Deal alert: Southwest Airlines is offering 40% off fall fares for 3 days only

If you’ve been feeling the squeeze of summer’s skyrocketing airfares, Southwest Airlines has some good news to share. For three days, starting Tuesday and ending Thursday, you can save 40% off qualifying base fares for late summer and fall travel by using the promotion code Fall40.

Although this is touted as a fall sale, travel dates start Aug. 16, so you’ll be able to take advantage of these discounted prices for a late summer getaway, too. This applies to travel up until almost Thanksgiving, as the last date for travel is Nov. 5.

Sale fares are available across all classes of Southwest fares: Business Select, Anytime, Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus, the newest category.

Related: What is Southwest Airlines elite status worth in 2022?

A few notes before you start clicking: We did notice that this promotion works best with domestic flights. As with any discounted fare, don't wait too long before you book, as availability for popular routes out of major cities will go fast.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.

Deal basics

Airline: Southwest Airlines.
Routes: Select continental U.S destinations; continental U.S. to/from Hawaii and San Juan, Puerto Rico; and international flights.
How to book: Directly through the airline at the Southwest website, between June 7 and June 9.
Travel dates: Aug. 16 through Nov. 5.
Book by: 11:59 p.m. CT on June 9.

Related: Comparing the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority, Premier and Plus credit cards

Sample flights

Although not every routing we tried worked, this trip to Fort Myers, Florida, from New York City hit the sweet spot for the Fall40 savings. Fares come in at just $72 each way.

In September, a flight from Houston to Los Angeles features Wanna Get Away fares from just $105 each way.

In October, we found a quick trip to Puerto Rico from Fort Lauderdale for a low of $84 each way.

Maximize your purchase

Pay with: The Platinum Card® from American Express for 5 points per dollar on airfare booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), the Citi Prestige® Card for 5 points per dollar on airfare, the Citi Premier® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve for 3 points per dollar on air travel, the American Express® Gold Card for 3 points per dollar on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel, or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card for 2 points per dollar on travel.

The information for the Citi Prestige Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Bottom line

Since this summer travel season has seen ever-rising airfare, a fall plan might be easier on the wallet. Shift travel plans to late August through November, and you could save hundreds with Southwest’s 40% off sale.