Southwest questions......

[jackdis]

Hi Everyone,

We have been a JetBlue family for our Disney trips, but I just started looking at Southwest. It seems to me like they fly nonstop from Albany to MCO but not from the NYC airports. Is this right?

Also, I'd like to hear if you've been happy with SW? Do they NOT assign specific seats? And what are the DINGS I'm reading about?

Thanks everyone!!!

 

[Wigit12]

DINGS is a download from Southwest that will alert you with the special fares the offer--usually only good for that day.

We're a big fan of Southwest--love their flexibility. If a Ding special is available to lower your fare, you can "bank" the credit to use later. It's usually good for a year.

We don't mind not having assigned seats. Just be sure to check in online ahead of time. Then you can sit where you want if you get the "A" pass. We actually prefer it this way now.

 

[Slsguy]

SW is ok, good airfair with lots of non-stops. From Manchetser anyway, no idea about NY. The no asigned seating kind of burns me though. Sure you can check in on line but I like to book my tickets in advance to ensure I get an isle exit row or and isle up front. For the short flight sliek NH to FL it's not as much an issue though.

But jet blue has pretty good airfair and they have the TV's in the head rest - THATS HUGE! to me

What usually makes up my mind is th eimes of flights - since jetblue only goes out of Boston if i have to take off our land around rush hour then I go to Manchester. Parking in Manchester is cheaper too...

Also, being able to get the credit if your flight goes on sale after you buy is cool. FYI - the lady on the phone told me after your flight if you call they can refund the $$ on some tix. We have $200 in the bank, just a good excuse to flee the New England winter if you ask me though!

 

[Dis31]

No SW doesn't fly to Orlando from any NYC airports, but they do fly from Islip,Long Island if thats an option for you. We love JB and SW and are flying both in a few days, JB from jfk to orlando and SW from Orland to islip bc we got such a great ding fare.!!

 

[jackdis]

Thanks for all the info. I will have to keep it in mind for future trips. I saw a $54 fare to MCO from ALB. Wow! (We paid $79 on JB and I thought that was great!)

SISGUY - I know what you mean about the tv's on JB. Love them!! So does DD!! JetBlue will also issue you a credit for a future flight if the fare you paid goes on sale, but SW will give you a credit after the flight? How do you know if it's a lower fare? I also am using my JetBlue credits for a little winter getaway, if only those Feb. fares would come out!!!

WIGIT - Is the download right on the website?

DIS31 - Have a great time!

 

[kaytieeldr]

SISGUY - I know what you mean about the tv's on JB. Love them!! So does DD!! JetBlue will also issue you a credit for a future flight if the fare you paid goes on sale, but SW will give you a credit after the flight?
WIGIT - Is the download right on the website?

Nope, not after you fly; after you buy You have to monitor the prices yourself, naturally but if your fare drops between your purchase date and your flight date, you get credit. And yes, Ding! download information is available on Southwest's website.

 

[speedyf]

... JetBlue will also issue you a credit for a future flight if the fare you paid goes on sale, but SW will give you a credit after the flight? How do you know if it's a lower fare?...

I think the poster meant that you can get a credit back to your credit card after the flight. For instance, if you book at $79 each way...and the fare goes on sale for $59 each way. You get a $40 credit on Southwest good for one year from your original booking date. After you fly (and sometimes before), you can contact Southwest to see about getting that $40 credited back to your credit card instead of having it sit there for the year.

From what I was told by Southwest, it usually depends on which fare you are booking. I did this 2 years ago. I booked the "Internet Fare" to Orlando at $79 each way. The same "Internet Fare" went on sale for $39 each way. I was refunded the $40 each way to my credit card. I was told that if your fare price reduces, you can ask for a credit back to your credit card. If you, however, find a cheaper fare....then, you usually have to keep the credit on the Southwest site. So, if I would book at $79 each way on an "Internet Fare"....then, a "Ding Fare" would come up at $39 each, I'm actually changing fare class and I would not be eligible for the credit back to my credit card.

Of course....some people have still reported getting the credit back to their credit card even when they did change fare class....so, I don't know at this point what the rules are.

Speed

 

[jackdis]

I think the poster meant that you can get a credit back to your credit card after the flight. For instance, if you book at $79 each way...and the fare goes on sale for $59 each way. You get a $40 credit on Southwest good for one year from your original booking date. After you fly (and sometimes before), you can contact Southwest to see about getting that $40 credited back to your credit card instead of having it sit there for the year.

From what I was told by Southwest, it usually depends on which fare you are booking. I did this 2 years ago. I booked the "Internet Fare" to Orlando at $79 each way. The same "Internet Fare" went on sale for $39 each way. I was refunded the $40 each way to my credit card. I was told that if your fare price reduces, you can ask for a credit back to your credit card. If you, however, find a cheaper fare....then, you usually have to keep the credit on the Southwest site. So, if I would book at $79 each way on an "Internet Fare"....then, a "Ding Fare" would come up at $39 each, I'm actually changing fare class and I would not be eligible for the credit back to my credit card.

Of course....some people have still reported getting the credit back to their credit card even when they did change fare class....so, I don't know at this point what the rules are.

Speed

Gotcha! That's the part I was confused about....didn't know how you could get a credit after the flight. That IS cool that you can get it back to your credit card though! Thanks.....

 

[BUPhiSig1997]

This thread reminded me that I have SW questions, too! I've only flown them once, years ago, so I forget how it works.

Now, assuming that I check in for my flight online 23 hours and 59 minutes ahead of time, am I pretty much guaranteed an A boarding pass? I'm kind of a maniac about having an aisle seat (I'm claustrophobic -- can't even do Tower of Terror! ).

I've heard that some flights may have continuing passengers on them. How can I find out if my flight is originating somewhere else?

Some other threads have mentioned that the crowd in Philly can be interesting and line up hours in advance. Do I have to wait in line if I have the A pass?

Also, how do you check in for the return flight from WDW? Will the resort desk do it for you (we're at Pop), should I have someone at home do it for us online, or are we just S.O.L. for the return?

 

[Tara]

Thanks for all the info. I will have to keep it in mind for future trips. I saw a $54 fare to MCO from ALB. Wow! (We paid $79 on JB and I thought that was great!)

I've been extremely pleased with flying SW out of Albany -- the crew at this station is excellent, boarding is always well organized, and...well...ALB is a small but nice, modern airport that's easy to get in and out of quickly. We're flying SW to MCO in 28 days for $49 each way!

Also, how do you check in for the return flight from WDW? Will the resort desk do it for you (we're at Pop), should I have someone at home do it for us online, or are we just S.O.L. for the return?

Yes, in my experience, the front desk will help you check in online. Make sure you have your confirmation number and SWA login information.

 

[Slsguy]

Thanks for all the info. I will have to keep it in mind for future trips. I saw a $54 fare to MCO from ALB. Wow! (We paid $79 on JB and I thought that was great!)

SISGUY - I know what you mean about the tv's on JB. Love them!! So does DD!! JetBlue will also issue you a credit for a future flight if the fare you paid goes on sale, but SW will give you a credit after the flight? How do you know if it's a lower fare? I also am using my JetBlue credits for a little winter getaway, if only those Feb. fares would come out!!!

WIGIT - Is the download right on the website?

DIS31 - Have a great time!

Jackdis, I mean they will refund the $$ instead of just a credit with them.

I didn't know jetblue did that too - I don't know then, that makes it very hard to choose from SW and Jetblue...

 

[jackdis]

Jackdis, I mean they will refund the $$ instead of just a credit with them.

I didn't know jetblue did that too - I don't know then, that makes it very hard to choose from SW and Jetblue...

Jet Blue gives the credit to your JB account. I"m not sure if they do the $$$. Thanks for all the great info!!!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I've heard that some flights may have continuing passengers on them. How can I find out if my flight is originating somewhere else?

Call SWA and ask.

 

[Wigit12]

WIGIT - Is the download right on the website?

The link to download DING! is the first item under travel tools on the Southwest homepage.

 

[Wigit12]

DH is a nervous wreck about getting his A pass. I always try to check in as early as possible. But I don't stalk the computer at the 24 hour mark. We've always been lucky and gotten the A passes though. We do it mostly to make sure there's room in the overhead for carry-on.

I never line up since we have the A passes. We just wait until most of that line is boarded then. DH (kid at heart) has always gotten his window seats without a problem.

 

[princessgirls]

Hi I just booked my November trip. I am flying from Boston to Orlando using JetBlue ($79) and flying SW home to Manchester (I liked the return times $99).

I have flown JetBlue before and love them...and the tvs ... a must with a 6 & 3 year old. As for SW, this will be my first time flying them, but I have read all of the threads about boarding so I am not so worried.

I think you should go with the best fare and times that work for your family.

Me, I am hoping for a ding for the SW leg...maybe $59 instead of $99. I am thrilled with the jetblue leg....I just booked it 2 days ago and it is back up to $119! Glad I booked it at $79

 

[BriansPyxie042]

I haven't flown in 14 years. I was 14 at the time and don't remember much about the details of boarding and such, & besides I'm sure it's all changed since then anyway. We're thinking of trying SW for our DL trip in March 2007. (Just my DD6 & I, DH won't fly, so he's not going) I have some questions.

What is an "A Pass"?

There aren't any non-stop flights available, so do I need to pick up checked luggage during the lay-over and re-check it for the next flight?

Even though I haven't flown in a long time I promise to sit down quickly, have a small carry-on, & not be picky about my seat or in what order I get to board!

Thanks

 

[Tara]

What is an "A Pass"? ,

Southwest uses a boarding system wherein seat assignments are not used. Instead, you are able to check in for your flight online up to 24 hours prior to your departure. There are three seating groups (A, B and C) and the when you check in determines which group you fall in, with the earliest check ins getting As and the latest getting Cs.

At boarding, there is a line for each group. As are allowed to board first, then Bs, then Cs. (Actually, preboarding for those needing assistance or traveling with children under 4 or 5 is available and they board first.) When you board, you sit anywhere you want.

There aren't any non-stop flights available, so do I need to pick up checked luggage during the lay-over and re-check it for the next flight?

No, your luggage will be tagged with your final destination and will be transferred to your connecting flight and you will pick it up at baggage claim in Orlando, assuming you are not using Magical Express.

Some other things to remember -- security regulations are a lot more different than they were 14 years ago, and clearing security takes longer, so allow for plenty of time, be sure you know what you can and can't carry on, what you can and can't put in your checked luggage, etc. These boards are great places for learning more and www.tsa.gov has lots of information for you here .

Have fun!

 

[BriansPyxie042]

Thanks for the answers. It wasn't until my last post that I realized it had been that long since the last time I flew. At least I still have another 7 months to bone up on the rules.

 

[all4disneyworld]

As for the assigned seats on SWA.. you can check in on line 24 hrs in advanced with an e ticket which is great. Also out west they have been doing a trial with the assigned seating and who knows it may be something that they do every where in the future.
We got $49each way from RDU to MCO for September and $39 last year.