Best deal on changeable airline tickets

[SuzanneSLO]

Another option at which you may want to look is a Choice Essential fare on American Airlines. For $68 round-trip above the base fare, there is no change fee, one checked bag (or third checked bag for AAdvantage elite and oneworld® elite members) included and Group 1 Boarding.

-- Suzanne

 

[Alohadan]

Another option at which you may want to look is a Choice Essential fare on American Airlines. For $68 round-trip above the base fare, there is no change fee, one checked bag (or third checked bag for AAdvantage elite and oneworld® elite members) included and Group 1 Boarding.

-- Suzanne

Disney chartered my December 2013 Magic cruise out of Miami. I had to switch to the Dream out of Orlando. I prefer the flexibility of SWA but went with American Airlines for this trip (SWA had not released their schedule yet and AA flies into Miami while SWA flies into FLL). Luckily, I used AA Choice Plus (I believe it is called). I called AA to change the flights. It was very easy. I did need to pay more since there was a difference in airfare, but there was no change fees. The AA rep said I still can change it again with no fee. I am glad I spent the extra $ when I booked (it was like buying hassle free insurance).

 

[jls886]

How does that work if THEY get sick though? I thought insurance was if the traveler can't make it for some reason, not the people being visited.

Here is how Southwest works:

Wanna Get Away Fares (technically non-changeable) are both changeable and cancellable, but the hitch is that the funds stay under the original traveler's name. Also all travel must be completed within 12 months of the date that the original fare was booked, not the original date of the actual travel. So if the flight is cancelled, you would then have however much money was spent on the original fares to be used within 12 months of that booking date. But the amounts spent are then tied to that traveler's name, so those funds can then only be used to re-book those same passengers, they cannot be used for someone else's travel. So, as long as they do plan to take some sort of flight within the next 12 months you should be good.

Anytime fares and Business Select fares are both totally changeable and totally cancellable and the funds will go back to the credit card with which they were paid.

Let me know if you have any other SW questions...I have flown them weekly for 3 years so I have encountered just about every scenario there is.

 

[jls886]

See I was charged a fee for changing a ticket from South west. My son came home from college and we wanted to change his flight by 2 days so he could go to a interview for a coop over the summer.

Maybe because it wasn't due to weather or illness but they definitely dinged me for 100 buck.

A PP is correct. You were not charged a 'change fee' but you were charged for the higher priced fare that your son switched to. You also would have received a credit for your son to use in the future if the flight that he switched to was cheaper than his original one. Most airlines (using Delta's fees as an example) would have charged you a change fee of $150 PLUS the difference in the fare costs. SW only charges (or credits you) you the difference in the fare costs.

 

[DawnM]

I do have one question.

If we can't go and we need to change, do my kids have to use their tickets or can I use them later since they are minors and I have paid and booked them?

Dawn

Here is how Southwest works:

Wanna Get Away Fares (technically non-changeable) are both changeable and cancellable, but the hitch is that the funds stay under the original traveler's name. Also all travel must be completed within 12 months of the date that the original fare was booked, not the original date of the actual travel. So if the flight is cancelled, you would then have however much money was spent on the original fares to be used within 12 months of that booking date. But the amounts spent are then tied to that traveler's name, so those funds can then only be used to re-book those same passengers, they cannot be used for someone else's travel. So, as long as they do plan to take some sort of flight within the next 12 months you should be good.

Anytime fares and Business Select fares are both totally changeable and totally cancellable and the funds will go back to the credit card with which they were paid.

Let me know if you have any other SW questions...I have flown them weekly for 3 years so I have encountered just about every scenario there is.

 

[jls886]

I do have one question.

If we can't go and we need to change, do my kids have to use their tickets or can I use them later since they are minors and I have paid and booked them?

Dawn

Haha, well you managed to ask the one scenario I have never encountered because I never fly with minors. My best guess, knowing what I know, is that those funds are still going to be tied to the minor's name. People have argued with SW to change the policy to allow the funds to be able to be used by either the original traveler OR the person whose name is on the credit card, but so far nothing has changed. I would call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA and ask that question to be sure. I tried looking for the answer and I couldn't find that exact question answered so I am not positive.

 

[DawnM]

I will keep this in mind. Thank you.

AA fares have been much higher just regularly when I have looked, but I will keep an eye out for lower fares. And for the 3 of us, that would be an additional $210 approx.

I haven't looked into how much bag costs are though. It might be worth it when you add that cost in.

Dawn

Another option at which you may want to look is a Choice Essential fare on American Airlines. For $68 round-trip above the base fare, there is no change fee, one checked bag (or third checked bag for AAdvantage elite and oneworld® elite members) included and Group 1 Boarding.

-- Suzanne

 

[DawnM]

I am so mad at myself for not transferring my miles from Continental when they merged. I thought it would be done automatically and I guess I missed the email telling me what time period I had to do it in.

I had a lot of miles too.

ugh.

Dawn

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I am so mad at myself for not transferring my miles from Continental when they merged. I thought it would be done automatically and I guess I missed the email telling me what time period I had to do it in.

I had a lot of miles too.

ugh.

Dawn

My understanding is that it WAS done automatically. Your FF# is the same with the new United as it was with the old Continental. What makes you think your miles have disappeared? -- Suzanne

 

[platamama]

First two bags per ticket fly free on Southwest.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

My understanding is that it WAS done automatically. Your FF# is the same with the new United as it was with the old Continental. What makes you think your miles have disappeared? -- Suzanne

That was my understanding as well.

 

[DawnM]

I found an old email that said I had to manually do it by Sept. of 2011.

I guess I could be wrong and they did transfer, but I think I had more miles than what are being shown on my United account.

Dawn

My understanding is that it WAS done automatically. Your FF# is the same with the new United as it was with the old Continental. What makes you think your miles have disappeared? -- Suzanne

 

[DawnM]

That is a big perk. Most airlines are charging $25 each way.

Dawn

First two bags per ticket fly free on Southwest.

 

[stacielee]

First two bags per ticket fly free on Southwest.

That is a big perk. Most airlines are charging $25 each way.

Dawn

In addition to being able to rebook a flight if the cost drops, the 2 free bags keep me flying Southwest. I check fares every week or 2 when I have a flight booked. I also have the Ding app and have rebooked because of those lower fares as well. To make the most of it, you should book one-way fares. It's much easier to rebook one-way than a round trip. I've been flying SW for many, many years. I only wish they flew to Hawaii. Going there in July and I hate the fare we're paying, and also having to pay for bags for 5 people!!!

 

[jls886]

In addition to being able to rebook a flight if the cost drops, the 2 free bags keep me flying Southwest. I check fares every week or 2 when I have a flight booked. I also have the Ding app and have rebooked because of those lower fares as well. To make the most of it, you should book one-way fares. It's much easier to rebook one-way than a round trip. I've been flying SW for many, many years. I only wish they flew to Hawaii. Going there in July and I hate the fare we're paying, and also having to pay for bags for 5 people!!!

Rumor has it that SW will be flying to Hawaii in the near future. It has been in the works for years but it seems to actually be getting close.

 

[stacielee]

Rumor has it that SW will be flying to Hawaii in the near future. It has been in the works for years but it seems to actually be getting close.

I keep hearing that but we already bought tickets on Hawaiian Airlines. Didn't feel like we could wait any longer.

 

[DawnM]

Ok, so if I buy a ticket for say $280 r/t but need to change the dates and still have at least 2 weeks out to change, but the fares have gone up to $350, will I get charged the additional at that point?

I have only flown SW a few times many years ago and never needed to change anything. I think the last time I flew them was from LA to Vegas and work paid for it as I was going to a conference.

 

[platamama]

Ok, so if I buy a ticket for say $280 r/t but need to change the dates and still have at least 2 weeks out to change, but the fares have gone up to $350, will I get charged the additional at that point?

Yes, when you change your ticket, that's when they will collect the difference in fare.

As I and another PP have said, we like to book one-way fares to make it easier to re-book. On Southwest's website, you can change a ticket easily. You can also call and talk to a person directly for FREE (it drives me nuts that some airlines charge you extra to talk to a human) and their call centers are in the USA. Occasionally some fares are Web Only and the customer service person can't book that one for you but can talk you through how to do it.

If you are not already a Rapid Rewards member, might as well sign up since it's free and the points don't expire. (I'm not talking about the credit card, just the airline loyalty program.)

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

If you are not already a Rapid Rewards member, might as well sign up since it's free and the points don't expire. (I'm not talking about the credit card, just the airline loyalty program.).....On Southwest's website, you can change a ticket easily. You can also call and talk to a person directly for FREE (it drives me nuts that some airlines charge you extra to talk to a human) ....

Yes, RR points do expire if you have no flight or partner earning activity every 24 months.

Airlines don't charge you to talk to an agent on the phone. Some do charge for booking a ticket this way, but you can call and chat for free.

 

[bumbershoot]

I do have one question.

If we can't go and we need to change, do my kids have to use their tickets or can I use them later since they are minors and I have paid and booked them?

Dawn

The person whose name is on the ticket is the ONLY one who can use the credit. They used to be easier about it, they used to just let anyone use it, but not anymore.

I found an old email that said I had to manually do it by Sept. of 2011.

I guess I could be wrong and they did transfer, but I think I had more miles than what are being shown on my United account.

Dawn

If you haven't touched the account since then, the miles probably expired. Dh's account changed over by itself (though we were in the account often, as he travels for work), but with any airline miles program, if you don't use it for a certain amount of time, you lose the miles.

Ok, so if I buy a ticket for say $280 r/t but need to change the dates and still have at least 2 weeks out to change, but the fares have gone up to $350, will I get charged the additional at that point?

You would pay the new airfare, yes. But there are no change fees. I'm not sure where the 2 week thing came in (I saw another person asked a previous poster if they had changed inside of 2 weeks so that's probably why YOU are saying it), but as far as I know Southwest allows you to change even inside of 2 weeks.



Really simple page here: http://www.southwest.com/html/air/nochangefee.html

In todays fast-paced world, things can change in a moments notice. Thats why here at Southwest Airlines we continue to offer maximum flexibility if you need to modify your travel plans, by not charging change fees. If you need to change an upcoming flight itinerary, youll only pay the cost in fare difference and will never incur a separate change fee.

We dont charge you for changing your mind, your plans, or otherwise. So you can rest assured when booking your next Southwest Airlines flight that change fees dont fly with us.

And

http://www.southwest.com/flight/pop_fareCompare.html?airline=WN
this page

shows what the different types of fares give you. Like the difference between business select and anytime is priority seating (or something like that). etc.