Originally Posted by
DBCme
(emphasis mine)
What information do you have they are filling planes with $49 fares?
They likely are capacity controlling how many tickets at this price point.
In fact, my search of a few markets shows Southwest isn't even offering (or "sold out") this sale on some flights, even midweek!
Just spot checking a few routes when the sale initially came out yielded inventory of 9+ seats at the appropriate booking class. Accepting 9+ seats at $38 base ($49ai) is a money losing proposition. Not quite sure why airlines file such low sales anymore. Doesn't seem to be too necessary to file sale fares that are less than half price a normal "sale" fare. I think the smart legacy carriers are more than happy sitting this one out and watching the LCCs fill 10+ seats on their flights with these super low fares.