Can someone explain Southwest credits to me?

[wildcatbride22]

We're going to WDW in September (me, DH, DD4, and DS1 (lap child)) and really would like to fly nonstop to avoid the layover and 2 flights each way with 2 small kids. Southwest is our only option for that (KC to Orlando) and they have some flight times I like. The problem is that those flights are $320 each (RT). I can get "similar" (but not perfect) flights on Airtran, but with layovers, for around $225 each, so saving about $300. Of course you have to take into account 2-3 checked bags each way and that $300 becomes $200 or less (and aren't they going to charge for carryons too?).

So, I'd like to book the SWA flights now to make sure we have them, but my DH mentioned something about being able to get a credit for the price difference if the price drops? Is that true? Say the price drops to $250 each. Do I get the $70/ticket difference ($320 vs. $250), or do I have to take a credit of $960 (3 tickets) and rebuy with another $750 in cash? I'm not too worried about using the flights in the future, as DH goes to Las Vegas each summer on SWA for a conference, so he could always use the credit...and we're likely going to spend the $960 regardless as it's really the only flights that seem doable. TIA!!

 

[disneyfaninaz]

On SWA, if you book a flight and the rate goes down, you can change your reservatuib at no charge. Subsequently, the money that you save becomes Ticketless Travel Funds or credit that can be used for future flights. Unless you purchase refundable airfare, you do not receive the money back. Instead, you receive a credit that must be used within 1 year of your original purchase date.

 

[disneymayz]

Yes you get a credit as PP stated it must be used within 1 year of purchase date. (assuming your tickets are non-refundable)
Ex.
Purchase 300 ticket on April 19th 2010
On Aug 30th tickets go down to 200 (you then have to go in and change flight - option on their home page)
Now you will have a 100 credit that MUST be used to purchase a flight that will depart before April 19th 2011

I just did this. But I lucked out cause my Dad travels to Las Vegas every Sept. so I sold him my credit otherwise I would have lost it. I did not have any other flights planned.