Southwest offers flights as low as $53 in honor of airline’s birthday

The deal comes amid controversy, and possible changes, at the airline.

by Jeremy Tanner | Jun. 19, 2024

Story at a glance

Southwest Airlines is celebrating its 53rd birthday.

To mark the occasion, the airline is offering $53 flights on select routes.

To take advantage of the deal, you must book a seat in Southwest’s “Wanna Get Away” class by 11:59 p.m. PDT on Thursday, June 20.

(NEXSTAR) – Southwest Airlines announced Tuesday that it is celebrating 53 years in operation by offering $53 flights for a limited time.

To take advantage of the deal, you must book a seat in Southwest’s “Wanna Get Away” class by 11:59 p.m. PDT on Thursday, June 20. Airfare includes two free checked bags.

Some examples of the $53 one-way fares include:

Los Angeles (LAX) to Phoenix
Austin to Dallas (Love Field)
Chicago (Midway) to Minneapolis/St. Paul
Las Vegas to San Diego

Some fares, such as Los Angeles (LAX) to Las Vegas, were even cheaper on Tuesday ($46), while prices to more far-flung destinations varied.

The rules of the deal state that flights within the continental U.S. need to happen on Mondays-Thursdays or Saturdays between Aug. 6 and Dec. 18, 2024. Blackout dates are Sept. 2, Oct. 14, Nov. 22-27 and Nov. 29-Dec. 2.

THOUSAND OAKS, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 15: A waxing gibbous moon rises as a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 approaches Los Angeles International Airport from San Francisco on June 15, 2024 in Thousand Oaks, California. (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images)

Those traveling to Hawaii, international locations, and San Juan, Puerto Rico will have to fly on Tuesdays or Wednesdays between Aug. 20 and Nov. 20, 2024. The lone blackout date is Sept. 3.

Before snatching up a fare on Southwest, it’s always a good idea to use Google Flights, Kayak or another travel search engine to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal.

See the Southwest website for full details.

Southwest CEO refuses to resign

The sale comes days after headlines surrounding CEO Robert Jordan, who vows to keep his role at the airline amid pressure for his ouster by hedge fund Elliott Investment Management, the Associated Press reports.

Following a catastrophic winter meltdown in 2022 that left thousands of people stranded, the investment group accuses Jordan of failing to keep up with other airlines as the stock price has dipped below half of its $63 high in 2021.

Jordan said he and his leadership team will unveil a plan to boost the airline’s performance in September. Details aren’t yet clear, but he hinted at possible changes to boarding and seating policies and said Southwest is investing in its technology, which critics partly blamed for the December flight debacle.

Southwest is adding power outlets, improving the WiFi and enlarging carry-on compartments on board its flights, Jordan said, and is considering the sale of seats with more legroom.