National Wanna Get Away Day
June 18
About National Wanna Get Away Day
National Wanna Get Away Day takes place on Thursday, 18 June 2026. The day encourages people to escape their everyday routine and travel somewhere new, whether that means booking a long-awaited holiday, planning a weekend break, or simply daydreaming about a future trip. It was created by Southwest Airlines to mark the anniversary of its very first commercial flight on 18 June 1971.
How to Celebrate National Wanna Get Away Day
This is a day built around the joy of going somewhere, so the best way to mark it is to act on that travel itch you have been ignoring. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Book the trip you keep putting off – Whether it is a city break, a beach holiday, or a visit to family on the other side of the country, today is the nudge to finally hit confirm on that booking.
- Plan a spontaneous weekend escape – You do not need a fortnight abroad to get away. Pick a nearby town or coastline you have never explored and head off on Saturday morning with no fixed itinerary.
- Create a travel bucket list – Write down the destinations you dream about visiting, from the obvious to the obscure, and pin it somewhere you will see it every day.
- Hunt for a travel bargain – Compare fares, look out for flash sales, and sign up for fare alerts. Half the fun of getting away is finding the deal that makes it possible.
- Take a microadventure close to home – A long walk on an unfamiliar trail, a picnic in a new park, or a swim in a local lido all scratch the get-away itch without a passport.
- Dig out your old travel photos – Relive past adventures, share favourite snaps with the people you travelled with, and let the nostalgia inspire your next journey.
- Try a virtual escape – Watch a travel documentary, read a great travel book, or cook a dish from a country you long to visit. Armchair travel counts too.
- Surprise someone with a trip – Gift a loved one a day out, a night away, or even just the promise of a future adventure together. Shared journeys make the best memories.
What is National Wanna Get Away Day?
National Wanna Get Away Day is a celebration of travel, escape, and the simple thrill of going somewhere new. It champions the idea that everyone deserves a break from routine, and that the act of getting away, however big or small, is good for the spirit. The day was established by Southwest Airlines, the American low-cost carrier whose “Wanna Get Away?” slogan became one of the most recognised travel taglines in the United States. Although it began as a brand celebration, the spirit of the day belongs to anyone with a longing to wander.
When is National Wanna Get Away Day?
National Wanna Get Away Day falls on Thursday, 18 June 2026. It is observed on 18 June every year, a fixed date chosen because it marks the anniversary of Southwest Airlines’ inaugural flight in 1971. Because the date never moves, you can plan your escape around the same day each year.
The History of National Wanna Get Away Day
The story begins on 18 June 1971, when Southwest Airlines operated its very first commercial flight. That morning a Boeing 737 took off at 7am from Dallas Love Field, bound for Houston and San Antonio. The three Texan cities formed the original route network, often nicknamed the Texas Triangle, and the airline launched with a tiny fleet of just three aircraft. From those modest beginnings, Southwest grew into one of the largest domestic carriers in the United States.
The phrase that gives the day its name came much later. In 1996, Southwest coined the slogan “Wanna Get Away?” to capture the feeling that drives so many of our journeys: the urge to escape, explore, and reset. The advertising campaign built around it, created by the agency GSD&M, first aired in 1998 and became famous for its comic scenarios of everyday embarrassments that left people wishing they could disappear somewhere far away. The campaign ran through the 2000s and was later revived, cementing the catchphrase in popular culture.
In 2021, as Southwest reached its 50th anniversary, the company brought the slogan and the founding date together by declaring 18 June as National Wanna Get Away Day. The aim was to give something back to loyal travellers and to encourage everyone to reconnect with the people and places they love. The day has been observed each June since, often accompanied by giveaways, bonus rewards points, and travel offers.
Fun Facts About National Wanna Get Away Day
- The first Southwest flight on 18 June 1971 was flown by Captain Emilio Salazar and departed at 7am from Dallas Love Field.
- Southwest launched with a fleet of just three Boeing 737 aircraft serving Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.
- The “Wanna Get Away?” slogan was created in 1996, but the first advert did not air until 1998.
- The advertising campaign was built around relatable cringe-worthy moments that made viewers wish they could escape, a clever play on the urge to travel.
- Southwest officially declared the national day in 2021 to coincide with its 50th anniversary milestone.
- The day is frequently marked with sweepstakes offering prizes such as bonus rewards points, gift cards, and companion passes.
Why National Wanna Get Away Day Matters
Taking a break from routine is more than a luxury. Travel and time away help people rest, recharge, and reconnect with loved ones, and the anticipation of a trip can lift the mood for weeks beforehand. National Wanna Get Away Day is a friendly reminder that the escape you keep dreaming about is often more achievable than you think. If you love the outdoors, you might pair your plans with Hitchhiking Month, another celebration of the freedom of the open road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Wanna Get Away Day?
It is a day that celebrates travel and the joy of escaping everyday routine. Created by Southwest Airlines, it encourages people to plan a trip, take a break, and reconnect with the places and people they love.
When is National Wanna Get Away Day in 2026?
National Wanna Get Away Day is on Thursday, 18 June 2026. It is observed on the same date every year.
Why is National Wanna Get Away Day on 18 June?
The date marks the anniversary of Southwest Airlines’ first commercial flight, which took off on 18 June 1971. Southwest declared the national day in 2021 to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your dream destinations and travel snaps on social media with #WannaGetAwayDay and #WannaGetAwayDay2026. Tag the friends you most want to travel with and challenge them to start planning your next adventure together.
Related Awareness Days
- International Picnic Day – Falling on the very same date, this is the perfect excuse to pack a hamper and head outdoors for your get-away.
- World Oceans Day – A celebration of the seas and coastlines that draw travellers from around the globe.
- National Picnic Week – A week dedicated to alfresco dining and making the most of the great outdoors close to home.
Links
- Read Southwest Airlines’ announcement of National Wanna Get Away Day
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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