Rapid Rewards: Good for WHAT??

[cdrn1]

I just earned my first Southwest RR free ticket. Started browsing places and dates just to see what was available. Everyplace I chose and clicked, I got a "not available" message. Does anyone use RR and if so, HOW?

 

[gigi1313]

i've always redeemed my RR flights via telephone... not sure what dates you are looking for, but the only time i was told "no" was for a holiday week flight...

 

[DVC-Don]

I've never had a problem using mine after logging into to my RR account prior to booking.

 

[mareed]

What dates and what origin/destination are you checking for? Availability will the same whether you're checking online or the phone, so calling won't help. Very busy and popular dates and locations will not be available, so if you're checking Spring Break, XMAS, etc. you may not find availibility. Sometimes leaving a day earlier or later can help. Also, check Tampa in addition to Orlando if you're trying to get to WDW. I have LOTS of experience using SW RR awards!

 

[kmermaid]

Has something change? I've used my RR for free flights for me and family for the past 3 years with no problems. I thought that if the flight had room you can have the seat with RR. Whats changed?

 

[cigar95]

Has something change? I've used my RR for free flights for me and family for the past 3 years with no problems. I thought that if the flight had room you can have the seat with RR. Whats changed?

Yes, it's definitely changed. There are now capacity controls (i.e., limited numbers of RR seats) on most flights.

 

[Laurabearz]

Yes, it's definitely changed. There are now capacity controls (i.e., limited numbers of RR seats) on most flights.

Good to know. I want to use 2 RR tickets for our June Trip to California.. I play on being online first thing on the morning they go on sale to snag them.

 

[G&GMom]

We just got new rewards and tried to book with them. Everything is unavailable with a standard award but available with a freedom award. I really don't like this change at all.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

We used one last Feb and got exactly what we wanted. We just got 3 more awards and we're counting on being able to use them for a Grand Canyon/Sedona trip next summer. I hope there's some availability.

 

[Rpsemont]

I recently used RR tickets for flights from ALB to MCO for next April. I found that any seat over $150 was not elligible to use them - but I just booked these tickets this week and it's school vacation and that schedule has been open awhile. But, I hated to use them for tickets I could purchase for $125

We also used them for Pres Weekend and booked right when it opened up and was able to get Sat flights on that busy sold out weekend - but again, we did it right when they opened up.

I've noticed on the website, they talk about standard award, or use 2 RR for a one way ticket without restriction. Maybe getting more like other airlines with double miles required for greater availability.

 

[cdrn1]

What dates and what origin/destination are you checking for? Availability will the same whether you're checking online or the phone, so calling won't help. Very busy and popular dates and locations will not be available, so if you're checking Spring Break, XMAS, etc. you may not find availibility. Sometimes leaving a day earlier or later can help. Also, check Tampa in addition to Orlando if you're trying to get to WDW. I have LOTS of experience using SW RR awards!

I tried Las Vegas, MCO, and LAX for various dates from Chicago or Indy in Jan/Feb. Nothing available! I will be very bummed if I can't use them for anything!!!

 

[slruud]

Not sure what dates you are looking at, but I randomly selected January 23-26 and found RR seats available to MCO. But why use a RR award when rates are $49 each way from MDW? I would save the RR for something more expensive. Good luck.

Update: I've put in various combinations of dates for January and February for LAX, MCO, and LAS from MDW and found RR award availability for all of them.

 

[DonnaL]

I agree with slruud....why use them for an inexpensive fare......we fly from PHL/MCO several times a year, usually for $49 to $69 ow and we just used our latest RR in October for a 12 day trip to Oregon and Washington. Flew from PHL to POR.....spent a few days on the Oregon coast, then drove up to Seattle for a few days and then a few days visiting relatives in southeast Washington (TriCities area) and then drove back along the Columbia River.......beautiful scenery along the Columbia...... to POR for our flight back to PHL........