Southwest Question

[Kanga1]

If I book my flights with Southwest now, can I still grab a Ding later on if one fits my travel time?

 

[clkelley]

Absolutely!! However, you can't just change the flight with a Ding!

If you get a Ding! you like then go through the booking process except for payment, then open a new window and cancel your old flight, then use the travel credits to pay for the Ding! flight.

 

[Dokietoes]

Absolutely!! However, you can't just change the flight with a Ding!

If you get a Ding! you like then go through the booking process except for payment, then open a new window and cancel your old flight, then use the travel credits to pay for the Ding! flight.

That's why it is important to book two one way trips rather than a round trip. Sometimes one leg of a trip will have a DING! fare available, and the other not, or rates have gone up on one leg or the other. If you have to cancel the whole trip rather than one leg, the savings may not be worth it. Just a nice habit to get into, booking two one ways.

 

[sparkyboy]

That's why it is important to book two one way trips rather than a round trip. Sometimes one leg of a trip will have a DING! fare available, and the other not, or rates have gone up on one leg or the other. If you have to cancel the whole trip rather than one leg, the savings may not be worth it. Just a nice habit to get into, booking two one ways.

Also, keep checking the website. Sometimes you arent at the computer to get the ding and by the time you check, they are gone. We always check on Tuesday morning around 10 as this seems to be the time we see fare changes from Kansas City.

Good luck in finding great fare.

 

[Kanga1]

Thanks for the suggestions! I must admit I have never EVER considered booking 2 one-way tickets instead of roundtrip. The idea of doing that makes me a little nervous (don't know why.) Is there any DISadvantage of booking 2 one-way tickets? It wouldn't affect DME or anything like that, would it?

One more question: If my fare decreases before departure can I get a refund of the difference or at least a Southwest credit? If I just get a credit, when does it expire...12 months from the date of purchase or 12 months from the departure date?

 

[Vijoge]

There is no disadvange to booking two one-way fares. I have never booked a round trip flight.

To answer your other question-a SW credit is good for 12 months following the original purchase date.

Buy a ticket on Jan1, 2009
Cancel that ticket on March 15.
Credit expires Jan 1, 2010 (could be Dec 31, 2009-I'm not sure LOL) And you must complete travel by this date.

 

[DVC Grammy]

Expiration is from the date of purchase, not flight. Also, be aware that when you use that credit for another trip and you need to add some additional funds to cover the cost, the additional money now also has the original expiration date.
SW happens to be my airline of choice, but there are specific (and unique) ways of booking with them. Once you learn them, SW is great!