Southwest Airlines is one of the most popular carriers in the U.S., known for two free checked bags with every fare, no change fees, and a friendly no-frills experience across its large domestic and near-international network. Operating without assigned seats, Southwest's open boarding system rewards early check-in. FaresMatch advisors compare Southwest fares with other airlines so you can see the full value — especially when checking bags makes Southwest's slightly higher base fare a better total deal.
Trending Southwest fares
One-way starting prices on popular Southwest routes. Search above for live availability.
OrlandoBook earlyMDW → MCOChicago Midway – Orlando- Flight time
- 2h 45m nonstop
- Airlines
- Southwest
$79
Fort LauderdaleFall travelBNA → FLLNashville – Fort Lauderdale- Flight time
- 2h 30m nonstop
- Airlines
- Southwest
$69
Las VegasMidweek dealLAX → LASLos Angeles – Las Vegas- Flight time
- 1h 10m nonstop
- Airlines
- Southwest
$49
DenverShoulder seasonDAL → DENDallas Love Field – Denver- Flight time
- 2h 20m nonstop
- Airlines
- Southwest
$79
TampaWinter dealBOS → TPABoston – Tampa- Flight time
- 3h 15m nonstop
- Airlines
- Southwest
$89
CancunWinter escapeMDW → CUNChicago Midway – Cancun- Flight time
- 3h 30m nonstop
- Airlines
- Southwest
$119
Top Southwest Airlines routes
Southwest's point-to-point model means it often connects mid-size cities directly without forcing connections through a major hub. Key focus cities include Dallas Love Field, Chicago Midway, Denver, Las Vegas, Baltimore, and Phoenix.
U.S. to Puerto Rico
MDW → MCO/FLL/TPA Chicago Midway to Florida
Southwest's highest-traffic corridor — frequent nonstops from Chicago Midway to Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa.
LAX → LAS Los Angeles to Las Vegas
One of Southwest's cheapest routes — the West Coast short hop between LA and Las Vegas.
DAL/HOU → DEN Texas to Denver
Southwest connects Dallas Love Field and Houston Hobby to Denver with high frequency.
BOS → FLL/MCO Boston to Florida
Southwest competes strongly on the Boston–Florida market with nonstops to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.
→ CUN/SJD U.S. to Mexico
Southwest serves Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, and other Mexican beach destinations from multiple U.S. cities.
→ SJU U.S. to Puerto Rico
Southwest serves San Juan from Baltimore, Atlanta, Nashville, Orlando, and other East Coast and South cities.
Tips for booking cheap Southwest flights
Every Southwest fare includes two free checked bags — saving $35–$60+ per bag each way compared to most other carriers. If you're checking bags, Southwest's base fare is often the lowest total price even if it looks higher than an ultra-low-cost carrier's advertised rate.
Southwest doesn't charge fees for changes or cancellations. Cancelled tickets receive a credit valid for 12 months (or a refund for refundable fares). This makes Southwest a low-risk booking if your travel dates might shift.
Southwest uses open boarding groups (A, B, C). Checking in exactly 24 hours before departure improves your boarding position and your ability to choose a better seat. Early Bird Check-In (paid) automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure.
Southwest's Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away+ fares are the lowest tiers and regularly feature sale prices on popular routes. Checking early in the week often reveals newly dropped prices.
Frequently asked questions
Book your Southwest flight today
Looking for the best Southwest fare? A FaresMatch advisor will compare Southwest prices — factoring in the two free bags — against all other available carriers on your route.
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