Travelers commonly use the term “red-eye flight” when seeking lower-priced airline tickets or ways to maximize their limited vacation time. Flying overnight on domestic routes between U.S. cities can enable you to save both money and time; Southwest Airlines typically schedules flights overnight as part of this equation. 

This blog will provide more information on what a red-eye flight is, Southwest’s approach to scheduling flights at unusual hours, and how to maximize your experience from these flights and make them as enjoyable as possible. At the end of this article, we will answer common questions regarding red-eye flights.

If you have immediate questions or would like to speak to a customer service representative regarding your own booking or overnight service availability, please call +1-800-435-9792.

What is a Red-Eye Flight?

A red-eye flight is generally an overnight flight that leaves late in the evening and arrives early in the morning, most often between 10 PM and 7 AM. The name comes from the red, tired-looking eyes seen on many passengers who have had little sleep the night before.

People tend to book red-eye flights for several reasons:

• They are frequently cheaper than daytime flights.
• They allow you to save the cost of a hotel for one night by sleeping on the flight.
• They arrive much earlier, allowing you to maximize your time at your destination.

For domestic flights in the United States, red-eye flights tend to operate between locations on the west coast and east coast, as well as some longer north/south routes where the travel times create high demand for these services overnight.

Reasons for Booking a Southwest Red Eye Flight

When people choose to fly overnight, they do not merely want to reach their destination. The overall experience while traveling should also be as enjoyable as possible, and Southwest’s Red Eye Flight offers the chance to do just that.

1. More Time for Your Vacation

A Southwest Red Eye Flight allows you to add an extra day to your travel itinerary. Your flight arrives at 6:00 AM. So rather than spending Saturday morning in an airport, you can enjoy breakfast and start exploring the city.

2. Avoid Additional Overnight Hotel Expenses

Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the fact that there is one less hotel room expense to pay because the red eye allows you to sleep on the plane instead of in a hotel. This saves anywhere from $150–$300.

3. Less Crowded Travel Experience

Traveling late at night through the airport means there are significantly fewer travelers going to airports at 11:00 PM as compared to 11:00 AM. This means that you will have a much shorter TSA line upon arrival at the airport and get through the security process faster. Once you arrive in the early morning, you will also experience much less traffic leaving the airport compared to the heavy afternoon traffic.

How to Book a Red-Eye Flight on Southwest Airlines:

It is easy to book a Southwest Red-Eye flight when you know where to look and how to drill down into your options.

• To begin searching for a Southwest red-eye flight, go to Southwest’s website or use the app. You will need to enter your departure and arrival cities as well as your dates. Also, indicate whether you want a one-way ticket or a round-trip.
• To locate red-eye flights, use the “departure times” filter to show overnight flights starting at 10:00 PM or later.
• Although Southwest Airlines does not have direct red-eye flights available, some of their connecting flights may provide opportunities for sleep on the way to your destination.
• You may be able to find cheaper red-eye flight fares if you book them early, if your travel time is less busy than normal.
• It is possible that you may obtain better values for your Southwest red-eye flight reservation by using Rapid Reward points instead of cash. Red-eye flights may offer you better redemption value than daytime flights.

If you are taking an overnight red-eye flight and have room in your carry-on luggage, here are a few items you may want to keep in your bag:

• Medications
• Sleep Masks
• Blanket/Pillow
• Earpods or Noise-Canceling Headphones

Booking a Flight by Calling Southwest Customer Service

• Call a Southwest Airlines customer service representative by dialing 1-800-435-9792 or your respective country of call. Those numbers can be found on the company’s airline website.
• Follow the automated prompts of the telephone menu; choose the appropriate item for booking/cancelling and/or modifying your ticket.
• Talk with a customer service associate about the available red-eye flight choices offered by Southwest.

Top Routes for Southwest Airlines Red-Eye Flights

The first corridor for Southwest’s red-eye rollout was through the eastbound corridors due to the time zone differences between the West Coast of the U.S. and the East Coast of the U.S., so it makes the most sense to have red-eye flights from the West Coast and/or Hawaii to the East Coast.

• Las Vegas (LAS) to Atlanta (ATL)
• Las Vegas (LAS) to Chicago (ORD or MDW)
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Chicago (ORD or MDW)
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Houston (HOU or IAH)
• Phoenix (PHX) to Orlando (MCO)
• Las Vegas (LAS) to Baltimore/Washington (BWI)
• Las Vegas (LAS) to Orlando (MCO)
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Baltimore/Washington (BWI)
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Nashville (BNA)
• Phoenix (PHX) to Baltimore/Washington (BWI)

Final Reflection

The evolution of Southwest Airlines has come through the introduction of red-eye flights. At the same time as providing customers with the best customer service practices, by expanding their operational efficiency and providing many options to travel from point A to point B on a single airline, Southwest has also provided additional benefits for business travelers looking to get to their meetings before noon, customers looking to save money on their tickets, or those simply wanting added daylight in their destination locations. With the continued development of red-eye services across the country and improvements to existing routes, it appears red-eye flights and services will be key components of Southwest Airlines for many years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Southwest Airlines really have red-eye flights?

Yes, Southwest Airlines announced in early 2025 that it would begin offering red-eye flights.

What exactly is a red-eye flight?

A red-eye flight operates overnight and arrives at the destination in the morning. This provides passengers with the ability to sleep during the flight while reaching their destination in the morning itself.

Are red-eye flights less expensive than day flights?

Red-eye flights are typically less expensive than daytime flights, due to reduced demand for overnight air travel.

Is food service provided on board Southwest Airlines?

Southwest Airlines generally offers limited snack and beverage options on its red-eye flights, although it is recommended that you eat before boarding your flight to obtain a full meal.