Update: Southwest schedule had been actually updated today. They are currently accepting air reservations through November 2, 2019. On May 23, 2019 we will open our schedule for sale through January 5, 2020. HT: Lenny in comments

Southwest flights are currently bookable through October 1, 2019. A new schedule extension was due to come out yesterday, but it has been postponed probably due to the FAA order to ground all Boeing 737 Max 8 planes. Now the new release date for a schedule extension is Match 18th, as reported by Deals We Like. That should open up bookings through early November.

Southwest usually announces new and dropped routes during its regular schedule updates. That means that we could see some new Hawaii routes added as well. But we probably will not see any $49 fares again.

Book With No Worries

Southwest now makes it easy to compare prices for a flight you have already booked. They also make it easy to get a refund in case the price of your flight goes down, whether it’ a paid fare or award. If you have a paid fare, you will get a voucher for the difference in fare price that ca be used one year from the date the flight was originally booked. The voucher is non-transferable. If you booked using Rapid Rewards points, then you get reimbursed the difference.

Guru’s Wrap-up

It’s a good idea to start looking for travel dates early, especially for peak times. With Southwest’s refund policy, there’s not much to worry about. Even if you don’t yet have your Companion Pass, you can book now and add a companion later. So be ready Monday morning.