Southwest 4-Day Sale Flights Start At $79 From Tampa

Last month’s fatal accident dealt Southwest Airlines a financial blow and the airline is looking to recoup its losses with a summer fare sale. Travelers from Tampa International Airport may find some deals on flights, starting as low as $79.

On April 17, a passenger aboard Southwest Flight 1380 from New York LaGuardia Airport to Dallas Love Field was killed when the engine exploded in-flight, sending shrapnel into the fuselage and shattering a window, which caused a rapid cabin depressurization.

In a recent earnings call last month, Southwest said bookings for flights have been depressed since the incident. Southwest Chairman and CEO Gary C. Kelly said the booking softness was “predictable” in the wake of the accident

The four-day “sale of the summer” promotion ends Friday and covers travel between June 5 and Oct. 31. Travelers are allowed to check up to two bags at no cost.

“These fares are so low you can’t afford to miss that summer vacation,” Ryan Green, vice president and chief marketing officer at Southwest Airlines, said in a statement.

Fares reflect one-way prices. Here are some examples of flights from Tampa International Airport:

• Starting at $79 to Atlanta, Birmingham, Memphis, New Orleans, Raleigh/Durham, and Nashville;
• Starting at $99 to Austin, Baltimore/Washington, Dallas, Columbus, New York (LaGuardia), Pittsburgh, San Antonio and Washington (Reagan National);
• Starting at $149 to Denver, Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Diego.

Photo via Shutterstock / Jeramey Lende