What Exactly is a Southwest ‘Wanna Get Away’ Fare

by Shelli Stein

Planning to travel on Southwest Airlines and not sure what the different fare types mean? Understanding the differences between Southwest’s fares will help you book the option that works best for you. Use this guide to learn more about the Southwest Wanna Get Away fare. Wanna Get Away fares are Southwest’s lowest fares and generally the best deals, but they aren’t always the best option for every traveler.

Learn more: Why Fly Southwest Airlines?

What Is Wanna Get Away on Southwest Airlines?

Wanna Get Away fares are the airline’s lowest fares and generally the best deals on air travel to most destinations.

Southwest Airlines has three main fare options: Wanna Get Away, Anytime, Business Select. They recently added a Wanna Get Away Plus fare, but we’ll cover that in another post.

Southwest Airlines doesn’t offer business class, extra legroom seating or basic economy. The differences aren’t as great as other airlines in fare choices, though. Wanna Get Away fares do come with some restrictions that you’ll want to be mindful of.

Here is an overview of the three fare types on Southwest Airlines:

Wanna Get Away – Wanna Get Away fares are non-refundable. They encompass all of the fare buckets that aren’t business select, or full-fare “Y” refundable tickets.

Anytime – This is Southwest’s fully refundable “Y” fare. This fare allows you to change your ticket at any time without penalty. Standby travel between the same city pairs and on the original date of travel is permitted. Anytime fares are consistent across multiple dates, so there is typically little to no fare difference on changes.

Business Select – Southwest’s top fare includes priority boarding (you are the first to select seats onboard), bonus Rapid Rewards Points per dollar, and a complimentary cocktail or beer. These tickets are fully refundable. You can change your ticket at any time.

When you refund these tickets the funds are applied toward future travel on Southwest Airlines for the originally ticketed passenger only. Standby travel between the same city pairs and on the original date of travel is permitted with no change in fare. This is as close as it comes to first class on Southwest.

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What’s the difference between Wanna Get Away and Anytime on Southwest?

Wanna Get Away fares are different from Anytime fares in 7 ways:

1. Wanna Get Away fares can be refunded as future travel funds. Anytime fares are refunded as cash back.

2. Wanna Get Away fares earn 6x per dollar. Anytime fares earn 10x points per dollar.

3. Wanna Get Away fares do not include automatic check-in. It’s available, but with an extra charge. Anytime fares include EarlyBird check-in. EarlyBird Check-In means you will automatically be checked in to your flight 36 hours prior to scheduled departure.

4. Wanna Get Away fares do not allow you to transfer your flight credits to anyone else. Anytime fare flight credits allow you to transfer your flight credit to someone else.

5. Wanna Get Away fares allow for a same-day confirmed change. A fare difference may apply. Anytime fares include a same-day confirmed change without extra fees.

6. Wanna Get Away fares allow you to join a same-day standby list. A fare difference may apply. Anytime fares include this option without extra fees.

7. Wanna Get Away fares do not give you access to priority or express lanes. Priority Lanes are at Southwest check-in counters, and Express Lanes are at security checkpoints. Anytime fares include these benefits.

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What else do you need to know about Wanna Get Away fares?

When choosing a fare on Southwest Airlines, knowing the details helps you choose the best fare for you. So what does Wanna Get Away fare mean on Southwest?

Here are the most commonly asked questions about Wanna Get Away:

  • Does Southwest charge for checked bags? Not for the first two checked bags. You can bring two checked bags for free. All fare options on Southwest allow two checked bags for free.
  • Can you cancel Wanna Get Away tickets? Yes. You can cancel Wanna Get Away tickets without penalty. You receive a flight credit. The cutoff time for canceling a ticket is ten minutes before the scheduled departure time.
  • Is there a change fee if I need to change a flight on Southwest? No. When changing flights on Southwest there are no change fees. Same as with canceling a ticket, you must make changes at least ten minutes before your flight’s scheduled departure time. No matter which fare type of ticket you have on Southwest, there are no change fees.
  • Does a Wanna Get Away fares include same-day change or same-day benefits? No. These two benefits are only available to travelers with Anytime and Business Select tickets.
  • Does a Wanna Get Away fare earn Rapid Reward points? Yes. Wanna Get Away fares on Southwest earn 6 Rapid Rewards points per $1 spent on airfare. The other fares on Southwest earn 10 or 12 Rapid Rewards points.

Learn more: Your guide to cancelling Southwest flights and viewing travel funds

How seating and boarding works

Southwest Airlines has an open seating policy. All seats are available to you. Seats are not assigned ahead of time. What you get is a boarding order and you get on the plane in that order. When you are on, you pick whatever seat, wherever you want on the plane.

Passengers are assigned a boarding group, A, B, or C, and a boarding position, 1-60. The boarding group and position determine when you board the plane, and how many seats you will be able to choose from.The boarding order is A1-60, then B1-60, then C1-60. The lower your boarding number the more choices you’ll have when on the plane.

Learn more: Secrets to Getting the Best Seats on Southwest Airlines

If you want to ensure an early boarding group number, you have options.

Instead of purchasing a Wanna Get Away fare, purchase a Business Select fare ticket. With Business Select, you’ll be guaranteed an A1 to A15 boarding position.

Another option is to pay for EarlyBird check-in. Southwest’s EarlyBird check-in means that you will automatically be checked in for your flight 36 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure time. You’ll pay $15 to $25 per person, each way for this service.

Learn more: Is EarlyBird check-in worth it?

How to book Southwest Wanna Get Away fares

If you look for Southwest fares using an online search tool, you won’t find them. Southwest tickets are not available online using a search tool or online travel agency. They are only available on the Southwest website.

All Southwest fares are available in points or dollars. You can filter your search in multiple ways for lowest fare, non-stop flights, and time of day. After you choose the Wanna Get Away fare and complete the check-out process, you’ll be all set.

Is Wanna Get Away the best value?

Sometimes yes, and sometimes maybe not. It’s best to let math be your friend when looking at Southwest Airlines fare options. Wanna Get Away fares are the airline’s lowest fares and generally the best deals. Still, the price difference between the Anytime Fare and the Wanna Get Away fare can be worth it.

Depending on routes and your travel day, the price difference will vary. I’ve seen the price difference be as little as $11 to go from Wanna Get Away to Anytime. In a situation like that, it may make good sense to get a flexible, refundable ticket.

Is Wanna Get Away The Same as a Basic Economy Fare?

Wanna Get Away is by no means a basic economy fare. Passengers still get to check two bags for free. Wanna Get Away passengers can still get A-group boarding. This fare comes with fewer Rapid Rewards points. Flying standby on a different same day flight can cost extra. If you want to fly standby, you will have to pay the difference between what you paid and the published Anytime fare. On the plus side, there is no change fee charged on top of your Wanna Get Away fare.

You can change your flight at any time. Just keep in mind with Southwest fares go up as your travel date gets closer. Though fares are nonrefundable, you can still cancel without penalty. Your fare can be applied toward future travel on Southwest Airlines for the originally ticketed passenger only.

Is Southwest Wanna Get Away Standby?

Southwest Wanna Get Away fare is not standby. It is a confirmed ticket. Wanna Get Away tickets are guaranteed. You are guaranteed a seat. All the fares are guaranteed seats. The more expensive options just give you more perks.

Wanna Get Away ticketed passengers aren’t eligible for same-day change or same-day standby benefits. However, A-List and A-List Preferred Members can take advantage of free same-day change and same-day standby benefits, even with Wanna Get Away fares.

Do All Three Southwest Fare Options Earn the Same Number of Rapid Rewards Points?

No. This is good to keep in mind. The estimated Rapid Rewards points earned are displayed during the booking process and are directly related to the advertised one-way base fare and fare type of the flight selected. A Business Select fare earns 12 points per dollar, while Anytime and Wanna Get Away fares earn 10 and six points per dollar, respectively. A-List and A-List Preferred Members earn a 25% and 100% bonus respectively. You can earn points on revenue tickets. You cannot earn points on non-revenue travel, including reward and Companion Pass travel.

Those who have a Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards credit card earn an additional two points for every dollar spent on Southwest flights.

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Final Thoughts

We all Wanna Get Away! That is, after all, the reason we love to travel. And Southwest Airlines understood this when they cleverly named one of their fare classes Wanna Get Away fares. But a clever name is one thing, and understanding how to differentiate Wanna Get Away fares from the other fares Southwest Airlines offers is another.

Southwest Wanna Get Away fares can save you money. Even on a Wanna Get Away fare there are no change or cancellation fees and you can check two bags for free. With this guide you’re in the know and can choose the Southwest fare that works best for your travels.

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The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

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127 comments

رزرو بلیط اتوبوس October 6, 2018 - 4:00 am

I highly recommend this advice again and again “Check your documents before traveling”

Consider this please!!

Otherwise you may fall into serous trouble.

Thanks SHELLI for informative article

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Chrissy June 30, 2019 - 7:40 am

I used to travel heavily ’15 & ’16, and southwest had always been my go to. At times you could check flight the same day and potentially receive a credit because the fare dropped. However picking up the travel bug these last 6 months, I’ve noticed that if you are looking for a departure date less than 7 days away they eliminate the wanna get away fare, and force you to buy one of the other types of fares ($420 and up). While the 2 check bags are a plus, honestly speaking I’d rather pay for a bag or two and have comfort and inflight entertainment if I’m forced to pay the higher fare. (Just as a clarification, it lists it as unavailable)

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Shelli June 30, 2019 - 1:08 pm

You make a god point, Chrissy. Always good to know what price point and flight amenities are important to you and base decisions on what you value. Thanks for reading and taking the time to add your thoughts.

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Elizabeth Busse January 7, 2019 - 3:01 pm

We flew Southwest for the first time 12/24/18 from Oma to Sna. Everyone was so friendly and I love that there are no hidden costs like other airlines! I wish Southwest would fly out of Sioux Falls, SD. It would be the #1 airline!

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Shelli January 7, 2019 - 3:48 pm

Thanks for chipping in with your recent flight experience, Elizabeth! I don’t fly them often, but when I do I also appreciate SWA. What airline is your go-to airline? Perhaps SWA will read your comment and start service from Sioux Falls!

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Charlie Pipicelli February 9, 2019 - 7:26 pm

Hi, We are flying With SWA in May this year. Flying from Las Vegas to Buffalo. We have booked these tickets 6 months prior to our departure. We are a family of four. Will we be able to all sit together? and when can we select ou seats?

thank you

Charlie

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Shelli February 9, 2019 - 8:59 pm

HI Charlie, On SWA you cannot select a seat ahead of time. Instead, 24 hours before your flight you can go online and check-in. Then each of you will be given a boarding number and group. You’ll board with your group. Seating is open and unassigned. No guarantees about you all sitting together BUT I do find people on SWA flights to be pretty easy going about switching seats if you ask because you want your family together. Hope that helps explain how seating on SWA flights work. Thanks for reading!

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Kim S. February 5, 2022 - 1:18 pm

Can you use the wanna get away reservations if you don’t use points? My first time flying Southwest

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Shelli February 5, 2022 - 2:45 pm

Yes, for sure you can! Great question. Enjoy flying Southwest and thanks for reading!

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Gail February 12, 2019 - 10:58 am

Have flown SW about 15 times to California and never disappoint. The drinks and snacks and entertainment portal/wifi are wonderful to pass the time. Using points is a breeze to change (not chancel) flights. If you are changing a flight due to decrease in price, do not cancel, but change. Just remember to always check your boarding pass to make sure if you have precheck that it shows up on the boarding pass. My husband’s was supposed to and didn’t have it on the ticket, so we checked at counter (thank heavens no line) and they changed it. The next time we used the Skycab and he checked to make sure. Saw a couple with the similar situation in the precheck line and husband didn’t have it on his ticket. He had to go back in the long line for regular security while she got right threw in Precheck line.

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Shelli February 12, 2019 - 11:03 am

Good reminders, Gail. Thank you. Very true about checking boarding passes. Checking to make sure they have the accurate information on them is a great habit, no matter the airline. Thanks for reading and taking the time to add to the conversation. Glad you’re a SWA fan!

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Ron March 15, 2019 - 7:39 am

I’m confused about paying more for a same day standby flight. Isn’t a standby seat a space available only seat? Why would that cost more? I’m interested in wanna get away deals and not sure of the disadvantages. Seems to good to be true.

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Shelli March 15, 2019 - 10:33 am

Hi Ron, I think you may be confusing terminology here. SWA has three fare classes, Business Select, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away.They all come with restrictions and differing prices. Business Select and Anytime are full fare tickets, so standby is available on those fare classes only. If you have a Wanna Get Away ticket and want to change and go standby on another flight, you’ll pay the difference. Wanna Get Away fares can be a great deal. Just make sure you know what the fare class limitations are. Hope this helps!

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Belinda lambert May 22, 2019 - 6:06 pm

If you are traveling with small children, can you get seats together?

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Shelli May 22, 2019 - 10:47 pm

Hi Belinda, It would help me answer your question if I knew the ages of the children. Also, there is another article I wrote that might help you better understand how to get seats on Southwest. https://pointmetotheplane.boardingarea.com/2018/08/22/best-seat-on-southwest-airlines/

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PAULA PEEVY March 21, 2019 - 4:06 pm

How do you get a precheck boarding pass. Is a wanna get away ticket the same as standby.

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Shelli March 21, 2019 - 7:28 pm

Hi Paula, Good questions. A precheck boarding pass comes from qualifying through Global Entry and the TSA. It has nothing to do with the airline you’re using. No,a Wanna Get Away fare is not a standby ticket. Please read the reply below where I answered Ron about this question. I hope my reply to him helps you sort through the terminology.

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Darlene April 23, 2019 - 7:24 pm

My husband and I will be traveling SWA in July. I will need a wheelchair to get through the airports. Does this effect my boarding?

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Shelli April 23, 2019 - 8:27 pm

Hi Darlene, I would check ahead of time with Southwest either online or by calling so you can clarify your special needs situation.

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Barbara Green March 23, 2019 - 6:54 pm

I just booked through Southwest for the first time using the Wanna Get Away. I rarely ever fly so hoping I made the right choice for my husband and I. I was going to purchase travel insurance afterwards, but not sure that would help with this sort of ticket arrangement. Should I go ahead and purchase anyway or would that be just a waste of money?

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Shelli March 23, 2019 - 7:10 pm

HI Barbara, Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment. You ask a good question. I can’t tell you what to do on your SWA Wanna Get Away ticket. I can only speak from my own experience. I only consider buying travel insurance on big overseas trips with major expenses that I’ve prepaid for. If you cancel your SWA flight, you can still use the funds within 12 months. As an aside, congratulations on your first SWA Wanna Get Away purchase and hope this answer helps a bit.

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Tami March 27, 2019 - 6:24 pm

If I purchase a Wanna get Away ticket to fly non stop to Austin from Lubbock will I still get to choose my boarding class 24 hours in advance?

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Shelli March 27, 2019 - 7:40 pm

Hi Tami, I think you meant “boarding pass”, and yes, you will be able to check-in and receive a boarding pass 24 hours in advance. Thanks for reading!

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Kelley Reed March 30, 2019 - 11:54 am

Hi Shelli, Sorry I read all the comments but still a little confused. I want to book a “Wanna get Away” ticket for my daughter who will be flying by herself for the first time. I need to make sure she will not get bumped off this flight as she will be trying to get to a location at a certain time. Also, when I book it and pay for it – the price will not change? or will I have to pay more if it goes up? Lastly….. I have read the terms but still it is not clear about the fare class limitations. I am not concerned with points for this. I just want to make sure when I purchase this ticket she will get where she is going and back again. Thanks for your input.

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Shelli March 30, 2019 - 5:04 pm

Hi Kelley, Wanna Get Away fares do have a few restrictions but they are still “real” tickets for a particular flight, time and day. I can’t imagine why your daughter would get bumped when holding a SWA ticket that’s paid for. Even if the price does go up after you purchase the ticket, you will not have to pay the difference. Hope that helps. Let me know if you still have questions.

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Marley April 4, 2019 - 9:25 am

Hi Shelli–
Thanks for this informative article! When you purchase a “wanna get away” ticket, are you guaranteed a seat on the flight or is it a standby ticket if someone else cancels their reservation?
Thanks!!

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Shelli April 4, 2019 - 10:09 am

Hi Marley, Yes, you’ll have a seat on the plane. It is not a standby situation. Glad you found the article helpful. Any other questions, let me know. Thanks for reading!

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Kendra April 5, 2019 - 7:49 am

So just to make sure i am clear on this before i book. the wanna get away ticket is a standby ticket?

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Shelli April 5, 2019 - 9:20 am

HI Kendra, No, a Wanna Get Away fare is NOT a standby ticket. You DO get a seat on the plane. The term standby implies you may or may not get a seat. Hope that helps clarify. Thanks for reading!

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Robert Roy April 19, 2019 - 3:12 pm

Are Wanna Get Away tickets round trip?

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Shelli April 19, 2019 - 3:21 pm

Hi Robert, Great question. They can be one way tickets or roundtrip. That’s up to you. Thanks for reading!

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Pamela Trainor April 23, 2019 - 6:12 am

Please advise readers that if you cancel a flight you must book a flight for the same passengers up to one year FROM THE DAY YOU BOOKED the flight or you will not be able to use the funds without penalty and then loss. Rapid rewards are only refunded to your acct up to a year from the day you booked or you loose them entirely. I did not understand it was the date you booked not the date you cancelled . I had to cancel a long anticipated trip for my family last October ( booked in February) due to an exacerbation of my illness and when I went to rebook this week for August I could not because I had just up until July 2 to use the funds and then it would be reduced reimbursement . I lose my rewards flight (first time I ever used the points). had comp rooms at the Bellagio for August for 8 of us. Don’t know that I will be here to save for another trip. $2000+ dollars lost. Been flying with SW for 20 years to Vegas. Sad

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Shelli April 23, 2019 - 9:17 am

Thanks for taking the time to add this reminder, Pamela. It’s an important piece of information. Here is where you and other readers can find out more about all things SWA, including restrictions on tickets. https://pointmetotheplane.boardingarea.com/2019/04/17/complete-guide-southwest/

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Raj April 28, 2019 - 4:57 pm

Hi Shelli, one question. How do they calculate one-way flights for A-List or Companion pass?

Suppose if I am flying from NY to SFO via LA – will these be counted as 2 one-way flights or just one for Companion pass calculation.

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Shelli April 28, 2019 - 5:07 pm

Hi Raj, Great question. I just checked all three airports in NY (assuming you meant the NYC area) and there is no flight to SFO via LA. In this case it would be two flights because it sounds like you are going to LA and then SFO. If it’s not a flight from the NYC area, let me know. When you get the route and it shows you change planes or transit through but don’t get off the plane, then it’s considered one flight. Hope this makes sense. If you have another question, let me know.

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Raj April 29, 2019 - 8:14 am

Hi Shelli, Apologies for the confusion, I just took those city names for example.

Let me take an real example – EWR to PHX.

When I do a search I see multiple options, like non-stop and 1 or 2 stops (showing 2 different flight numbers).

I usually prefer non-stop flights to save time & hassle of switching planes, but for companion pass, I need to fly 100 one way flights. Will flying via STL or MDW or BNA would count as 2 one way or 1 one way?

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Shelli April 29, 2019 - 9:09 am

Hi Raj, No worries on the confusion 🙂 I just checked EWR to PHX. I don’t see a STL option. The MDW or BNA would be 1 one way because they are on one ticket. These flights would be considered direct but with a stop and often a change of planes. That’s why you see different flight numbers. These routes you’re asking about would be considered one ticket for a one way flight. Hope that helps.

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Bettyjane Hess May 20, 2019 - 4:38 pm

I made two flight tickets for one person. I need to cancel the first one.

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Shelli May 20, 2019 - 4:41 pm

Hi Bettyjane,I’m not sure what you’re asking. Have you had problem trying to cancel the first one?

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Marie June 5, 2019 - 1:45 am

Hi! I’m so glad you posted this I was so confused. I saw that it gives you 2 checked bags free, but what about carry ons? I want to go to SFO for the weekend and don’t need to check a bag, will I be able to bring a backpack on board?

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Shelli June 5, 2019 - 8:55 am

Hi Marie, So glad this information on Wanna Get Away Fares was helpful. Yes, you will be able to bring a backpack onboard. Have fun in San Francisco, and thanks for reading.

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Elizabeth Corral July 3, 2019 - 8:20 pm

If I do want to purchase Wanna get Away tickets, do I need to apply for the credit card to get the rewards? I really dont want to.

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Shelli July 4, 2019 - 1:20 am

Great question, Elizabeth. You’ll be happy to know you don’t have to apply for a credit card to join the Southwest Rapid Rewards program. Also, you can buy tickets for traveling on Southwest without joining their Rapid Rewards program. So you’re fine purchasing those Wanna Get Away tickets even without a Southwest credit card or a Rapid Rewards account. Thanks for reading and taking the time to ask your question.

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Charles Musarra July 30, 2019 - 10:36 am

I have two questions-I flew from Denver to Phoenix on or about 1/20 using some of my miles and purchasing miles to complete the trip. Did I earn miles from this trip? Also, I have a Chase credit card, which earns miles that I can use for Southwest. I also have a Southwest card. Do i need both to maintain my RR account?

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Shelli July 31, 2019 - 12:04 pm

Hi Charles, Thanks for reading and for asking such great questions. On your DEN-PHX trip, if I understand you correctly, you would have earned for the purchasing of miles but not for the trip if you booked it as an award trip. You do not need credit cards to maintain a Rapid Rewards account with Southwest. Hope this helps answer your questions.

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Lori Zezza August 16, 2019 - 7:14 pm

Are there any seat restrictions with wanna get away or for example would we still be able to get a good seat and one with a tv screen on the seat back in front of us?

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Shelli August 16, 2019 - 9:38 pm

Hi Lori, Good question. This post tells you all you need to know about getting a good seat on Southwest. https://pointmetotheplane.boardingarea.com/best-seat-on-southwest-airlines/ If you still have any questions after reading it, please let me know.

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Lucas August 22, 2019 - 2:49 am

Hi Shelli, We have a future November round-trip flight from MHT to MCO booked in June. I chose to upgrade to the Early Bird for both legs at the time. I just received a flight change today where they changed the MCO return leg to a different flight number, but still within 20 minutes of our original booking. What I found curious was my MHT to MCO is listed as a ‘P’ but the changed MCO flight is ‘M’. These I hadn’t seen before in my booking. Can you comment on these?

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Shelli August 22, 2019 - 10:20 am

Hi Lucas, I also just today received a change of flights email from Southwest. I do not know why they would change one leg of your flight to a non-early bird upgrade class of service.

I noticed a few things from the email I received, so let me add them to this reply so other SWA flyers can benefit, too.

Southwest makes changes proactively when flight schedules change: Here’s what they say:

“This was done proactively due to a Southwest flight schedule change on your day of travel. Please review your new itinerary below. Your reservation is confirmed and no further action is required. In the event this new itinerary does not work for you, we are offering the one time opportunity to change your flight date(s) and/or time(s) by up to 14 days from original travel date at no additional cost in accordance with our established reaccommodation practices. For expedited service, you can change your flight at http://www.southwest.com/rebook3 between the hours of 12:00pm (CDT) and 11:59pm (CDT). Should you need further assistance, you can reach a Southwest Representative at 1-888-871-8321.”

In your case, I think the best thing to do is reach out to SWA directly and have them make the correction to Early Bird for you. Sorry I can’t be of more help.

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Lucas August 22, 2019 - 3:13 pm

Thank you! Since writing this to you, they subsequently changed my first leg of the flight too. This time to a flight much later than originally planned. Causing some grief here in the house when this was something we did to pick and be done with our flight planning early. Now SW is changing both legs of our flight.

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Shelli August 22, 2019 - 5:42 pm

I hear your frustration, Lucas. Looks like you’ll be taking advantage of the offer to change your flights at no cost to you. Hope you’ll find some flights that work well for you. I might do the same because of the changes SWA made on my flights. Thanks for reading!

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Lucas August 23, 2019 - 2:42 am

Hi Shelli, just to finish this off, I did call SW last night on the phone. The ‘P’ and the ‘M’ were categories of paid fare according Cynthia on the phone. She told me business select would have been a ‘K’. She said not to worry as she could see my Early Bird was still applied to all four passengers for both legs. I did get wee concerned when she said she could tell I used points to pay for my tickets, which I confirmed I had not. She then corrected herself. Finally, the flight change in my case was due to the SW still grounding MAX-8s. We were shifted to different aircraft flights, but maintained our non-stop status. All other choices were no better and all were most definitely not non-stop. So I have kept what we have been given.

Shelli August 23, 2019 - 9:27 am

Thanks for closing the loop on this, Lucas. Glad you got this sorted out. Sometimes a call is the best way to go! I took a look at my flight changes as well. I found a flight I prefer over the one they proactively assigned me so I’ll be calling SWA later today. I would think given the MAX groundings, many SWA flyers are experiencing the changes you and I experienced.

Emma August 23, 2019 - 6:58 pm

Hi, I’m from the UK and doing a trip in Oct from San Francisco to Las Vegas one way. The Free hold luggage with the bargain price is making me think there is catch, I have missed something or is it just a really good deal?

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Shelli August 23, 2019 - 11:05 pm

Hi Emma, Yes, on SWA regardless of which fare type you select, Southwest allows two free checked bags. It is a great deal and for your route from San Francisco to Las Vegas, a good airline choice. Enjoy your travels, and thank you for reading!

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Patty Adams September 24, 2019 - 8:52 am

Hi Shelli,
WE bought wanna get away tickets and boarding first is there a certain part of plane we have to sit in with the wanna get aways?

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Shelli September 24, 2019 - 11:06 am

Hi Patty, Great question. You can sit anywhere you’d like, even with a Wanna Get Away fare. Here’s another SWA post you’ll find helpful. https://pointmetotheplane.boardingarea.com/best-seat-on-southwest-airlines/ Thanks for reading!

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Ruth couillard November 5, 2019 - 6:04 am

So what is the difference with the want to get away tickets and the other ones. I’m confused why it’s a lower price.

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Shelli November 5, 2019 - 10:25 am

All airlines have different fare classes, Ruth. Wanna Get Away fares are Southwest’s lowest fares. Maybe some of these articles can help you better understand how fares work. Thanks for reading! https://pointmetotheplane.boardingarea.com/complete-guide-southwest/

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Greg Woodard January 1, 2020 - 8:36 am

Can anyone board on the rear door?

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Shelli January 1, 2020 - 7:13 pm

Good question, Greg. I haven’t seen Southwest use the rear door on a plane in a very long time.

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Sherri W. February 4, 2020 - 1:38 pm

Thank you for a very informative article and answering the many questions. I now feel comfortable using the want to get away fare which I had no clue about before. Safe travels to all 🙂

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Shelli February 4, 2020 - 1:50 pm

How nice of you to let us know, Sherri. Safe travels to all, for sure!

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Patricia DeBari March 18, 2020 - 3:15 am

Good morning Shelli…had to cancel 5 want to get away fares from NY to Orlando for a trip to Disney April 8th , due to Conoravirus fear. Was disappointed that with this pandemic ,that now reading , coUld last up to 18 months , SW did not offer, a little extra time , over their usual 1 year from date of purchase use . Purchased tickets Sept 2019..tickets had an n code. It is impossible for us to use by Sept 2020. Any special phone number to call ..or advise.. T Y

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Shelli March 18, 2020 - 9:43 am

Wish I had a better answer for you, Patricia. I don’t have a special phone number. I would keep checking the Southwest website and make sure you’re on the Southwest mailing list so if there are changes in their policies you’ll know. Stay safe!

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arasystem April 14, 2020 - 10:28 am

Hi! I’m so glad you posted this I was so confused. I saw that it gives you 2 checked bags free, but what about carry ons? I want to go to SFO for the weekend and don’t need to check a bag, will I be able to bring a backpack on board?

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Shelli April 14, 2020 - 12:10 pm

It’s always best to check with an airline’s website to be certain. Southwest does allow a carry-on bag and a personal item on board with each passenger. Hope this helps and thanks for reading.

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herbeday April 19, 2020 - 2:21 pm

I love to travel and to know, I have visited more than 9 countries and i love to explore more, and your blog post gave me such a piece of good information to know.

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Shelli April 19, 2020 - 2:39 pm

Thank you for reading. Glad you found the information helpful!

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Daysha mahiai May 19, 2020 - 12:10 pm

I purchased a get away ticket is that a stand by I’m confused of how it works.!? Would I still be able to board the plane.!? With the all the people go purchased tickets that same day do they all get to get on the plane no matter what fare they have!? I purchased a get away ticket and added early bird check it does that mean I do not have to check in 24 hours before my flight!?

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Shelli May 19, 2020 - 12:24 pm

Hi Daysha, To answer all your questions, I’ll refer you to this: https://pointmetotheplane.boardingarea.com/complete-guide-southwest/ I understand Southwest is a bit confusing until you learn how they work things. They are a great airline, though. Hope these other articles give you the answers you need. Enjoy your flight!

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kirsten Smith May 24, 2020 - 4:52 pm

i have a question if all fares for a date June 4th 2020from Albany ny to Tucson AZ say unavailable does that mean the flight is canceled or are the seats taken because of the covid-19 and the flight is at it limit to keep social distance?

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Shelli May 24, 2020 - 7:48 pm

Hi Kirsten, I checked SWA and saw that the flight you want, which is only once a day (that goes through Denver) is indeed not available on June 4 or 5. If you look at the low fare calendar, there are plenty of dates in June that are available. Hopefully one of those will work for you. Hope this helps!

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Troy Rodgers June 7, 2020 - 9:15 pm

Hi Shelli,
Could you please explain the “Wanna Get Away” for me. I recently purchased a ticket in that category for my mom travelling from BWI to ATL. What are the drawbacks if any with this category of passengers?
Thanks
-Troy

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Shelli June 7, 2020 - 9:26 pm

Hi Troy, and thanks for your question. Besides this post you just read, it might help to take a look here for answers to any questions you might have. https://pointmetotheplane.boardingarea.com/complete-guide-southwest/. I really don’t see drawbacks to Wanna Get Away fares. Southwest might do things differently from other airlines, but they do them well! Hope your mom has a great flight!

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Iranmodir August 2, 2020 - 3:55 pm

very good. thanks

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Should You Fly Southwest Airlines? How They'll Save You Money - September 7, 2020 - 1:03 pm

[…] of expensive fare classes? When you fly Southwest airlines, there are three fare classes: Business Select, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away – the benefits you get if you have the disposable income to afford Business Select do not […]

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خرید سیم کارت رایتل October 13, 2020 - 7:28 am

I wanna thank you for this great post. I just have one question… are wanna get away ticket and standby ticket the same??

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Shelli October 13, 2020 - 8:36 am

Great question! No they are not the same. With a Wanna Get Away Fare you are buying a ticket for a specific flight at a specific time. For understanding more about standby tickets I suggest this post: https://pointmetotheplane.boardingarea.com/how-to-fly-standby/

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Steve Walker January 31, 2021 - 8:22 am

If I miss my connection on a wanna get away ticket, what do I do? Is the ticket transferable.?

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Shelli January 31, 2021 - 8:29 am

Thanks for your question, Steve. It depends on the circumstances and why you missed your connection. This answer doesn’t help much, but it’s the best I can do given the info you provided. I’d check with SWA directly.

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Victoria April 11, 2021 - 11:25 am

Questions about traveling with kids – My husband and i will be traveling with our 3 toddlers (2 in seats & 1 on lap). WIth not being able to pick seating, can anyone answer how this would work with us traveling? We obviously would prefer to not be separated, but what are their rules with those traveling with kids?

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Shelli April 11, 2021 - 2:43 pm

Hi Victoria, I’d reach out to Southwest to address your concerns. Their customer care is very good and accessible. Ask them all of your questions. They’ll be your best direct source of information.

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SD April 12, 2021 - 7:39 pm

Why don’t I get to choose my seat?

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Shelli April 12, 2021 - 7:46 pm

Southwest doesn’t assign seats, only boarding groups, SD. Then once on the plane you can choose your seat.

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ورق سازی آوین پک May 24, 2021 - 2:51 am

This blog was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something which helped
me. Appreciate it!

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SG June 10, 2021 - 7:26 am

How do I find Senior Fares on Southwest and how do they compare with Wanna Get Away fares? Thanks!

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Shelli June 10, 2021 - 9:39 am

Unfortunately, SG, Southwest discontinued their Senior Fares. Wanna Get Away fares will be your best bet now. Thanks for reading!

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neiram July 5, 2021 - 10:51 pm

Are Wanna Get Away tickets round trip?

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Shelli July 6, 2021 - 7:48 am

Good question, Neiram. They can be either one way or roundtrip. Thanks for reading!

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Debi August 19, 2021 - 11:33 am

I’m purchasing a one way ticket and using Wanna Get Away…will I be able to get a seat near window?

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Shelli August 19, 2021 - 6:19 pm

Whether or not you can get a window seat has to do with your boarding group, rather than your Wanna Get Away fare. This article will help you understand how boarding and check-in work on SWA. Enjoy your trip, Debi. https://pointmetotheplane.boardingarea.com/southwest-check-in/

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Suzanne September 28, 2021 - 10:31 am

I have always flown Southwest to Orlando, but I would like to fly out of Baton Rouge, La to Orlando instead of New Orleans…is that an option?

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Shelli September 28, 2021 - 10:39 am

Hi Suzanne, I would check the Southwest website and see if that’s a route they fly. Safe travels!

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شركة تصنيع الكرتون October 5, 2021 - 1:36 am

Hi Shelli–
Thanks for this informative article! if someone else cancels their reservation?
Thanks!!

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Bistoon fireplace October 7, 2021 - 6:49 am

Thanks SHELLI for informative article

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مجله عمومی December 30, 2021 - 12:18 pm

Really interesting and informative

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با برترین ها December 30, 2021 - 12:27 pm

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Negar December 31, 2021 - 4:03 am

Thanks for sharing this

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بهترین شرکت سئو January 11, 2022 - 12:00 am

interesting content. thanks.

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هتلین دات کام January 18, 2022 - 3:48 am

Hello Shelli,
Thanks for your practical article.

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خرید ادکلن اصل May 5, 2022 - 4:58 am

hi shelli
It was a good article and I hope I can use more of your useful content

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بهترین شرکت سئو May 5, 2022 - 5:04 am

helloo sheli
Thanks for this article

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جعبه طلا مقوایی May 28, 2022 - 9:17 pm

Thanks for your practical article..

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تی جی ممبرز June 13, 2022 - 11:52 pm

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thank you shelli

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قیمت روز نبشی July 2, 2022 - 5:23 am

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طراحی سایت فروشگاهی August 1, 2022 - 4:31 am

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How to Fly Standby: Your Complete Guide to Getting a Seat August 31, 2022 - 6:51 pm

[…] Only ‘Anytime’ and ‘Business Select’ fares are eligible for standby; if you purchase ‘Wanna Get Away’ or ‘Senior’ fares you will need to pay the fare difference. There may be additional […]

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What Are The Airlines That Give You Free Inflight Wi-Fi? September 10, 2022 - 11:48 am

[…] Southwest […]

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AIMEE May 4, 2023 - 8:56 am

SHELLI,

DO YOU FEEL IT IS SAFE FOR MY 14 YEAR OLD TO TRAVEL ALONE FOR HER FIRST TIME WITH SOUTHWEST? SINCE THEY DON’T OFFER UNACCOMPANIED MINOR OPTIONS SHE IS NERVOUS ABOUT GETTING OFF THE PLANE TO HER NEXT GATE ON TIME FOR DEPARTURE. THIS IS A HUGE DEAL FOR HER AND SHE WANTS TO KNOW IF SHE WILL HAVE SOME ASSISTANCE WITH HER TRAVELS.

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Shelli May 4, 2023 - 12:00 pm

Hi Aimee, I suggest reaching out to Southwest, perhaps by phone, and telling them of your concerns. That gives Southwest the opportunity to provide assistance that could help your daughter as she transits her flights. Hope this suggestion helps!

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کارتن سازی May 30, 2023 - 6:29 am

Thank you

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لنت ترمز! December 12, 2023 - 6:45 am

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