HOME Travel Guide Common Sense Travel
decorative font style
    Travel >> Holiday Travel >  >> Travel Notes

Why Today is the Best Day to Score Cheap Flights: Southwest's Epic Sale and Pro Tips

Sometimes the stars align. "Airfare wars"—where one airline launches a massive sale, forcing competitors to match or lose market share—are largely a thing of the past. With over 80% of domestic U.S. air travel dominated by four major carriers, aggressive price drops are rare. The Big Four (United, Delta, American, and Southwest) typically just match select fares selectively.

That is, until today.

Southwest Airlines just launched a 3-day sale on June 2, offering one-way flights for $49, $99, $129, and $149 on most routes for travel from August 25 to December 16 (with holiday blackouts). These fares are $20–$25 cheaper each way than their standard sale prices. Southwest runs these promotions a few times a year, making it a dream for budget travelers who love flying but hate paying full price.

(Editor's Note: The sale's popularity crashed Southwest's site, so they extended it through June 5.)

Adding fuel to the fire: Virgin America starts summer travel sales at $39 one-way (ends June 4), JetBlue at $44 (ends June 3), and Frontier from $29 (ends June 2). Expect ripple effects as airlines discount routes to stay competitive.

Maximize your savings with these expert rules:

1. Be flexible with dates. A $400 roundtrip one week might drop to $250 the next. Use fare calendars in our Today's Best Fares section to spot the cheapest windows.

2. Fly Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays. These low-demand days get the deepest discounts; avoid Fridays and Sundays.

3. Check alternate airports. JetBlue to Long Beach (not LAX) can save $50–$100. Same for Chicago (Midway/O'Hare), New York (JFK/LaGuardia/Newark/HPN/TTN), Bay Area (SFO/OAK/SJC), Dallas (Love/DFW), Houston (IAH/HOU), South Florida (MIA/FLL/PBI), and D.C. (BWI/IAD/DCA).

4. Book early flights. The first flight of the day is often cheapest and most reliable.

5. Factor in fees. Bags, legroom, meals—they add up fast at check-in.

6. Use metasearch sites. They scan multiple airlines and agencies for the optimal price-date combo.

7. Act fast. Book now (cancel penalty-free within 24 hours) before fares rebound. Great deals vanish quickly.

Travel Notes
  • Ultimate $50 Day Itineraries: Explore 7 World Cities on a Shoestring Budget

    Can $50 (or its local equivalent) fund a full day of culture, cuisine, and adventure in major cities? Lonely Planet challenged local experts to craft thrilling one-day itineraries—including meals, transport, and activities—proving budget travel packs a punch. From rooftop cocktails in Singapore to invigorating banyas in Moscow, discover how to maximize every dollar in seven global hotspots. A 50 Swiss Franc Day in Zurich Zurichs luxury vibe—think Bahnhofstrasse boutiques and upscale dining—can

  • Discover Amman s Best Kunafeh: Top Shops for Jordan s Iconic Dessert

    Kunafeh—also spelled kanafeh, kunafah, or kunefe—is a beloved delicacy youll find everywhere in Jordan, from bustling bazaars to specialty bakeries. In Amman, its the go-to dessert for every celebration and gathering. This regional favorite features melt-in-your-mouth white brined cheese soaked in sweet syrup infused with rose or orange blossom water, topped with crushed pistachios. It perfectly balances savory and sweet, crunchy and soft, warm and cool. The two main types are khishnah kunafe

  • How to Find the Cheapest Flights Anywhere: Proven Insider Tips from 12 Years of Travel

    Flights and accommodations often dominate travel budgets. With 12 years of full-time travel experience, Ive honed proven strategies to uncover the lowest fares worldwide. These expert flight hacks and top tools make scoring cheap flights straightforward and efficient. Through countless hours testing sites and techniques, Ive streamlined the process. Armed with the right tools and a bit of patience, anyone can master finding bargain flights to any destination. Discover my top tips for booking the