Can't Take Advantage of Southwest Online Prices - Booked Thru TA!!

[heaven2dc]

I was paying for a friend at work to go on a Disney cruise for Dec 2009 but we had to cancel it due to financial issues (I had car problems and couldn't come up with last payment and then ended up losing the $400 deposit for the cruise). So now they are going to WDW in May 2010. I paid for the airfare portion back in August 2009 when the rates were low thru Southwest Airlines through a local travel agent at her urging saying I better take advantage of these low rates so I paid for the airfare through her travel agency.

We were able to use those December tickets for their upcoming May trip but now the rates the travel agent is getting are sky high. Recently I saw on Southwest's website the airfare is $57 less than what I originally paid. I called her right away and told her to book the flights and take advantage of those low rates. She said she booked the times we wanted, but after a little over a week when we never got a confirmation in the mail, I spoke with her manager and was told that they can't use the online specials but would fight Southwest about it since all other airlines are having the same specials. When I spoke with Southwest about this directly, they said if I had a confirmation number then they could help me book directly through them and take advantage of the low rates.

My question is how to get the confirmation code or number if the travel agent won't return my calls. Has anyone ever had a problem with booking a flight with a travel agent like this or ever booked one thru a travel agent and then found lower rates online?

 

[bumbershoot]

Sounds like she might have booked you in a group fare. Which is going to be very different than a normal SW fare.

If you have paperwork from her, see if she makes mention of getting price adjustments. Many TAs will not do that.

I've seen stuff like this on cruise boards, where the TA booked using a block of rooms, making it impossible for the travelers to change anything.


In the future, just book SW on your own.

 

[phred52]

My question is how to get the confirmation code or number if the travel agent won't return my calls.?

I've had 'senior moments' and couldn't find my flight info. So I simply called Southwest and spoke to someone who asked for my name, date and flight #. My info appeared on their screen and the helpful agent gave me my confirmation number. Give that a try, to get your confirmation number.

Good luck in getting the lower rate! You might want to get new confirmation numbers so the unapproachable travel agent doesn't 'mess' with your new flights.

 

[heaven2dc]

Thanks everyone! I will try calling SW this morning and give the names & flight #'s and maybe that will help. I will keep you posted!