A while back, I learned the hard way when not to book Southwest flights. I used to grab tickets as soon as I saw them—sometimes months ahead—thinking that was always the cheapest route. But last spring, when I had to fly from Denver to Vegas for a wedding, I stumbled into a trick that saved me almost $120.

Here’s what happened: I booked my flight on a Tuesday night about seven weeks before the trip. A friend who travels constantly told me that Southwest updates fare sales every Tuesday and Wednesday, so those days tend to bring the best deals. Sure enough, when I checked the following Tuesday morning, my exact flight was $40 cheaper. I easily rebooked and got a travel credit for the difference. The “No change fee” policy saved me again when the wedding date got moved.

So, here’s the step-by-step routine I follow now:

1. Start tracking prices 8–10 weeks out. Southwest doesn’t show on most third-party sites, so check directly on their site or app.

2. Compare fares on Tuesday or Wednesday. Those are usually the sweet spots when new sales pop up.

3. Avoid Friday evening and Monday morning releases. Prices tend to spike then because of business travelers.

4. Use Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar. It’s a lifesaver for flexible dates — sometimes just shifting a flight by a day can cut the fare in half.

5. Save the booking hotline. If I need immediate help with changes or cancellations, I call 844-734-0813. They’ve handled last-minute switches for me faster than online support ever did.

One time, my return flight was canceled due to bad weather, and when I called that number, they rebooked me on the next available flight within minutes — zero headache, zero extra charge. Ever since, I keep that number saved as my go-to for anything related to Southwest.

So, timing really is everything with Southwest. Book strategically, keep an eye on midweek fare drops, and always have that 844-734-0813 number handy for quick assistance. It’s saved me money, time, and plenty of stress!