Southwest’s Latest Sale Has $49 Flights Across the Country — When to Book

Southwest Airlines is ringing in the new year with major savings on flights, points, vacation packages, and more.

The airline’s “Week of WOW” sale kicked off on Tuesday and is running until 11:59 p.m. PT on Jan. 9. The sale, which has flights starting as low as $49 one-way, is available on travel through May, Southwest shared with Travel + Leisure. 

“We’re excited to support our Customers who are ready to plan their next adventure by offering exclusive travel deals across our air, car, hotel and vacation packages,” Jennifer Bridie, the vice president of marketing at Southwest Airlines, said in a statement shared with T+L. “Of course, all of our deals come with the unique flexibility and value that our Customers love. This week, we’re making trip planning that much easier to jumpstart the new year.”

Fly from Denver to El Paso, from Dallas to New Orleans, from Las Vegas to San Diego, and more starting at just $49 one-way. Travelers can also fly between islands in Hawaii starting at just $49 each way, including from Honolulu, Maui, and Kona.

Travelers who book the sale must purchase their tickets at least 21 days in advance. Travel within the continental United States and inter-island Hawaii flights are valid from Jan. 28 to May 7, while international travel, mainland flights to and from Hawaii, and travel to and from Puerto Rico are valid from Jan. 28 through May 22. Blackout dates vary by the destination.

In addition to putting flights on sale, Southwest is offering double Rapid Rewards points on cruises when travelers book by Jan. 31; offering up to 3,000 additional Rapid Rewards points on hotel stays when travelers book by Jan. 13 and stay a minimum of 3 nights; offering savings of up to $500 on vacation packages when travelers book by Feb. 10; and offering up to 30 percent off Budget rental cars and extra Rapid Rewards points for qualifying bookings through Jan. 13 for rentals through Feb. 28.

Southwest’s sale comes as the airline prepares to switch to assigned seats, eliminating its long-standing open seating policy. The airline plans to start selling flights with seat assignments in the second half of 2025 for travel in the first half of 2026.

Southwest’s fares come complete with two free checked bags, no change fees, and flight credits that don’t expire.