Took a bump on Southwest

[DMRick]

We finally got to take a bump on SW. Usually there are lots of empty seats, but coing home yesterday, they asked for volunteers. They were offering each of us (2) $200, return of our airfare, and free airfare home, for a total of $505.00 in vouchers, and she said we could use them on ATA too, if we wanted to put them towards HI! We have free tix to get us to CA, and then we plan on using these to continue on in the fall (which means I'll prob cancel my Disney trip).
We could spend the night in the airport hotel, or fly through Baltimore to Albany an hour later. We choose to come home, since our luggage had already left (and I hadn't packed extra's in my overnight..I will the next time). We got in line for Baltimore (since we had lowly C's) early, and they again asked for a volunteer, but she said she couldn't use me this time, since we were going through to Albany..she wanted someone only going to Baltimore. They took two volunteers, yet, there were still empty seats on the plane (and even with C's, hubby and I sat together in nice seats, just what we would have chosen if we had A's).

 

[Littlemotherhaywood]

That's great that it worked out for you and the circumstances were right

 

[chasbos]

Good for you!

If DH and I were travelling solo - without the 4 kids, I would give up my seat for vouchers!

It helps the airline out and in return you get good compensation.

Now I know that not everyone can just wait around for another flight, but if you can, I would do it!

 

[ATAfamily]

Hey, I was on that same flight on Tuesday. When they offered the bump I looked at DH for a quick second and then thought "nah!" If we didn't have the kids with us I would have jumped at the chance. Sounds like everything worked out great for you.

 

[Rpsemont]

Lucky you! We tried for a bump Pres week. I was all prepared, had packed overnight items for the 4 of us in a carry on. We were on the last flight on the Sunday night at the end of the week. We actually went to the counter and told them to put us on the list. We were about 3rd group to ask, I think.
Alas, the plane took off with 2 empty seats.

Maybe next time.

 

[keishashadow]

Did you negotiate for such great terms or was this their offer?

Curious, did you indicate to gate personell when you checked in that's you'd be interested in getting bumped or did you wait for a general announcement?

Congratulation on a great deal!

 

[Niagara2]

Welcome to the bump club!! We got that offer on way to Fort Myers during Easter week. Arrived about 6 hours late, flew into two extra cities on way down and the 4 of us ended up with $1261 in vouchers!!!! That's 6-9 ding fares to fares to MCO!! Good thing we have AP's!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Personally, I would never accept a voucher for a bump, only cash and a guaranteed seat on the next flight. Many airlines put so many restrictions on their vouchers that it makes it about impossible to use them.

However, I would guess that on SWA it would be easier to redeem vouchers than on many other airlines.

 

[Nedlo2]

That is great. I would take a bump too as long as the kids we not with us. Then use the voucher for another trip to Disney

 

[rsschneck]

Congratulations on the BUMP!

We love to get bumped when we can. We have been bumped 5 or 6 times in the last 2 or 3 years. Our DD (age 9) is getting used to it and actually looks forward to getting bumped. I always pack an overnight bag with swim suits and so DD can swim if we spend the night and we usually give her a BONUS ($) for her patience. She then spends her BONUS on whatever she wants.

In January we were BUMPED while traveling on a previous BUMPED ticket! So, free travel for more free travel!

 

[Nedlo2]

In January we were BUMPED while traveling on a previous BUMPED ticket! So, free travel for more free travel!

The only way to travel

FREE

 

[keishashadow]

Well, you could always have them lose your luggage worked for us!

The only way to travel

FREE

 

[Disneyjosh229]

Flew Northwest back from Orlando last year. Got bumped for $400 from MCO-Detroit flight, were sent on MCO-Minneapolis flight instead. Connection from Minneapolis was overbooked, we got bumped another $400 to connect through Cincinnatti. Bottom line, free spring break trip n/s to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico!! Not bad for an extra 6 hrs flying!!

 

[DMRick]

Hey, I was on that same flight on Tuesday. When they offered the bump I looked at DH for a quick second and then thought "nah!" If we didn't have the kids with us I would have jumped at the chance. Sounds like everything worked out great for you.

By the time she finished talking, I was already at the desk LOL.

You fly into Albany and then drive home to NH? Are the prices good enough to make it worth it from NH?

 

[DMRick]

Personally, I would never accept a voucher for a bump, only cash and a guaranteed seat on the next flight. Many airlines put so many restrictions on their vouchers that it makes it about impossible to use them.

However, I would guess that on SWA it would be easier to redeem vouchers than on many other airlines.

We've gotten a few, (although it's been awhile, maybe it's changed) and so far had no problem using the vouchers. If we waited for cash, instead of vouchers, believe me, many would have replaced us for the vouchers..then we would have nothing
We did get a guaranteed seat on the next flight..but then once again, they were overbooked..I would have taken that bump too, if she would have let us.

 

[jtnsami]

Do airlines "bump" often? We're flying into MCO by way of United in July. This sounds like a great deal. It' will also be during the week of July 4th.

 

[ATAfamily]

By the time she finished talking, I was already at the desk LOL.

You fly into Albany and then drive home to NH? Are the prices good enough to make it worth it from NH?

No, we weren't continuing on to Albany, we were connecting in Baltimore and then on to NH.

 

[DMRick]

No, we weren't continuing on to Albany, we were connecting in Baltimore and then on to NH.

Oh, I see..you were talking about the second flight (where I was also at the desk before she stopped talking in the mic lol). We bumped on the first, and she wouldn't take us on the second, it had to be someone going direct to Baltimore only, so they didn't have to try and get them home. For instance she wouldn't take us, because we were going to Albany, or you, because you were going to NH. I would have loved to have gotten that bump.
I was surprised at the empty seats on the Baltimore flight, since they gave two people vouchers. Seemed dumb to me.

 

[dgaston]

We took a SWA bump once, just DH and I flying. A newlywed couple was trying to get to Orlando so they could go to Cocoa to catch their cruise. We heard the announcement, but didn't take it until the gate attendant came on board and told us the whole story. We got $200 each and the next flight out to BWI with blue preboard cover, and drink coupons. We were standby for the next flight at BWI to Orlando, guaranteed on the one after that, but 10 of us made standby! We had told the gate attendants our story, and they came on board and gave us a bottle of champagne. The vouchers (pain, had to go to airport to book) paid for my son and girlfriend to go to FL, and then DH and I a second time! Not bad at all. Oh and the bride really laid a huge kiss on DH. He seemed to like that. hmmmm......

 

[canwegosoon]

DMRick I am so glad you got that...I know Albany is never a bargain(and you seem to have good luck with SWA ticket prices) and now you can uses the vouchers on a future trip..which will be in your future for sure!!!