What To Know
- Instead, it offers a “Low Fare Guarantee” that allows customers to rebook their Southwest flight for a lower fare if they find a cheaper option within 24 hours of booking.
- While Southwest Airlines does not have a traditional price match policy, its Low Fare Guarantee offers a similar benefit for customers who find lower fares within 24 hours of booking.
- Southwest does not have an official price match policy, but it offers a Low Fare Guarantee that allows customers to rebook for a lower fare within 24 hours of booking.
Price matching is a common practice in the airline industry, where airlines offer to match lower fares found on competitor websites. However, Southwest Airlines has a unique approach to price matching.
Southwest’s Price Match Policy
Unlike most other airlines, Southwest does not have an official price match policy. Instead, it offers a “Low Fare Guarantee” that allows customers to rebook their Southwest flight for a lower fare if they find a cheaper option within 24 hours of booking.
How to Request a Price Match
To request a price match under Southwest’s Low Fare Guarantee, follow these steps:
1. Find a Lower Fare: Locate a lower fare for the same Southwest flight on a competitor website.
2. Contact Customer Service: Call Southwest‘s customer service line at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) within 24 hours of booking your original flight.
3. Provide Proof: Have the competitor’s website and fare information ready when you call.
4. Request a Refund: Ask the customer service representative to refund the difference between the original fare and the lower fare you found.
Conditions and Limitations
Southwest’s Low Fare Guarantee is subject to the following conditions and limitations:
- Same Flight: The lower fare must be for the exact same flight you booked on Southwest.
- 24-Hour Window: You must contact Southwest within 24 hours of booking your original flight.
- Competitor Websites: The lower fare must be found on a competitor’s website, not through a travel agent or third-party booking site.
- Exclusions: The Low Fare Guarantee does not apply to:
- Group or charter flights
- Southwest’s Wanna Get Away fares
- Southwest’s Business Select fares
- Flights operated by other airlines
Benefits of Southwest’s Low Fare Guarantee
Southwest’s Low Fare Guarantee offers several benefits:
- Peace of Mind: You can book your Southwest flight with confidence, knowing that you can rebook for a lower fare if you find one.
- Savings: You can potentially save money by taking advantage of Southwest’s Low Fare Guarantee.
- Flexibility: The 24-hour window gives you plenty of time to compare prices and request a refund if necessary.
Limitations of Southwest’s Low Fare Guarantee
Despite its benefits, Southwest’s Low Fare Guarantee also has some limitations:
- No Official Price Matching: Southwest does not offer a true price match policy, which means it may not always match fares found on competitor websites.
- Competitor Websites: The lower fare must be found on a competitor’s website, which may not always be convenient.
- Exclusions: The Low Fare Guarantee does not apply to all Southwest fares or flights operated by other airlines.
Alternatives to Southwest’s Low Fare Guarantee
If you are unable to take advantage of Southwest’s Low Fare Guarantee, there are other ways to save money on your Southwest flights:
- Sign Up for Southwest Rapid Rewards: Southwest’s loyalty program offers points that can be redeemed for free flights and other perks.
- Use Southwest Credit Cards: Southwest credit cards offer bonus points and other benefits on Southwest flights.
- Check for Sales and Promotions: Southwest frequently offers sales and promotions on flights.
- Consider Wanna Get Away Fares: Southwest’s Wanna Get Away fares are typically lower than its standard fares, but they come with certain restrictions.
A Final Word on Southwest’s Price Matching
While Southwest Airlines does not have a traditional price match policy, its Low Fare Guarantee offers a similar benefit for customers who find lower fares within 24 hours of booking. This guarantee provides peace of mind and potential savings, but it is important to understand its conditions and limitations. By considering the alternatives to Southwest’s Low Fare Guarantee, you can ensure that you are getting the best possible deal on your Southwest flights.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Does Southwest Airlines price match with other airlines?
A: Southwest does not have an official price match policy, but it offers a Low Fare Guarantee that allows customers to rebook for a lower fare within 24 hours of booking.
Q: How do I request a price match from Southwest?
A: Call Southwest‘s customer service line at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) within 24 hours of booking your flight and provide proof of the lower fare.
Q: What are the conditions and limitations of Southwest’s Low Fare Guarantee?
A: The Low Fare Guarantee applies to the same flight booked on Southwest within 24 hours of booking, excluding group flights, Wanna Get Away fares, Business Select fares, and flights operated by other airlines.
Q: What are the benefits of Southwest’s Low Fare Guarantee?
A: Peace of mind, potential savings, and flexibility.
Q: What are the limitations of Southwest’s Low Fare Guarantee?
A: No official price matching, reliance on competitor websites, and exclusions.
Q: What are some alternatives to Southwest’s Low Fare Guarantee?
A: Southwest Rapid Rewards loyalty program, Southwest credit cards, sales and promotions, and Wanna Get Away fares.
