Southwest's $67 "Meme Sale" Has Cheap Flights for Early 2026

Southwest Airlines is offering $67 basic economy tickets on some flights in the coming months.

They're calling it the "Trendiest. Sale. Ever." because 6-7. Get it? $67. That's the whole meme. Corporate social media is trying to be relatable. But the fare is real.

The sale applies to Tuesday and Wednesday flights between January 6 and March 4. You have to buy tickets by the end of December to get the $67 price. It only works for flights within the continental U.S.

"Seats, days, and markets are limited. Fares may vary by destination, flight, and day of the week and won't be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods," according to Southwest.

So, it's not every flight. It's select Tuesday and Wednesday flights during a time when nobody really wants to travel anyway because the holidays are over and it's freezing outside.

But $67 is $67.

The Assigned Seating Situation

Here's where it gets weird. Customers who buy these tickets could have completely different experiences depending on when they fly.

Southwest is implementing assigned seating on January 27. So, if you fly in the first few weeks of the sale, you get the classic Southwest cattle call boarding process. If you fly after January 27, you get an assigned seat like a normal airline.

Except not really. Because this is basic economy, you don't get to pick your seat until you check in. So, you're getting assigned seating, but not seat selection. You get what you get.

Also, basic economy customers board last. Which means overhead bins are probably full by the time you get on the plane. Which means you're probably gate-checking your carry-on even though you specifically packed light to avoid checking a bag.

What You're Actually Paying For

$67 sounds great until you start adding stuff. Need to check a bag? That's extra. Want to pick your seat? Nope, you're basic economy. Want to board early enough to actually get overhead bin space? Nope, you're boarding last.

So, you saved money on the ticket, but depending on what you need, you might end up paying almost as much as a regular fare anyway.

If you're flying somewhere for a quick trip with just a personal item that fits under the seat, $67 is solid. Tuesday and Wednesday flights in January and February aren't exactly peak travel times.

But if you need to check bags or you're picky about where you sit, this might not be the deal it looks like.

Also, this is one-way. So, you're looking at $134 minimum for a round trip, assuming the sale fare is available both directions.

How to Actually Book This

Go to Southwest's website. Search for flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between January 6 and March 4. See if your route is included. Book the $67 fare if it's still available. That's it.

Just remember what you're getting. Last to board. Possible gate-check of your carry-on. Extra fees for checked bags. Seat assignment at check-in if you're flying after January 27, but you don't get to pick it.

$67 for a domestic flight in 2026 is actually pretty good. Just know what you're getting into before you book.

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