Southwest On a Budget - Changing Flights/Lowering Prices

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I just did a bunch of transactions yesterday. There are a total of 4 of us going to MCO from three airports on 4 different days. I had one person flying from BWI, but then the flights from PHL lowered briefly and I could move her. She's got two flights down right now, one early morning and one in the evening until she figures out her work schedule. I rebooked a return flight for another person. More points, but a more convenient flight. I had paid $ for my flight down and had already rebooked it and received a $27 credit. Yesterday my flight returning was lower, so I actually cancelled it and rebooked it for cash, using the credit I'd received. They must hate me at SW because I change so many flights. Guess I need a better hobby!

I love SW, it's so easy to check and change flights, especially on points. The hardest part is keeping all the reservation numbers straight. I do try to book both ways separately (because if you want to change one of the ways later, you have to call to get it done). I also do reservations for every one individually. While it's harder to check in at 24 hours, they don't always have multiple fares at the lowest price. So if you try to reserve 4 seats and there are only 2 at the lowest available price, you will get the fare that has 4 seats available. Plus it's easier to change if lower fares show up and aren't available for everyone in your group.

No you don't have to call if you want to change one half of a r/t ticket. There is a check box that you have to click on that is next to the portion of the r/t ticket you want to change. I have done this many many times without calling SWA.

 

[mmbrad02]

I had to come back here and report because I am so excited, and I feel like my coworkers, though they listen, just don’t get it *laughs*. This weekend we booked our airfare for our June trip (the closest I have EVER booked airfare, and it was making me nervous!). So, being the nervous flyer I am, I really really really wanted direct flights in both directions, but the departing flight was $467 for the only direct flight available that day. There was no way I could justify that, and if we waited till the following day to fly, the only direct flight didn’t land at MCO till 9pm – which also didn’t work for my schedule. So I sucked it up and booked the layover flight, for $191. I’ve continued looking, but not expecting much this close – but today that direct flight was $184!! So our tickets are all changed, and I’m so excited! And as someone pointed out, DH is to be reimbursed by the company, but with the difference at $8, I can handle that. I’ll continue to watch for decrease fairs, but I’m super excited to get the flight we really wanted!

My remaining question is – we did pay for Early Bird, and this is important to me being the nervous flyer – as I would like for the 3 of us to stay together in one row if possible. I see on my new confirmation that it is still listed. Do I need to do anything else?

 

[mrp4352]

And each person individually...

Yes - absolutely. We've found that sometimes a lower fare will be offered, but only one seat or two seats. If you've separated your travelers you can take advantage of the lower fare. But keep checking back - we've gotten our entire party of 7 a lower fare, but it was spread out over 2-3 weeks because only a seat or two would be lowered at a time.