DING Strategy?

[HLAuburn]

We're planning a trip to DW in Sept. There are 2 airports near us that SW flies from, so we have a couple options. I saw a DING come up that's in late August, so I know we're getting close. My question is: should I book the first DING that comes up or do the fares usually get lower closer to the date? I guess we run the risk of NO other DINGS coming up if we pass one up, so I'm not sure what to do!

If you book a DING and a lower fare comes out, you can only get a credit towards another flight, is that right? We probably won't be able to use a flight credit within the next year, so I sort of want to avoid that.

Any advice? Thanks!

 

[nuzmom]

We have had VERY good luck with Ding fares in Sept. BUT you have to do what you think is right for your family.

If you're willing to pay the "regular" fare, then maybe you want to gamble a bit. But if you're wanting just to get some savings, go with ANY reasonable rate that comes up.

For us, we "have" to have non-stop and we like to fly out in the morning and back in the evening. I'm not really wanting to "settle" for something else to save $20 x4. If a ding comes up, I take it and am happy to get a discounted fare.

Also, be sure to keep checking the internet rates. I have found internet rates that are EXACTLY as low as Ding is. When that happens, my fingers fly on the keyboard - I can't book fast enough!!!

Good luck.

 

[SB in KY]

I always book at the first reasonable fare that comes along and rebook as cheaper DINGS or fare sales show up...however I never mind carrying a SW credit since we use SW for most vacations and some of my business travel.

If you do not think you will use the credit anytime in the 18 months after you book the original tickets (you have 12 months to use the ticketless travel funds and if you call they will extend them for another 6 months via LUV vouchers that work just the same) then your task becomes much more complicated. You will have to wait on what you feel is a good fare from your airport of choice and then jump. If you wait too long you may get stuck. If you are planning to travel on peak MCO travel days (Friday or Sunday) do not wait very long and bite at the first decent fare you see. If you are travelling on a Tuesday or Wednesday then you can hold off longer as those days frequently wind up on designated DINGS much cheaper. If you are travelling on Thursday, Mon or Saturday it is kind of a crap shoot....sometimes you get good DINGS, sometimes you don't.

 

[HLAuburn]

Thanks for the info. I was reading on another SW thread that mentioned if you switch to the same flight on the same day, and its the same price bracket (like an internet fare), you can get a credit back to your card rather than a SW credit. Does anyone know if it works the same for DING fares?

We're flying on a Sat and Mon in September, so I'm hoping something decent comes along. I guess I should decide on what is "decent" and if that shows up soon, get it.

Thanks again!

 

[ekball]

Thanks for the info. I was reading on another SW thread that mentioned if you switch to the same flight on the same day, and its the same price bracket (like an internet fare), you can get a credit back to your card rather than a SW credit. Does anyone know if it works the same for DING fares?
QUOTE]

We did this about a month ago....kept the same flight on the same day and got a credit back on our credit card. Woo hoo! After rebooking I called to see if we could get the credit on a card instead of a SW account and the agent said no - couldn't be done - only a credit to the SW account. Called back and got a different agent who said yes, absolutely, as long as the new flights were the same class (I think that's the term she used) as the original tickets, you could request a credit to your credit card. (I would think that DING fares would qualify as long as the flights were the same) She happily put through the request and a few weeks later....voila!! $160 back on our Disney Visa! So if you call and get an agent that says you can't do it, call back until you get someone who says yes (just like CRO CM's!).

NOw I'm just hoping for another drop in our tickets!!

 

[DVC Grammy]

We're planning a trip to DW in Sept. There are 2 airports near us that SW flies from, so we have a couple options. I saw a DING come up that's in late August, so I know we're getting close. My question is: should I book the first DING that comes up or do the fares usually get lower closer to the date? I guess we run the risk of NO other DINGS coming up if we pass one up, so I'm not sure what to do!

If you book a DING and a lower fare comes out, you can only get a credit towards another flight, is that right? We probably won't be able to use a flight credit within the next year, so I sort of want to avoid that.

Any advice? Thanks!

In some cases, the first Ding may be the best. I always book that one and then change if a lower one comes along. We use SWA 4-6 times a year, so I'm okay with leaving "roll-over" TTFs.

One thing you may not be aware of is that SW will extend the credit for another 6 months from the expiration date (total of 18 months), so maybe that might be more convenient for you.