SW flyers. . how are their cancellation/reservation change policies?

[bjakmom]

So SW is finally flying out of Phila ! - and with some great rates - I understand that they do open seating (no assigned seats), but does anyone have experience with their cancellation policies.? What is the penalty for switching flights and can you change a reservation from one passenger name to another?

I want to buy tickets in advance for DS's birthday trip, but know how quickly plans and/or the 'cast of characters' can change when you travel with a group outside of your own immediate family - I thought I have seen posts that lead me to believe SW is more user friendly and changeable than most - I'm used to Spirit charge of $75 for any flight and/or name change - anyone have any experience with changes through SW?

 

[antmaril]

There is no penalty for a cancellation. However, I doubt they will give you a refund. I think they hold the money in your account for future use. Same thing if you find a cheaper fare after you've booked. You can make the change and they will hold the difference in your account for future use. However, you cannot change the name of a person on a ticket. In February, we were holding tickets for myself, my husband and son to travel to Orlando. At the last minute my husband was unable to join us. We decided to take a friend and what we did was cancel my husband's ticket and use the money to purchase a new ticket for the friend. The friend's ticket was a little more than my husband's original ticket, but it was not a big deal.

Anyway, SW is very easy to deal with and there is no penalty for making a change.

We like SW.

 

[Joan S.]

Hi, Just wanted to say how GREAT Southwest is also!! You can change times and days of flights with no charge unless you are going to a more expensive level of pricing. In other words NO($75.) FEE for changes!They are also very helpful if you need to call the 800# for any reason! I recently was credited $300. for flights in July when the price DROPPED from $79. each way(PVD to MCO) to $49. each way! My original flights were still available.Open seating has not been a problem for us,we are a family of 5, and as long as I can get 2 seats together for me and my 10 year old we are fine! Joan

 

[SAWYERMAW1]

SWA is totally awesome. They are very "people-friendly." Their customer service is the best I've ever dealt with. They go out of their way to make sure their customers are happy. Since they started flying out of Norfolk, I only fly SWA.

 

[disneycrazy730]

if you want a good seat do you get there super early to check in how do they work this we never flew southwest before