SWA offering $98 R/T from Philly to Orlando!!

[Helene]

Can I Just vent????????

To those of you who can take advantage of this GREAT offer, I say GO FOR IT!!!!!

Unfortunately for me, I already booked with a small charter company that recently came to a local airport (Vacation Express/Pace Airlines). Needless to say, they've been having some major problems with delays due to mechanical issues and only yesterday I was contemplating cancelling my reservations. (Not so much because of the delays, but because of the mechanical issues---now I'll need double dosing of my "happy pills" to get through the anxiety). However, when I looked into it, the fees are non-refundable and I'm really feeling stuck. Now SWA comes out with this incredible deal, and I can't take advantage of it.

Oh well, I guess this is one instance where advance planning hasn't helped.

Helene

 

[LauraR]

Wow, that is a drag. I know how it feels to be stuck with something you're not crazy about. But a lot of the time things turn out better than you think they will. Hopefully the new airline will work out the kinks before you have to fly. Hope you have a great trip!

 

[dizcrazy]

Would it make you feel better to know that A LOT of the SWA flights are already booked?

We are going to Orlando in May, and ALL of the SWA flights are booked already!

 

[always quiet]

I heard this offer ends on 9/13. I need to find a flight for my sister's family leaving Philly on 9/27!! I hope they offer the same deal during that time frame.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I just hear about this this morning. Is is correct that the offer ends tomorrow. We were planning to drive (from NJ) for the 1st time because this was an unexpected (good surprise) trip. DH is going to figure out the difference tonight (hopefully, he's a CPA so we're only communicating by email today and probably tomorrow). It sounds like a great deal for us. Never used SWA , anybody have any problems with them, or anyone really like them?

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Yep, the special runs through midnight April 15th Pacific time.

I love SWA and have NEVER had a problem with them. they are ontime, friendly, funny and rarely, if ever, change or cancel flights.

 

[kilee]

Our first ever flight was on Southwest-- I really enjoyed them. For us it is one of the cheapest ways to fly from Buffalo-- and the only direct flight right now. We've since flown Jetblue too-- which I highly recommend as well.

 

[lat]

We just booked our first flight with Southwest, I remember there is no seat assignment or something like that.

We have 5 people including 2 small children, how can we be assured that we will sit together? Do we have to get there super early to check in?

Thanks!!!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by lat
We just booked our first flight with Southwest, I remember there is no seat assignment or something like that.

We have 5 people including 2 small children, how can we be assured that we will sit together? Do we have to get there super early to check in?

Thanks!!!

Nope, no seating assigments.
If your children are under 5
you can preboard. Just the parents and sibs. If they are over 4 you can get there early and get either an A or B pass. You won't get 5 seats together, they are set up three and three.


http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/checkin.html

 

[lat]

Gail, thanks.

Also, on the webiste, it seems that you can apply for a reward thing, assuming for frequent flyer. However, I cannot find the form to fill out. Can someone help? Thanks again.

 

[mad4themouse]

SouthWest Airline - Rapid Rewards Online Application

 

[lat]

Got it. Can't figure out I could not see if when I went to the website earlier, duh.......................

 

[OLT2004]

You must be from NEPA and flying from AVP??
Did you get the $69 each way rate?
Vacation Express has gotten off to a rock start - But after the last overnite delay the Company President gave all passengers a FREE roundtrip ticket to use within 1 year!

When looking @ SWA from PHL please remember to add in the possible cost of a hotel room, meals, parking, gas, tolls and a 3 hour drive each way!

 

[DisKim]

I noticed you are from NJ. Have you ever flown out of Phila airport before? I booked with SW too and I've always used Newark or AC. Any advice?

 

[carone0318]

For those who are missing the cut off because of the date, try USAir. We just booked with them last night and are paying the same exact rate as Southwest. I'm mentioning this because USAir's dates go out further than Southwest and you might get lucky! Good luck

 

[lat]

DisKim, I am also new to Philly airport and Southwest. We prefer flying out of Newark than NYC airports. In the past, we are willing to pay a higher rate just to avoid getting to JFK or La Guardia. However, the airfare from SW is just way too low for us not to consider.

Better yet, you can cancel and rebook within a year without any penalty.

We probably will cancel our flights that I just booked to Raleigh Durham and use the credit for an extra trip to Disney in October for the Halloween party.

How does it usually work, when do they open up the next set of dates usually?

Thanks!!!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by lat
DisKim, I am also new to Philly airport and Southwest. We prefer flying out of Newark than NYC airports. In the past, we are willing to pay a higher rate just to avoid getting to JFK or La Guardia. However, the airfare from SW is just way too low for us not to consider.

Better yet, you can cancel and rebook within a year without any penalty.

We probably will cancel our flights that I just booked to Raleigh Durham and use the credit for an extra trip to Disney in October for the Halloween party.

How does it usually work, when do they open up the next set of dates usually?

Thanks!!!

They usually open up fares 4-6 months in advance.
Keep in mind that SWA is very very liberal with their cancellation policies, BUT, you do have to complete your travel within one year of the original purchase date, rebooking within that year for travel outside of that year will not work. IE. Purchase April 1, 2004 cancel April 15th. You must complete travel by April 1, 2005, NOT rebook by April 1, 2005 to travel later.

 

[lat]

Gail, thanks.

I originally was not planning on going back to Disney after this upcoming April's trip, now with the credit, it seems that we will definitely have another trip!!!!!!!!!!