SWA Rapid Rewards help

[clanmcculloch]

I'm a long time SWA passenger but until recently, I never accumulated enough points in the required amount of time to earn a flight. Well, I finally have. But, I have no idea what I'm doing. I have a bunch of question.

When I look up the account, it shows that the account has an award but that the award has an expiration date of 02/08/2012. Why is there an expiration date and how was this date set? I thought that the new RR did expire. I didn't request the award yet, it was issued with the changeover I guess. Our next anticipated flight will be the end of February. Can I use this award?

How do I go about using the award? I know nothing of the process. The account just shows an award certificate, nothing about points.

Only 1 member of my family has enough points so the rest of us will need to purchase regular tickets. We'll be flying during a peak period for our airport (school vacation week in our state). Flights don't sell out quickly but the low fares certainly do. How likely is it that the RR award seats will sell out while I'm booking the regular flights for the rest of us?

Thank you for any help you can provide.

ETA:

I'm actually realizing that with the credits we have, I can purchase additional credits for 2 or us for only $125 which is cheaper than what the flights will cost to purchase so I'm wondering if I should go that route. For the 4th person it would $200 to purchase credits which is still probably cheaper. My biggest concern with this is that some of the points expire in December 2011 so does that mean that the award would expire in December? Would I be able to use the awards?

 

[zelasko]

If the reward is dated 2/8/2012 as the expiration date, then it was issued prior to the conversion to the new RR program. If you are flying after that expiration date, it should be eligible for a reiisue with in 1 year after the expiration date. As your trip will be after the expiration date, you'll need to do that. That will cost a $50.00. reissue fee. Do this when your plans are more definite as the reiisue date is based on 1 year after the reissue date. They can clarify that for you. As a reward under the old program, it is subject to the blackout dates listed as well as availablitity on the particular flights you need, unlike the new system. You will also be responsible for the 9/11 fees which are maxed at $10.00 per round Trip. Call the Rapid Rewards number through 1-800-248-4377 and they will be able to help you and offer all the assistance you need both on the reward you have, plus the additional points you've accumulated. They are extremely friendly and couteous, do not be afraid to ask, and be sure you explain fully what you need. Have a wonderful time.

I'm a long time SWA passenger but until recently, I never accumulated enough points in the required amount of time to earn a flight. Well, I finally have. But, I have no idea what I'm doing. I have a bunch of question.

When I look up the account, it shows that the account has an award but that the award has an expiration date of 02/08/2012. Why is there an expiration date and how was this date set? I thought that the new RR did expire. I didn't request the award yet, it was issued with the changeover I guess. Our next anticipated flight will be the end of February. Can I use this award?

How do I go about using the award? I know nothing of the process. The account just shows an award certificate, nothing about points.

Only 1 member of my family has enough points so the rest of us will need to purchase regular tickets. We'll be flying during a peak period for our airport (school vacation week in our state). Flights don't sell out quickly but the low fares certainly do. How likely is it that the RR award seats will sell out while I'm booking the regular flights for the rest of us?

Thank you for any help you can provide.

ETA:

I'm actually realizing that with the credits we have, I can purchase additional credits for 2 or us for only $125 which is cheaper than what the flights will cost to purchase so I'm wondering if I should go that route. For the 4th person it would $200 to purchase credits which is still probably cheaper. My biggest concern with this is that some of the points expire in December 2011 so does that mean that the award would expire in December? Would I be able to use the awards?