Find Out: What Is Wanna Get Away For Southwest Airlines?

If you’re someone who wants to travel on a budget, then this post is exactly what you’re looking for! With all that budget travel in your mind, you get to hear about the “Wanna Get Away” option from Southwest, then you wonder, “What is Wanna Get Away for Southwest Airlines (now known as “Basic” by this airline), and how do they save me money?” You’re in the right place, then!

Everybody knows this airline for its cost-friendly flights and different fare choices. The “Wanna Get Away” fare is the most reasonably priced of these. Many tourists choose these fares to extend their trip budget. But what does it mean for you and your trip itinerary? This blog post will go over every part of Southwest’s Wanna Get Away/Basic fares in this post. This post will explain what they are, why they’re so well-liked, and more, as well as how to locate and book them for your upcoming trip. Prepare to discover more affordable flights and achieve your travel goals without overspending. Let’s examine how you can fly farther for less with Wanna Get Away!

Wanna Get Away (Basic) Features

To get a thorough answer to the question, “What is the Wanna Get Away option on Southwest Airlines?”, you need to know about its features. Check them out below:

Lowest Price Option

The Basic fare offers the most affordable tickets on Southwest, ensuring you pay less than with other fare types, including Choice, Choice Preferred, or Choice Extra. If you are someone who is willing to pay the least for their flight and does not need to enjoy the perks, then Basic fare is the option for you. 

Non-refundable Tickets

When you cancel a Basic fare, no refund is issued. Instead, Southwest offers you a flight credit as long as you cancel at least 10 minutes before your flight’s scheduled departure. The flight credit will expire six months from the date of issue, so please use it promptly on a future Southwest flight.

No Free Changes

Unlike its fare counterparts, Basic is the only fare that does not offer a free change option for your flight. You will need to upgrade your flight to a higher fare type, such as Choice or Choice Preferred, and pay the price difference to make the change. Hence, Basic fares have added rigidity for travelers who have itineraries that are subject to change.

No Free Same-Day Changes or Standby

If you ever want to switch to another flight on the same day, upgraded Basic fares do not allow you to do it for free, and they don’t allow you to become standby as well. Again, you will have to pay for a fare type above Basic, such as Choice or Choice Preferred, if you want the ability to switch flights or be on standby. You must also note that the old Wanna Get Away fares allow passengers unlimited free same-day standby.

Baggage Fees

If you have a Basic fare, Southwest is offering one free checked bag. You will be charged around $35 for your first checked bag and about $45 for your second one. Carry-ons are not subject to a fee and are limited to one bag per person, in addition to one smaller personal item. However, if you use a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card or have elite status, one free checked bag will get applied.

Earn Fewer Rapid Rewards Points

With Basic fares, for every dollar you spend on the ticket, you will get two Rapid Rewards points. This is less than other fares, such as Choice (6 points per dollar) or Choice Preferred (10 points per dollar). If you want to earn points more quickly for free flights, a higher fare may be worth it.

No Seat Selection Until Check-In

When you book a Southwest Basic fare, there is no option to select your seat. You are assigned a seat at check-in, which begins 24 hours before the flight. With Basic fare tickets, you will often get assigned to a later boarding group (B or C). You may not get a good seat. Starting in 2026, Southwest plans to assign seats, but Basic fare customers will still have limited options to choose from.

No Perks 

The basic fare does not include perks such as priority boarding, complimentary Wi-Fi on flights, or premium beverages. The perks get built into higher fares, specifically Choice Extra and Business Select. If you want a simple trip without all the frills, that’s what Basic fare get designed to do – keep your fare low by removing all the extras. 

Basic Is Available On Any Southwest Flight 

You can book a Basic fare on any Southwest flight, whether it is domestic or international. The price of the Basic fare varies based on the route being flight, travel date, and demand. It will always be the cheapest fare available. Use Southwest’s website or Low Fare Calendar to find the best deals.

Advantages of Wanna Get Away (Basic)

Basic fares offer great value, including two free checked bags and access to Southwest’s complimentary in-flight entertainment. You won’t find seatback TVs, but you can watch downloaded or online movies, series, and more on your device. Want to know more about Southwest’s entertainment options? Check out our article on Does Southwest Airlines Have TVs? for details on how to stay entertained during your flight. Look at the benefits below:

• Saves You Cash- Basic fares are cheaper than any Southwest ticket. You’re paying less to fly to the same routes and destinations, which provides incredible value.

• 2 Free Checked Bags- You receive two complimentary checked bags. Compared to other airlines that frequently start charging for baggage, this saves you a substantial sum of money.

• No Modification Fees– Do you need to adjust your plans? No issue! Your flight can get changed without incurring additional costs. 

• Earn Rapid Rewards Points- You will earn points every time you fly with a Basic fare. Use your Rapid Rewards points to earn free flights or other rewards within the Southwest program.

• Traveling to Pretty Much Anywhere- Finally, Basic fare allows you to fly to the same destinations as every other Southwest airfare, whether it’s a beach or city, or vacation destination, at a reduced cost.

• Great Option for Flexible Travellers- If you don’t need all the fancy extras, the Basic Fare rate works perfectly. You get the reliable flight you expect from Southwest at a low cost!

Wanna Get Away (Basic Fare): Limitations 

Southwest’s Basic fares can save you money on your flight, but they have limitations. Be aware of these limitations before making a reservation, as you may be surprised by them.

• Non-Refundable Tickets – Wanna Get Away fares do not offer a refund when you cancel your flight. Instead, Southwest offers you travel credits that are usable on a subsequent trip, but they expire in one year. Plan to travel again to use your travel credits!

• Stations Lower Boarding Priority- Wanna Get Away fares also place you in a lower boarding position, usually Group C, meaning you will board the plane after other passengers. You will not have to wait first dwindling at your favorite spot (maybe a window or aisle). If you want to choose your seat, arrive at the airport earlier.

• Limited Reservation Availability- The Basic fares can get sold out fast, especially when it’s peak time of travel times. You may struggle to find affordable fares for popular flights or during peak seasons. Plan early if you want to catch the cheap tickets!

• Fewer Rapid Rewards Points- You can earn fewer Rapid Rewards points when you purchase Wanna Get Away fares. If your goal is to earn rewards points as quickly as possible, consider other fare types, such as Anytime fares. However, you will still earn a few points to collect!

• No Same-Day Changes- Wanna Get Away fares do not allow for same-day flight changes. If your plans change at the last minute, you will need to purchase a new flight or use your credits. Save yourself headaches by planning your trip and traveling well in advance!

How to Book Basic Fares?

Wanna Get Away fares by Southwest Airlines are their lowest fares, ideal for budget travel. You can easily book Wanna Get Away fares. In the following, you will know about all the steps to book Wanna Get Away fares.

Online Booking Via Southwest Website

Follow the steps below to book online:

• Visit the airline’s official website.
• You then need to fill in the city of departure, your landing location, the dates of your trip, and the number of people in the booking form on the homepage.
• Choose Wanna Get Away: After clicking “Search,” you’ll see flight options. Look for fares labeled “Wanna Get Away” (they’re usually the cheapest).
• Select Your Flight: Pick the flight that fits your schedule and budget. Click to confirm.
• Complete Booking: Enter passenger information, select extras (if applicable), and pay by credit card or Southwest points.

Book on the Southwest Mobile App

Have a look at the steps below:

• Download the Southwest Airlines app.
• Log in to your Southwest account.
• Enter your trip information, including city pairs and dates, into the app’s search function.
• Select flights labeled “Wanna Get Away” for the cheapest prices.
• Enter your traveler information, select any add-ons, and pay securely through the app.

Place Booking By Phone

Check out how to place a booking by phone:

• Call their phone number as per your region and ask to speak with a Southwest representative.
• Inform the agent of your travel dates, cities, and desire for a Wanna Get Away fare.
• Give over-the-phone passenger information and payment details.
• The agent will email or text your reservation details.

Airport Booking

Give a thorough look at the steps below:

• Visit a Southwest ticket counter at an airport where this airline flies.
• Request the agent for Wanna Get Away fares for your intended trip.
• Give them your travel details and passenger information.
• Pay and confirm the booking to get your ticket.

Who Should Choose Wanna Get Away (Basic Fare)?

The basic fare provides a good method to save on your flight costs. This comes up as the most affordable option for a ticket. If you’re someone who wants a budget travel with perks, this has to be the best option available. Look at who should pick this fare below:

Low-Cost Travelers

If you’re on a tight budget, pick Wanna Get Away. Southwest offers the lowest prices on this fare. To get the best bargains, it’s best to plan and make reservations in advance. You still enjoy free checked bags (up to two) and no change fees, which makes it a wise choice for keeping costs low.

Flexible Leisure Travelers

Pick Wanna Get Away if your travel plans can change. Southwest allows you to cancel or change your flight without incurring a fee. If you cancel, you get travel credits to use later (within one year). It works well for vacationers or people visiting family who may need to adjust their plans.

Short-Trip Flyers

Go for Wanna Get Away if you’re taking a short trip. It’s ideal for quick getaways, like weekend trips or brief visits to nearby cities. The low price helps you save money for other aspects of your journey, such as food or activities.

Rapid Rewards Members

Choose this fare if you’re part of Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program. You earn points on Wanna Get Away tickets, though fewer than with pricier fares. These points help you get free flights later. It’s a good option for people who fly Southwest often and want to build rewards slowly.

People Okay with Later Boarding

Select Wanna Get Away if you don’t mind boarding later. This fare usually comes with Group C boarding, which means you can select your seat after most passengers have boarded. If you’re fine with any seat and don’t need extra legroom, this fare saves you money without worry.

Who Should Avoid It?

Don’t pick Wanna Get Away if you need a refundable ticket or early boarding. These fares don’t give cash refunds (only travel credits), and you board last. If you want priority boarding or more flexibility, consider Southwest’s Anytime or Business Select fares instead.

FAQs About Wanna Get Away Fares