SW Refunds - Well, which way is it?????

[DanenRox]

As ro80 has been trying to explain on my behalf, there remains a little confusion on how and why some people have money returned to their credit card and why some (OK, why I) did not. Long story short...since May I've bought airfare for 3 vacations, initially September, then November and finally January. In each case, the original airfares reduced and I cancelled then rebooked ending up with travel funds. The travel funds were applied to subsequent airfare which ultimately reduced or was "dinged" down at which time I cancelled and rebooked. I always kept the passengers, flights, dates etc unchanged. Anyway, in the end, I was surprised to learn that the remaining travel funds had to be used by May '07. Since I won't be able to use those remaining funds before they expire, I called the 800# to ask for a refund...no. I called the 214 number and was told I could have a 6 month extension, but not a refund. I'm glad for the extension, but wonder why some people are being given refunds and some not...

 

[Lewisc]

As ro80 has been trying to explain on my behalf, there remains a little confusion on how and why some people have money returned to their credit card and why some ....... but wonder why some people are being given refunds and some not...

At least 3 different posters gave you the explanation SW generally only offers a cash refund if the fare reduction is with the exact same fare bucket internet fare to DING is not the same fare bucket.

edited to add fare bucket refers to the letter designation of your fare as shown on your electronic ticket. Even fun fare to fun fare could be a different fare bucket.

 

[cepmom]

As ro80 has been trying to explain on my behalf, there remains a little confusion on how and why some people have money returned to their credit card and why some (OK, why I) did not. Long story short...since May I've bought airfare for 3 vacations, initially September, then November and finally January. In each case, the original airfares reduced and I cancelled then rebooked ending up with travel funds. The travel funds were applied to subsequent airfare which ultimately reduced or was "dinged" down at which time I cancelled and rebooked. I always kept the passengers, flights, dates etc unchanged. Anyway, in the end, I was surprised to learn that the remaining travel funds had to be used by May '07. Since I won't be able to use those remaining funds before they expire, I called the 800# to ask for a refund...no. I called the 214 number and was told I could have a 6 month extension, but not a refund. I'm glad for the extension, but wonder why some people are being given refunds and some not...

now it makes a little more sense as to why they were not going to get a refund...let me see if I understand what happened

you purchased airfare that later you got a sale or Ding for

you applied the credit form above sale to another trip

the second trip was reduced later on due to a sale or Ding

you now have TTF that expire in May 07

you want the TTF refunded to your cc

did I get that all correct?

First, you will not get a refund on the remaining TTF that was acquired from the second (or third) trip because the orginal form of payment on that trip was TTF...they will only "refund" in the form the trip was paid for, inthis case TTF, not cc.

Second ~ when you use TTF to purchase airfare and then that fare is reduced due to a sale/Ding and you take the credit in TTF, the expiration for the resulting TTF is reverted back to the original expiration of the TTF you used to pay for the fare

Third ~ and this is up for debate ~ is if you booked an internet one way fare then got a Ding, they will not refund your cc because the Ding is in a different rate category or fare bucket.

sorry you ahd to go through all the confusion and aggravation, but at least you were able to get the expiration extended. Good excuse for another trip!

 

[DanenRox]

Now my question becomes, how do I better manage my SW purchases in the future. I don't quite understand the "fare bucket" concept. I typically buy the lowest price tickets when they come out, then I watch for reductions or dings. Since we usually travel twice a year, I don't mind "banked" travel funds....but I don't know how to effectively "eat up" the overage of travel funds so they don't keep getting attached to future bookings.

 

[cepmom]

Now my question becomes, how do I better manage my SW purchases in the future. I don't quite understand the "fare bucket" concept. I typically buy the lowest price tickets when they come out, then I watch for reductions or dings. Since we usually travel twice a year, I don't mind "banked" travel funds....but I don't know how to effectively "eat up" the overage of travel funds so they don't keep getting attached to future bookings.

when you choose your fares you will see different categories like "Advance purchase", "fun fare", "internet one way" etc. Those are the "fare buckets" that we are referring to. When SW has a sale you may see that the fare category that you booked has been reduced from what you originally paid. This is when you could possibly get a refund ~ when the same category you booked originally has been reduced.

Sometimes a new category is added and it's cheaper than the fare you booked originally ~ this is when you would not be able to get a refund because the new, cheaper fare is a different category than the original purchase.

As far as using the TTF to your best advantage here's what I would do...

If I had a TTF that was going to expire within the year and I knew I could not fit another trip in before it expires, I would book one person using the whole amount of the TTF, then I would book the rest of the people in my family separately paying by cc. If the fares drop then I would only rebook the reservation paid for by cc and forget about the one paid for using TTF.

An important thing to keep in mind is if you pay using several TTF confirmations all with different expiration dates, and you cancel and rebook, all the remaining TTF will now have the same expiration date as the TTF with the earliest expiration. So if you had a TTF with expiration 1/07 and another with an expiration of 6/07, if you cancelled and rebooked for a cheaper fare the remaining TTF would now expire 1/07. I try to watch for that when I use my TTF.

I hope that made at least a little sense ~ it is confusing

 

[DanenRox]

It's making some sense. Thanks for your information.

 

[DanenRox]

These boards are designed to share information and teach people things, right? Cepmom cleared up some confusing info for me (and my friend) and I'm grateful. Why are some posters wound sooo tight, and are so aggressive?....very undisney....suprising particularly when they are veteran posters.

 

[ro80]

Thanks, Rox, but on behalf of myself I would like to thank Cepmon for being so gracious in her reply and helping us to understand the concept of "fare buckets". It makes it a little bit clearer. Still, as disneyldwjr pointed out, SW issues credits on a case by case basis. Hmmmm. Case by case, pick and choose, it's all in the wording. I hope I don't get reported to the SW ::cop: for not agreeing with their policies or lack there of. I'll never get to use my free flights if they don't let me on..... Everyone is entitled to their opinion and opinions are never right or wrong. They're just opinions. so let's keep it that way.......Goodnight

 

[Lewisc]

Cepmom--answered the question early in this thread, before many of us even posted but hat wasn't the answer you wanted to hear. Technically the "fare bucket" refers to the letter designation for the fare you booked. A fare could still be called "fun fare" but be in a different fare bucket.

ro80--You still don't "get it".

case by case basis. Hmmmm. Case by case, pick and choose, it's all in the wording.

Most of the review isn't pick and choose but rather SW determining if you're in the same fare bucket. Based on recent posts SW is making very few exceptions. The six month extension is generally given to anyone who asks.

SW lets you change flights without a change fee. Gives you a full credit even if you don't show. Gives you a full credit if the fare goes down. Even goes so far as to give a cash refund if the fare reduction is with the same fare bucket.

It's a shame that's not enough for some people.

 

[ro80]

I've been pm'd by several subscribers that you think you are quite the authority!!! I just started on the boards when I bought in May so I am not quite as familiar with some subscribers "reputations" as others might be. The cocky attitudes of some just ruin it for the rest of here to have fun. I ended my last post laughing to myself about how this played out. I did not start this thread to get in a back and forth confontation with anyone. When you have to give people attitude, it's time to step back. If you feel you have to respond to people sarcastically, please refrain and find another thread. Rox and I were getting several different answers to one simple question, so if we were confused and still have some other questions, sorry if it's not good enough for you. Please don't ruin these boards for those of us who are here to have fun and be correctly informed. I am here to have a positive experience and I'd like to keep it that way.

 

[Lewisc]

I don't know a polite way to say this but I'll try. The only one doing any "flaming" in this thread is you with your continual complaints regarding SWs refusal to issue a cash refund when a cash refund isn't warranted.

At least 3 knowlegeable posters told you're only entitled to a cash refund when the "fare bucket" stays the same. You continue to "flame" SW. I didn't realize a question on airline policy was supposed to be a fun thread

I thought you actually wanted an answer to your question. It became back and forth because some of us didn't think you understood what was posted. I didn't realize it "was fun" to just go back and forth.

FYI--Cepmom probably explained the policy the best and disneyldwjr probably knows SW policy better than anyone who posted in this thread. You don't like my attitude but two knowledgeable posters gave you correct information.

Other posters got cash refunds because they were entitled to one. A few might have gotten an exception. Too many greedy passengers asked for exceptions. SW now tends to follow the rules.

Your attitude implied that you though SW was treating your friend unfairly. We think the exact opposite is true. Unlike other airlines your friend got a full credit for the fare reductions. That credit can be transferred to a family member or friend.

I've been pm'd by several subscribers that you think you are quite the authority!!! I just started on the boards when I bought in May so I am not quite as familiar with some subscribers "reputations" as others might be. The cocky attitudes of some just ruin it for the rest of here to have fun. I ended my last post laughing to myself about how this played out. I did not start this thread to get in a back and forth confontation with anyone. When you have to give people attitude, it's time to step back. If you feel you have to respond to people sarcastically, please refrain and find another thread. Rox and I were getting several different answers to one simple question, so if we were confused and still have some other questions, sorry if it's not good enough for you. Please don't ruin these boards for those of us who are here to have fun and be correctly informed. I am here to have a positive experience and I'd like to keep it that way.

 

[jgmklmhem]

Just to turn this thread back to being informative. I have a question. I posted my current example earlier. Why do some get the "instant" refund and others like myself have to wait until after I have travelled to get my refund. What difference is going on in that case? Just curious.

 

[ro80]

Hey, I got it!! Got a pm from someone who provided a very detailed explanation (thank you to them!!) - all set here. Bye Bye now.

 

[disneyldwjr]

Thanks, Rox, but on behalf of myself I would like to thank Cepmon for being so gracious in her reply and helping us to understand the concept of "fare buckets". It makes it a little bit clearer. Still, as disneyldwjr pointed out, SW issues credits on a case by case basis. Hmmmm. Case by case, pick and choose, it's all in the wording. I hope I don't get reported to the SW ::cop: for not agreeing with their policies or lack there of. I'll never get to use my free flights if they don't let me on..... Everyone is entitled to their opinion and opinions are never right or wrong. They're just opinions. so let's keep it that way.......Goodnight

CAse by case = they analyze the first reservation vs the new one. IF everything is the same they will issue a credit to your CC, if not, you will have a credit to use on a future flight (and all travel must be completed within one year of the original reservation, except you can usually get an extension for 6 months).
Yes, it is all in the wording and I should have been more precise.
SWA's policies are pretty straight forward and quite liberal. Try changing flights and getting anywhere without a penality with any other airline or try to get an extension on a credit with any other airline.
For someone who has free flights coming you certainly are critical of a company you fly with often. What a shame. What could they do to make you happy?

 

[disneyldwjr]

Just to turn this thread back to being informative. I have a question. I posted my current example earlier. Why do some get the "instant" refund and others like myself have to wait until after I have travelled to get my refund. What difference is going on in that case? Just curious.

You really did not give enough information to answer that question accurately. Can you link your example that you posted earlier?
I know that I once had a credit issued as an extension. I could not get to the airport to make the reservation (too darn lazy on my part) and I was booking an internet special or Ding,(cannot remember which) so, in spite of my laziness, I could not have used it at the airport anyway. I booked it with my credit card and was told I could get a refund to my credit card after I had completed my travel. This refund would not have been for the voucher but, for the amount I charged to my credit card. After I completed my trip, I sent them proof of my flight and my voucher (registered mail), after about 10 days the credit showed up on my cc.
Not sure if this helps, but, I thought I would pass it along.

 

[Lewisc]

Just to turn this thread back to being informative. I have a question. I posted my current example earlier. Why do some get the "instant" refund and others like myself have to wait until after I have travelled to get my refund. What difference is going on in that case? Just curious.

I guess if you wind up not taking the flight then there really isn't any reason for SW to give you a cash adjustment as opposed to a credit.

SW is very generous. It would be a shame if excessive phone requests for cash refunds causes SW to follow the other carriers in their policies.

Again the "fare bucket" technically refers to the fare class which is shown by a letter on your confirmation. Some airlines create a new fare bucket for sale fares. Y is generally the code for a fully refundable coach ticket. Look at your old and new confirmation and see what letter code your fare is.

Think about it. We all book non-refundable tickets. We book a flight we want at a fare we're happy with. The airline doesn't have the right to charge us more. There really isn't any reason for the airline to offer us any refund let alone a cash credit. Most airlines give a credit less a fee. SW gives us a full credit. The fact that under some limited circumstances a few passengers are able to get a cash refund is a plus but not a right.

 

[disneyldwjr]

Think about it. We all book non-refundable tickets. We book a flight we want at a fare we're happy with. The airline doesn't have the right to charge us more. There really isn't any reason for the airline to offer us any refund let alone a cash credit. Most airlines give a credit less a fee. SW gives us a full credit. The fact that under some limited circumstances a few passengers are able to get a cash refund is a plus but not a right.

Well said and AMEN!!!!

 

[ro80]

CAse by case = they analyze the first reservation vs the new one. IF everything is the same they will issue a credit to your CC, if not, you will have a credit to use on a future flight (and all travel must be completed within one year of the original reservation, except you can usually get an extension for 6 months).
Yes, it is all in the wording and I should have been more precise.
SWA's policies are pretty straight forward and quite liberal. Try changing flights and getting anywhere without a penality with any other airline or try to get an extension on a credit with any other airline.
For someone who has free flights coming you certainly are critical of a company you fly with often. What a shame. What could they do to make you happy?

First of all, I would like to clarify a few points.

1. THE FLIGHT NUMBERS DID NOT CHANGE.
THE TIMES DID NOT CHANGE
THE DATES DID NOT CHANGE. ARE YOU FOLLOWING ME HERE???

2. We were not being critical of SW. I only fly SW and will continue to do so. All Rox and I did here was ask a question as to why SW wasn't consistant in issuing refunds to others in the exact same situation.

3. What can you do to make me happy? I have been made aware in several pm's I received about your "holier than thou" attitude that you have apparently had for years. Didn't you get banned from these boards in the past for this exact same reason?? Frankly, this is getting sickening, quickly getting old and no longer positively informative for anyone. That is what's a shame. What you can do to make me happy is move on to another thread. Oh, and the next time you see a post from me asking for assistance with an issue or an answer to a question, please, by all means, do not respond. There are thousands of other knowledgeable people on these boards who aren't self-proclaimed know-it-alls (as how it was worded to me) and I welcome their input to my queries. No need to let a few bad apples ruin it for the whole bunch of us. Have yourself a wonderful Disney evening. I know I will..

 

[Nennie]

An important thing to keep in mind is if you pay using several TTF confirmations all with different expiration dates, and you cancel and rebook, all the remaining TTF will now have the same expiration date as the TTF with the earliest expiration. So if you had a TTF with expiration 1/07 and another with an expiration of 6/07, if you cancelled and rebooked for a cheaper fare the remaining TTF would now expire 1/07.

Does the same hold true if I use TTF (say I only have $100 in TFF) to pay for part of my ticket, and use my credit card to pay the difference? I just did to book a flight, so if I cancel will the credit card portion result in TFF with the original exp. date? Thanks for the help!

 

[cepmom]

Does the same hold true if I use TTF (say I only have $100 in TFF) to pay for part of my ticket, and use my credit card to pay the difference? I just did to book a flight, so if I cancel will the credit card portion result in TFF with the original exp. date? Thanks for the help!

I'm not 100% sure, but I think it will result in TTF with the orginal exp date