Last Minute Cancelling SW on Points

[huskies90]

I have a Southwest flight booked on points on 3/5. I just found out we have an extra day off and can go a day earlier. Unfortunately, the cost to fly on SW this close to the trip is very high so I am thinking of using American miles for the trip down on 3/4 instead.


QUESTION: How close to the actual flight on 3/5 do I need to cancel to get all my SW points back into my account? The reason I am asking is because of the crazy winter we have been having in the Northeast. If I book the AA 3/4 flight and we make it down to FL, can I cancel my SW 3/5 flight, say, that evening or the morning of 3/5? As of now, the 10 day forecast has snow on 3/4 and if for some reason the 3/4 flight on American gets canceled (and they give me the miles back), I could keep this flight schedule as a back up?

Thoughts?

TIA

 

[DebbieB]

I have a Southwest flight booked on points on 3/5. I just found out we have an extra day off and can go a day earlier. Unfortunately, the cost to fly on SW this close to the trip is very high so I am thinking of using American miles for the trip down on 3/4 instead.


QUESTION: How close to the actual flight on 3/5 do I need to cancel to get all my SW points back into my account? The reason I am asking is because of the crazy winter we have been having in the Northeast. If I book the AA 3/4 flight and we make it down to FL, can I cancel my SW 3/5 flight, say, that evening or the morning of 3/5? As of now, the 10 day forecast has snow on 3/4 and if for some reason the 3/4 flight on American gets canceled (and they give me the miles back), I could keep this flight schedule as a back up?

Thoughts?

TIA

SW's no show policy is 10 minutes prior to flight time but according to the website it does not apply to reward seats so you don't have to cancel in advance. But I would just in case.

http://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/purchasing-and-refunds/index.html

No Show Policy - If you are not planning to travel on any portion of this itinerary, please cancel your reservation at least 10 minutes prior to scheduled departure of the flight. For tickets purchased on or after May 10, 2013, for travel beginning September 13, 2013, Customers who fail to cancel or change a Wanna Get Away or DING! fare segment at least 10 minutes prior to travel and who do not board the flight, will be considered a no show, and all remaining funds on this reservation will be forfeited, including Business Select and Anytime funds. Reservations booked using Rewards points, Companion passes, and Reward seats are not included in this policy.

 

[huskies90]

So it is up to 10 minutes before the flight. Thanks.

It's a moot point because I just found out that American charges $75 per ticket to use reward miles when you book with 21 days of traveling. What the heck?? So, it looks like I am staying with southwest - either sticking with my original reservation or paying the difference in points to go a day early.

 

[bumbershoot]

If you decide that the increase in cost or points is too much, start your vacation anyway! Instead of rushing to get ready, relax and make it fun.

I know very well how tempting it is to just GO the moment you can, but taking a "vacation" day at home before your vacation can be as nice as having another day off after you get home.

 

[MinnieIV]

Wrong thread!