Category: Air Travel

Want to really save on travel? You need to make sure you fly on an airline that gives you the best deals and amenities out there. In a lot of ways, that points to Southwest Airlines.

Let’s get into some things you need to know before you book your Southwest flight.

Flying Southwest Airlines: What To Know

Southwest’s terminal is readily identifiable at Louis Armstrong International Airport, so you shouldn’t have any problem finding it.

On most Southwest flights, you also get same-day changes, same-day standby and the fares are refundable.

Will Southwest Flights Go Down In Price?

Southwest Airlines usually publishes its sales on a seasonal basis. If you’re a Rapid Rewards member, you’ll get an email with low fares to several destinations.

Out of Atlanta, the emails will usually look like this.

Where Does Southwest Airlines Fly For $59?

One of Southwest’s most popular fares is its cheap $49 flights, which typically cover cities between 300 to 500 miles from each other.

For example, Southwest has a route that goes from New Orleans to Atlanta for $77. It’s one of the airline’s Wanna Get Away Fares, which are typically cheaper. Although they may advertise it for a cheap price, Southwest is known to go up on the price from one day to the next. 

Are Southwest Fares Cheaper On A Particular Day?

Not a lot has been written about this, but Southwest usually drops its fares on Tuesdays, which is when its members get emails advertising cheap flights.

On Tuesdays, Southwest matches prices to compete with low-cost carriers. You can either try to book in the morning or afternoon to get a flight.

How To Book A Flight On Southwest

To book a flight on Southwest Airlines, go to Southwest.com and enter your departing city or airport and arriving city/airport.

Is Southwest The Cheapest Airline?

The airline industry has quite a few low-cost airlines that cater to budget-conscious customers. Southwest Airlines is known as a low-cost airline, but it’s not the cheapest. Their are other airlines with lower fares, but you won’t get the same customer service that you get with Southwest.

JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines both have competitive flights along with Southwest, but neither of them give you two free bags.

Final Word

If you’re considering flying with Southwest, always check their Wanna Get Away fares, which are the best deals. Wanna Get Away flights offer cheap economy fares that are hard to beat.

If your destination is not as popular, you may be able to get a cheap fare closer to the departure date, but it just depends. Read our guide on how to save on Kayak.

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• Here Are The Best Concert Venues In New Orleans
•  Is It Safe To Travel To New Orleans Right Now?
• What Favorite Food Is New Orleans Known For?

Traveling for less is the best thing for your wallet in 2025 and Memorial Day is a big traveling day for millions of Americans.

This article will show you how to save money on travel for the holiday if you’re an apprehensive traveler. Here’s what you need to know about flying this holiday season.

How To Save Money On Travel This Year

For the fall, there have been some good sales, especially with Southwest Airlines, so you can save money if you want to. The real issue is whether you’re ready to risk it all to fly to a vacation destination or home for the holidays.

Read our in-depth Travel Savings Guide to see how to take trips for less.

If you want to know what safety measures airlines have put in place, here’s what to know:

Typically, you may be asked to quarantine from 10 to 14 days, so you’d better have some vacation days to spare.

How To Save On Holiday Travel

Let’s talk about some ways you can save on holiday travel. Always check Southwest’s Fare Calendar for days with cheaper prices. If you’re traveling abroad, I love Going.com as well. Here’s how to save on airfares for cheap travel anywhere in the world.

1. Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates

The Sunday after a holiday weekend is always the most expensive day to travel. Make sure you remain flexible so that you can book the cheapest travel days, which are typically a few days earlier or later than the weekend.

The cheapest days to buy travel is typically a couple days before a holiday — except when those days happen to fall on any of the three weekend days. So that means buying on Tuesday through Thursday is typically your best bet.

2. Pack One Bag Only

If you want to save money, always only take one travel bag with you. Most airlines charge between $30 to $40 for a carryon bag. That’s up to $80 coming and going.

For example, Delta Air Lines charges $40 for a second checked bag.

Even if you have to wear the same thing for a day, it’s worth it to save on baggage fees.

3. Look For Travel Bundles

If you need a rental car, you can save money if you bundle that purchase with your airfare. The same is true for hotels, although you typically won’t need one if you’re going home for the holidays.

Travel sites like Priceline and Orbitz has deals galore on trip bundles that include flights and hotel itineraries.

4. Compare Prices

Consider alternate airports or destinations that may have lower fares.

Check prices for nearby airports, as they might offer more affordable options.

For example, flying out of New Orleans may be more affordable than flying out of Baton Rouge.

Final Words

Money-saving travel is more of an art than science, but you can save for the holidays if you put your mind to it.

The main thing you need to remember is that airline travel has changed drastically since early 2020. You will need to pack differently, including bringing plenty of masks and gloves.

You will also need to adjust your eating habits as many restaurants close their kitchens earlier or still have limited menus.

Whatever you do, try to have fun and be safe on your travels.

To New Orleans is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Louis Armstrong International Airport is so accessible.

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• These Airlines Have Hubs In New Orleans
• What Are The Cheapest Airlines To Fly?

When you’re searching online for cheap flights, it’s a good feeling when you can find airfares that are affordable amid rising prices.

In this article, I’m going to show you some of the cheapest airlines so that you can make an informed decision when it’s time for you to choose a flight.

What You Need To Know About Cheap Airlines

Cheap airlines are not grown on a tree. Affordable airfare is a result of market forces that the carriers have been forced to respond to. Airlines have determined that it’s in their best interest to have cheaper fares along with more expensive ones.

Some of the major airlines know that they can’t compete with low-cost airlines so they have introduced cheaper fares, known as Basic Economy fares. The truth is that these types of fares mimic what you get on a cheap airline.

Are Cheap Airlines Safe?

One argument that many people use is that cheaper airlines have a safety problem, but that has not been substantiated. The latest 2021 data shows that budget airlines are no safer or no less safe than their larger counterparts.

When it comes to fatal crashes, the safest airline over the past 70-plus years is Quantas, which last had a downed plane in 1951.

Now you may have some questions pertaining to which airlines are the cheapest. Here’s a chart based off data from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

What Are The Cheapest Airlines?

How To Book Cheap Flights

The #1 way to book cheap flights is to compare flights by going to a site that aggregates fares. prices are available. Google Flights or Momondo are two of the best places to start.

Once you find the best prices for airfare, make sure you book on the right day.

Book On The Right Day

Not a lot has been written about this, but Southwest usually drops its fares on Tuesdays, which is when its members get emails advertising cheap flights.

For example, on Tuesdays, Southwest matches prices to compete with low-cost carriers. You can either try to book in the morning or afternoon to get a flight.

Avoid Baggage Fees

With budget airlines, it’s common for the flight to be $20 or $30, but the baggage fee will be $40 one way. That means you could end up paying $80 more for a roundtrip flight.

If you can, try to pack smart so that you can save money on your trip.

Download this free packing list to help you make room for your belongings.

Final Word

Finding a cheap flight is more of an art than a science, but doing your research will typically save you money. Always compare flights on the sites we mention above. And don’t be afraid to use a budget airline, if you find a good fare.

More From NolaFi.com:

• What To Know About Southwest Airlines
• Who’s Got The Best Gumbo In New Orleans?
•  Is It Safe To Travel To New Orleans Right Now?

Southwest Airlines announced some major news that affects its passengers in a huge way: It will end its 2-bags free policy.

When Will Southwest Begin Charging For Bags?

Southwest Airlines will begin charging most passengers for checked bags starting May 28, 2025, marking the end of its long-standing “Bags Fly Free” policy. However, frequent flyers, Southwest credit card holders, and Business Select fare purchasers will still receive free checked baggage.

The decision has sparked widespread debate, with some mourning the loss of a key competitive advantage, while others point to financial pressures from activist investors like Elliott Management as a possible factor.

This shift represents a major departure from Southwest’s traditionally customer-friendly approach, raising questions about its impact on customer loyalty and market position.

The changes come about a month after Southwest announced mass layoffs across its operations.

Southwest Airlines has long been known for its “Bags Fly Free” policy, which allowed passengers to check two bags for free—a rare perk in the airline industry. This two-bag policy applied to all passengers, regardless of ticket type, and covered standard-sized checked luggage (each bag up to 50 lbs and 62 inches in total dimensions).

Key Features of the 2-Bag Policy (Before the Change)

• Free for all passengers (no need for elite status or special credit cards).
• Applies to domestic and international flights.
• Overweight/oversized fees applied if bags exceeded the 50-lb or 62-inch limit.

This policy was a major differentiator for Southwest, setting it apart from competitors that charge for even the first checked bag. However, with Southwest announcing that it will begin charging most passengers for checked bags starting May 28, 2025, this signature benefit is coming to an end, except for frequent flyers, Southwest credit card holders, and Business Select fare purchasers who will still receive free checked bags.

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Once you take the time to select quality travel luggage, it can make your getaways go much smoother.

And don’t get caught up in name-brand luggage or strictly leather material. I’m here to tell you that you can find great travel luggage that costs a fraction of the cost you’ll often see in the stores.

Best Travel Luggage Options

olling Duffle Bag with Wheels – 31″ 120L Foldable Weekender Bag

Buy It

Here’s what one reviewer says about the Eagle Creek bag: “This is one of the only suitcases that meets international flight size requirements for carry on luggage. The wheels and handle work well. However, the handle takes up a large amount of space in the suitcase and the spacing of the handles makes packing anything else awkward. The zippers are also fragile and a bit hard to zip.”

TUMI – Voyageur Celina Backpack – Travel Backpack for Women

Buy It

Here’s what one reviewer says about this Tumi bag: “This is the perfect back pack for me. Not to big, and not to small. I used this as my carry on for a recent flight. The material is easy to clean. There are 2 zippers at the top of the main compartment that go to each side so it opens wide and it is easy to get into the bottom of bag.”

Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Carry-On

Buy It

Here’s what one reviewer says about this Briggs & Riley bag: “Pretty nice but expensive bag.
Quality appears to be very good. CX feature great.
Once and for all, this bag does not measure 21 inches tall overall!

Here are some key tips to help you pick the perfect bag:

1. Consider the Type of Luggage

• Carry-On: Ideal for short trips or avoiding checked baggage fees. Check airline size restrictions.
• Checked Luggage: Great for longer trips when you need more space.
• Duffel Bags: Lightweight and versatile, perfect for casual travel or road trips.
• Backpacks: Excellent for adventure or budget travel.

2. Durability is Key

• Material:
  • Hard-Shell (Polycarbonate or ABS): Offers better protection for fragile items but may scratch.
  • Soft-Shell (Nylon or Polyester): More flexible, often lighter, and easier to fit in tight spaces.
• Zippers: Look for sturdy, smooth-gliding zippers. YKK zippers are a good benchmark for quality.
• Handles and Stitching: Ensure handles are sturdy and stitching is reinforced.

3. Check the Wheels

• Spinner Wheels (4 wheels): Provide 360-degree maneuverability and are easier to move.
• Roller Wheels (2 wheels): Better for rough terrain but require more effort to pull.
• Test the wheels for smooth rolling and stability.

4. Pay Attention to Size and Weight

• Lightweight luggage allows you to carry more without exceeding airline weight limits.
• Ensure the size meets your travel needs while complying with airline restrictions.

5. Evaluate Organizational Features

• Compartments: Internal and external pockets help keep your items organized.
• Expandable Space: Useful for trips where you may return with more than you packed.
• Compression Straps: Keep your belongings secure and save space.

6. Security Features

• Look for built-in TSA-approved locks for convenience during airport screenings.
• Anti-theft zippers or slash-resistant materials are helpful for international travel.

7. Brand Reputation and Warranty

• Opt for well-known brands like Samsonite, Away, or Travelpro, which often provide warranties.
• Research reviews to learn about durability and customer satisfaction.

8. Test It in Person (if Possible)

• Lift it, wheel it around, and test the handles. Ensure it feels comfortable and suits your height.

9. Aesthetic and Style

• Choose a color or pattern that stands out to spot your luggage easily at baggage claim.

10. Budget Wisely

• Invest in quality; durable luggage saves money in the long run by avoiding replacements.

Let me know if you’d like recommendations for specific brands or luggage types!

Final Word

You can travel for less if you keep your goal in front of you: saving money. That means you need to use travel apps and other strategies that help you lower your expenses.

Here are cheap flights from New Orleans.

More From NolaFi.com:

• What Airline Has A Hub In New Orleans?
• How To Navigate Louis Armstrong Airport In New Orleans
• Check out our Travel Savings Guide.