Holiday Prep

Southwest Airlines is taking proactive steps for the upcoming holiday season by announcing its flight schedule that extends through January 7 of the following year.

According to Southwest Airlines’ Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Watterson, “We know some customers are already considering their holiday plans, and we want to ensure they know we’re ready. In preparation for winter, we are committed to enhancing our capabilities, tools, and equipment to effectively connect customers to their important destinations.” This illustrates the airline’s focus on customer service and operational efficiency.

Flight Schedule Release

Travelers can now make arrangements for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s flights, with the additional benefit of accessing Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar for these specific dates. This initiative offers passengers the chance to plan their trips well in advance.

Tips for Affordable Flights

Experts in airline pricing suggest that the timing of the flight schedule release indicates that there are opportunities to snag discounts on holiday travel. “Just like winter coats are often more affordable in summer, winter flights can also be less expensive during this time,” notes Scott Keyes, Founder of Going.com. He advises that while Christmas may present challenges in finding budget-friendly flights, booking during the summer months can yield better deals.

For example, analysis of fares for popular Thanksgiving destinations showing one-way tickets available for as low as $145 on routes such as Chicago (MDW) to Orlando, and $173 from Phoenix to Dallas (DFW).

Operational Challenges & Upgrades

In the past, Southwest Airlines encountered operational challenges during the 2022 holiday travel season. Nevertheless, the airline has been proactive in implementing technology upgrades and investments to avert similar problems in the future. Southwest Airlines proudly operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft globally, comprising 770 airplanes, and served over 157 million passengers in 2022.