Southwest

[Terk-1]

We fly Southwest and have never had a problem. I had purchased a ticket (2 one ways) last August for a trip to WDW I was planning to take last November. I ended up not going and notified Southwest of this. They told me I had a year from the date of purchase to use the funds towards another flight. I took that as I had until the expiration date to book a flight to use these funds. I was planning on using these funds to for my upcoming trip in November. When I called Southwest on Friday to ask when the November dates would be released, I confirmed that I would be able to use these funds for that purchase. Was told no. Was told the funds had to be used and the trip needed to be completed BEFORE the expiration date. She told me to call the customer relations center for an 6-month extension to the deadline, which would allow me to use the funds. I called and was told that I could not get an extension and was giving the following option: Purchase a new ticket(s), then AFTER the trip is taken, mail the receipt with the old confirmation numbers and the old funds would be credited to the credit card used to make the purchase. The other option was for them to send me vouchers that can only be used at a Southwest ticket counter and that any website discounts would not be offered. As the closest to me is at the Manchester, NH airport (which is also over an hour away), told him that that's really not much of an option.

Should I call Customer Relations and speak to someone different in regards to the extension or should I just wait and do option #: 1? If I wait, how will I know if they will actually refund the old funds, as this was told to me over the phone, so I have nothing in writing?

 

[tmt martins]

I would wait and call mid week mid morning as this is the slower times for customer service you might be able to get the extension .Ask for name of who you are talking to and note the time as well.

 

[KarenP99]

I called and was told that I could not get an extension and was giving the following option: Purchase a new ticket(s), then AFTER the trip is taken, mail the receipt with the old confirmation numbers and the old funds would be credited to the credit card used to make the purchase. The other option was for them to send me vouchers that can only be used at a Southwest ticket counter

We were able to get a 6 month extension, but even with that the above options you stated are the only options. They still "expire" and you wont be able to use the credit when booking.

We purchased new tickets (using the same CC as I did on original flight), and as soon as I completed my flight...I called customer relations & they put my $300 credit back on my credit card. It was really quite simple, and totally worth it!

 

[diesel]

yes we also took the 6 month extension. Once we completed our trip I just called the customer service # and they credited our card. It was very painless. I thought I would have to do all sorts of expaining but the person knew exactly what I was talking about. I just needed the reservation # for the credit and the reservation # of the trip we just completed.

 

[Terk-1]

Thanks everyone for your help! Much more relieved now. We've never had a problem with Southwest in the past and this is the first time this has happened. Thanks again!