Introduction: Get Ready to Fly for Less!

Hey fellow travel enthusiasts! I’m always on the lookout for incredible deals that can help us all see the world without breaking the bank. And guess what? I just stumbled upon a fantastic opportunity that I had to share with you immediately. Southwest Airlines is currently running a “WOW Sale,” offering discounts of up to 50% off base fares! Yes, you read that right, HALF OFF! This is a stellar chance to snag some seriously cheap flights for your next adventure.

This sale runs for a limited time, with bookings needing to be made by June 5, 2025. So, you need to act fast to take advantage of these savings. In this post, I’ll dive into the details of the sale, explain how to maximize your savings using the right credit cards (of course!), and share some tips for finding the best deals. Let’s get started!

Decoding the Southwest Airlines WOW Sale

First things first, let’s break down the specifics of this Southwest WOW Sale. As the promotion advertises, you can save up to 50% on base fares. The base fare is the initial cost of the ticket before taxes, fees, and other surcharges are added.

While the headline boasts up to 50% off, keep in mind that the exact discount you receive will vary depending on the route, travel dates, and availability. That’s how it works for all airlines. Some routes might only offer a 20% discount, while others might genuinely hit that 50% mark. Therefore, the key is to be flexible with your travel plans and search for different dates and destinations to find the sweetest deals.

To qualify for the discount, you must book your flights by June 5, 2025. Always check the fine print to ensure that your desired travel dates are eligible for the sale. Usually, these sales come with blackout dates around major holidays and peak travel periods. Southwest doesn’t always have consistent blackout dates, but it is always worth checking.

I strongly suggest using the Southwest Low Fare Calendar when searching for flights. It lets you view fare prices across an entire month, helping you easily identify the cheapest days to fly. I use this feature extensively whenever I’m planning a Southwest trip, as it saves me a lot of time and effort.

Leveraging Credit Cards for Even More Savings

Now, here’s where my favorite part comes in – maximizing your savings with the right credit cards! We all know that using a travel credit card can unlock a world of benefits, and this Southwest sale is the perfect opportunity to put those benefits to work.

Firstly, I always recommend using a credit card that earns bonus rewards on airline purchases. Several cards offer elevated rewards rates on travel, including flights. These cards effectively give you a percentage back on your purchase in the form of points or miles, further reducing the overall cost of your trip.

* Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: This is a fantastic all-around travel credit card that earns 2x points on travel purchases. I love this card because it has a relatively low annual fee and offers excellent travel insurance coverage. If you are someone who is looking to get started with Travel Credit Cards this is the one I would recommend to anyone.

* Chase Sapphire Reserve Card: For those who travel frequently and are willing to pay a higher annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 3x points on travel and dining. The card also comes with a hefty annual travel credit and access to airport lounges. I find this to be worth it due to the airport lounge benefit alone.

* American Express Platinum Card: The Amex Platinum Card earns 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel. This card comes with a high annual fee, but it also offers a wide range of premium benefits, including lounge access, hotel perks, and statement credits. This card works well if you can maximize its benefits.

* Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards: Of course, if you’re a loyal Southwest flyer, consider using a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card. These cards earn bonus points on Southwest purchases and often come with perks like early boarding and free in-flight drinks. A big draw for these cards is that you can earn points towards the Southwest Companion Pass. With the Companion Pass, you can designate one person to fly with you for free (excluding taxes and fees) every time you purchase or redeem points for a flight. This is an amazing benefit for couples or families who travel together frequently. I personally always keep a Southwest credit card in my wallet just for this purpose.

In addition to earning bonus rewards, using a travel credit card can also provide valuable travel insurance benefits. Many cards offer trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and rental car insurance. These protections can save you a lot of money and stress if something goes wrong during your trip. Before you leave for any trip, always check what travel insurance benefits your credit card offers to better prepare yourself.

Tips for Finding the Best Deals

Okay, now let’s talk about how to actually find the best deals during this Southwest WOW Sale. Here are a few tips that I use to maximize my savings:

1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates: As I mentioned earlier, flexibility is key. If you’re able to travel during off-peak seasons or on less popular days of the week (like Tuesdays and Wednesdays), you’re more likely to find lower fares. Use the Southwest Low Fare Calendar to compare prices across different dates and see which days offer the biggest discounts.

2. Consider Alternative Airports: Sometimes, flying into or out of a smaller, less busy airport can save you money. Check fares for nearby airports and see if they offer significantly cheaper flights. However, make sure to factor in the cost and time of getting to and from the alternative airport.

3. Book in Advance (But Not Too Early): While it’s generally a good idea to book flights in advance, booking too early can sometimes be counterproductive. Airline prices fluctuate constantly, and sometimes waiting a few weeks or months can result in lower fares. However, don’t wait too long, especially with a sale like this. The sweet spot is usually a few weeks to a few months before your travel date, depending on the destination and time of year.

4. Set Fare Alerts: Use tools like Google Flights or Hopper to track prices for your desired routes and receive alerts when fares drop. This can help you snag a great deal as soon as it becomes available. I use Google Flights most often and find it the most user-friendly.

5. Check for Package Deals: Sometimes, bundling your flight with a hotel or rental car can save you even more money. Southwest Vacations offers package deals that can be worth considering, especially if you need both a flight and accommodation.

6. Don’t Forget About Points and Miles: If you have a stash of Southwest Rapid Rewards points or other airline miles, now is a great time to use them! Redeeming points can significantly reduce the cost of your flight, especially if you find a good redemption value. This is the best way to use credit card points, in my opinion.

7. Read the Fine Print: Always read the terms and conditions of the sale carefully. Make sure you understand any restrictions, blackout dates, or other limitations that may apply. This will help you avoid any surprises later on.

My Personal Strategy for This Sale

So, how am I planning to take advantage of this Southwest WOW Sale? Well, I’ve been wanting to visit Denver for a while now, and I’ve been patiently waiting for a good deal on flights.

First, I’ll start by using the Southwest Low Fare Calendar to search for flights to Denver in the late summer/early fall. I’m flexible with my dates, so I’ll look for the cheapest days to fly. Next, I’ll use my Chase Sapphire Preferred card to book my flights. This will earn me 2x points on my purchase, and I’ll also get the added benefit of travel insurance coverage.

Finally, I will compare the flight options to Denver with other cities to see if I can find even better deals that I wasn’t thinking of originally. I always recommend this step in case there is a better opportunity that is out there.

Conclusion: Don’t Miss Out!

The Southwest Airlines WOW Sale is a fantastic opportunity to save money on your next flight. By booking by June 5, 2025, you can take advantage of discounts of up to 50% off base fares. Remember to be flexible with your travel dates, use the Southwest Low Fare Calendar, and leverage the right credit cards to maximize your savings.

Happy travels, and I hope you all snag some incredible deals!