Southwest Question

[pathubia]

I have a question about Southwest.

We are flying from PVD to MCO on 10-19. We have to stop and change planes in Baltimore.

There is a flight from PVD to MCO direct that leaves 1/2 hour before our flight that is not sold out (yet). We bought our tix through the Friends Fly Free Program.

My question is, has anybody ever been bumped up through Southwest for an earlier flight. I called customer service and asked them, but they didnt seem to know what I was talking about. I have been able to do this a few times with Delta, but I am curious to see if I have a chance of getting to Orlando any earlier.

Thanks!!

Patty

 

[Pat_Elliott]

Patty,

I am assuming you are refering to standby flying. I was about to post on that subject after trying it for the first time with a discount flyer (Airtran). I've done it many times with US Air.

I went to the SW site and couldn't tell for sure, but I believe their standby policy is similar to Airtran, which is they aren't charging for it. Yet. I'd call them back and ask about "standby flying." Maybe that will refresh their memory.

With Airtran (BWI to MCO), I called one day before to determine loads for the earlier flight, which were good. We showed up VERY early (2 1/2 hours before our desired flight), and stood in the ticket line. If there are plenty of seats, they'll put you on standby, then you wait until all revenue flyers are seated, then standby flyers go in order of arrival. As a revenue client flying standby, you'd have priority over a non-revenue flying standby.

We've had NO problems doing this with US Air and found the system similar with Airtran. The only problem I see with your situation is that your revenue flight is only a half hour behind the earlier flight. This doesn't leave much time, if you don't get on the standby flight, to get re-certified with the proper boarding passes.

I'd call SW, tell them you wish to fly standby, give them the flight numbers, and ask them what their policy is. And get to the airport early.

Hope that helps.

Pat

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

This is SWA's policy on standby (or changing a flight midstream).

Fares

Southwest Airlines is the nation’s leading, and largest, low-fare airline. Our unrestricted, generally available fares are typically much lower than the unrestricted fares of other airlines. Our unrestricted fares are fully refundable, have no advance purchase requirements, and enable you to make changes to your travel plans.

We also offer a number of deeply discounted restricted fares ideal for leisure travelers. Plus, we make special fares available to seniors (65 years of age or older), military personnel, infants and toddlers under the age of two years, older children (traveling with adults), and groups of ten or more. And, from time to time, we offer special promotional, sale fares in selected markets and through our web site for online purchases.

With respect to all of its fares, Southwest Airlines does not prohibit or penalize what is commonly known as "hidden city" ticketing, nor does it prohibit or penalize what is commonly known as "back to back" ticketing. "Hidden city" and "back to back" reservations and tickets are authorized for travel on Southwest Airlines.

Furthermore, if you choose not to use a restricted ticket that you have already purchased, the amount you paid for your ticket may, within one year from date of purchase, be applied toward the purchase of another ticket on Southwest Airlines. Your new ticket may, without penalty or fee, be subject to different terms, conditions, and restrictions. We will charge the appropriate fare for the new ticket, which may mean more money, but Southwest does not charge a "fee" for the "exchange" of tickets. No cash refunds or credit card adjustments are made on any amounts paid for nonrefundable tickets.

Fare Rules

All airlines’ fares vary from city-pair to city-pair. Most discounted, leisure, bargain, or sale fares carry some usage, advance purchase, refundability, and/or stayover restrictions.

If you choose to purchase a ticket that has specific flight requirements and you elect to travel on an alternate flight or flights, it may cost you more money. We do not charge a handling or "change" fee, but an upgrade to a higher fare will ordinarily be applied. This upgrade is the equivalent of the difference between the amount shown on your flight-restricted ticket and the unrestricted fare charged at the time of upgrade for the full itinerary on which you qualify and actually travel.

Tickets for fares that are age-related (seniors, infants, children, students) are sold contingent on the traveler’s ability to provide proof of age at checkin.

A fare quote is not guaranteed until a ticket is purchased. However, if the fare increases after you have purchased your ticket, we will not collect the difference unless you change your flights, travel dates, or person(s) traveling.

Information and Ticketing

Information regarding all of our current fares, applicable restrictions, seat availability, and other requirements is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through our Telephone Reservations Center or through our web site, southwest.com.

Our toll-free number is 1-800-435-9792 (1-800-I-FLY-SWA).
En Espanol, 1-800-826-6667 (1-800-VAMONOS).
Customers with hearing limitations can reach Southwest through Teletypewriter (TTY) service at 1-800-533-1305.

 

[sramille]

When I was leaving Disneyland I ended up at the airport very early due to the shuttle service. I was even there early for the SW flight that was a couple hours before mine. I asked about getting on that flight and was told that I could only get on that flight if I paid the difference between my ticket and a full price, refundable ticket. I hated sitting there watching another plane leave for home without me! But, I wasn't going to fork over the $$ to get on that flight.
Not very encouraging, but that was my experience.
Sorry!

 

[carolsherman]

We flew standby out of MCO last December back to PVD #1 they charge you the difference between the highest one way ticket and what you paid for yours #2 beware if you are traveling with small children you may not sit together as you are boarded last after everyone else My 2 kids and I couldn't sit together what a NIGHMARE.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

carolsherman
Of course, if you are flying standby, you are boarded last. That is the reason it is called standby. They board the folks with tickets for that flight first and if there is anything left over, you board.

That is the chance you take with standby.

 

[peg2001]

I believe (and someone please jump in here and correct me if I am wrong) that you can not check luggage if you are flying stand-by. Your luggage must be on the same flight you are taking and by flying stand-by, you don't know for sure which flight you will be on.

The last time I tried to get an earlier flight via stand-by on Delta, they denied my request based on the fact that I had checked luggage for the later flight.

Peggy

 

[pathubia]

Thanks for all your answers. I will give them another call and find out about flying "standby".

The reason I chose these flights was the price, $119 each R/T. I dont really want to pay anything extra, so if I can get on the earlier flight at no extra cost, we will.

Thanks again.

Patty

 

[CarolA]

Unless you find a really nice SW agent, you won't get on that flight without paying the upgraded fare. They don't really do standby. They figure you paid for the cheaper later flight and you are getting what you paid for.

Also, ALL the majors have dramatically changed their standby rules (these do not apply to Airtran or SW). For the privilege of attempting to fly standby you will now be charged $100. The $100 fee is due regardless of if you get on or not.

Luggage can be checked for standby for most airlines. If they are going to let you fly standby they will flag the luggage and it will not be boarded until you clear. This does increase the chance your luggage will not get on the plane with you and will arrive on your original flight.

 

[Lewisc]

I was allowed to stand by for an earlier flight and wasn't charged any extra. It was because my flight came in early enough to make an earlier connecting flight NOT because I was trying to "beat" the system by booking the cheaper flight time but then standing by for the flight I really wanted.

I had checked my luggage through and just drove back to the airport to pickup my luggage (10 minutes from airport) but that was pre 9-11.

Pat SW won't book a connecting flight that close and it won't help you if you get to MCO before your luggage. If you only have carryon you can go to the gate and see if they'll work with you but probably not worth the trouble.

 

[CarolA]

Lewis you got lucky. A few weeks ago I got into Houston in time to make the earlier flight and the agent would not do it. (This was a connection also!) My theory is that occassionally the agents will be nice and let you go standby, but the offical SW line is no standbys.