Change in Southwest Unused Funds Policy

[sshaw10060]

Stumbled upon this on the Southwest site:

"Effective January 28, 2011, unused travel funds may only be applied toward the purchase of future travel for the individual named on the ticket."

Makes it a bit trickier to rearrange your flights.

 

[goofy370]

I have a southwest question. I booked a trip with them (first time flying with them) and the fares went down. I was able to change flights and get a credit. I can't find anywhere when the credit expires. Can someone point me in the right direction please.

Thanks so much!!

Tracie

 

[kaytieeldr]

It expires a year from the date you purchased the original fare.

 

[smacky1]

It is already tricky to use up those funds. It previously had been that if you had r/t tickets for 4 people at $400, then it dropped to $320, you would get a lump credit of $80. Now, the credit is not lumped into one amount. It is broken down over the 4 travelers. So when you enter that one confirmation number to pay, it comes up as being 4 seperate payments and asks you to remove one so you can pay the remainder with a credit card. I had booked our trip as 2 one ways. We got a ding and saved $40 per leg. So two credits for $40 each. I also had an additional credit on another confirmation number. When I tried to apply those 3 credits I found I couldnt even apply ONE as it took up all 4 of my payment options. The only way for me to use all the credits I had was to book us all separately and apply only our portion of the credit towards that ticket. So with a $40 credit, I put in that confirmation number but only use $10 from it towards one person. Its sounds very confusing and I could never walk someone who has never done it through the process. Im still grateful I even had credit to use but boy, has it gotten much trickier to use them up.

 

[Julia M]

Ugh, I just blew it. I bought tickets to Orlando yesterday when the fares opened up, and I forgot, my mom didn't need a return ticket.

Can I cancel just 1 return of the three?

If I do, when does this change kick in? As long as I book a ticket for me before January 28, I'll be okay?

Thanks

Julia

 

[DebbieB]

Ugh, I just blew it. I bought tickets to Orlando yesterday when the fares opened up, and I forgot, my mom didn't need a return ticket.

Can I cancel just 1 return of the three?

If I do, when does this change kick in? As long as I book a ticket for me before January 28, I'll be okay?

Thanks

Julia

If you booked them on 1 reservation, I think you need to call them and have hers split out. Then you can cancel the return.

 

[brenda1966]

Yes, the glory days are over. SW still has the best rebooking policy IMO, but they are tightening it up. I have $40 in credits I'm going to probably lose, but I guess when I booked the original fare I was happy with it, so when it went down $40 and I took a credit, I didn't really gain anything and won't really lose anything.