The Southwest Airlines Birthday Sale is one of the most awaited events in the travel industry, offering deep discounts on flights across the U.S. and select international routes. Typically held in mid-June, the sale celebrates the airline’s anniversary and often features one-way fares as low as $49.
Budget-conscious travelers and frequent flyers alike eagerly await the announcement each year, as it’s a rare opportunity to lock in deals for summer and fall travel. With its generous no-change fee policy and two free checked bags, Southwest sweetens the deal for those booking during the birthday sale. It’s a limited-time event that rewards speed, flexibility, and timing.
What Is the Southwest Airlines Birthday Sale?
The Southwest Airlines Birthday Sale began as a celebration of the airline’s founding in June 1971, and has since become an annual tradition for bargain hunters. The promotion typically launches around the second or third week of June, aligning with the company’s anniversary.
Southwest uses the event to thank loyal customers, drive bookings for slower travel periods, and generate media buzz. The sale usually lasts 3 to 5 days and offers steep discounts on select domestic and international routes. Common deals include $49, $59, or $69 one-way fares, though prices may vary based on distance and demand. With limited-time availability and blackout dates, the birthday sale is all about acting fast and planning ahead.
When Does the Southwest Birthday Sale Happen?
While dates may shift slightly each year, the Southwest Airlines Birthday Sale has historically launched in mid-June. For example, in 2023, the sale began on June 13 and ended on June 15. In 2022, it ran from June 14–16. Based on this pattern, travelers can expect the 2025 sale to occur sometime between June 10–18.
The sale typically lasts 3 to 5 days, but the best deals can sell out within hours of launch, especially on popular routes. Southwest usually releases fares early in the morning (around 6:00 AM CT) on launch day, making it crucial to check the site or app promptly. Being flexible with travel dates and destinations increases your chances of scoring a low fare.
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How to Find the Best Deals During the Birthday Sale
To grab the best fares during the Southwest Birthday Sale, start by checking the official website or the Low Fare Calendar, which helps you view discounted prices across multiple dates. The Southwest app is another great tool, and enabling push notifications ensures you’re alerted as soon as the sale goes live. Signing up for email alerts from Southwest can also give you early notice.
Follow Southwest on Twitter and Facebook, where they sometimes drop promo codes or announce flash deals. For best results, be flexible with your travel dates and destinations. Booking as early as possible—ideally, the morning the sale starts—gives you the best chance at snagging low fares before they sell out.
How to Book Southwest Airlines Birthday Sale Flights
Booking during the Southwest Airlines Birthday Sale is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Go to Southwest.com or open the Southwest mobile app.
- Enter your departure and arrival cities along with the travel dates that fall within the eligible sale window.
- Select the “Low Fare Calendar” to view the cheapest days to fly.
- Choose your preferred flight and fare type.
- Proceed to checkout—there are no hidden booking fees or charges for changing flights later.
- You can also redeem or earn Rapid Rewards points, making it even easier to save.
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What Destinations Are Usually Included?
The birthday sale usually covers a wide range of domestic routes, including major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas, as well as smaller regional airports. Popular vacation destinations such as Orlando, Las Vegas, and Denver often see significant discounts.
International deals are typically limited but may include Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America destinations served by Southwest. However, blackout dates may apply around holidays or peak weekends, and not all routes will have sale prices. Short-haul regional flights tend to feature the lowest fares, while longer cross-country trips may still see decent markdowns, though with slightly higher starting prices.
Who Can Take Advantage of the Sale?
The Southwest Birthday Sale is open to all travelers, with no membership or promo code required. That said, Rapid Rewards members can earn points on sale fares just like any other booking, and can use points to book discounted tickets as well.
The sale generally applies to Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fare classes, offering the most value for budget-conscious flyers. Business Select and Anytime fares are rarely included in sale pricing but may still show modest reductions depending on the route. Booking early is key—seats in lower fare tiers sell out quickly once the sale goes live.
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Tips to Maximize Your Savings
To get the most value from the Southwest Airlines Birthday Sale, keep these tips in mind:
- Combine points and cash to reduce your out-of-pocket cost if you’re a Rapid Rewards member.
- Rebook if your fare drops—Southwest has no change fees, so you can cancel and rebook the same flight at a lower price.
- Book one-way flights for more flexibility and to better mix and match fare options.
- Start checking early, ideally just after midnight when fares are released, to snag the lowest prices before they’re gone.
Are There Any Hidden Fees or Restrictions?
One reason travelers love Southwest is their transparent pricing. You get two free checked bags, even on sale fares, which can save you up to $120 round-trip compared to other carriers. Plus, there are no change or cancellation fees, giving you more booking freedom.
However, be aware that sale fares are usually limited to Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus classes, which have more restrictions on refunds and seating. Seat availability is limited, and blackout dates may apply around holidays. Also, while fares are advertised as low as $49, taxes and government fees are added during checkout, slightly increasing the final price.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Southwest Airlines Birthday Sale
Is the birthday sale the best time to book Southwest flights?
Yes. The birthday sale consistently offers some of the lowest fares of the year, with prices starting as low as $49 one-way on select routes. It’s especially valuable for travelers planning trips in advance or looking to fill in dates during slower travel seasons.
Can I get refunds or credits if I cancel?
Southwest allows you to cancel or change flights without penalties. If you cancel a Wanna Get Away fare, you’ll receive travel credits for future use. Anytime and Business Select fares are fully refundable. Always cancel at least 10 minutes before departure to retain eligibility.
Do Companion Pass holders get additional benefits?
While the Companion Pass doesn’t change during the sale, it amplifies savings. You can use it with sale fares to effectively get two tickets for the price of one, making the promotion even more valuable for pass holders.
How Fast Do Southwest Sale Fares Sell Out?
Very fast. Popular routes and peak travel times often sell out within a few hours. For best results, book early in the morning on launch day and have flexible travel dates and backup options ready.
Conclusion
The Southwest Airlines Birthday Sale is a highly anticipated event that offers incredible savings on both domestic and select international travel. With one-way fares starting as low as $49, no baggage fees, and flexible booking policies, it’s a standout opportunity for savvy travelers. But these deals don’t last long—flights can sell out quickly, especially on popular routes.
To stay ahead, subscribe to Southwest’s email list, enable app notifications, and monitor their Low Fare Calendar in June. Being prepared can make the difference between missing out and scoring the best travel deal of the year.
