SW: Convert Luv Voucher to Travel Funds?

[EscalatorKid]

Long story short, my sister and I each got $200 in Luv Vouchers with an expiry date of July 2019.

Obviously, SW doesn't allow Luv Vouchers to apply to taxes and fees, and I had completely forgotten about that because USUALLY, flights to Orlando are not as cheap as they are for me right now. ($106 each way is pretty low for a Wed-Sun.)

A $423 pair of RT flights in June would still leave me on the hook for $80 in taxes and fees and then I'd have about $58 in leftover LUV vouchers. Obviously not that much, but still pretty annoying.

People as recently as August posted about booking a dummy flight for as close to the voucher amount as possible, canceling the flight, and then receiving travel funds (and NOT a Luv Voucher) back that WOULD work on taxes/fees.

Is this actually a viable option that has worked for anyone RECENTLY (as in, the last six months or so)?

 

[PatMcDuck]

I really never thought of this. The advantage with LUV vouchers is that they can be used by anyone. Travel funds are attached to a person's name..... The only dummy flights I ever booked were to combine travel credits into one travel credit, so I only had to pay one fee (per person) when I applied for a LUV voucher.

I would think it would go back on another LUV voucher. I guess you could try it. Assuming you are ok with the credit being all on one person's name?

 

[EscalatorKid]

If it goes in my name, it is travel funds, and therefore can be used towards fare, taxes, and fees whereas Luv vouchers do not.

Our Luv vouchers expire in July and we plan to use them anyways.

I would book separate dummy flights in our names, and then book our actual flights with the new travel funds in our names.

I suppose the worst that happens is that it's still a luv voucher when refunded. I just wondered if anyone was successful.

Thanks!

 

[EscalatorKid]

Update: I ended up just paying the $81.XX because I don't feel like trying to screw around on booking/cancelling/rebooking.

I'm still curious as to whether or not it's a possibility to do, but for this trip, I just don't have the patience. (And TBH, $80 is not bad for an RT flight for 2 people.)

 

[PatMcDuck]

I was in a similar situation, me and my son had $226 credits (not LUV vouchers). And had points. I needed trips to Sacramento (from PHL) but one way was about $179. My plan had been to book one way on the credits, which is close to expiration, and one way on points, no $$ out of pocket. But, I did not want to lose almost $50 (each) in credit, lol. SO I booked round trip, used the entire credits, and paid $$ for the difference. Saved the points for another day. Tough decision, did not want to put out the cash, but it made the most sense.

I would be interested in the answer to your original question.