Imagine this: You’ve spent weeks scouring the internet for the perfect used car. You finally find it—a rare trim, low mileage, pristine condition, and an unbeatable price. There’s just one catch. The car is located three states away. Search for flights today at Southwestairlines.com
Buying a car out of state has become incredibly popular thanks to online marketplaces. But once the deal is made, you face a new challenge: How do you get there to pick it up? While you could opt for a grueling road trip with a friend or book a restrictive legacy airline, savvy car buyers know there is a better way. If you are flying to buy a used car, Southwest Airlines is arguably the best carrier for the job.
Here is why Southwest should be your go-to airline when traveling to pick up your next vehicle.
1. Two Free Checked Bags (Perfect for Car Gear)
When you travel to buy a used car, you rarely fly empty-handed. You might need to bring a portable GPS, a dashcam, a phone mount, cleaning wipes, a diagnostic OBD2 scanner, or even a set of tools to inspect the vehicle.
With most airlines charging $35+ for a single checked bag, bringing your car-buying essentials can get expensive quickly. Southwest’s famous "Bags Fly Free" policy allows you to check two bags up to 50 lbs completely free. You can pack all the gear, paperwork, and roadside emergency supplies you need without worrying about hidden baggage fees.
2. Ultimate Flexibility with No Change Fees
Buying a used car from a distance involves a lot of moving parts. What if the pre-purchase inspection (PPI) gets delayed? What if the dealership takes longer than expected to process the title? What if you look at the car in person and decide to walk away from the deal?
With other airlines, changing or canceling a last-minute flight can cost you hundreds of dollars. Southwest stands out by offering zero change or cancellation fees. If your car deal falls through or gets pushed back, you can cancel your flight up to 10 minutes before departure and receive a full flight credit to use later. This flexibility gives out-of-state car buyers ultimate peace of mind.
3. Affordable One-Way Tickets
Unless you are planning to tow the vehicle back, flying to pick up a car means booking a one-way flight. On many international or legacy legacy carriers, one-way tickets can sometimes be disproportionately expensive compared to round-trips.
Southwest prices its flights on a point-to-point basis. This means a one-way ticket is typically exactly half the price of a round-trip ticket. You can find incredibly affordable, last-minute one-way fares, allowing you to maximize your savings on the overall car purchase.
4. A Generous Carry-On Policy for Crucial Paperwork
When buying a car, you have certain items you cannot risk losing in checked luggage: the cashier's check or cash for the down payment, your passport/ID, insurance documents, and temporary license plates.
Southwest allows every passenger one carry-on bag and one personal item. You can keep your valuable paperwork right under the seat in front of you, ensuring that everything you need to finalize the deal stays safe and accessible.
5. Open Seating Means Fast Deplaning
When you land, time is money. Dealerships close, and you have a long drive home ahead of you. Southwest’s unique open-seating policy allows you to choose your own seat when you board.
If you check in exactly 24 hours before your flight (or upgrade to EarlyBird Check-In), you can secure a spot in the "A" boarding group. This allows you to grab a seat near the front of the plane, meaning you can be one of the first people off the aircraft, into an Uber, and on your way to the dealership.
Pro-Tips for Flying Southwest to Buy a Car:
-
Book using Rapid Rewards Points: If the car deal falls through, canceling a flight booked with Southwest points means the points are instantly refunded directly back into your account—no voucher expirations to worry about!
-
Coordinate with the Seller: Many dealerships or private sellers are willing to pick you up directly from the airport if you fly in. Since Southwest services many major and secondary airports (often closer to suburban dealerships), check if your seller can meet you at the terminal.
-
Download the App: Use the Southwest app to track your flight status in real-time so you can keep your car salesman updated on your exact arrival time.
The Bottom Line
Traveling to buy a used car is an adventure, but it requires a lot of coordination. By choosing an airline that offers free baggage, unmatched ticket flexibility, and affordable one-way fares, you eliminate the stress of the journey.
Next time you find the perfect vehicle online, book a ticket on Southwest, pack your inspection gear, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate road trip home in your new ride.
Have you ever flown out of state to buy a vehicle? What was your experience? Let us know in the comments below!
