Southwest Airlines schedule extended into January 2026 — book now to save on flights
Editor's Note
If you have yet to book flights for the upcoming months, now is an excellent time to snag Southwest Airlines flights.
Although some carriers allow you to book flights about 11 months in advance, Southwest extends its booking window only a few months at a time.
Southwest has extended its schedule through Jan. 5, 2026. This is a good time to score a decent deal on Southwest flights for winter, including during the popular holiday break period.
Just remember that Southwest is making major changes to its policies, so be sure to check that the airline still works for your travel priorities.
Stunning reversal: What we know about the shocking changes from Southwest — and what you should do now
Here’s what you need to know about maximizing Southwest’s most recent schedule extension.
Why book when Southwest extends its schedule?
Booking flights quickly when Southwest extends its schedule can save you serious money, as you likely won’t find lower prices available now for peak travel dates.
Southwest’s change and cancellation policy also makes it easy to book now, even if you're not sure you’ll take the trip. Here are Southwest’s cancellation rules if you cancel at least 10 minutes before a flight’s scheduled departure:
- If you paid for a Wanna Get Away (new basic economy fares — see below): You will receive Travel Funds (which now expire after six months).
- If you paid for a Wanna Get Away Plus fare: You will receive Travel Funds (which now expire after 12 months).
- If you paid for an Anytime or Business Select fare: You can request a refund to your original form of payment or accept Travel Funds (which now expire after 12 months).
- If you redeemed Southwest Rapid Rewards points: Points will automatically go back into the account from which they were booked, and you can request that Southwest refunds taxes and fees to your original form of payment.
So, if your travel plans change, you can cancel your flight for free. If the price decreases after booking, you can rebook and receive the difference as Travel Funds or points. In this sense, booking Southwest flights for trips you hope to take is a very low risk.
Remember that Southwest has announced a slew of changes in the past few months — for example, the carrier did away with its two-free-checked-bags policy. Among the other changes, Southwest is introducing a basic fare class that will replace the Wanna Get Away fares. The airline is calling it "Basic," and the fare has more restrictions; keep that in mind if considering those types of fares. (Changes go into effect May 28.)
Quick take: Southwest Airlines will end open seating: What you need to know
How to score the best Southwest deals
Here are five tips for getting the best deal on Southwest flights.
Book right away
We recommend booking Southwest flights immediately when the booking window opens, especially if you want to fly during peak times. Although flights have already opened up, you may still be able to snag some good deals.
As mentioned above, there is minimal risk with booking Southwest flights due to the airline’s fairly flexible policies. So, you may want to book now even if you are not 100% certain of your plans. If you want a full refund to your original payment method, redeem Southwest points for your flights or book more expensive Anytime or Business Select fares.
Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest
With the airline’s flexible award policies, redeeming Southwest points is typically the preferred method for booking a Southwest flight. If you need to cancel a flight booked with points, your points go straight back into your Rapid Rewards account, and you can get the taxes and fees you paid returned to your card.
Earning a sign-up bonus on a new Southwest credit card is an excellent way to boost your account balance, but it will take some time. If you have a Chase Ultimate Rewards-earning card, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees), the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), you can also transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest at a 1:1 ratio.
Note that Chase has also made it easier to book Southwest flights through Chase Travel℠, which may offer a better value for your Ultimate Rewards points.
The information for the Ink Business Preferred has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Use a Companion Pass
The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most valuable rewards in the travel industry. After all, a friend or family member can fly with you for free (plus taxes and fees) as a perk of the Companion Pass. The pass typically expires Dec. 31 of the year following the year you earned it.
If you do not yet have a Companion Pass but plan to earn one before your flight, you can still book now and add your companion’s ticket later. The only requirement for adding your companion to your reservation is that there must be at least one seat left for sale. Just keep in mind that if you are flying during peak times on popular routes, there is a chance that your flight will sell out if you wait too long.
If you want a faster path toward the Companion Pass, consider opening one of the following credit cards:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card (see rates and fees)
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card (see rates and fees)
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card (see rates and fees)
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card (see rates and fees)
(To learn more, read our full reviews of the cards, in order of lowest to highest annual fee: Southwest Plus, Premier, Premier Business, Priority and Performance Business.)
Any combination of these cards can be a great way to earn the Companion Pass.
The information for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: How to quickly earn the Southwest Companion Pass
Consider alternative dates
If you have some flexibility, use that to your advantage when booking your flights. You can use Southwest’s low-fare calendar to check the least expensive dates for your desired flights.
The most expensive days to fly are typically Fridays and Sundays, so if you can shift your dates a few days, you may find the price significantly cheaper.
Look for price drops
If your flight decreases in price between when you book and when you fly, you can easily get the difference in Rapid Rewards points back into your account. Of course, these flexible policies still exist when you pay for your fare with cash, but you’ll end up with Southwest Travel Funds (that now expire).
Example pricing
Here are some sample fares. You’ll see that you can save a lot of money if your dates are flexible (and also if you’re willing to fly connecting itineraries).
Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Cancun International Airport (CUN) in Mexico
There are plenty of ways to save on your next trip to Mexico with points and miles. Starting at just 11,500 Rapid Rewards points (plus about $47 in taxes and fees), you can fly from Houston to Cancun for a warm-weather break in December. Keep in mind that Southwest is moving to more dynamic pricing and award prices can vary.
We saw the same itinerary as low as 7,055 points during spring break.
Related: 10 countries you didn’t know you could fly to on Southwest
San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK) to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) in Hawaii
For a fall break, you can fly to Hawaii’s Big Island for as few as 12,500 Southwest Rapid Rewards points plus about $6 in taxes and fees on some dates in December. You can even fly two-for-one to Hawaii with your Southwest Companion Pass.
New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Miami International Airport (MIA)
If you want to book a late spring trip to South Florida, you can fly for as few as 16,000 points per person (plus about $6 in taxes and fees) in December.
Keep in mind that you could have booked that same flight for as few as 4,261 points (plus about $6 in taxes and fees) last May.
Bottom line
Despite the recent changes at Southwest, the airline can still offer value. Knowing the ins and outs of booking a Southwest flight can help you secure the best flights for your family at the lowest cost. Those looking to travel this winter should book now to score the best deals on Southwest.
Related reading:
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.