Torn over airfare purchase

[erin327]

We normally drive to WDW from the Indianapolis area. But I have some SW points that will expire this fall, so we are planning to fly to WDW in November. The current fares are much higher now that I have seen in the not too distant past. I am so torn over whether I should book now or wait a while. Should I take an Airtran flight booked through SW or pay more for the SW run flights? Does anyone have any insight? Are you booking Nov fares now?

 

[sam_gordon]

We normally drive to WDW from the Indianapolis area. But I have some SW points that will expire this fall, so we are planning to fly to WDW in November. The current fares are much higher now that I have seen in the not too distant past. I am so torn over whether I should book now or wait a while. Should I take an Airtran flight booked through SW or pay more for the SW run flights? Does anyone have any insight? Are you booking Nov fares now?

First, check your expiration rules. I understand SW points need to be USED (flights completed, not just booked) before they expire. I *THINK* you can get an extension (pay for), but I don't think you can get the extension until after the points expire.

Second, when in November are you trying to go? If it's around Thanksgiving, I would get my flights booked. But I think the earlier you book flights, the better price.

 

[erin327]

Thanks. Will check on that. Planning to travel Nov 14-23, but points expire in Sept.

 

[Liz]

Are you talking about a credit with Southwest? Because I thought the points just go back into your account and don't expire. But I'm newly learning about the points thing so I could be wrong.

 

[erin327]

I have points. They are leftover from getting the southwest chase card a few years ago. As I understand it, they expire 2 years after last activity. I can't seem to find whether the points have to be active to redeem them for the ticket or to travel on the ticket. Does anyone know for sure?

 

[erin327]

I just called Southwest. The lady I spoke with said that if I redeem the points now for tickets for November (after the would be expiration date) that all will be fine. She said the points can't expire after I use them for tickets even if travel is not complete.

 

[sam_gordon]

Sorry for the confusion. I got "points" confused with "credit".

 

[erin327]

Nope. You were right! I tried to book the flights and got an error message saying I can't book travel past the expiration of my account. I guess I need to make a purchase to extend the account first.