29 October 2009

Southwest lowest rates expire today

Southwest’s new airline sale is at times so cheap that some flights are cheaper than checking a bag. But observers remind customers that there are stipulations.

But wait, American also has some $25 fares, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Southwest clearly spells out its fares are $25 for travel up to 375 miles. The price is $50 for travel between 375 and 549 miles, and $75 for flights between 550 and 999 miles. This is a general principle.

A one-way fare of more than 1,000 miles costs $100.

The fares are available for purchase through today (Thursday) for travel between Dec. 2 and Dec. 16, or between Jan. 5 and Feb. 10. Other restrictions apply.

"Southwest's latest sale features the best prices I've ever seen from the low-cost king, including savings of nearly $200 over the next closest competitor on some routes," writes Patricia Magana of SmarterTravel.com.

Under the sale rates, going from Detroit to Chicago would cost $50, one way. A flight from Cleveland to New York City is $100.

And American Airlines?

"The main difference I found when looking for flights on American is that it doesn’t spell out where you’ll find the savings. Southwest very clearly shows which destinations you could get for $25, $50, $75 or $100 each way," reports the LA Times.

By David Wilkening