Southwest’s Big Birthday Sale Has Flights Up to 50% Off — but You Have to Book Soon

Southwest Airlines has a whirlwind of promotions to celebrate its birthday, with up to 50% off flights this fall and winter.

“Our Wanna Get Away Week provides some of our best deals of the year to earn points,” said Southwest’s vice president of marketing, Jonathan Clarkson, in a statement. “Rapid Rewards Members also can get early access to this sale by booking on mobile devices or through the Southwest app to get first access to millions of seats.”

The sale, which ends on Thursday, June 13, at 11:59 p.m. PT, has up to 50% off the base fare on flights across its network, excluding any government taxes and fees. Flights within the continental U.S. can be booked for travel between Aug. 6 and Dec. 18, while flights to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and international destinations can be booked for travel between Aug. 20 and Dec. 17. The following blackout dates apply:

• Continental U.S. flights: Aug. 30, Sept. 2, Nov. 22 to 27, Nov. 29 to Dec. 2
• Travel to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and international destinations: Aug. 29 to Sep. 3, Nov. 21 to 25
• Travel from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and international destinations: Aug. 29 to Sep. 3, Nov. 29 to Dec. 3

To see the savings applied, travelers must use the promo code “BDAY” when searching for flights on Southwest’s website. On flights that count toward the sale, a green banner will read, “Score! Promo code BDAY has been applied. Enjoy your extra savings below!”

Travel + Leisure tested the promo code across many one-way flights in its “Wanna Get Away” fare class:

• Raleigh-Durham to Orlando: $48 ($79 without the promo code)
• Phoenix to San Diego: $83 ($149 without the promo code)  
• Nashville to Destin: $86 ($155 without the promo code)
• Los Angeles to Honolulu: $162 ($252 without the promo code)
• Baltimore to Montego Bay: $196 ($275 without the promo code)

Throughout the rest of the week, Southwest has ongoing promotions exclusively for its frequent flier members, including up to a 50% discount when purchasing Rapid Rewards points and up to 1,000 bonus points on purchases via its online shopping portal.