: 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

: 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 .

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:

: Often cheaper than Friday or Sunday, which are peak travel days for business and weekend travelers. Important Fare Rules to Know

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