The SWA Low Fare Calendar, also known as the Southwest Low Fare Calendar, is a powerful tool offered by Southwest Airlines that allows budget-savvy travelers to find the lowest possible fares across flexible travel dates. Instead of searching for flights on a specific day, users can view an entire monthly fare grid, making it easier to find the cheapest days to fly.
With Southwest’s transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and flexible fare options, this tool is a must-use for anyone planning travel with a flexible schedule.
How Does the Southwest Low Fare Calendar Work?
If you’re wondering, how does Southwest Low Fare Calendar work, here’s a breakdown of the process:
Go to Southwest.com
Navigate to the official Southwest Airlines website or open the mobile app.Access the Low Fare Calendar
Click on “Low Fare Calendar” under the “Flights” tab or go directly to the calendar link.Enter Departure and Arrival Cities
Input your origin and destination airports.Select Departure Month
Choose the month you wish to travel. You can view a monthly calendar showing the lowest available fares for each day.Compare Fares
The calendar will populate with fare options—hover or tap to see pricing and schedule details.Select and Book
Once you find the best fare, click through to finalize your flight selection and booking.
Using this tool, you can instantly compare pricing across multiple days, giving you a high-level overview of the best dates to travel at a lower cost.
Benefits of Using the SWA Low Fare Calendar
1. Instant Fare Comparison
The calendar enables users to view the lowest fares for every day of the month at a glance. This can save hours of manually checking day-by-day prices.
2. Flexibility Means Savings
If your travel dates are flexible, you can easily shift your departure or return to days with significantly lower fares.
3. No Extra Fees
Southwest doesn’t charge for checked bags (first two are free) or flight changes, making it easier to book the cheapest day and change later if needed.
4. Access to Special Deals
The SWA Low Fare Calendar often reflects Southwest’s flash sales and promotions, making it a key tool for grabbing limited-time discounts.
Pro Tips to Get the Most from the Southwest Low Fare Calendar
Book Early
Southwest releases its schedules in blocks, often several months at a time. Booking early gives you the first pick of low fares.
Fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays
Historically, fares are lowest on these days. Use the calendar to validate this with your route.
Subscribe to Southwest Emails
Stay in the loop with Southwest’s email alerts for fare sales and special promotions. These often go live before they're advertised widely.
Check Multiple Airports
If you live near more than one airport, try entering different departure or arrival cities to maximize your chances of finding a deal.
Use Points with the Calendar
If you're a Rapid Rewards member, you can use the calendar to search fares using points, not just dollars—making redemption easier and smarter.
Why the SWA Low Fare Calendar Beats Traditional Search
Most airlines lock you into a specific date before showing you prices. The SWA Low Fare Calendar flips this on its head by letting you see the cheapest prices first—and then pick the date. This is ideal for vacationers, freelancers, retirees, or anyone not tied to a fixed schedule.
Unlike third-party tools, this calendar shows real-time pricing directly from Southwest, ensuring accuracy and availability.
Using the Low Fare Calendar for One-Way and Round-Trip Tickets
You can use the Southwest Low Fare Calendar for both one-way and round-trip bookings. Here’s how to approach each:
One-Way: Search each leg individually for maximum savings.
Round-Trip: Use the calendar to identify the lowest combo of departure and return dates.
By comparing these options manually, you can sometimes save more than $100 just by shifting your flight one day forward or back.
Are There Limitations to the Southwest Low Fare Calendar?
While the tool is incredibly useful, there are a few things to keep in mind:
It shows starting fares—these are usually Wanna Get Away fares, which have limited availability.
Prices can change rapidly, especially during peak travel seasons.
Not all fare types (e.g., Business Select) are visible on the calendar view.
Still, for most travelers looking for the cheapest possible ticket, the calendar is unmatched.
Common Routes and Deals via the SWA Low Fare Calendar
Here are some example routes where the calendar can help you save big:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Las Vegas (LAS) – Fares as low as $49 one-way.
Chicago (MDW) to Denver (DEN) – Regularly available for $69-$89.
Dallas (DAL) to Orlando (MCO) – Watch for flash sale fares from $99 round-trip.
New York (LGA) to Nashville (BNA) – Great options for under $100.
With the Southwest low fare calendar, you can consistently snag great deals—especially if you plan in advance and remain flexible.
How the SWA Low Fare Calendar Stacks Up to Competitors
Airlines like Delta, United, and American do not offer a comparable fare calendar with real-time monthly fare visibility. Some third-party booking engines try to replicate this feature, but none are as integrated, fast, and transparent as Southwest’s tool.
In short: if you’re flying Southwest, this is the best way to find cheap flights.
Conclusion
The SWA Low Fare Calendar is a game-changer for budget-conscious travelers. By giving users the ability to visually compare fares across days, Southwest Airlines makes it easier than ever to find the lowest fares and book smart. Whether you’re flying cross-country or hopping state lines, this tool should be your first stop when planning your trip.
Don't forget—flexibility equals savings, and this calendar is the ultimate hack to stretch your travel dollars further.
FAQs
1. What is the Southwest Low Fare Calendar?
It’s a monthly calendar view offered by Southwest Airlines that displays the lowest available fares for each day of the month.
2. How does Southwest Low Fare Calendar work?
It lets users select origin/destination cities and view a month’s worth of lowest price fares, making it easier to find affordable flight dates.
3. Can I use points with the Low Fare Calendar?
Yes, you can search fares using Rapid Rewards points as well as cash.
4. Does the Low Fare Calendar include taxes and fees?
Yes, the displayed fares include all mandatory government taxes and fees.
5. Are fares shown on the calendar always available?
Fares reflect real-time availability, but they can change quickly, especially during sales or high-demand periods.
