Best Day To Buy Southwest Tickets May 2026

While Tuesdays are optimal for sales, securing the best price requires a combination of timing and tools:

: Book 3 to 4 months ahead to avoid sharp price hikes.

The best day to buy Southwest tickets is , specifically around 3:00 PM EST . Southwest typically releases its weekly fare sales on Tuesday mornings, prompting competing airlines to match prices by mid-afternoon, which creates a "sweet spot" for shoppers. Strategy for Scoring the Lowest Fares best day to buy southwest tickets

: Lowest demand and highest sale availability.

: Mark your calendar for Southwest's biggest annual sales, which typically occur in early June (Summer Sale) and October (Fall/Winter Sale). Best Days to Actually Fly While Tuesdays are optimal for sales, securing the

Buying your ticket on a Tuesday doesn't mean you have to fly on a Tuesday, though midweek travel is often cheaper. The most budget-friendly days to fly are:

: These are the lowest-priced fares but are non-refundable (though they can be converted to flight credits). Strategy for Scoring the Lowest Fares : Lowest

: This is the most effective strategy for Southwest. Since the airline has no change fees , you should book as soon as you see a fair price. If the price drops later, you can "change" your flight to the same one at the lower rate and receive the difference as a future flight credit .