Does Southwest Offer Student Discounts?

November 11, 2025 by Student Discount Codes

Southwest Airlines is known for its flexible booking, two free checked bags, and affordable fares—making it a popular choice for students traveling for college, spring break, internships, or family visits. If you’re a student hoping to save a little extra, you might be wondering: Does Southwest Airlines offer a student discount? Here’s the full story on student deals at Southwest, plus practical tips for getting the lowest fares and other ways to save as a student traveler.

Does Southwest Have a Student Discount?

No, Southwest Airlines does not offer a permanent, official student discount for booking flights. There is no standing promo code, .edu email offer, or dedicated student fare class on Southwest’s website. Unlike a handful of international airlines or special travel agencies, Southwest does not have a direct student program for flight discounts in the United States.

Why Doesn’t Southwest Have a Student Discount?

• Everyday Low Fares: Southwest’s approach is to keep its fares competitive for all customers, all year long. The airline frequently runs sales and “Wanna Get Away” fares, which are already among the lowest in the industry.
• No Hidden Fees: With free checked bags and no change fees, Southwest aims to deliver more value without needing to segment fares by occupation or status.
• Simplicity: By not offering targeted discounts, Southwest keeps its pricing model straightforward and accessible to everyone.

How Can Students Save on Southwest Flights?

While there’s no formal student fare, there are plenty of strategies that students can use to score the best deals on Southwest:

• Book During Fare Sales

  Southwest runs frequent sales throughout the year, with major events in January, summer, and fall. Sale fares can drop well below regular prices—sometimes as low as $49–$99 each way for popular routes.

• Set Up Low Fare Alerts

  Use Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar or sign up for fare alerts through their website and third-party tools. You’ll be notified as soon as prices drop on your preferred route.

• Be Flexible with Travel Dates and Times

  Flying mid-week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and booking early morning or late-night flights can help you find the cheapest tickets—ideal for students with flexible schedules.

• Book in Advance

  The earlier you book, the more likely you are to find the lowest “Wanna Get Away” fares. Booking 1–3 months in advance is often the sweet spot.

• Use Rapid Rewards Points

  Sign up for Southwest’s free Rapid Rewards loyalty program to earn points on every flight. You can use points to book future travel for yourself, friends, or family—perfect for budget-conscious students.

• Take Advantage of Free Bags

  Southwest’s two free checked bags can save students $60–$120 per round trip compared to airlines that charge for luggage—a built-in value that feels like a student perk.

• Monitor Price Drops After Booking

  If your fare drops after you book, Southwest allows you to rebook at the lower fare with no change fee—either getting a refund or travel credit for the difference.

• Look for Group or School Travel Deals

  For large groups, teams, or official school trips, Southwest does offer group travel rates and flexible booking terms. These are not individual student fares, but can help student organizations save.

• Consider Southwest’s Credit Card Offers

  If you’re over 18 and have good credit, the Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards sometimes offer big sign-up bonuses, helping you earn free flights faster. Always use credit cards responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions: Southwest and Student Discounts

Is there a student promo code for Southwest?

No, Southwest does not issue or honor student-specific promo codes. Any such codes you find online are likely scams or not valid for Southwest bookings.

Does Southwest offer special fares for college or university students?

There is no published student fare for individual students. However, school clubs, teams, or organizations may be able to book group rates through the Southwest Group Travel Desk.

Can I use my student ID or .edu email for a Southwest discount?

No, Southwest does not have any offers tied to student verification or .edu email addresses. All fares are available to everyone, regardless of student status.

Does Southwest have military or youth discounts?

Southwest does offer some special fares for military members and government employees, and previously had “Young Traveler” fares, but these are not the same as a student discount. Always check their website for current policies.

What is the best way for students to get the lowest price on Southwest?

Book early, use fare sales, sign up for Rapid Rewards, and always check Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar for your route.

Summary: Southwest Student Discount

While Southwest does not offer a formal student discount, students can still travel affordably by using fare sales, flexible travel dates, and the airline’s unique perks like two free checked bags. Enroll in Rapid Rewards, monitor prices, and take advantage of group travel options for student organizations. With these tips, students can make the most of their travel budget and enjoy Southwest’s reliable, customer-friendly approach—without needing a special discount code or student verification.