Alerts – Southwest doesn’t list flights on third-party booking sites, so checking their site regularly is key.
Additional Perks of Flying Southwest
Besides using the Low Fare Calendar, flying with Southwest has other advantages that make it budget-friendly:
- Two Free Checked Bags – Unlike most airlines, Southwest allows two checked bags for free, saving you $60–$120 per trip.
- No Change Fees – Plans change? You won’t pay extra fees for modifying your ticket.
- Open Seating Policy – Instead of pre-assigned seats, you can choose your own during boarding.
- Rapid Rewards Program – Earn points every time you fly, which can be redeemed for future travel.
How FaresMatch Helps You
At FaresMatch, we specialize in helping travelers find the best flight deals. While Southwest does not appear on most third-party booking platforms, we guide you on how to use the Low Fare Calendar efficiently and combine it with our travel tips. Whether you’re booking for business, family vacations, or last-minute getaways, our mission is to make affordable flying possible.
By choosing FaresMatch, you get:
- Expert travel tips on how to use Southwest tools effectively.
- Updated information on seasonal discounts and sales.
- Guidance on comparing Southwest with other airlines for the best value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use the Low Fare Calendar for international flights?
Yes, the Southwest Low Fare Calendar works for both domestic and international destinations served by Southwest, such as Mexico and the Caribbean.
Q2: How often is the calendar updated?
The fares shown are live and updated in real time, so prices can change quickly based on availability.
Q3: Are taxes included in the calendar prices?
Most base fares are displayed, but final pricing includes taxes and fees at checkout.
Q4: Do I need to be a Rapid Rewards member to use the calendar?
No, anyone can use the Low Fare Calendar, but Rapid Rewards members earn points for each booking.
Q5: Is it better to book directly on Southwest or through FaresMatch?
Since Southwest fares aren’t listed on third-party sites, booking directly is necessary. However, FaresMatch provides guidance to help you maximize savings and choose the right dates.
Final Thoughts
The Southwest Low Fare Calendar is one of the most powerful tools for finding cheap flights in the U.S. and beyond. By showing the lowest fares available each day of the month, it takes the guesswork out of booking and ensures you’re getting the best deal possible.
At FaresMatch, our goal is to help travelers like you stretch your budget further. By combining the Low Fare Calendar with smart booking strategies, you can enjoy more trips, spend less money, and travel with confidence.
