Southwest Airlines is well known for offering low fares, with some seats on certain routes priced as low as $29 one-way. These cheap seats have made Southwest a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers looking to save money on flights within the United States. But with fares this low, just where can you fly on Southwest for only $29?
Southwest’s $29 Fare Sales
Southwest’s $29 fares are offered during limited-time fare sales that pop up a few times per year. During these sales, the airline discounts certain routes down to just $29 one-way for the cheapest Wanna Get Away fare class. Availability is limited and the seats sell out quickly, but travelers who manage to find and book the $29 seats can score an incredible deal.
The $29 fares are valid for nonstop, one-way travel on certain short-haul routes within the continental United States. However, not all routes or flights are eligible for the discounted fares during these sales. Southwest determines which routes to discount down to $29 based on current demand and competition in different markets.
Eligible Routes for $29 Fares
When Southwest releases a $29 fare sale, the cheap seats are typically available on short hops between cities located relatively close together. For example, past $29 fare sales have included routes like:
- Baltimore to Providence
- Chicago to St. Louis
- Dallas to New Orleans
- Denver to Salt Lake City
- Houston to San Antonio
- Las Vegas to Phoenix
- Los Angeles to San Francisco
- Nashville to Atlanta
- Orlando to Tampa
These are just a few examples of the types of city pairs and flight distances where the $29 fares have been offered. Generally, eligible routes are under 600 miles in length and about 1-2 hours in duration. Long-haul flights are not discounted to $29.
Finding Available $29 Fares
When Southwest releases a fare sale with $29 fares, the cheap seats are first-come, first-served. Here are some tips for finding and booking the discounted tickets:
Book Early in the Fare Sale
Southwest’s $29 sales usually last 3 days. But the $29 fares get snapped up very quickly, especially on popular routes and dates. Booking within the first few hours of the fare sale starting gives you the best chance at finding the cheap fares. Setting fare alerts can help you be notified as soon as a sale goes live.
Be Flexible on Dates and Cities
You’ll have better luck finding $29 fares if you’re open to flying on various days of the week and between alternative city pairs. The cheapest seats go fast, so casting a wider net increases your options. Consider looking at nearby airports as well.
Use Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar
Southwest’s website has a handy low fare calendar that lets you browse cheapest fares between cities over different dates. This can help surface routes and travel days with $29 fares during a sale. Sometimes the fares won’t display until you click through to book.
Leverage Fare Alerts
Setting up fare alerts on Southwest’s website and app ensures you’ll be notified right away when cheap fares are released. Acting quickly on fare alerts for routes you’re interested in can help you snag $29 seats before they sell out.
Restrictions on $29 Fares
Southwest’s $29 one-way fares come with some restrictions that travelers should be aware of:
Wanna Get Away Fare Class Only
The $29 fares are valid only for Southwest’s cheapest, most restrictive Wanna Get Away fare class. You can’t book $29 fares under the more flexible Anytime or Business Select fare classes.
Nonrefundable
The $29 fares are completely nonrefundable. You won’t get your money back if you need to cancel or change flights.
No Changes Allowed
In addition to being nonrefundable, the $29 fares don’t allow any changes at all. You can’t switch flights or times, even for a fee.
No Same-Day Standby
The Wanna Get Away fare class does not allow same-day standby for earlier flights. You can only board the specific flight(s) booked.
7-Day Advance Purchase
$29 fares must be purchased at least 7 days before the outbound travel date. You can’t book these fares last-minute.
Blackout Dates
Some $29 fare sales exclude certain travel dates around busy periods like spring break and major holidays. Be sure to read fare rules carefully.
Tips for Flying on $29 Fares
If you manage to book one of Southwest’s elusive $29 fares, here are some tips to maximize your experience when traveling on the deeply discounted tickets:
Book Early Boarding
With a $29 Wanna Get Away fare, you’ll be boarding last. Paying extra for Southwest’s EarlyBird Check-In or upgrading your boarding position ensures you’ll get an A1-A15 boarding pass and can pick a better seat.
Pack Light
The $29 fare allows just one personal item that must fit under the seat. Avoid checked bags fees by packing only a small carry-on.
BYO Entertainment
Short hops on $29 fares don’t offer amenities like in-flight entertainment or wifi. Download shows, music, books, magazines, and podcasts beforehand to have entertainment.
Consider Travel Insurance
Since the $29 fares are 100% nonrefundable with no changes, look into travel insurance to protect against unexpected disruptions to your trip.
Enroll In Southwest’s Points Program
Even at $29, you can still earn valuable Rapid Rewards points to put toward future flights and perks with Southwest. Make sure to enter your rewards number when booking.
Routes that Commonly Have $29 Fares
While Southwest’s $29 fare routes vary from sale to sale, data shows there are certain short-haul routes where the rock-bottom fares frequently pop up. Here are some of the most common city pairs for snagging $29 one-way fares on Southwest:
Route | Distance |
---|---|
Baltimore (BWI) to Providence (PVD) | 426 miles |
Nashville (BNA) to Atlanta (ATL) | 214 miles |
Chicago Midway (MDW) to St. Louis (STL) | 258 miles |
Las Vegas (LAS) to Phoenix (PHX) | 260 miles |
Dallas (DAL) to New Orleans (MSY) | 542 miles |
Denver (DEN) to Salt Lake City (SLC) | 534 miles |
Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO) | 338 miles |
Houston (HOU) to San Antonio (SAT) | 198 miles |
Orlando (MCO) to Tampa (TPA) | 84 miles |
As shown, routes like Baltimore to Providence, Nashville to Atlanta, and Las Vegas to Phoenix frequently see $29 fares during Southwest sales and are good options to watch for cheap deals.
Conclusion
In summary, Southwest Airlines periodically offers a limited number of $29 one-way fares during fare sales on select short-haul routes of around 1-2 hours in length. The cheap seats sell out very quickly, so booking early in the sale and being flexible on dates and routing is key to successfully finding and booking the elusive $29 deals. While the fares have restrictions like being nonrefundable and nonchangeable, the $29 tickets can be an incredible value for budget-minded travelers who catch them. Focusing your search on routes under 600 miles that commonly see the $29 fares, like Baltimore to Providence or Las Vegas to Phoenix, will give you the best odds of scoring the super cheap seats on your next Southwest flight.