DING Fares

[boxer]

Why is it seeming Southwest is only offering DING fares for a 1 month lead time???? We used DING for our Dec trip, and got our tickets around Sept (3 months lead time).


I need tickets for May, and now I'm getting nervous that I won't know for sure until April. This does not make it easy to book my room!!!

 

[Hanover]

We got a ding rate on Christmas day for our trip tomorrow from BWI to MCO...$34 each way ($93 round trip including all taxes and fees). We got a nice credit from the original ticket prices to put towards our May WDW trip, but are also hoping for a ding rate. We are checking daily and hoping one will come sooner than later.

 

[boxer]

PLEASE let me know if you see anything----we fly out of BWI also, and my Dec trip was $44 each way, so thats what I'm hoping for again.


Thanks.....

 

[hockey mom]

I am also waiting for a Ding rate for May and getting anxious as the flights Iwant become "unavailable".

For our December trip the Ding rate came out in October.

 

[mommykds]

I have ding on my pc but I would like to know if you have to keep checking in or ding alerts you?

 

[Jeanne B]

Now that I'm paying attention to DING fares again since we've decided to go to WDW in May I've also noticed the short lead-time. I thought I remembered seeing DING fares in the past that were always 3 or 4 months out. I'm at the point where I think I'm going to go ahead and book rather than take the chance on the flight we need becoming unavailable - as it is we're down to just one late night NS flight option for the trip down. I know we can take a credit if the fare drops later but we've only got one other vacation planned in the next year and we won't be able to use SW for that trip since it's to the Caribbean.

 

[boxer]

I wonder if the DING is set up to reflect the 'season' of travel???? It just doesnt make sense that in the past, the fares were always 2-3 months later----this allowed you to 'plan' for your trip much better than the current fares.

I think I'm going to give it until Feb to see what happens----if not, then I'll book a regular flight.

 

[cwnhokie]

Ahhhggghh, how did I miss the BWI one. We are paying $79 each way. Shucks!

 

[BYC]

Am I the only one who is wondering what DING is??

 

[grammagail]

Nope - I was just going to post that question myself. So - what is it?

 

[CarolynNC]

Am I the only one who is wondering what DING is??

DING is a special Southwest program offering discounted air fares. You have a limited window of opportunity but can get some really great rates. Some of us maintain a thread on this forum posting the latest offerings as they appear. If you subscribe to the thread you will get an email when new fares are posted. Of course to continue getting the email you have to visit the thread.

DINGs

 

[chuckf6823]

Am I the only one who is wondering what DING is??

Go to the SWAwebsite and click on Ding. Download it to your computer, and you'll get alerts to special fares that are only available through the Ding program. However, if you have an Apple computer, this program is unavailable to you.

 

[JFrey4240]

Hanover--Southwest gave you credit after your purchased your Ding fare? Does that mean you had tickets and then if they come down in price they'll give you the difference in a credit? How does that work? Do you purchase Ding first and then call Southwest? Just wondering in case that ever happens to us---we can only hope!

 

[wee-haggis]

Something I've never understood about Dings.
If you look at certain dates in the SWA website and they show Unavailable (ie;sold out?).
Does this mean that you'll never see these flights become available as Dings unless someone was to cancel?

 

[JFrey4240]

bump--I wonder too...

 

[CarolynNC]

Something I've never understood about Dings.
If you look at certain dates in the SWA website and they show Unavailable (ie;sold out?).
Does this mean that you'll never see these flights become available as Dings unless someone was to cancel?

I was hoping someone more knowledgable would chime in but since not I'll jump in with my opinion. When you say unavailable do you mean all fare types? Southwest usually has a whole string of fares; refundable fares, special fares, restricted fares, advance purchase fares, fun fares, promotional fares, and internet one way fares. I would think if a flight was sold out across the board then there would be little chance for a DING. If you mean just some fares are not available then you might stand a chance of getting a DING closer to trip time. If your dates aren't flexible then it would be best to purchase the best possible fare and hope for some type sale later. You can always get a credit if the fare is lower.

 

[wee-haggis]

I was hoping someone more knowledgable would chime in but since not I'll jump in with my opinion. When you say unavailable do you mean all fare types? Southwest usually has a whole string of fares; refundable fares, special fares, restricted fares, advance purchase fares, fun fares, promotional fares, and internet one way fares. I would think if a flight was sold out across the board then there would be little chance for a DING. If you mean just some fares are not available then you might stand a chance of getting a DING closer to trip time. If your dates aren't flexible then it would be best to purchase the best possible fare and hope for some type sale later. You can always get a credit if the fare is lower.

Yes...all of the fare classes (but one) are Unavailable.
So,am I correct in assuming that this particular class (the most expensive one) could potentially become available as a Ding ?.
Also....as I mentioned,is'nt it also possible that someone could cancel or re-schedule their flights and perhaps "free up" some slots ?

 

[CarolynNC]

Yes...all of the fare classes (but one) are Unavailable.
So,am I correct in assuming that this particular class (the most expensive one) could potentially become available as a Ding ?.
Also....as I mentioned,is'nt it also possible that someone could cancel or re-schedule their flights and perhaps "free up" some slots ?

Anything is possible! I wouldn't think it would be likely but who knows. I personally wouldn't count on it when making my trip plans but would keep my hopes up and keep checking. I don't work for SW so take my opinion with a grain of salt.

I think of DING fares as fares put out to load up planes so the flight is cost effective. If most of the flight is sold out then SW doesn't have as much incentive. I will mention I've been pleasantly surprised with fare sale spots coming open after originally showing as being sold out. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.