Key Takeaways
• Southwest’s $39 one-way fares end April 24th, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET.
• “Bags fly free” policy ends for tickets booked after May 28th, 2025.
• Travelers must book 21 days in advance; blackout dates and limited seats apply.
Southwest Airlines is turning heads this summer with a deal that’s hard to ignore: limited-time promotional fares starting at just $39 one-way. If you love to travel, save money, or visit family and friends when school lets out, this might be one of your best chances in 2025. But there’s a catch—you need to act fast. The sale will end on Thursday, April 24th, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. Let’s break down everything you need to know to see if these promotional fares are a good fit for you, what new rules you should watch out for, and why Southwest Airlines keeps drawing attention with these sales.
What You Need to Know About This Summer Sale
This summer sale stands out because the starting price is so low. For many travelers used to higher prices in the summer, $39 is almost unheard of, especially with how busy airports get during these months. But the deal is not open forever, and only certain travel dates and destinations qualify.
Here are the main things you should know about the current Southwest Airlines summer sale:
- The sale is a limited-time offer: It will end on April 24th, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET.
- Travel periods:
- For most places within the United States 🇺🇸, you can travel between May 13th and October 2nd, 2025.
- For Hawaii 🇺🇸, San Juan, and Puerto Rico 🇵🇷, your travel dates start later: August 17th through October 2nd, 2025.
- Advance booking is required: You must book at least 21 days before your flight to get these sale fares. If you try to book closer to the travel date, the price will probably be higher.
- Some blackout dates apply: The sale does not cover any trips scheduled for September 1st, meaning you can’t use these fares for travel on that day. This is important for anyone planning to travel over Labor Day weekend.
- Seats and days are limited: Not every flight or day will have the $39 fare. It may be harder to find these prices for the most popular routes and busiest days.
- Tickets are nonrefundable: If you buy one of these promotional fares and then need to cancel, you won’t get your money back in cash. However, Southwest usually allows you to use the funds for future travel, as long as you follow their rules.
- Booking method: These special fares and all their details can be found on Southwest’s official website. You can check out their official flight deals page for the most up-to-date information.
This sale is part of Southwest’s ongoing push to bring in more passengers during the busiest travel season, but it also showcases some changes that could affect what you expect when you fly.
What Is Changing at Southwest Airlines?
One of the biggest draws for Southwest Airlines, besides their low prices, has always been their “bags fly free” promise. For years, you could bring two checked bags without paying any extra fee, while most other airlines charged for even your first checked bag. This was a popular feature, especially for families and anyone who likes to pack a lot for their vacation.
However, there’s a big shift happening: starting with flights booked on or after May 28th, 2025, “bags fly free” will end. This means that if you buy one of the limited-time summer promotional fares after this date, expect to pay for checked bags. This change is getting plenty of attention, with some travelers upset about the added cost and others understanding that it might be necessary for the airline to keep fares low.
If you buy your ticket before May 28th, you may still get the old policy. But for summer travelers booking later, it’s something to keep in mind when comparing prices between airlines. This change follows a trend with airlines in the United States 🇺🇸 and other countries, where low base fares are shown, but extra fees for bags and seat selection often add up.
Looking Back: Recent Southwest Sale Promotions
What makes this summer sale stand out even more is that Southwest Airlines has been running several attractive promotional fares in the months leading up to it. Each sale season brings its own set of prices and terms, allowing travelers to find deals throughout the year if they are flexible.
Here’s a quick summary of some recent Southwest deals:
- March 2025 Spring Travel Deal: One-way fares started at $49, good for flights from March 24th to May 21st, 2025.
- February 2025 “From our Heart to Yours” Promotion: One-way flights started at $59, covering travel from March 3rd to May 21st, 2025.
- May 2025 Discount Code: A promo code SUNNY30 offered up to 30% off flights booked by May 8th, 2025.
Besides these, Southwest is known for its steady rhythm of sales. You can almost always expect some kind of limited-time deal, especially their well-known Tuesday sales at 3 PM ET. During the holidays, you might find special Cyber Monday promotions, which have grown in popularity every year as more travelers plan future trips in advance.
Recently, Southwest has also rolled out “Wanna Go Wednesdays”—another chance each week to find savings if you’re able to be flexible with your schedule.
How to Find the Best Southwest Airlines Deals
With flights at $39 one-way, it’s no wonder travelers are scrambling to snag tickets. But with blackout dates, limited seats, and new bag policies, how do you actually take advantage?
Here are a few steps to help:
- Sign up for fare alerts: Southwest Airlines makes it easy to hear about future promotions by allowing you to receive text updates. To do this, simply text FLYDEALS to 70139. You’ll get alerts when a new limited-time sale drops or if promotional fares are added for your favorite route.
- Use the Low Fare Calendar: Sometimes, prices change daily or even hourly. Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar lets you see all the lowest fares for a specific route in a single view. This makes it much easier to pick days when the limited-time promotional fare is available instead of guessing.
- Book early: Since these deals require you to book at least 21 days in advance, it’s best to plan sooner rather than later. Waiting too long could mean missing out completely, especially if seats run out for your preferred day.
- Check for restrictions: Always read the fine print—in this case, you’ll want to look at the blackout dates, refund policies, and baggage rules, especially now that the “bags fly free” rule is set to expire.
Why Do Airlines Offer These Limited-Time Promotional Fares?
These deals do more than just fill empty seats. Promotional fares are designed to create excitement, draw in new flyers who may not have looked at Southwest Airlines before, and keep regular customers coming back. For families, students, and anyone watching their budget, limited-time deals are a big reason to travel more often.
Seasonal travel plays a big role. Airlines know that demand shoots up in the summer as families take vacations, college students head home, and people use their time off to visit new places. By dropping prices for a short time, Southwest hopes to catch attention before travelers book elsewhere.
But there are trade-offs. As reported by VisaVerge.com, some travelers have noticed that not all flights or dates are included in these deals. It’s common to find the lowest fare on less popular days or slower times, while the same route might cost more on weekends or near holidays.
How the End of “Bags Fly Free” Affects Travelers
The end of this popular perk has sparked a lot of discussion. For years, Southwest Airlines was one of the only major U.S. carriers letting you check two bags for free. Now, with the new policy change set for May 28th, 2025, even the $39 limited-time promotional fares won’t include this benefit.
Here’s what travelers need to think about:
- Added cost: The money you save on a low ticket price could be lost if you end up paying extra for bags.
- Travel habits: People used to bringing several suitcases will now have to pack lighter or pay more.
- Comparisons: When you compare Southwest’s limited-time fares with other airlines, make sure you factor in the added bag fees. Sometimes, a more expensive ticket from another airline (with a free checked bag) ends up costing the same or less as a Southwest ticket plus the new bag fee.
Tips for Getting the Most from These Deals
- Be ready to book: Have your travel dates and destinations in mind, and make your reservation as soon as you see a deal that fits.
- Be flexible: If you can, try to travel on less busy days or at off-peak times. You’re more likely to snag the lowest fares.
- Understand refund and change policies: Because these promotional fares are nonrefundable, pay close attention to what happens if your plans change. With Southwest, you can usually use the funds for a future flight, but the rules might be different for sale fares.
- Follow sales throughout the year: Southwest’s sales aren’t just for summer. With Tuesday, Wednesday, and special holiday promotions, there are always new chances to save. Using the official offers page can help you catch deals as soon as they’re announced.
How Do Promotional Sales Impact Immigration, Work, and Study Travel?
Low fares don’t just help tourists—they also affect many others. Immigrants, temporary workers, visiting students, and business travelers can benefit in several ways:
- Visiting family: Traveling between states or even to places like Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 or San Juan becomes much more affordable when fares drop.
- Attending visa interviews: Sometimes people need to fly across the country for a U.S. citizenship or visa appointment. Promotional fares help make this process less costly.
- Starting school or work: New immigrants or students can use sales like these to help move or visit their new city, especially when money is tight.
- Emergency travel: Sometimes family emergencies pop up unexpectedly. Having lower prices helps people respond more quickly.
However, limited seat availability and blackout dates can be a barrier, especially during peak times when many people need to travel for official or personal reasons. Having to book 21 days in advance might not fit everyone’s schedule, especially if you are responding to an unexpected appointment or urgent situation.
The Broader Picture: Competition and Changing Airline Industry Rules
Southwest Airlines isn’t alone in offering promotional fares or tightening bag policies. Other carriers in the United States 🇺🇸 and worldwide have shifted toward making ticket prices look as low as possible before adding fees for every extra service. For travelers used to having all costs included, this can be confusing and sometimes frustrating.
By leading with low tickets like these limited-time fares, Southwest competes directly with budget airlines and larger carriers alike. At the same time, industry pressure can force airlines to cut down on perks that once set them apart—like the bags fly free program.
Travelers today need to go beyond the headline price and look at the full cost, reading the rules carefully and comparing options.
What Comes Next?
As more airlines offer deals and change their policies, travelers’ habits keep shifting, too. The rising trend of limited-time sales means that if you’re planning to fly—whether for vacation, work, or family—you have more chances than ever to save. But you’ll have to be quick, flexible, and aware of any new rules that change the value of what you’re getting.
If you’re ready to plan your next flight, check out Southwest’s official special offers page for all the latest promotional fares and updates.
In summary, Southwest Airlines’ current limited-time promotional fares, starting at $39, offer many travelers an affordable way to fly this summer. Before you book, pay attention to travel dates, seat availability, and fast-changing baggage policies. Taking advantage of the sale might mean acting quickly, but the rewards could be worth it if you’re looking for a budget-friendly trip in 2025. Stay informed, plan ahead, and make the most of these deals before they’re gone.
Learn Today
Promotional fares → Special discounted ticket prices offered for a short period, often with restrictions on dates and availability.
Blackout dates → Specific days during a promotion when discounted fares are not available, typically covering peak travel periods.
Advance booking → Requirement to purchase tickets a set number of days before travel to access special fares or discounts.
Checked bags → Luggage that is handed over at check-in and transported in the plane’s cargo hold, often subject to fees.
Low Fare Calendar → An online tool showing the lowest available fares for different dates and routes to help travelers save money.
This Article in a Nutshell
Southwest Airlines is making travel headlines with $39 one-way fares for summer 2025. Book by April 24th, 2025, to benefit. Remember, the “bags fly free” policy ends after May 28th. Check restrictions: limited seats, advance booking, blackout dates. Stay flexible and informed for budget-friendly travel deals this summer season.
— By VisaVerge.com
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