Southwest Airlines Flights Starting at $49 in 72-Hour Fall Sale

The low-cost Southwest Airlines is offering a major sale this week. For 72 hours, passengers can book select one-way flights starting at $49.

Prices vary based on the length of travel. On select destinations, one-way flights of 1,301 miles or more start at $139. For travel 501 miles to 1,300 miles, travelers can get a flight for $99. Those taking a shorter trip up to 500 miles can get the low one-way price of $49.

"Southwest Airlines is thrilled to offer even lower fares for the fall travel season," said Kevin Krone, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Marketing, Sales, and Distribution in a press release. "We love the excitement our Customers have for our sales, and we are proud that Southwest remains committed to providing low fares to Customers across the nation."

These fares are considered to be part of Southwest Airline's fall travel super sale. The low prices apply to flights between August 13 and November 14, 2012. AirTran, Southwest Airline's subsidiary airline is also having a similar sale.

The only downside to this amazing sale is that peak travel days such as Fridays and Sundays are excluded, so weekend trips may have to be extended. There are also certain blackout dates like Labor Day, and the sale flights inconveniently end before the busy Thanksgiving holiday.

This move is done to boost sales after the peak travel season of summer. At this time, most kids are heading back to school, so flights are not as booked. As the flights start in mid-August, families with kids that return to school after Labor Day may really benefit from this offer.

Some trip examples include:

$49 one-way nonstop between Sacramento and San Diego

$99 one-way nonstop between Chicago and Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood

$99 one-way nonstop between Austin and Orlando

$139 one-way nonstop between Baltimore/Washington and Las Vegas

Bloomberg Businessweek reported that other airlines such as United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines matched the Southwest prices to compete with the amazing deal.

Southwest Airlines is already a low cost airline, especially when it comes to fees. They are one of the only airlines that don't charge for checked luggage or carry-ons. They even allow passengers to check a second bag for free, while some airlines charge up to $100 for a second checked bag. They are also the only airline that doesn't charge a fee for ticket changes.

Check out Southwest Airline's Fall Travel Super Sale Here.

For AirTran's Sale Flight, Click Here.