Deal Alert: Southwest Flash Sale With Fares From $49 One-Way
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available – View the current offers here
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Airfare deals are typically only available on limited dates. We recommend you use Google Flights to find dates to fly, then book through an online travel agency, such as Orbitz or Expedia, which allows you to cancel flights without penalty by 11pm Eastern Time within one day of booking. However, if you’re using the American Express Platinum Card, you’ll need to book directly with the airline or through Amex Travel portal to get 5x MR points. Remember: Fares may disappear quickly, so book right away and take advantage of Orbitz or Expedia’s courtesy cancellation if you’re unable to get the time away from work or family.
Feeling wanderlust? Southwest is offering the perfect solution with a three-day flash sale and fares starting at $49 one-way. The sale is valid for travel to both domestic and international destinations, and applies to both revenue tickets and those booked using Rapid Rewards points. Keep in mind that these fares are with Southwest, so each traveler is permitted two complimentary checked bags — perfect if you're traveling with family or a large group.
In order to take advantage of these discounted fares, you must book by June 8 at 11:59pm in the respective time zone of the originating city. In addition, travel must be between August 22 and December 13, 2017. In many cases, we found the cheapest fares to be for Tuesday and Wednesday travel. Blackout dates include September 1, September 4 and November 17-28 for domestic travel; September 1-2 and November 18-20, 2017 for departing international travel; and September 4-6 and November 25-28, 2017 for returning international travel. To see a complete list of all of the cities included in this fare sale, click here.
Airlines: Southwest
Routes: Domestic and international routes
Cost: $49+ one-way, $98 round-trip in economy
Dates: August - December 2017
Booking Link: Southwest
Pay With: The Platinum Card from American Express (5x on airfare), Chase Sapphire Reserve, Citi Prestige (5x on airfare) or Chase Sapphire Preferred (2x on travel)
Here are a few examples of what you can book:
Burbank (BUR) to Las Vegas (LAS) for $49 (or 2,330 points + $5.60) one-way in September:
Chicago (MDW) to Newark (EWR) for $64 one-way in October:
Chicago (MDW) to Newark (EWR) for $128 round-trip in October:
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Cancun (CUN) for $189 round-trip in November:
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Havana (HAV) for $183 round-trip in October:
Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose Cabo (SJD) for $223 round-trip in November:
New York (LGA) to Nashville (BNA) for $99 one-way in September:
Orlando (MCO) to Aruba (AUA) for $230 round-trip in October:
San Diego (SAN) to Salt Lake City (SLC) for $98 round-trip in October:
San Francisco (SFO) to Portland (PDX) for $98 round-trip in November:
Maximize Your Purchase
Don’t forget to use a credit card that earns additional points on airfare purchases, such as the American Express Platinum Card (5x on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel), Chase Sapphire Reserve, or Citi Prestige (5x on airfare) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred (2x on all travel purchases). Check out this post for more on maximizing airfare purchases.
If you’re able to score one of these tickets, please share the good news in the comments below!
