Southwest marks 39th year with air fare deals

DALLAS - Southwest Airlines launched a 72-hour sale Tuesday to celebrate its 39th year in business, with fares starting at $39 each way.

For travel up to 450 miles, fares are $39 one way. For travel between 451 and 1,000 miles, fares are $79 each way. Fares are $119 each way for travel greater than that.

The fares are available at southwest.com through 2:59 a.m. Eastern time Friday for travel Sept. 8 through Nov. 17. Southwest fares aren't available on online travel sites like Expedia or Orbitz.

Eight to 10 months ago, short-window sales like Southwest's were unlikely. That has changed as airlines use quick booking to cater more to social media sites like Facebook and Twitter where impulse buys are more likely.

"For 39 years, Southwest Airlines has provided customers with low fares, and we want to continue that tradition by giving even lower fares to customers," said Kevin Krone, Southwest's vice president of marketing, sales and distribution. "We couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than rewarding our customers who've kept Southwest flying all these years."

Southwest flies out of MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma.

On Monday the airline launched an eight-week Destination Giveaway frequent flier promotion.- AP