Southwest Schedule Extension
Today, Southwest Airlines announced its latest schedule extension which opens up bookings through January 6, 2025. This extension gives travelers the opportunity to plan their trips through the holidays and into the early days of next year.
Other airlines usually release their schedules about 11 months in advance. Southwest on the other hand usually does so about 4 to 8 months in advance.
When Southwest announces an extension to their schedule, many of their loyal fans are eager to take advantage, since it is one of the largest domestic carriers in the country, and often offers the lowest prices on many routes. However, prices are usually higher when the schedule is first extended. If you book with points, that shouldn’t be much of an issue since you can check later and rebook if your flights drops in price.
If you fly Southwest often then even cash bookings are worth it. If you book a Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus fare, then you will receive flight credit for any price difference. Anytime or Business Select tickets are fully refundable.
And remember that you can cancel until 10 minutes before a flight’s scheduled departure time.
Next Schedule Extension
On April 25, 2024, Southwest will open its schedule for sale through March 5, 2025. This date is subject to change, so make sure to check back frequently. You can check flight schedules here.
Guru’s Wrap-up
It’s a good idea to start looking for travel dates early, especially for peak travel times. With the recent spike in travel demand and fare prices, you should jump on it now if you have travel plans. With Southwest’s refund policy, there’s not much to worry about. Southwest even eliminated the expiration for flight credits.
Even if you working towards a Companion Pass but don’t have it yet, you can book now and add a companion later. You should also take a look at Southwest credit cards, if you plan to fly with them often.
Booking a Southwest flight? Let me know in the comments where you’re going next!
