The Pros and Cons of Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar for Corporate Travel

When managing corporate travel, one of the most important factors is staying within budget while ensuring your employees travel comfortably and efficiently. Southwest Airlines, known for its low-cost flights and flexible policies, offers the Low Fare Calendar, a tool that can be a game-changer for corporate travel planners looking to save money. However, like any travel tool, there are both advantages and disadvantages to using the Low Fare Calendar for booking corporate trips. In this article, we’ll explore the What is the Pros & Cons of Southwest Low Fare Calendar specifically for business travel.

The Pros of Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar for Corporate Travel

1. Cost Savings

The Low Fare Calendar is designed to help travelers find the most affordable flights by displaying the lowest fares for each day of the month. This feature is particularly beneficial for corporate travel planners, as it makes it easier to book flights within the company’s budget. By viewing the fare options for an entire month, companies can identify which days are the least expensive and adjust their travel schedules accordingly. The ability to book lower-cost flights can lead to substantial savings, especially for companies with multiple employees traveling frequently.

2. Predictability and Transparency

One of the key advantages of using the Low Fare Calendar is the ability to predict and compare fares well in advance. The calendar provides a clear visual representation of the lowest fares available, making it easier for businesses to budget for travel. By planning ahead and using this tool, companies can avoid the stress of last-minute bookings, which can often come with inflated prices. The transparency of the calendar helps corporate travel planners make more informed decisions, reducing the risk of overspending.

3. Flexibility with Travel Dates

Corporate trips are often subject to last-minute changes, and the Low Fare Calendar gives companies the flexibility to adjust their travel plans without blowing the budget. If your team has flexibility on their travel dates, using the calendar can help you identify the most affordable days to fly, allowing for smoother scheduling without compromising on cost. The tool is especially helpful for companies with employees who have flexible schedules or for businesses planning group travel, as it enables them to book flights on the most cost-effective days.

4. Enhanced Travel Planning

For corporate travel managers who are responsible for booking flights for a large team, the Low Fare Calendar streamlines the planning process. It provides a clear, easy-to-read layout of fares, so travel planners can quickly compare prices across different dates and select the best days for travel. This ease of use helps reduce the time and effort involved in searching for low-cost flights, allowing travel managers to focus on other important aspects of corporate travel.

5. No Hidden Fees for Changes

Southwest Airlines is known for its flexibility when it comes to flight changes. If you need to adjust your plans after booking, Southwest doesn’t charge change fees, which is a significant advantage for corporate travel. If your business needs to change a flight to a different day, the Low Fare Calendar ensures that you have access to the most affordable fare options available for your new travel date. The absence of change fees provides peace of mind for travel planners and employees alike, knowing that modifications won’t result in additional charges.

The Cons of Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar for Corporate Travel

1. Limited International Options

While Southwest Airlines’ Low Fare Calendar is a great tool for domestic travel, its benefits are limited when it comes to international routes. Southwest primarily focuses on the U.S. and a few international destinations such as Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. For businesses with employees traveling frequently to destinations outside these regions, the Low Fare Calendar may not be as useful. Other airlines with more extensive international networks might offer better pricing or more convenient routes for global business travel.

2. No First-Class or Premium Options

The Low Fare Calendar helps identify the lowest fares available, but it doesn’t offer any premium options like first-class or business-class tickets. Southwest Airlines doesn’t have a traditional first-class cabin, and although they offer Business Select seating, it doesn’t compare to the luxury of full-service carriers with premium cabins. For companies that require first-class seating for their executives or employees, the Low Fare Calendar may not meet those needs, especially for long-haul flights.

3. Lack of Flexibility for Peak Travel Periods

While the Low Fare Calendar is helpful in identifying affordable travel dates, it’s important to note that during peak travel periods, such as holidays or major business conferences, flight prices may still be high. The calendar can show the lowest fares, but during busy seasons, it may be harder to find significant discounts. For companies planning corporate travel around peak periods, relying solely on the Low Fare Calendar may not always lead to the best pricing, especially if flights are already filling up quickly.

4. Not All Dates Will Have Low Fares

Although the Low Fare Calendar is an excellent tool for finding affordable fares, it’s important to understand that not every day will show a low price. Southwest Airlines may not always offer cheap flights on the dates you need, and flexibility may be required. If your corporate travel plans are very specific in terms of dates, you might not always be able to book the lowest-priced tickets using the calendar. In some cases, businesses may need to adjust their schedules to take advantage of the best fares.

5. Limited Availability of Low Fares

While the Low Fare Calendar highlights the least expensive days to fly, these fares can sell out quickly, especially for popular routes or destinations. Corporate travelers who don’t act fast may miss out on these low fares, requiring them to book at higher prices. Additionally, lower fares often come with restrictions, such as less favorable flight times or fewer seat options, which may not always align with business travel needs.

Conclusion: Is the Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar Worth It for Corporate Travel?

The Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar is a powerful tool that offers significant cost savings and flexibility for companies looking to optimize their travel budgets. It’s particularly useful for businesses with employees who have flexible travel dates or for companies looking to plan group travel. The calendar’s predictability and transparency make it easier to plan and budget for corporate trips, and the ability to adjust travel dates without incurring change fees is a huge advantage.