What happens to a nonrefundable ticket if you don't make the flight?

[summersalt]

I purchased roundtrip tickets for 4 from Southwest. I recently found out due to circumstances beyond my control that I may have to drive instead.
I realize that I cannot get my money back for the tickets but can I use them for a different date? If so, how does it work?

 

[dudspizza]

I purchased roundtrip tickets for 4 from Southwest. I recently found out due to circumstances beyond my control that I may have to drive instead.
I realize that I cannot get my money back for the tickets but can I use them for a different date? If so, how does it work?

You can cancel with SW, but you won't get your money back. You will get a credit that can be used up to one year from the original purchase date, if I recall correctly. SW experts can help me our here, but I also believe the credit can only be used by the person who's name the credit is in...... not sure if that if the person who purchased the tickets or each person that had to cancel...

Duds

 

[mom2brooke76]

This is correct. The credit can only be used by the person who the original reservation was attached to (so all 4 of you would have a separate credit), and must be used by one year from the original PURCHASE date, not the flight date.

 

[Lewisc]

Used means you need to fly within one year of your original purchase date, not just make the reservation.

 

[tefrench]

I would check into any fees to do this.

We had this happen, and I think AirTran charges a hefty fee. I think we'll just lose the money

 

[bumbershoot]

Southwest has no fees to do this. They are unique in this.

 

[vacationclub]

Southwest has no fees to do this. They are unique in this.

Yes, I think many airlines will let you re-use the credit for the flight within a year, it's just that SW is the only one that has no "change" fee, as this would be a change. In many cases the change fee at some airlines is as much or more than the ticket itself, so in those cases you've basically lost your money.