SW, will they let us on an earlier flight d/t bad weather?

[eeyoresmom]

We are scheduled to fly out today at 5pm and that is right when a major snow event will be at it's peak. My boss is sending me home from work early so I am heading to the airport early. There is a 2:30 flight that still has lots of empty seats. Does anyone think they will allow us on that flight without an upcharge considering later flights will most likely be delayed? If so, who should I ask? TIA

 

[ironz]

I don't see anything on the website at this time. However, I would keep a close eye on things. Best case scenario, they put you on the earlier flight for free. Worst case scenario, if there are seats on the earlier flight, they put you on it for a fee. Worst worst case scenario, there aren't seats and you don't get out.
But I would try! Might not hurt to call customer service and see if they are about to issue weather waivers.

 

[JessM]

Normally you have to wait for the airline to put out a winter weather advisory before they will let you rebook to an earlier flight for free. However, it doesn't hurt to go ask, SW is definitely one of the most reasonable and flexible. And dealing directly with someone at the airport will likely give you more luck than calling in.

Good luck!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

According to flightaware, the only airports with weather problems in the US today are in the NYC area. I couldn't find any notices about Southwest letting customers change flights today. Airlines don't let you change flights for free just because there might be a delay (unless they have issued an official notice allowing this; yes Southwest lets you change flights with no fee, but you have to pay any additional ticket cost).

http://flightaware.com/live/

You could always just call Southwest or look on their website for their standby policy.

 

[seashoreCM]

(any airline) I would call to request the earlier flight but not agree to go ahead with the change if it would cost anything.

I would then go to the airport early, with plenty of time to catch that early flight anyway.

Chances are very good you would get on as a standby at no charge.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

According to its website, Southwest's standby policy depends on the fare your purchased. For a Wanna Get Away or Ding! fare, "standby travel requires an upgrade to the Anytime fare."

Unless they issue a weather alert, I would expect to pay unless you have an Anytime or Business Select fare.

It still may make sense to travel earlier to the airport to avoid missing your scheduled flight. -- Suzanne

 

[eeyoresmom]

OP here. On the way to the airport ( we were heading in early to beat the storm) I got a text saying our flight was delayed 65 min. I didn't want to check our bags and then ask at the gate about the earlier flight because then our bags would have been on a different flight. I was able to change to the earlier flight by calling SW. Their policy is they will still up charge unless your flight is delayed one hour. At first my delay was not showing on her computer but when I told her the exact times she was able to process the change. Now we'll be in Disney for dinner instead of closer to midnight

 

[ironz]

OP here. On the way to the airport ( we were heading in early to beat the storm) I got a text saying our flight was delayed 65 min. I didn't want to check our bags and then ask at the gate about the earlier flight because then our bags would have been on a different flight. I was able to change to the earlier flight by calling SW. Their policy is they will still up charge unless your flight is delayed one hour. At first my delay was not showing on her computer but when I told her the exact times she was able to process the change. Now we'll be in Disney for dinner instead of closer to midnight

Oh, good...glad that is working out! Have a fun time.

 

[magicaldisney]

Actually it sounds like some pixie dust to me!! Everything worked out perfectly for you to be in Disney earlier than expected and that's a great thing. Enjoy your trip.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

OP here. On the way to the airport ( we were heading in early to beat the storm) I got a text saying our flight was delayed 65 min. I didn't want to check our bags and then ask at the gate about the earlier flight because then our bags would have been on a different flight. I was able to change to the earlier flight by calling SW. Their policy is they will still up charge unless your flight is delayed one hour. At first my delay was not showing on her computer but when I told her the exact times she was able to process the change. Now we'll be in Disney for dinner instead of closer to midnight[/QUI


In the future you don't have to wait to get to the gate to ask about the earlier flight. I have always done it at the check in desk.