Last Updated on July 26, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Southwest Airlines sometimes offers one-way fares from $49, but these prices are limited to specific routes, dates, and seats. The lowest advertised price is usually a Basic fare, so the cheapest ticket may come with restrictions on changes, seat selection, boarding, flight-credit expiration, and checked baggage. The best approach is to compare dates, read the fare rules, and calculate the full trip cost before paying.
Quick Answer
Southwest does offer $49 one-way flights on select routes and travel dates. Use the Low Fare Calendar, check the official deals page, search nearby airports, and book early. Confirm the fare bundle before checkout because Basic tickets have tighter change rules, assigned seats at check-in, and checked-bag fees on many itineraries.
Key Takeaways
- A $49 fare is not available on every route or date, and the price can disappear before checkout.
- The Low Fare Calendar is the fastest way to compare the cheapest dates across a month.
- Southwest now uses assigned seating; Basic customers normally receive a Standard seat at check-in.
- For many U.S. mainland bookings, Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares charge for checked bags.
- Choice and higher fares are easier to change, while Basic requires a fare upgrade before a voluntary change.
- Always compare the full cost, including bags, seat upgrades, ground transportation, and schedule flexibility.
At a Glance
| Time Required | About 10–20 minutes per route search |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Tools Needed | Southwest website or app, flexible dates, and a payment method |
| Cost | Free to search; airfare and optional charges vary |
How Southwest $49 Flights Work
Southwest was incorporated in Texas in 1967 and began passenger service in 1971. It now serves more than 100 destinations in the United States and nearby international markets. Its network still includes many point-to-point routes, but the airline’s customer policies have changed substantially in recent years.
A $49 price is normally an advertised starting fare for one passenger traveling one way in the Basic fare bundle. It is not a systemwide price. The offer may apply only to selected markets, travel days, departure times, and booking windows. Southwest also warns that fares displayed on route pages may no longer be available when a customer reaches checkout.
Southwest’s official flight-deals page lists current promotions and their restrictions. A recent promotion advertised one-way fares as low as $49 but required a 21-day advance purchase and limited the deal by route, seat inventory, travel date, and blackout period.
Warning: Treat “from $49” as a starting price, not a guaranteed final trip cost. Checked bags, upgraded seats, airport transportation, and a less convenient schedule can make a higher fare the better value.
How to Find $49 Flights
1. Start With the Low Fare Calendar
Southwest recommends using its Low Fare Calendar to view the lowest available fare on each day of a month. Enter your departure and arrival airports, then compare nearby dates instead of searching only one fixed day.
Check both the outbound and return directions. A low outbound fare does not mean the return date will be equally cheap, so the round-trip total matters more than either one-way price alone.
2. Search Early and Check Again
Southwest’s own guidance is to shop early and shop often because fares can change at any time. Booking early is generally safer than waiting for a last-minute discount, especially when your travel dates are fixed or the trip falls near a holiday.
After booking, recheck the same route. Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra customers can generally change to a lower fare and receive the difference under the applicable refund or flight-credit rules. Basic fares cannot be voluntarily changed unless the reservation is first upgraded to a higher fare bundle.
3. Use Sale Alerts and Official Notifications
Sign up for Southwest email or text alerts and check the official deals page during common sale periods. Some promotions require a promo code, while others automatically display the reduced fare during the booking process. Read the booking deadline and eligible travel dates before changing your plans around a sale.
4. Compare Nearby Airports
Search alternate airports when the ground trip remains practical. For example, a traveler may compare Dallas Love Field with Dallas Fort Worth, Chicago Midway with O’Hare, or Houston Hobby with Bush Intercontinental. Southwest may serve only one airport in a metro area, so include parking, rideshare, rental-car, and travel-time differences in the comparison.
5. Search One Way in Each Direction
Southwest allows one-way bookings, which makes it easy to test different travel dates and fare bundles for each direction. Booking two one-way tickets is not automatically cheaper than a round trip, but it can make the comparison clearer and may provide more flexibility when the lowest outbound and return fares appear on different days.
Pro Tip: Compare the cheapest Basic fare with Choice before paying. A modest fare difference may be worth it if Choice lets you select a Standard seat at booking, change the flight without upgrading the fare bundle, and use same-day change or standby.
Tips for Booking $49 Flights
- Confirm the route and date: The $49 price may apply to only one departure time or one travel day.
- Check the fare bundle: The lowest result will usually be Basic, which has the tightest rules.
- Add baggage costs: Include checked-bag charges before comparing Southwest with another airline.
- Review the seat: Basic passengers normally receive a Standard seat at check-in, while higher bundles include earlier seat selection.
- Read the cancellation deadline: Cancel at least 10 minutes before departure if you will not travel.
- Save the confirmation: Keep your confirmation number and flight-credit information in one place.
- Take a screenshot of the final price: Fare inventory can change while you are shopping, so confirm the amount on the payment page.
Book directly through Southwest when possible so you can manage the reservation, seat, cancellation, and flight credit through the airline’s website or app. Third-party travel agencies may have different service procedures, and the federal 24-hour airline refund rule does not necessarily apply to tickets sold by outside agents.
Current Southwest Fare Types
Southwest replaced its older fare lineup with four current bundles: Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra. The cheapest $49 offer is most likely to appear as Basic.
| Fare | Seat and Boarding | Changes and Refunds | Checked Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | Standard seat assigned at check-in; normally boards last | Nonrefundable; voluntary changes require an upgrade; eligible credit generally expires six months from original booking | Fees generally apply |
| Choice | Choose an available Standard seat at booking; general boarding | Changes allowed; fare difference may apply; transferable credit generally expires after 12 months | Fees generally apply |
| Choice Preferred | Choose an available Preferred or Standard seat; Groups 3–4 | Refundable when canceled on time; changes allowed and fare difference may apply | Fees generally apply |
| Choice Extra | Choose an available Extra Legroom, Preferred, or Standard seat; Group 1 | Refundable; changes allowed and fare difference may apply | Two checked bags included, subject to size and weight limits |
Benefits can also vary for Rapid Rewards A-List members, A-List Preferred members, eligible credit cardmembers, military travelers, and Getaways by Southwest vacation packages. Review the current fare-benefits page for the exact reservation you plan to buy.
Destinations for $49 Flights
There is no permanent list of $49 destinations because the qualifying routes change with demand, season, departure city, and available inventory. As checked on July 26, 2026, Southwest’s official San Diego route page and Birmingham route page displayed the following examples. Each was a one-way Basic fare and could change or sell out before booking.
| Route | Example Departure | Advertised Fare | Fare Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego to Las Vegas | August 29, 2026 | From $49 one way | Basic |
| San Diego to Sacramento | August 17, 2026 | From $49 one way | Basic |
| San Diego to San Jose | September 1, 2026 | From $49 one way | Basic |
| Birmingham to Tampa | September 23, 2026 | From $49 one way | Basic |
| Birmingham to Nashville | August 11, 2026 | From $49 one way | Basic |
Note: These are examples, not promises. Search from your own airport and verify the live checkout price. A route advertised at $49 today may cost more when you choose another date, add passengers, or return later.
Restrictions and Fine Print
Limited Seats, Routes, and Travel Days
Southwest sale terms commonly state that seats, days, and markets are limited. The cheapest fare may not appear during peak periods, holidays, or popular departure times. Some promotions also require advance purchase and exclude specific travel dates.
Basic Fare Change Restrictions
Basic is nonrefundable and cannot be voluntarily changed unless you first upgrade the reservation to Choice, Choice Preferred, or Choice Extra. Canceling on time may produce a flight credit, but a Basic credit generally expires six months from the original booking date. All travel must be completed by the expiration date.
Cancellation and No-Show Rules
Southwest does not charge a separate cancellation fee, but you must cancel at least 10 minutes before the original scheduled departure. A no-show can cause the airline to cancel the reservation and forfeit some or all funds or points, depending on the fare and payment method.
If you cancel a reservation within 24 hours of booking, Southwest allows a refund to the original payment method or an eligible flight credit. The U.S. Department of Transportation also requires covered airline bookings made at least seven days before departure to include a 24-hour hold or penalty-free refund option.
Checked-Bag Fees
The old statement that every Southwest passenger receives two free checked bags is no longer correct. For U.S. mainland travel booked, ticketed, or changed on or after April 9, 2026, the airline lists a $45 first checked bag and a $55 second checked bag for Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares. Choice Extra includes two checked bags. Different benefits or exceptions may apply to eligible status members, credit cardmembers, military travelers, vacation packages, and some non-mainland itineraries.
A carry-on bag and one personal item remain free within the airline’s size and safety rules. Check Southwest’s optional travel charges before booking because fees can change.
Assigned Seating and Optional Seat Costs
Southwest transitioned from open seating to assigned seating on January 27, 2026. Basic passengers normally receive a Standard seat at check-in, subject to certain status and cardmember benefits. Choice includes selection of an available Standard seat at booking. Choice Preferred includes an available Preferred or Standard seat, and Choice Extra includes an available Extra Legroom, Preferred, or Standard seat.
Customers may be able to buy a different seat separately when inventory is available. Include that cost when comparing a $49 Basic fare with a higher bundle that already includes the seat type you prefer.
Benefits of Flying with Southwest Airlines
Southwest can still be a strong value even though its bag and seating policies have changed. Every fare includes a carry-on bag and personal item, free inflight entertainment where available, and cancellation without a separate cancellation fee when the reservation is handled before the deadline.
Assigned seating may also help travelers who prefer knowing their seat before boarding. Choice and higher bundles add more control, while Choice Extra includes the most valuable seat and checked-bag benefits. The right fare depends on whether you value the lowest upfront price or greater flexibility and included services.
Other Ways to Save on Travel with Southwest Airlines
Join Rapid Rewards
Rapid Rewards members can earn points on qualifying Southwest flights and eligible partner activity. Current earning rates vary by fare bundle: Basic earns fewer points per dollar than Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra. Reward-flight prices also vary with destination, date, demand, fare type, and other factors.
Compare Cash and Points
Check both the cash price and the points price before booking. A low cash fare may be a better use of money than redeeming points, while an expensive travel date may provide better redemption value. Southwest also offers Cash + Points options on eligible bookings, but the point and cash requirements can vary.
Evaluate Credit Card Benefits Carefully
Eligible Southwest credit cards may include seat-selection, boarding, checked-bag, or points benefits, depending on the card. Do not apply based only on a flight discount. Compare the annual fee, welcome-offer requirements, ongoing earning rate, and the value of benefits you will actually use.
Check Vacation Packages
Getaways by Southwest packages may bundle airfare with a hotel and rental car. Some package offers include checked-bag benefits or promotional savings, but compare the package total with booking each part separately and read the package-specific cancellation rules.
Making the Most of $49 Flights
The best Southwest $49 flight is one that fits your schedule and remains inexpensive after every extra cost is counted. Flexible travelers have the strongest chance of finding the lowest fare because they can shift the trip by a day, choose a less popular departure time, or use an alternate airport.
Before checkout, compare Basic with Choice, verify checked-bag fees, review your assigned-seat options, and note the flight-credit expiration rules. Then set a reminder to recheck the fare before departure if your ticket can be changed.
Comfort also matters on a low-cost trip. For a quieter flight, review this guide to 5 wired noise-cancelling earbuds for your next flight before packing.
A $49 ticket is a good deal only when the route, schedule, fare rules, seat, and baggage costs work for your complete trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airline offers $49 flights?
Southwest Airlines periodically advertises one-way fares from $49 on selected routes and dates. The lowest listings are commonly Basic fares, and availability can change before checkout.
Are Southwest $49 flights round trip?
Usually not. The advertised $49 price is generally for one passenger traveling one way. Your return flight may have a different fare, so compare the total round-trip cost.
How can I book a Southwest $49 fare?
Search Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar, choose an eligible route and travel date, select the fare bundle, review optional costs, and complete payment before the fare inventory changes.
Do $49 fares include two free checked bags?
Not for most current Basic fares. For many U.S. mainland bookings, Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred charge for checked bags. Choice Extra includes two checked bags, and some status, cardmember, military, or vacation-package exceptions may apply.
Can I change a Southwest Basic fare?
A voluntary change requires you to upgrade the Basic reservation to Choice, Choice Preferred, or Choice Extra. The new fare may cost more, and any applicable fare difference must be paid.
Does Southwest still use open seating?
No. Southwest transitioned to assigned seating on January 27, 2026. Seat-selection timing and included seat type now depend on the fare bundle and any eligible loyalty or cardmember benefits.
How long do Southwest Basic flight credits last?
An eligible Basic flight credit generally expires six months from the original booking date, and travel must be completed by the expiration date. Funds used from an older credit or voucher can create an earlier deadline.
Sources
- Southwest Flight Deals and Offers — current sale availability, limited seats, travel-day restrictions, and fare-change warnings.
- Southwest: Finding the Lowest Fares — Low Fare Calendar, sale alerts, early booking, and lower-fare guidance.
- Southwest Fare Types and Benefits — current Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra rules.
- Southwest Optional Travel Charges — current carry-on, checked-bag, and optional-service fees.
- Southwest Assigned Seating — January 27, 2026 transition and seat-selection rules.
- U.S. Department of Transportation: Refunds — federal 24-hour reservation and refund requirements.