If you want to get cheaper Southwest flights, you need to use the right tools. There are many ways to save money with Southwest, including utilizing a variety of sale features. Some of these features include Wanna Get Away Plus fares, EarlyBird Check-In, Cash refunds for changes and cancellations, and Business Select fares. You can also search for destination pairs that are always cheap. Some of these pairs include Cincinnati, Ohio, to Baltimore/Washington, DC.
Wanna Get Away Plus fares
Southwest has introduced a new fare class, Wanna Get Away Plus, which offers more benefits than ever. It’s the airline’s first new fare class since 2007. Wanna Get Away Plus includes a much-requested feature for passengers: the ability to transfer flight credits. The airline calls these “travel funds.” You must be a Rapid Rewards member to use these credits.
Wanna Get Away Plus will be available on Southwest flights starting May 17, 2022. This fare class joins the company’s existing Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select fare classes. The new fare class offers passengers increased earning rates, same-day confirmed changes, and standby lists.
Customers who fly on Wanna Get Away Plus fares will receive eight times as many Rapid Rewards points as those who fly on other fares. There are also a number of other benefits, including transferable flight credits, Priority Lane benefits, and Express Lane benefits. Also, Southwest customers can enjoy two free checked bags and no change or cancellation fees.
Southwest Wanna Get Away Plus fares will cost slightly more than their basic economy counterparts, but they will also include more perks and flexibility. Some of these benefits include two free checked bags, no change fees, and free in-flight entertainment. Additionally, unused flight credits will be transferable to another person with a Rapid Rewards account.
EarlyBird Check-In
If you want to purchase a Southwest flight and are able to check in early, there is a way to get cheaper tickets. The EarlyBird Check-In option can be added to an existing itinerary or purchased separately once you have purchased your original ticket. However, it’s important to note that EarlyBird Check-In doesn’t guarantee you a particular seat. Rather, it increases your chances of getting the seat of your choice.
The EarlyBird Check-In service costs around $15 per person. This is a great deal if you’re traveling with a group of family members or a small child. You can also get free or discounted tickets by using certain credit cards that offer early check-in. The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a $300 annual travel credit for using the card on Southwest. Other credit cards, like the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire, offer $200 credit for airline fees.
You can board the plane between A and B groups or between groups depending on your check-in time. EarlyBird Check-In can give you priority seating on Southwest flights. EarlyBird Check-In can be purchased when you purchase your ticket or later, if you have to, but the service saves you from unnecessary stress.
When it comes to checking in early, the Southwest EarlyBird Check-In service can save you money on your tickets. It’s possible to buy an EarlyBird Check-In pass for only $15 or $25 per person. However, be aware that this option is not refundable. If Southwest cancels a flight, the EarlyBird check-in fee is refunded.
You can also choose to add the EarlyBird Check-In service to an existing itinerary. Although this option costs $15 to $25 per person, it can help you secure a more desirable seat. However, it is important to remember that you must check-in online 24 hours prior to your flight.
Depending on the route, EarlyBird Check-In can save you a lot of money. However, it can only be worth it if you’re traveling with a group or if you can get on the plane early. It may also reduce stress and make your trip more enjoyable.
Business Select fares
Business Select fares are more expensive than Wanna Get Away fares, but it’s worth the small premium if you get a free drink and priority boarding. But if you don’t need these extras and would rather fly in economy, Wanna Get Away is a better choice.
Business Select fares come with free perks like a free premium beverage, two checked bags, and more. Plus, you can also standby on same-day flights. However, you’ll have to be on the same city pairs and dates as the original flight. If you don’t get the desired seat assignment, you can request for an aisle seat or window seat. Southwest will refund you the difference in fares. You’ll also get a free premium drink, such as a margarita or gin and tonic, or a seasonal beer. Standard Southwest perks also apply, including free seat assignment, two checked bags, and no fees for changes. Additionally, you can use 100% of your ticket’s value as reusable funds, which can be used again for a future flight.
Southwest Business Select fares are a great way to get priority boarding and extra legroom on a flight. You’ll also be among the first passengers on the plane, and you can choose your seat. However, preboarding doesn’t allow you to take emergency exit row seats with extra legroom, but you can purchase an upgrade to those seats at a discounted price. This upgrade usually costs $30 to $50 per segment. However, you should keep in mind that the availability of these seats is limited.
One way to get a lower Southwest Business Select fare is to learn about Southwest’s seating map. Seats in Southwest Business Select are not much bigger than the seats in other Southwest fares. You’ll be seated in rows of two. Business Select passengers can also benefit from priority check-in and security lanes.
Another option is to check in online and pay the extra charge to check in ahead of time. Then, if you have a Southwest credit card, you can often get free drink tickets and drink coupons if you use the card. And as an added bonus, you’ll get priority boarding.
Cash refunds for changes or cancellations
Southwest Airlines offers a risk-free cancellation policy for most flights. You have up to 24 hours to change your mind and get a full refund, depending on the fare you purchased. If you decide to cancel your flight, you must do so at least 10 minutes before your scheduled departure. You can do this online or call the airline to cancel your ticket. Note that this policy does not apply to award tickets purchased through other means.
If you’ve booked a Southwest flight, it’s important to know the cancellation and change policies. Not all airlines are as flexible, so make sure to read the fine print to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Fortunately, you can usually get a full refund within 24 hours of making your reservation. You can also transfer your ticket to a different airline or use it toward future travel within a year.
Southwest’s policy is easy to understand. For instance, you can cancel a Southwest flight at any time up to 10 minutes before departure and get your money back in Rapid Rewards points. In addition, if your reservation is nonrefundable, you can receive a cash refund within 24 hours and convert it to travel funds. Depending on your fares, you can also get a full refund if your flight is delayed, canceled or is not available when you need it.
Southwest’s refund policy is one of the most flexible in the industry. If you cancel your flight before ten minutes of departure, you can get a full refund. If you cancel after that, you’ll receive a credit for future use. But if you’re unsure of how to claim your refund, Southwest’s customer service representatives may not be the best resource for you.
You may also be able to get a cash refund if your Southwest flight is canceled. However, keep in mind that you can only make one itinerary change for free. Otherwise, you may have to pay additional fees and charges.