Southwest ??

[onjbj]

When SWA releases new dates, what time of day do they do it? If they release new dates on 4/17 as they say, what time do I need to get on line to get a decent fare? Thanks!

[ThanxForNoticin]

I guess it depends on where you're traveling from and when, but I cannot imagine you would have trouble getting their best rates if you check any time during the day 4/17. I would just check when you get up in the morning.

[poohluva]

For the past three trips I've booked, (two going to Disney during our kids spring break) they've opened the dates up between 10am and 12 noon EST. I work on a computer all day, so I would check as often as possible, and I still didn't get the cheapest fares.

I hope this helps

[KAJUNKING]

i always wait for a ding rate to come along, the last 2 years we have flown 4 of us round trip from new orleans for less than $560 total, we love southwest

[onjbj]

Thanks for the info. There never seem to be any good Ding rates from Long Island to Orlando, so I like to book the flights as soon as they go on sale. We usually can get $99 each way which is pretty good.

[thumperbug]

Depending when you need to fly...I would check first thing in the am or even at midnight. As a fellow flier out of MacArthur, when the tickets opened up on Nov 8 and I went online at 11am to purchase tickets...the day I wanted was sold out.

[onjbj]

Thumperbug-

Thanks for the info- I guess I'll set the alarm for midnight!! I love the convenience of flying out of MacArthur and def do not want to risk the day/time I need selling out!

[doodleboy]

Thanks for the info. There never seem to be any good Ding rates from Long Island to Orlando, so I like to book the flights as soon as they go on sale. We usually can get $99 each way which is pretty good.

I book as early as I can as well, then I keep checking back on the site to see if fares have dropped. SW will issue you a credit for use on future flights if fares go down on flight you booked. You just have to go in with your confirmation number and rebook the flight.

[King Triton]

As another poster said, they seem to release the rates somewhere between 10 and 12:00 Eastern. I have also noticed that the entire Southwest site doesn't have the dates available at the same time. For example, I have seen the 'Book Travel' link to pick up the new dates earlier than the 'Book a Flight' link and vice versa. On that date, check both ways if the dates aren't posted.

Also, keep in mind that just because Southwest releases new inventory, it doesn't mean those dates are on sale. Sometimes its better to sit back and wait a few weeks (or more)...sometimes it doesn't. Also, if there are competing airlines, they sometimes run a sale a day or two ahead of Southwest releasing new inventory, as well as on Southwest's release day.

[onjbj]

I know the dates won't be "on sale" but I can usually get $99 each way if I buy the tix as soon as I can once they are on sale. Also, SWA doesn't seem to run many sales from Long Island to Orlando. Since my dates are not flexible, I want to make sure I get the flights I want for a decent fare before it's too late. I always check back for lower fares, but they don't happen to often. Thanks!