Deal Alert: Southwest Flash Sale With Fares From $40 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 that 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.
Escape on a last-minute end of summer vacation — or at least grab a discounted fare for future travel — with Southwest's latest flash sale. The carrier is offering one-way tickets starting at just $40. The sale is valid for both domestic and international travel, and discounted fares apply to both revenue and award tickets 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 flying with family or a large group.
In order to take advantage, you must book by August 24 at 11:59pm in the respective time zone of the originating city. In addition, travel must be completed between September 5, 2017, and February 14, 2018, for domestic travel and between September 12 and December 13, 2017, or between January 9 and March 1, 2018, for international travel. To see a complete list of all of the cities included in this fare sale, click here.
Airline: Southwest
Route: Domestic and international routes
Cost: $40+ one way, $80+ round-trip in economy
Dates: September 2017 - March 2018
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:
Long Beach (LGB) to Oakland (OAK) for $40 one-way in September:
Long Beach (LGB) to Oakland (OAK) for $1,727 points + $5.60 one-way in September:
Oakland (OAK) to Long Beach (LGB) for $80 round-trip in October:
Atlanta (ATL) to Chicago (MDW) for $84 round-trip in December:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Las Vegas (LAS) for $84 round-trip in November:
Philadelphia (PHL) to Nashville (BNA) for $98 round-trip in October:
Baltimore (BWI) to Houston (HOU) for $100 round-trip in February:
Chicago (MDW) to Boston (BOS) for $100 round-trip in January:
Newark (EWR) to Chicago (MDW) for $128 round-trip in October:
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Cancun (CUN) for $187 round-trip in November:
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Turks and Caicos (PLS) for $193 round-trip in December:
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 Card (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!