Swa and redeeming points for flights

[3happydancers]

I have never done this before but would like to redeem SWA reward points. There will be 4 of us flying and I am hoping to have enough points for at least 3 round trip tickets. Today I spoke to a representative who said I have to book each flight seperately. Am I right to understand that I will end up with 4 seperate confirmation numbers? How does this all work and is there an easy way of booking?

 

[lionqueen]

I would like to know the answer too. i assumed i could buy 3 tickets using my points all at the same time. reading your post makes it seem like i have to do each separately??

 

[3happydancers]

Yes, that is the impression I got when I spoke to SWA today. Like you, I was hoping to purchase my tickets all at once.

Maybe someone here on the boards could give us some tips. Please....

 

[gigi1313]

I have purchased multiple tickets, round trip, using points and under one confirm... I don't know why the SWA rep would have suggested differently...

 

[3happydancers]

I have purchased multiple tickets, round trip, using points and under one confirm... I don't know why the SWA rep would have suggested differently...

This would be good because I really don't want to have to book each flight seperately. Really, it does not make sense to have to book seperately but I am certain that is what the rep meant. We even discussed the inconvenience and the fact that I would have to also check each person in at the 24 hour mark seperately.

Thanks for sharing your experience!!!

 

[Bobo912]

When I've redeemed points to book a flight for two different people, I don't book them separately - I do it all within one reservation session on the SWA website - but I always get different confirmation numbers for each person.

 

[mareed]

When I've redeemed points to book a flight for two different people, I don't book them separately - I do it all within one reservation session on the SWA website - but I always get different confirmation numbers for each person.

This is how it works. You can book together at the same time, but you'll get a separate confirmation number for each person.

 

[3happydancers]

This is how it works. You can book together at the same time, but you'll get a separate confirmation number for each person.

OK, this works. Now my next question would be, when we do the 24 hour online check in, do I have to do each confirmation seperately? My guess would be yes, which means we would more than likely have different boarding spots between A and C. I would like to board together. Would it be ok to have the first person in our group save seats or is this frowned upon?

 

[Bowen9475]

OK, this works. Now my next question would be, when we do the 24 hour online check in, do I have to do each confirmation seperately? My guess would be yes, which means we would more than likely have different boarding spots between A and C. I would like to board together. Would it be ok to have the first person in our group save seats or is this frowned upon?

I was just going to say the same thing. I have been able to book multiple reservations on points at the same time but we did end up with different confirmation numbers. You do have to check in each person individually with their own confirmation number. One suggestion would be to have different people on different computers, each checking in a couple of people. You might get the boarding passes a little closer together this way. I think, depending on how large your group is, the first person could save a few seats. With a group of 4 I think you would be all set - but that is just my opinion

 

[emilymad]

OK, this works. Now my next question would be, when we do the 24 hour online check in, do I have to do each confirmation seperately? My guess would be yes, which means we would more than likely have different boarding spots between A and C. I would like to board together. Would it be ok to have the first person in our group save seats or is this frowned upon?

Saving seats is against Southwest policy. The flight attendants probably won't say anything but if another passenger wants that seat you will probably have to let them sit there. You could buy Early Birds so it checks you in automatically.

 

[Bobo912]

We flew to Orlando on SWA a couple of weeks ago and the gate agent announced over the PA system that it was okay to save seats. He said that just after he mentioned that if you had a B boarding pass and tried to board with you traveling companion with an A boaring pass, he was going to turn you away and make you wait for your group.

 

[3happydancers]

Thanks you guys. I knew you would not let me down when it comes to learning information. I got great advise and information. Now at least I know how to proceed without getting frustrated!!!