SW process to change or canxel flights is no different than Alaska or Delta, based on my experience cancelling flights with all 3 in February.
I swore off SW years ago over their chaotic seating process. I had flown SW MANY times times when they were the only airline that flew nonstop to my hometown. Wvwntually other airlines picked up the route and I vowed I would never fly SW again. I want to know which seat i am in when I buy my ticket and I do not want to feel like I need to board ASAP so I can compete for a seat.
In February I made a last minute reservation that involved flying with family who had already purchased tickets so I bought a SW ticket. We ended up having to reschedule for April and I now have a $300 SW credit I will never use. Thankfully itās transferable so I am happily offloading for $200.
I have now renewed my never SW vow.
Thank you!!! I had been holding off on purchasing these, hoping that they would discount them again, and you let me know! I donāt think theyāve ever been that low. And then, when you add in that I get an additional 2% cash back on all Costco purchases by using my Costco Visa card, itās even cheaper, better than 17% off the face value.
You can always pay the extra $25 Early Bird to get in the A boarding group. Iāve never had an issue getting a good seat in the B boarding group either as I prefer to sit in the back of the plane because then there is a possibility of getting an empty middle seat.
Just flew for $150 (but used points) to Mexico and had an A boarding number (as did my friends). We had an empty middle seat and it was a very comfortable ride.
Southwest allows you to cancel up to 10 mins b4 the flight. The credit stays with you, goes in your Rapid Rewards account.
Their policy is far more generous than other airlines, like Delta, who allow just one year.
The SW credit is not transferable though.
And if you are getting $80 off $500 - to each his own - but thatās a hefty discount. Your $300 ticket is really $250, etc.
My opinion is polar opposite yours - SW is by far the best airline - and itās not close. I fly regularly and choose them every chance I can - assuming fares are similar or less.
But everyone is entitled to their opinion.
The seat thing is no big deal. You have a seat. Itās just not pre identified.
btw- free standby for all on Southwest. Iām going to use it tomorrow - hopefully - to catch an earlier flight to Raleigh than Iām booked on as my boss double booked me (a meeting when Iām on the plane).
But - every airline has its fans - I am for Southwest and you arenāt and thatās ok.
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Theyāve been $429.99 at Sams - but this is a new low (( think) - and in general, airfares are down so thatās a double bonus!!
I donāt have a Costco card - just a flat 2% card - but I always think the same!!!..itās just a bit more - and donāt forget your extra 2% back at year end if youāre an executive member. I believe these qualify too - or maybe not as itās not in store. Not sure.
You can cancel your Alaska and Delta flights up until actual departure from the gate (not scheduled departure).
Also like that other airlines not only let me select my actual seat when i purchase my ticket but offer options for seat upgrades. On alaska the premium economy seats are often only $30 (sometimes only $20) extra for a seat with a lot more legroom, just behind first class, and free drinks.
Just ran over to Costco and was a little disappointed when the sign said $429. I thought that it wasnāt a big deal and I was still saving $70. However, at checkout I got a $30 refund so it really was $419. Yea!
I used my United visa so will get the points from the purchase on United and the points on SW when I use the gift card. Score.
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We got 2, and I would have purchased more if husband would have gone for it.
Itās only free if you are an A list member. If not, you can pay $15 to $20 extra for Wanna Get Away Plus, and then at midnight on the day of your flight you can click on the scheduled day and it will let you know if there are other flights with room that day. Recently I did this with my daughter and we moved from a 5:15 am flight to an 8:15 flight. The 8:15 was originally $200+ more than the earlier one, so for $15ā¦ Oh, and with the Wanna get away plus, the credit is transferable.
Other things that are good about SW are the 2 free checked bags plus a carryon. Frontier? Get real. They wonāt even let you have a backpack for a carryon if it is too big and will charge you $79 at the gate, $35 or more to check. My friend always thinks Frontier is cheaper but I refuse to fly it because of all the extra charges.
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Didnāt even know they sell them in store. Was there today - didnāt see them.
I just know on line.
Good to know but maybe regional.
Congrats on the savings!!
There was a whole display of them, bigger than youād see of credit card sized gift cards at the grocery store, all SW. Usually for gift cards at Costco they have a big cardboard item you take to the check out but this was just like a credit card that was activated at the check out.
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Not anymore - free for all. I am A List though (last two years was preferred where you got free internet - so glad I lost it - itās terrible).
Southwest changed the rules - no longer do you need status and @scubasue, I unfortunately fly Delta a few times a year. You can only get refund on a refundable fare - which cost a lot more.
They have two classes of non-refundable but they have basic (no miles), cheaper and can get a partial credit and main which is usually $30 more than Basic - and you get one year to spend the credit. My daughter had a ticket to Germany ($800) but got covid and we were under the gun to spend or lose it. We did spend it - thank goodness.
So if you have refundable, you are also buying much higher fares - which is ok. I buy the low cost fare - even on Southwest - but on Delta we do pay the $30 extra to move up one class to get the one year credit. But fortunately, we fly Delta rarely.
I have flown Alaska a few times - to Seattle and Vancouver. Itās a very good experience. I got American credit if I recall - and had no issues. Donāt know their policies.
Anyway, all ticketholders on Swest qualify (except groups) - no A List required although perhaps they preference A List Preferred and then A List (that I donāt know).
On your day of travel, you can get on the same-day standby list for an earlier flightāas long as
- your origin airport, destination airport, and day of travel are the same, and
- you request to be added to the same-day standby list at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure of your original flight (at least 30 minutes if using the Southwest app or mobile web)
Please note, government taxes and fees associated with your changes may apply but refunds will be provided.
All fares qualify for same-day standby. However, group bookings and Unaccompanied Minors are not eligible for same-day standby.
I am not big fan of Southwest but we have limited choice. Opportunity to refund tickets for credit is great. With DD in Memphis and we are in DC area; it is total nightmare with tickets. Terrible connections with flying first often to TX then to DCā¦ (or 40 minutes connection in Atlanta with no way to make a connection.)
But I try to get something reasonable on SW first and then hunting direct American Airline flights for cheaper or comparable price. I scored last week with 2 flights in October for 4 day fall break. DD was over the moon that she will not need to spend 5.5 hours each way on a 4 day break.
Unfortunately if I get $250 round trip, it is real dealā¦ Currently I have round trip for Thanksgiving break for $520ā¦ Just keeping fingers crossed that something will show up cheaper later.
Even Spirit is ridiculously expensive and inconvenient for trips to Memphis.
Older DD regularly flying to Atlanta on Spirit and Delta without any problems.
Our family never used SW until DD end up in Memphis. I have 0 problems with Spirit, Delta or United. I would avoid Frontier at any cost. I have no idea how they have any customersā¦
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Maybe thatās the difference - EARLIER flight. We wanted a later one. And we werenāt standby. At midnight we got confirmation that we could move from the 5:15 flight to the 8:15 flight and didnāt have to go to the airport to find out.
If not, then what is the purpose of paying the extra $20 for Wanna Get away Plus?
The thing I appreciate most about SW is the flexibility of getting travel funds (i.e., refunds) back when you cancel, and those never expire, unlike every other large domestic airline. I always book one ways, even if itās for a round trip, because if the fare drops on one segment I can capture that fare drop without risking the other leg of the trip perhaps having gone up in price.
Itās an even better value with the Companion Pass and booking on points, thereās no other airline that can touch that.
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You can rebook one part of a round trip without changing the other. And it is pretty easy to do online if the fare goes down, or if, my favorite thing, they change your flight by even 5 minutes you can move that leg to another flight within a certain period (maybe 7 days?). I currently have a flight booked for October and Iām hoping they change it as Iād rather go the next day but it was a lot more expensive. 
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I think later isnāt standby.
Later is you missed your flight.
They canāt confirm a stand by that early.
Thatās smart - you can change the RT but you need to call and have them do it.
Iām like you - two one ways.
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See your comment above about getting a CREDIT when you cancel on SW. We are talking about credits. You do not have to buy a non refundable ticket on Delta or Alaska to get a credit in your account when you cancel- at anytime.
On top of that- seat upgrades, free checked bags, better seating policy, better(slightly) cancellation deadline policy, free wifi for TMobile customers and a phenomenal alliance program so you can use your miles to fly just about anywhere in the world.
But the main thing is they donāt have a cattle car seat selection system (which many people find so stressful they have resorted to abusing the passengers-who-need-extra-assistance accommodation)
Yes, any fare is worthy of a credit on Southwest.
The basic on Delta is not changeable and you can get a partial credit.
You get a full credit, but just for one year on the stepped up, basic fare - another $30.
Southwest has two free checked bags.
Southwest has free texting.
Like I said, each airline has its fans.
To me, Southwest is hands down the best.
You donāt like it and you like Delta and Alaska and thatās great too.
Thereās lots of customers for all the carriers.
PS - itās no cattle car - thatās overrated.
You get on in order and find an available seat. Itās more efficient. And if you want to board early, get status or pay $30 more.
But like I said - everyone has their favorites - and itās fine.
But I think your mis informed on the policies of SW (and Delta unless you pay much more).