Southwest's buy one get one 50% off sale has a big caveat: You need another flight first

Southwest Airlines is running a buy one get one 50% off sale for many flights next year, but there’s a catch: You have to book another new trip and fly by the end of September first.

In order to qualify for the deal you need to join or already be enrolled in the airline’s Rapid Rewards program and then register separately for the promotion.

Once registered, you’ll need to book a new round-trip itinerary (or two one-way flights) by Thursday for travel through Sept. 30. Once that travel is completed, you’ll receive a discount code for 50% off future travel, which you can book between Oct. 17 and Nov. 3. Flights booked in that window must operate between Jan. 8 and March 6, 2024 to qualify for the deal. The blackout dates for the future travel deal are Feb. 15-19, 2024, Feb. 23-25 and March 3.

To qualify, tickets cannot be purchased using points.

“We’re so grateful for the loyalty our customers share with Southwest every day and we know they’re ready to make some travel plans in 2024,” Jonathan Clarkson, Southwest’s vice president of marketing said in a statement. “This extra discount on our already low fares enhances the value of our frequent flights, flexible policies, and the unmatched friendliness of our people. We hope it underscores our gratitude for the relationship between Southwest and those who choose to fly with us.”

So get those bags packed and get going somewhere fun.

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Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com